Volume 87 No. 1 ISSN 0049-5891

THE VASCULUM

Annual General Meeting……………………………………………………………… 1

Field meetings in 2002………………………………………………………………... 1

Caddisfly Checklist……………………………………………………………………. 2

Uloborus plumipes in Durham VC 66-A new Durham Record……………………. 2

Brefeldia maxima (Fr.) Rostaf., the largest known species of Myxomycete in the

world, in Hawthorn Dene, County Durham (VC 66)…………………………..

3

Cat's-ear Hypochoeris radicata L. galled by Phanacis hypochoeridis (Kieffer)

(Hymenoptera:Cynipidae) in North-east England………………………………..

3

New and significant records of fungi from VC66, 2000-2001…………………… 8

Flora of County Durham Update 2002-Nymphaeaceae & Ranunculaceae 14

Notes on the occurrence of occasional 'dwarf forms' in adult Lepidoptera populations

and their possible cause………………………………………………..

21

The J. A. "Notes on Local Reptiles" Articles, 1881………………………………… 23

The "J.A." Mammal Articles 1880-Part 1; Insectivores, bats and rodents………. 28

Additions to the Shibdon Pond Field Meeting……………………………………… 32

Editors:

Dr P.J. Gates,(P.J.Gates@durham.ac.uk)

Department of Biological Science,

University Science Laboratories,South Road,Durham.

Dr. M Birtle (m.birtle@tees.ac.uk)

4, Fulmar Rd.,

Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, TS20 1SL

Published by the Northern Naturalists’ Union

The North Country Quarterly

of Natural History

THE VASCULUM

The Vasculum is a quarterly journal concerned with the Natural History of North-East England.

Founded in 1915 as a privately-published concern, since 1942 it has been the published organ of

the Northern Naturalists' Union.

Any contribution on the Flora, Fauna and Geology of Northumberland and Durham will be

considered for inclusion. Flowering plants, birds and Geology have been under-represented in

recent years, and the editors would be particularly grateful for articles on those subjects. Short

notes as well as longer articles and simple records all fall within the scope of the journal. Space is

also available for secretaries of local societies to record their transactions and announce future

meetings.

For preferred style, and particularly for the method of citing references, will contributors please

refer to previous issues. At least a four-figure grid reference should be supplied when referring to

sites.

Contributions are accepted on paper, computer disc, or e-mail: the address for

contributions is given on the front cover of this issue.

THE NORTHERN NATURALISTS' UNION

The Northern Naturalists' Union (NNU) was founded in 1924 to promote co-operation between

natural history societies, and to collect and collate local records. Membership currently stands at

around 200.

The NNU publishes The Vasculum, and several past publications included a series of

Transactions published between 1931 and 1953 and three separately published supplements to

The Vasculum: Sources of Information on the Natural History of County Durham (1972) and

parts I and II of T.C. Dunn & J.D. Parrack's The Moths and Butterflies of Northumberland and

Durham (1986 & 1992).

The NNU organises a series of field meetings each year, and arranges a speaker for an Annual

Invited Lecture, hosted by one of the constituent societies in November. An Annual General

Meeting of the NNU is held in March, and is addressed by a guest speaker.

The field meetings serve a dual purpose. First, the informal exchange of knowledge between

members and their guests, and secondly the recording of the flora and fauna of the sites visited.

Lists of the species seen during field meetings are published in The Vasculum.

1

THE VASCULUM

Vol. 87, No 1 March 2002

Subscriptions

Subscriptions are now due for 2002. Many thanks to those of you who have already paid.

Subscriptions (7.00 for individuals, 9.00 for societies and libraries) should be sent to

Northern Naturalists’ Union, C/o Office Administrator, Durham Wildlife Trust, Rainton

Meadows, Chilton Moor, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, DH4 6PU

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting was held on 23rd March 2002 at Rainton Meadows. Reports were

received from officers that generally described a satisfactory situation. Concern was again

expressed over the presentation of the treasurer’s report and an updated report will be printed in

the Vasculum in the coming months. The resignation of Dennis Hall as Honorary Auditor was

received and thanks were expressed to Dennis for his work in this office over many years. Ted

Hinton-Clinton kindly offered to take on the role. Alan Legg adopted the presidency and all other

officers were reelected. Some members of the Union then gave short presentations. Cliff Evans

discussed current and recent nature conservation initiatives in Darlington, Gordon Simson showed

some of his recent mycological discoveries from Kielder Castle and Cumbria, Hew Ellis showed

slides of some parasitoids, and Malcolm Birtle highlighted the lack of knowledge of the northern

mosquito fauna and showed specimens from Cowpen Bewley.

Field meetings in 2002

27th April, 2.00 pm, Confluence of the North and South Tyne at Warden near Acomb,

Northumberland. At approx O/S ref NY 919661. Leader Mr John Durkin.

18th May 2.00 pm, Hesleden Dene, County Durham. Leader Terry Coult. O/S ref NZ 442 379. To

reach this point, pass the castle Eden Brewery on the B 1281 and turn right into Hesleden. Follow

the road around to the left and down to the station house where there is ample parking. The

meeting will concentrate on providing Durham Wildlife trust with as many biological records

from this interesting limestone dene.

15th June 5 pm , Low Countess park, Bellingham. Northumberland. Leader, Nick Cook. At O/S

ref NY 869 805, some members will be already familiar with this location and again this is to be a

Mothing Circus, preceded by a walk around the area. A barbecue is to be held. Participants may

like to contribute £1.50 per person and bring a drink of their choice.

2

July 13th 2.00 pm, Warden Law, Houghton le Spring. Leader, Dennis Hall. O/S ref NZ 370 503

July 27th 2.00 pm, Stillington Nature reserve. Leader Ian Waller. O/S ref NZ 377 236, approx 5

miles east of Newton Aycliffe. Park at East end of town adjacent to old school.

17th August 2.00 pm, Ladycross Quarry, Slaley. Leader Bill Monk. O/S ref NY 955 560 walk

around quarry and mothing circus afterwards.

31st August 2.00 pm, Shincliffe near Durham. Leader Steve Robbins

14th September joint meeting with Fungus Group, location to be announced later. leader Alan

Legg

Caddisfly Checklist

John Durkin, 25 May Avenue, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon, NE21 6SF. (Durkinjl @aol.com)

I am compiling a first checklist of the caddisflies of Northeast England. So far I have collated :-

A large number of records from the Environment Agency, 1995-2000.

A good selection of pond species from Dave Green’s Great Crested Newt Survey,

1984.

Tom Dunn’s Chester-le-Street moth trap records, determined by Dr. M. I. Crichton

and published in the Vasculum.

Dr. D.A. Sheppherd’s records from the Cheviots determined by Dr. Ian Wallace and

published in “Recording News”.

The Invertebrate Site Register gives locations for some of the scarcer species.

G. N. Philipson’s records from Transactions of the NHSN, 1957.

Harry Eales’ records from Otterburn.

My own records are mostly of pond species, plus some from the River Derwent.

The checklist so far has about 110 species, of which 20 have ten or more recorded sites.

If anyone else is working on caddis, I would be happy to receive records and/or to

supply them with what I have so far. The checklist is available as an Excel File on disc, on paper

or by E mail.

Uloborus plumipes in Durham VC 66-A new Durham Record

Michael Mann, Sacriston

This spider has been recorded over the last few years, appearing in garden centers in

the house plant section, and has been found as far north as Doncaster.

The egg sacs look like small white Holly leaves, and are about 0.5 inches across.

They can be found in the roof space where they can be seen hanging from aluminium

framework.After reading an article in the Bulletin of the British Arachnological Society I decided

to have a look for myself. While in the winter gardens at Sunderland Museum on 20th August

2001, I found a specimen on a banana plant 5 ft from the ground. This is, as far as I am aware, the

most northerly record for this spider.

While at the Durham Botanic Garden on the 30th August 2001 I came across a

number of specimens on Kentia palms in the hot house.

3

Brefeldia maxima (Fr.) Rostaf., the largest known species of Myxomycete in the

world, in Hawthorn Dene, County Durham (VC 66)

Hewett A.EIlis, 16, Southlands, Tynemouth, North Shields NE30 2QS

Whilst taking part in a North Eastern Fungal Study Group foray to Hawthorn Dene

on 13th October 2001 I found and photographed two masses of the aethalium of a myxomycete

growing side by side on the lower part of the trunk of an elm (Ulmus) (Grid Ref.: NZ243459).

Each aethalium (a single large sporocarp developed from the whole plasmodium), resembled

lumpy porridge or semolina pudding which had been poured over the trunk. One mass was white,

the other turning from white to pink and purple with maturation. Each extended vertically over

about 400 mm (16 inches) of the trunk and was up to about 15 mm thick and 120 mm wide. The

whole produced a striking appearance, completely new to me and to others of the party who

subsequently joined me.

The appearance of the myxomycete was sufficiently characteristic to enable

Professor Bruce Ing confidently to identify, from the colour slides I sent to him, the species as

Brefeldia maxima (Fr.) Rostaf. This is a new county record for Durham (VC 66).

B. maxima is the largest known species of the myxomycetes. Specimens up to 20 Kg

have been recorded. Apparently, in the past, it has been regarded as scarce in Britain, but has been

recognized more frequently in recent years in many of the Watsonian Vice Counties as far north

as Inverness (Ing, 1999).

Reference

Ing, B. 1999. The Myxomycetes of Britain and Ireland. An Identification Handbook.

Richmond Publishing Co. Ltd.: Slough. pp 4 & 157.

Cat’s-ear Hypochoeris radicata L. galled by Phanacis hypochoeridis (Kieffer)

(Hymenoptera:Cynipidae) in North-east England

Hewett A.EIlis, 16, Southlands, Tynemouth, North Shields NE30 2QS

Introduction

Cat’s-ear Hypochoeris radicata L. is a widespread and common plant in North-east England,

growing in meadows, pastures, road verges and dunes. Galls of the stems induced by the gall

wasp (Cynipidae) Phanacis hypochoeridis (Kieffer) seem to be less frequently recognised.

Although known in Britain for many years (Connold, 1901; Swanton, 1912), the galls have

received little attention here in the North-east. Bagnall (1916) mentions the galls and states they

are "apparently scarce in the North-east". Bagnall’s paper was one of a series entitled 'Talks on

Plant-Galls', and T.W.Heslop Harrison added a note indicating that at the time the galls were "not

common in Birtley"

Description of the galls

The galls appear as nodular and elongated fusiform enlargements of the main stems and their

branches. In severe examples multiple galls are present on the

4

stems and branches and the whole plant is deformed. The galls, which are plurilocular, result

from hyperplasia of the pith induced by the presence of the gall wasp ova. If opened each locule

will be found to contain a yellowish- white wasp larva. Externally the galls are longitudinally

ridged. The position, shape, number and size of some examples are illustrated in the

accompanying Figure.

In late spring and early summer the galls are green but become dry and brown in the autumn. By

this time and over the following winter the galled stems are relatively conspicuous as the

surrounding vegetation subsides. The larvae pupate in the gall and male and female adults emerge

in the spring. After mating the females oviposit in the new season's growing stems and new galls

develop; and so the annual cycle continues. Sometimes in early summer brown galled stems from

the previous season and fresh green developing galls may be found together in a patch of Cat’s-

ear plants.

Personal records

I first became aware of these galls several years ago when in August 1993,I found a

characteristically galled Cat’s-ear stem in the sand dunes close to the beach in Druridge Bay. My

interest was rekindled in September 1999 whilst taking part in a North Eastern Fungus Study

Group foray to Coatham Dunes. This site is located immediately south of the River Tees in North-

east Yorkshire (VC 62). Here there were numerous Cat's-ear plants, many with conspicuously

galled stems.

Subsequently, I have made a deliberate search for the galls wherever Cat's-ear plants have been

seen during my usual local field trips in south-east Northumberland.

The purpose of the present paper is to document the locations where the galls have been found.

The gross appearance of the galls is sufficiently characteristic to permit identification of the gall

wasp species in the field. In addition, samples have been reared from several locations and the

emerging adult P. hypochoeridis determined using standard keys (Eady & Quinlan, 1963). During

these rearings several chalcid parasitoids also have been obtained; an account of these will be

published separately.

Druridge

Druridge Bay

(i) Dunes north of Chevington Burn outflow, NZ273987. 31.8.1993; Few Cat’s-

ear, one with a galled stem; 13.8.1994, several plants with galled stems;

27.8.2001, multiple galls on stems of several plants, also nearby NZ272985.

(ii) Beside small pond immediately south of Chevington Burn outflow,

NZ272981. 27.8.2001, very occasional plants with galled stems and branches.

(iii) Roadside (old open-cast access road) grassland, NZ272983. 27.8.2001, three

plants with galled stems.

5

Druridge Bay Country Park

(i) Beside small pond in dune slack, NU274001. 7.7.2000, 14.2.2001, 23.5.2001,

5.8.2001, on each occasion several plants with one or more galled stems;

February and May galls brown having overwintered from previous season.

(ii) Roadside grass verges overlooking Ladyburn Lake, NU266000. 5.8.2001, very

occasional plants with galled stems.

(iii) Roadside grassland and dunes between visitors centre and Hadston Carrs,

NU275002, NU257003 & NU277005. 5.8.2001, a few plants with galled

stems at each location.

Druridge Ponds

(i) Banksides of path between main ponds to Low Chibburn, NZ274966.

20.7.2001, a few galled plants only.

(ii) Druridge Links, NZ277960. 20.7.2001, frequent galled plants, some

with nodular and fusiform enlargements of main stems and branches

producing conspicuous plant deformities

Coatham Dunes

(i) Grasslands, NZ585255. 11.9.1999, Cat’s-ear common and many with

mature brown galls of stems and branches.

Seaton Sluice to Blyth

(i) Hartley Links south of Gloucester Lodge Farm, NZ325781. 8.7.2000, a

few plants with green galled stems; 24.6.2001, a few old brown galls

from 2000 season together with fresh current season's galls.

(ii) Blyth wasteland and dunes near entrance to Port of Blyth, NZ320797 &

NZ321801. 21.7.2001, a few plants with galled stems

North Shields to Shiremoor, course of dismantled railway and Eccles old pit heap near

Earsdon.

(i) Eccles old pit heap, NZ310721. 12.7.2000 & 5.7.2001, a few Cat’s-ear

present and only one with a galled stem on each occasion.

(ii) Dismantled railway from Middle Engine Lane North Shields to New

York Road Bridge, NZ321696 to NZ319700. Cat's-ear common, some

with galled stems. On one bank NZ319700 many plants with galled

stems and branches of both previous season and current season,

(iii) Dismantled railway north of New York Road bridge, NZ314708.

5.7.2001. Cat’s-ear on both sides of track and four affected, each with

one to four galled stems.

Sandy Bay, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea

(i) Dunes, NZ302855. 17.11.2000, several Cat's-ear and four with one to three

galled stems.

6

Tynemouth

(i) Banks below Knott's Flats, NZ365689-NZ367690. 19.6.2001 to

8.7.2001, a few Cat’s-ear present, five with galled stems.

Bigwaters near Brunswick Village, Wideopen

(i) East end of Lake, NZ234735. 3.7.2001 & 29.8.2001, several Cat's-ear

present and six with one or more galled stems.

Rising Sun Country Park Wallsend

(i) Old colliery waste heap, 'The Hill', NZ295685 & NZ296686. 4.7.2001,

very few Cat's-ear present and only two affected, with one and two

galled stems, respectively.

Cramlington

(i) Scrubland near the Brockwell Seam Centre, NZ266778. 22.7.2001,

several patches of Cat's-ear but only one with a small gall.

Wansbeck Riverside Country Park near Ashington

(i) Riverside meadow, NZ267862. 1.8.2001, a few Cat's-ear only and three

plants each with one to three galled stems.

(ii) River bank, comprising old colliery waste, east of Rail Bridge,

NZ285857-NZ288856. 1.9.2001, several Cat's-ear present and six each

with one to six galled stems.

Discussion

With the exception of the Coatham Dunes record for VC 62, all the records relate to the south-

eastern part of Northumberland VC 67. I have not made a search for the galls elsewhere in the

county. Overall P. hypochoeridis was recorded in 15 different tetrads in south-east

Northumberland and if my experience is representative then one might expect to find P.

hypochoeridis galls in many places where the Cat's-ear grows, particularly where it has been

allowed to continue undisturbed for several years. I certainly did not appreciate how common and

widespread the species is in south-east Northumberland until a deliberate search was made. In the

past the species seems to have been regarded as locally uncommon or scarce (Bagnall, 1916).

This raises the usual problem- was the species simply overlooked or not recorded, or has there

been a true increase in recent years? Dr. R.R.Askew, an authority on cynipids, has personal

knowledge of the galls in our region where he carried out extensive observations in the mid-20th

century. He has informed me (pers. comm.,2000), that he never found P. hypochoeridis galls in

the north-east, although he did see very occasional examples of a related species Aulacidea

tragopogonis (Thomson) on Goat's Beard Tragopogon pratensis L. at Tynemouth in 1960 and

Cornhill-on-Tweed in 1960 and 1961. Whatever the explanation it is clear that P. hypochoeridis is

now fairly widespread in south-east Northumberland, although the frequency at any single

location is variable.

7

References

Bagnall, R.S. 1916. Gall-Wasps other than those affecting oaks. The Vasculum 2(1):9-12.

Connold, E.T. 1901. British Vegetable Galls. An Introduction to Their Study. Hutchinson & Co.,

London.

Eady, R.D. & Quinlan, J. 1963. Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects. Hymenoptera,

Cynipoidea. Royal Entomological Society, London.

Swanton, E.W. 1912. British Plant-Galls. A Classified Textbook of Cecidology. Methuen & Co.

Ltd., London.

Figures 1 to 5

Outline drawings of actual stems of Cat’s-ear galled by P. hypochoeridis to illustrate variations in

location, size and number of galls.

1a, 1b & 1c. Solitary galls at different heights along the stems. (Rising Sun Country Park,

4.7.2001.)

2 & 3. Multiple galls (Bigwaters, 3.7.2001 and Druridge Bay, 27.8.2001)

4. Fused Galls (Eccles Pit Heap, 5.7.2001)

5. Multiple galls of stem and branches (Coatham Dunes, 11.9.1999)

F1. Position of flower.

8

New and significant records of fungi from VC66, 2000-2001

Alan W.Legg. 36, Carleton Drive. Dariington, DL3 9QP

Introduction

During the years 2000-2001 additions to the County Durham list of fungi have been somewhat

fewer than of late. This reduction is partly due to the considerable constraints on collecting during

the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak of 2001. Other contributory factors may be an actual tailing

off in the number of fungi yet to be discovered and the fact that it is becoming increasingly

difficult to obtain determinations and confirmations from the ever-decreasing numbers of hard-

pressed British experts.

The following list contains details of 104 fungi, 101 of which are considered newly-recorded for

VC66. Three others are thought to be of especial interest. One encouraging sign is that 21, i.e.

20% of these fungi were found or collected by people other than the author. This compares

favourably with 1998-1999 (Legg,2000) when only 12, i.e. less than 8%. were so discovered.

It is relevant that no fewer than 84 species of lichen have recently been added to the list for VC66

(McCutcheon, 2001) bringing the total for that group to 604. When added to the current sum of

non-lichenized fungi – 2,322 - the grand total amounts to 2,926 bringing the respectable

watershed of 3,000 within sight.

Thanks for help with identification are due to Mr. Alick Henrici, Prof. Bruce Ing, Dr. Paul Kirk,

Dr. Jack Marriott, Dr. Peter Roberts, Dr. Derek Schafer, Dr. Brian Spooner and Dr. Peter

WiIberforce. Records for which voucher specimens have been deposited in the National

Collection in the Kew Herbarium are coded K. At least four figure National Grid references have

been given for each record. As in The Vasculum 85(2) (Legg, 2000), references to Darlington

West Cemetery have been given as DWC.

New and significant records

MYXOMYCOTA

Didymium megalosporum Berk. & M .A. Curt is. Fruited on incubating rabbit dung, DWC;

NZ2713; 12.vii.2000. Conf. Prof. B .Ing.

BASIDIOMYCOTA: AGARICALES, BOLETALES, CORTINARIALES, RUSSULALES

Boletus calopus Fr. With mixed trees, Blackling Hole, Hamsterley Forest; NY053276 (reported

G.Simpson); 01.x.2000.

Boletus radicans Pers.:Fr. Under mature Quercus. South Park, Darlington; NZ286135; 20.

ix.2000. Still fruiting 04.x.2000.

9

Clitocybe cf favrei Kuhn. & Romagn. Amongst grass by conifers, DWC; NZ2714; 26. xi.2001.

Conocybe spiculoides (Kuhn.) ex Kuhn. & Walling. Solitary amongst mixed debris, DWC;

NZ2713; 23.viii.2000.

Coprinus exstinctorius (Bull.) Fr. Attached to indet. fallen twig, Flatts Wood, Barnard Castle;

NZ0318; 28.ix.2001.

Coprinus kuehneri Ulje & Bas. Amongst grass, Hardwick Hall Country Park, Sedgefield; NZ3429

(coll./det. Dr.D.J. Schafer); 22.vii.2000. Probably common but, until recently, confused with

similar taxa.

Entoloma minutum (Karst.) Noordel. Amongst grass by conifers, DWC; NZ2713; 26.ix.2001.

Galerina nana (Petri) Kuhn. With moss on dry soil under Picea, DWC; NZ2713; 17.xii.2001.

Hemimycena mairei (Gigg.) Sing. Gregarious under solitary ornamental Prunus, Mowden,

Darlington; NZ264147; 21.ix.2000.

Inocybe lanuginella (J. Schrot.) Konrad & Maubl. By Aesculus, DWC; NZ2613; 02.viii.2000.

Conf. Dr. P.J.Roberts. K.

Inocybe cf posterula (Britz.) Sacc. With Pinus, Derwent Reservoir; NY992518; 16.ix.2000.

Lactarius helvus (Fr.) Fr. Under Betula, Derwent Reservoir; NY989517; 16.ix.2000.

Lactarius spinosulus Quel. With Betula. Hawthorn Dene; NZ4345; 13.x.2001.

Leccinum rigidipes P.D.Orton. With Betula, Thornley Woodland, Winlaton Mill; NZ1760;

22.ix.2001.

Leucoagaricus leucothites (Vitt.) Wasser. Solitary, indoors, in a pot with Passiflora caerulea,

Newton Grange Farm, Sadberge; NZ353169 (coll. Mrs J. Vickers); 30.ix.2001.

Lyophyllum gangraenosum (Fr.) Gulden. Gregarious amongst grass by conifers, DWC; NZ2714;

16.x.2000.

Macrolepiota puellaris (Fr.) Moser. Solitary by Pinus, Sow Hill, Mowden, Darlington;

NZ267150; 30.ix.2000.

Melanoleuca excissa (Fr.) Sing. Amongst grass, DWC; NZ2714; 09.ix.2000.

Melanoleuca schumacheri (Fr.) Sing. Amongst grass, DWC; NZ2714; 03.x.2001.

Mycena alba (Bros.) Kuhn. On mossy deciduous bark, Kepier Wood, Durham; NZ2944;

14.x.2000.

Mycena pseudocorticola Kuhn. Amongst moss on bark of living Quercus. Flatts Wood, Barnard

Castle; NZ044172; 23.ix.2000.

Mycena rorida (Scop.) Quel. On fallen twigs, Thornley Woodland, Winlaton Mill; NZ1760;

22.ix.2001.

Mycenella bryophila (Vogi.) Sing. Sparsely gregarious on ground under Fagus. close to Nunnery

Lane, Darlington; NZ257147; 24.x.2001. Conf. A. Henrici. The most northerly of the nine records

on the BMS database. K.

Pluteus plautus (Weinm.) Gill. On path support, Hardwick Hall Country Park, Sedgefield;

NZ3429 (coll. S.Robbins); 22.vii.2000.

Pluteus thomsonii (Berk. &Br.) Dennis. On rotten lying trunk of Ulmus. Kepier Wood, Durham;

NZ2944 (coll. H.A.EIlis); 14.x.2000.

Psathyrella ammophila (Dur. & Lev.) P.D.Orton. North Gare dunes; NZ5328 (coll. Mrs.

B.Walton); 22.x.2000.

Psathyrella pseudogracilis (Romagn.) Moser. Amongst woody debris. DWC; NZ2714; 19. vii

1.2000. Reservoir; NY992518; 16.ix.2000.

Psathyrella spintrigera (Fr.) Konrad &. Maubl. Amongst mixed trees, Thornley Woodland,

Winlaton Mill; NZ1760 (coll. P.Manuel); 22.ix.2001.

10

Resinomycena saccharifera (Berk. & Br.) Redhead. On dead grass stems at edge of fen carr,

Hardwick Hall Country Park, Sedgefield; NZ3428 (coll./det. Dr.D.J.Schafer); 22.vii.2000.

Ripartites tricholoma (Alb. & Schwein.:Fr.) P.Karst. Among mixed leaf-litter, Hardwick Hall

Country Park, Sedgefield; NZ3428; 22.vii.2000. Since found in January and December under

Taxus and Chamaecyparis in DWC. Conf. A.Henrici. K,

Stigmatolemma poriiformis (Pers.) W.B.Cooke. On very rotten deciduous wood, Rainton Park

Wood, West Rainton; NZ3046; 10.xi.2001. Conf. A.Henrici. The most northerly of the few BMS

database records. K.

BASIDIOMYCOTA: APHYLLOPHORALES

Antrodiella semisupina (Berk. & M. A .Curtis) Ryvarden. On old Fagus wood, Hamsterley

Forest; NZ0830 (coll. G. Humble); 21.vii.2001.

Ganoderma resinaceum Bond. At the base of trunk of living Prunus South Park, Darlington;

NZ2813; 20.ix.2000. Det. A.Henrici.

Phanerochaete velutina (DC.) Parmasto. On rotten, lying Quercus branch, DWC. NZ2714;

02.ii.2000.

Physisporinus sanguinolentus (Fr.) Pilat. On rotten deciduous wood, Thornley Woodland,

Winlaton Mill; NZ1760 (coll./det. H.A.EIlis) 22.ix.2001.

Thelephora penicillata Corner. With Mnium hornum at edge of narrow flush, Derwent Reservoir;

NY992518; 16.ix.2000.

BASIDIOMYCOTA; GASTRALES

Scleroderma bovista Fr. Large- and small-spored forms under Acer and Aesculus. DWC; NZ2714

and NZ2713; 02.viii.2000 and 08.viii.2000. Confirmed Dr. P.J.Roberts. K(M)78625 and

K(M)78627.

BASIDIOMYCOTA: UREDINALES

Melampsora euphorbiae Cast. Uredinia on leaves of Euphorbia peplus. by garden wall. Low

Coniscliffe; NZ250139; 17.ix.2000.

Phragmidium rosae-pimpinellifoliae Diet. Aecia on leaves of Rosa pimpinellifolia. Low Barns,

Witton-le-Wear; NZ165315 (coll. K. Cunningham); 27.v.2000.

Phragmidium rubi-idaei (DC.) Karst. Telia on attached leaves of Rubus idaeus. DWC; NZ2614;

29.xi.2000.

ASCOMYCOTA

Acrospermum compressum Tode. Grouped on old umbellifer stem at fen edge, Hardwick Hall

Country Park, Sedgefield; NZ3428; 08.iv.2000. Deposited in BMS Fungus 2000 Collection.

Anixiopsis fulvescens (Cooke) de Vries var. stercoraria (Hansen) de Vries. Incubated on rabbit

dung, DWC; NZ2713; 01.ix.2001.

Arachniotis citrinus Massee & Salmon. Incubated on rabbit dung, DWC; NZ2713; 01.ix.2001.

Cenangium ferruginosum Fr. On lopped branches of Pinus sylvestris, Hamsterley

11

Forest; NZ0730; 06.v.2000. There is an old record in Winch. Material deposited in BMS Fungus

2000 Collection.

Chaetomium globosum Kunze. Incubated on rabbit dung, DWC; NZ2713; 01.ix.2001 .

Chaetosphaeria innumera Tul. On old indet. decid. wood, DWC; NZ2714; 23.iii.2001.

Coniochaeta velutina (Fuckel) Cooke. On decorticate areas of living Sorbus aucuparia. DWC;

NZ2713; 08.iii.2001. Conf. Dr. B.M.Spooner. K.

Diaporthe crataegi (Currey) Nits. Perfect and imperfect states in fallen Crataegus twig, DWC;

NZ2713; 08.i.2001.

Diaporthe cf nucleata (Currey) Cooke. On dead stem of Ulex, Elementis Ecology Park, Urlay

Nook; NZ4015; 28.i.2001.

Diaporthopsis angelicae (Berk.) Wehm. On dead stem of indet. umbellifer, Hamsterley Forest;

NZ065300; 06.v.2000. Material deposited in BMS Fungus 2000 Collection.

Erysiphe urticae (Wallr.) Klotzsch. On living leaves of Urtica. Hardwick Hall Country Park,

Sedgefield; NZ3428 (coll. Mrs P. Wood); 22.vii.2000.

Fenestella vestita (Fr.) Sacc. In dead attached branches of Prunus lusitanica, DWC; NZ2714;

15.i.2000; Det. Dr. B.M.Spooner. K.

Geoglossum cookeanum Nannf. North Gare dunes; NZ5328 (coll. Mrs B. Walton); 22.x.2000.

This collection substantiates a record made by A. W. Weir in November 1988, since when species

concepts have altered somewhat.

Geoglossum glutinosum Pers. Trackside in field adjoining Kepier Wood, Durham; NZ287439;

14.x.2000.

Geoglossum umbratile Sacc. Amongst grass, DWC; NZ2714; 16.x.2000.

Gnomonia rubi (Rehm.) Wint. Old material on dead stem of Rubus "fruticosus” DWC; NZ2713;

03.vi.2001.

Helvella acetabulum (L.) Quel. Pathside, Castle Eden Dene; NZ428390 (coll. Mrs. P. Wood);

12.v.2001.

Helvella elastica Bull. By Pinus sylvestris, Hamsterley Forest; NZ079311 (coll. G.Simpson);

01.x.2000.

Hypoxylon confluens (Tode) West. On old decorticate decid. branch, DWC; NZ2713; 14. iii.2001.

Lembosina aulographoides (Bomm., Rouss. & Sacc.) Theiss. On moribund twigs of

Rhododendron, DWC; NZ2714; 23.iii.2001.

Leptosphaeria cf praetermissa (P.Karsten) Sacc. On dead Rubus "fruticosus" stem, DWC;

NZ2714; 22.v.2000.

Lophotrichus bartlettii (Massee & Salmon) Malloch & Cain. Incubated on rabbit dung, DWC;

NZ2713; 01.ix.2001.

?Melanomma rhododendri Rehm. On dead twigs of Rhododendron, DWC; NZ2713; 14. ii.2001.

This species was accepted as British by Cannon et al. (1985) but Dr. B.M.Spooner expressed

reservations when material was sent to Kew. K.

Microsphaera sparsa Howe. On living leaves of Viburnum opulus. Hardwick Hall Country Park,

Sedgefield; NZ3428 (coll. Mrs. P. Wood); 22.vii.2000.

Microthyrium ciliatum Gremm. & de Kam. Clustered on fallen leaf of Ilex. DWC; 19.v.2001.

Microthyrium cytisi var. ulicis J. P. ElIis. On dead Ulex spine, Hamsterley Forest; NZ080313

(coll./det. F.Remblance); 22.vi.2000. This species has since been found on the same substrate at

Low Barns, Witton-le-Wear.

Mycosphaerella ligustri (Rob.) Lindau. On dead areas of living Ligustrum leaves, DWC; NZ

2714; 03.v.2000.

12

Mycosphaerella podagrariae (Fr.) Petrak. Phloeospora state on leaves of Aegopodium, Low

Coniscliffe riverbank, NZ2413; 17.ix.2000. Probably fairly common.

Niesslia ilicifolia (Cooke) Wint. At edge of dead leaf of Ilex, DWC; NZ2714; 23.iv.2000.

Material deposited in BMS Fungus 2000 Collection.

Peziza ammophila Dur. & Mont. North Gare dunes, NZ5328 (coll. Mrs B. Walton); 22.x.2000.

?Phomatospora sp. In fallen branch of Pyrus. DWC; NZ2713; 27.i.2000. Examined Dr.

B.M.Spooner. K.

Propolomyces versicolor (Fr.) Dennis In surface of old decort. Tilia branch, DWC; NZ2713;

23.iii.2001.

Pyrenopeziza digitalina (Phill.) Sacc. On dead stem of Digitalis, DWC; NZ2714; 22.v.2000.

Sphaerodes firnicola (Hansen) Cannon & Hawksw. On incubated rabbit dung, Low Barns,

Witton-le-Wear; NZ1631; 17.ii.2001.

Splanchnonema foedans (Fr.) 0. Kunze. In dead attached Ulmus branch. Nunnery Lane,

Darlington; NZ2614; 23.v.2000.

Taphrina populina Fr. On living leaves of Populus, DWC; NZ2613; 28.iv.2000. There is a 1933

record made by J.B.Nicholson in Weardale.

Unguicularia cirrhata (Crouan & H.Crouan) Le Gal. On base of dead Rubus idaeus cane, DWC;

NZ2714; 11.v.2000.

Venturia maculiformis (Desm.) Wint. On moribund basal leaves of Epilobium hirsutum, Hardwick

Hall Country Park, Sedgefield; NZ3428; 01.vii.2001.

Xylopezia inclusa (Pers.) Sherwood. On decorticated fallen branches of Tilia. DWC; NZ2714;

08.iii.2001. Det. Dr.B.M.Spooner. Rarely collected. K

DEUTEROMYCOTINA: HYPHALES

Botrytis paeoniae Oud. On dead Paeonia bud, garden of 36, Carleton Drive, Darlington;

NZ265149; 29.v.2001.

Dendryphion comosum WalIr. On rotting herbaceous stems, Hardwick Hall Country Park,

Sedgefield; NZ3428 (coll./det. F. Remblance); 22.vii.2000.

Endophragmiella aseptata Hol.-Jech. On fallen branch of Quercus rubra. DWC; 20.xi.2000. Det.

Dr P.M.Kirk. Deposited in the BMS Fungus2000 Collection. New British Record.

Endophragmiella biseptata M.B.EIlis. On dead Ulex branch, Hamsterley Forest; NZ080313

(coll./det. F.Remblance); 22.vi.2000.

Monodictys asperospora (Cooke & Massee) M.B.EIlis. Incubated on rabbit dung, DWC;

NZ2713; 01.ix.2001.

Periconia cookei Mason & M.B.EIlis. On dead stem of Urtica, DWC; NZ2613; 29.v.2000.

Pleurophragmium parvisporum (Preuss) Hol.-Jech. On dead Urtica stem, Hardwick Hall Country

Park, Sedgefield; NZ3428 (coll./det. F.Remblance); 22.vii.2000.

Polycephalomyces tomentosa auct. On Trichia sp., Hardwick Hall Country Park, Sedgefield;

NZ3428 (coll./det. F.Remblance); 22.vii.2000.

Ramularia rhabdospora (Berk. & Br.) Nannf. On living leaves of Plantago major, Hamsterley

Forest; NZ0830; 21.vii.2001.

Ramularia valerianae (Speg.) Sacc. On living leaves of Valeriana, Hardwick Hall Country Park,

Sedgefield; NZ3429; 22.vii.2000.

Sporoschisma mirabile Berk. & Br. On stump of Ulmus, DWC; NZ2714; 08.iii.2001.

13

Thedgonia ligustrina (Boerima) Sutton. On browned leaf edges of Ligustrum. DWC; NZ2714;

03.v.2000.

Xylohypha nigrescens (Pers.) Mason. On dead stems of Viburnum lantana. Hardwick Hall

Country Park, Sedgefield; NZ3428; 08.iv.2000.

DEUTERMYCOTINA: COELOMYCETES

Aschochyta leptospora (Trail) Hara. In indet. dead grass leaves, DWC; NZ2713; 11.vi.2001.

Camarosporium ambiens (Cooke) Grove. Fallen branch of Acer pseudoplatanus. DWC; NZ2713;

29.v.2000.

Diplodia sarothamni Cooke & Harkn. On dead stem of Cytisus. Baydale, Darlington; NZ2514;

18.iii.2000.

Microstroma juglandis (Bereng.)Sacc, On living leaves of Juglans, DWC; NZ2714; 06.vii.2000.

Deposited in the BMS Fungus 2000 Collection.

Phoma pomorum Thum. On dead attached Malus twig, DWC; NZ1723; 08.v.2001.

Phomopsis elliptica (Peck) Grove. On old dead stems of Galium aparine. DWC; NZ2613;

10.v.2001.

Phomopsis platanoidis (Cooke) Died. On dead Acer twig, DWC; NZ2713; 06.iii.2000.

Septoriae tormentillae Rob. In browned areas of Potentilla leaves, DWC; NZ2714; 06.viii.2000,

ZYGOMYCOTINA

Peronospora dentariae Rabenh. On leaves of Cardamine hirsuta. DWC; NZ2713; 24.vi.2000.

Piptocephalus cylindrospora Bainier. Incubated on rabbit dung, DWC; NZ2713; 26.ix.2001.

References

Cannon, P.F., Hawksworth, D.L. & Sherwood-Pike, M.A. 1985. The British Ascomycotina.

London: Commonwealth Mycological Institute.

Legg, A.W.,2000. New and significant records of fungi from VC66 1998-1999. The Vasculum

85(2): 4-14.

McCutcheon, D.E.,2001. Lichen Flora of County Durham (VC66): Supplement 1. The Naturalist

126: 173-183.

14

Flora of County Durham Update 2002-Nymphaeaceae & Ranunculaceae

John L. Durkin, 25 May Avenue, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon, NE21 6SF

This article updates the accounts of the buttercups and allied species where there have been

significant changes since the publication of the Durham Flora in 1988. Maps have been provided

for a number of species not mapped in 1988. Open circles on the maps are records from before the

Durham Flora. Some of the changes reported are due to the recent expanded interest in water

gardening, and the consequent spread of “escaped” plants and informal introductions. Many

species are now commercially available, and have been used by Local Government countryside

workers in newly created ponds. I have included some notes on the conservation status of relevant

species. None of the species here are “National Red Data Book” or “Scarce Plants in Britain”

species, but some qualify as locally rare for Durham.

White Water Lily Nymphaea alba L.

Introduced, but long-established, in a number of lakes in former country estates, such as Axwell

Park, NZ1962 and Wynyard, NZ4225. Introduced more recently elsewhere, often as a throw-out

from a garden pond that it has outgrown. These plants usually die after struggling for a few years.

The Teesdale record is interesting, could perhaps be native.

Yellow Water Lily Nuphar lutea (L.) Sm.

Introduced on the same basis as White Water Lily, often in the same places.

15

VC65 TEESDALE

HEXHAM

DURHAM CITY

GATESHEAD

NEWCASTLE

DARLINGTON

HARTLEPOOL

VC66

1

2

3

4

5

6

8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5

Nuphar lutea

Fringed Water Lily Nymphoides peltata Kuntze.

Included here because of its ecological, rather than its taxonomic, similarity to the true water

lilies. Introduced on a similar basis, with a strong concentration around Durham City, particularly

in ponds used for fishing. Its smaller size makes it easier to transport and to transplant, and it

seems to establish more successfully.

VC65 TEESDALE

HEXHAM

DURHAM CITY

GATESHEAD

NEWCASTLE

DARLINGTON

HARTLEPOOL

VC66

1

2

3

4

5

6

8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5

Nymphoides peltata

16

VC65 TEESDALE

HEXHAM

DURHAM CITY

GATESHEAD

NEWCASTLE

DARLINGTON

HARTLEPOOL

VC66

1

2

3

4

5

6

8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5

Ceratophyllum demersum

Bog Bean Menyanthes trifolia L.

Included for the same reason as Nymphoides. Now commercially available, and a popular choice

for planting in new ponds. Many of these are outside of its 1988 distribution. It succeeds well in

the early years of establishment.

Rigid Hornwort Ceratophyllum demersum L.

Native and rare in Durham, in old estate lakes at Axwell Park NZ1962 and Hardwick Hall Lake,

NZ3428. Introduced at other sites, mostly in the south-east of the County. Qualifies as a locally

rare “Red Data” species for the County.

Globeflower Trollius europaeus L.

There are new modern records in the south-east of the County, at Thorpe Thewles, NZ4024,

Brierley, NZ4026 and at a traditional site at Billingham Beck, NZ42. In the north of the County,

there is a new site at Causey, NZ2056, but the small Boldon Flats site, NZ3761, has died out.

Stinking Hellebore Helleborus foetidus L.

Recent records cover only a short stretch of the Tees, most of the other widely distributed records

not having been confirmed recently. The decline is unexplained. This plant is probably an

introduction in County Durham, but Swan (1993) gives possible native status to a Tyne Valley

site in Northumberland.

17

VC65 TEESDALE

HEXHAM

DURHAM CITY

GATESHEAD

NEWCASTLE

DARLINGTON

HARTLEPOOL

VC66

1

2

3

4

5

6

8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5

Helleborus viridis

VC65 TEESDALE

HEXHAM

DURHAM CITY

GATESHEAD

NEWCASTLE

DARLINGTON

HARTLEPOOL

VC66

1

2

3

4

5

6

8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5

Helleborus foetidus

Green Hellebore Helleborus viridis L.

Similarly in decline, recent records cover only a stretch of the Tees and a site with about ten

plants by the Rookhope Burn. The modern records are both subspecies occidentalis. There is an

old, unlocalised record for Weardale, probably not the same as the Rookhope site. Green

Hellebore was originally introduced in County Durham.

18

VC65 TEESDALE

HEXHAM

DURHAM CITY

GATESHEAD

NEWCASTLE

DARLINGTON

HARTLEPOOL

VC66

1

2

3

4

5

6

8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5

Eranthis hyemalis

Winter Aconite Eranthis hyemalis (L.) Salisb.

A southern European plant, introduced and well established in east Durham and along the Tees.

Monk’s Hood

Aconitum napellus L.

A garden escape, naturalised in some of our woodlands. Most garden escapes of Monk’s Hood are

now thought to be the hybrid A. x cammarum (Rich & Jermy, 1998). Some of the Derwent Valley

specimens, bicolored blue and white, have been checked in 2001 and are definitely this, but some

of the older colonies may be A. napellus. These need checking.

Larkspur Consolida ajacis (L.) Schur.

A Mediterranean species newly recorded for the County. A casual or possibly a surviving ballast

alien, occasional on waste ground on the banks of the Tyne at Bill Quay, NZ2962.

Blue Anemone Anemone apenninum L.

An introduced Mediterranean flower. Recorded from Windleston Hall grounds in the Flora. Ian

Lawrence (1994) gives a second site, in the Tees valley at Preston Park, NZ4215.

Corn Buttercup Ranunculus arvensis L.

Once a common cornfield weed, Corn Buttercup is now a rare casual. There are two recent

records, at Stanton Grange, NZ3321, (Lawrence, 1994), and near Timber Beach, Sunderland,

NZ3758, recorded by Ann and Gordon Young. It is often included in wild flower seed mixes, and

could appear from these.

19

VC65 TEESDALE

HEXHAM

DURHAM CITY

GATESHEAD

NEWCASTLE

DARLINGTON

HARTLEPOOL

VC66

1

2

3

4

5

6

8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5

Ranunculus lingua

Greater Spearwort Ranunculus lingua L.

Formerly quite sparse in County Durham as a native plant, but recently spreading because of its

popularity in the garden pond trade. It seems to be spreading by official, deliberate planting, by

garden throw-outs, and by seed.

Ivy-leaved Crowfoot Ranunculus hederaceus L.

This native species, quite widespread in Durham, is generally in decline and has been listed as a

declining and possibly endangered species in Biodiversity; The U.K. Steering Group Report.

Brackish Water-Crowfoot Ranunculus baudotii Godr.

Present in the brackish pools and ditches north of the Tees, upstream as far as the Tees Barrage.

This is slightly more widespread than in the 1988 Flora, but this species still qualifies as a local

Red Data plant for Durham.

Stream Water-Crowfoot Ranunculus penicilliatus pseudofluitans

(Syme) S.D. Webster

This crowfoot was called R. penicilliatus var. calcareus at the time the Flora was produced.

Declining nationally, it is now listed as endangered as for R. hederaceus, above. Recently

recorded in the River Tyne, in pools below Wylam Bridge, NZ1264, in both VC66 and VC67.

20

River Water-crowfoot Ranunculus fluitans Lam.

Designated as for R. hederaceus, above.

Common Meadow-rue Thalictrum flavum L.

Formerley widespread in the lowlands of the county, but now very scarce, due to the decline in its

preferred habitats, fens and wet meadows. It is well protected in its remaining stronghold.

Qualifies as a local red data species in Durham.

Acknowledgements

Numerous people have contributed records which form part of this account. The maps are

produced using “D-MAP” an excellent, easy-to-use program produced by Alan Morton of

Blackthorn Cottage, Chawridge Lane, Winkfield, Windsor, Berkshire. SL4 4QR.

References

“Biodiversity; The U.K. Steering Group Report” 1995 H.M.S.O.

Graham, G.G. 1988 “The Flora and Vegetation of County Durham” Durham Flora Committee.

Graham, G.G. 1991 “Botanical Records” Vasculum Vol. 76 No1. Northern Naturalists Union

Lawrence, I. 1994 “A guide to the wild flowers of Cleveland” Cleveland County Council.

Rich & Jermy 1998 “Plant Crib 1998” B.S.B.I.

Stace, C. 1997 “New Flora Of The British Isles” Cambridge University Press.

Swan, G. A. 1993 “Flora of Northumberland” Natural History Society of Northumbria.

VC65 TEESDALE

HEXHAM

DURHAM CITY

GATESHEAD

NEWCASTLE

DARLINGTON

HARTLEPOOL

VC66

1

2

3

4

5

6

8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5

Thalictrum flavum

21

Notes on the occurrence of occasional ‘dwarf forms’ in adult Lepidoptera populations and

their possible cause.

Harry T.Eales. 11 Ennerdale Terrace. Low Westwood. Co.Durham. NE17 7PN.

Sooner or later most lepidopterists will come across a specimen of butterfly or moth that is

considerably smaller in wing span than usual. This may be through a simple field observation, by

viewing specimens in a comprehensive museum or private collection of adult lepidoptera, or even

in a book illustrating varieties of butterflies. Extreme variation in size and/or wing span is

generally uncommon in nature and so these specimens are not likely to be encountered with any

frequency.

My first experience in the field was only after some thirty-five years of collecting and recording

when in 1995 I netted two specimens of The Large Heath butterfly C. tullia. These were single

individuals from two sites separated by some thirty miles. In both instances I believed I was

taking specimens of The Small Heath butterfly C. pamphilus as they were so small Both insects

were in perfect condition with no indication of improperly expanded wings. Their head, thorax

and abdomen were in correct proportion to the wing size of both specimens. When set, both

specimens proved to be 2-3mm. smaller in overall wing span than an average Small Heath

butterfly.

This is by no means the first sighting of dwarf forms locally. As long ago as 1858 George Wailes

a very experienced lepidopterist noted that, in 1832 all the specimens of The Orange Tip butterfly

A.cardamines which usually have a wing span of 1.8” to (Sic) 1.11”* were much smaller than

usual, and none exceeded 1.3” in wing span, and so marked was the difference all over the

country that many entomologists were inclined to consider the specimens as a distinct species.

The following season there was no departure from the normal size.

In 1999 I commenced a series of breeding experiments on The Large Heath Butterfly to ascertain

whether the differences in wing spot markings between specimens on different sites in

Northumberland were genetic or phenetic in origin. This necessitated the rearing of considerable

numbers of this species. At the beginning of that year I constructed thirty-two large breeding

cages into which were planted growing tussocks of the larval foodplant, (Hare’s-tail Cotton Grass

E.vaginatum). These plants were allowed to establish themselves prior to the introduction of the

fertile female butterflies. Ova were laid and the larvae duly emerged and commenced feeding. In

September these second instar larvae entered hibernation. During the winter 1999/2000 one

Eriophorum tussock died and the larvae hibernating in it were thought to have been lost.

However, during the following spring it was noted that those larvae which had survived

hibernation were feeding quite readily on these dead, and by then, very dry Eriophorum stems.

These larvae duly fed up and pupated at the same time as the larvae in the other breeding cages.

When these butterflies emerged, it was found that those in the cage where the larvae had fed

almost solely on the dead grass stems were all of dwarf form. Those

22

insects produced in all the other cages with living foodplant were of normal size. This would

indicate that the dead Eriophorum stems contained enough nutriment to allow eventual

development of the adult insect, but insufficient nutriment to permit growth to full size.

In May 2001 when Foot and Mouth Disease restrictions put severe constraints on all of us who

live in, or visit the countryside, I watched Small Tortoiseshell A.urticae and Peacock N.io females

ovipositing on a patch of Common Nettle Urtica dioica growing in the grounds of a small factory

on the outskirts of the village where I live. It was with some regret that just over two weeks later I

noted that these nettles had been cut down at ground level by a strimmer and left in situ.

Some four weeks later I was again passing this spot and noticed several larvae of both species

feeding on these by now, very dry nettle leaves. Over the next few days I found several more

larvae again of both species here, all of which I retained. These pupated without feeding on the

fresh food I had provided, for more than a day or two. When the adult insects emerged they

proved to be very variable in size. All were smaller in wingspan than usual and amongst these

were several dwarf forms of both species. The smallest specimen of Small Tortoiseshell measured

a mere 30mm. in wingspan as opposed to an average size of 45mm. The smallest Peacock, a

female. measured just 35mm. in wingspan against an average of 65mm. for a normal female

specimen.

As there were no other nettle plants in the near vicinity of this cut down patch, the larvae found

there must have fed solely on the gradually desiccating remains of these plants.

It would appear from these observations that at least some, or possibly most, dwarf forms of adult

lepidoptera are produced as the direct result of the larvae feeding for some period of time on dead

or dying foodplants which lack some of the necessary nutriment to allow full development of the

larvae, and that these under-nourished larvae, (where they survive) produce in turn smaller than

normal adult specimens.**

The cause of the apparent nationwide reduction in size of the Orange Tip in 1832 mentioned by

Wailes is perhaps more difficult to explain, but two possibilities came to mind. The larvae of this

butterfly feed on the unripened seed heads of several Cruciferous plant species, all of which

flower and seed early in the year. There may have been a period of drought in the spring of 1831

which caused the foodplants to die off, again producing a lack of nutricious food. Alternatively, if

average spring temperatures in 1831 were higher than usual, then the foodplants may have

flowered and seeded slightly earlier than normal, thus effectively starving the growing larvae.

Enquiries at the National Meteorological Office, Bracknell, revealed that the rainfall in England

for the first six months of 1831 were more or less average, with no prolonged dry spells. This

would effectively eliminate drought as the possible cause. However, the average daily

temperatures in England from January to July 1831 inclusive, were 1 - 1.5 degrees above average,

which may well have induced the foodplants to start flowering and maturing slightly earlier than

usual, thus leading to a shortage of fresh unripe seedpods for the growing larvae to feed upon.

There may

23

of course have been other factors involved of which we have no knowledge especially after a

period of 170 years.

* The author believes that this is a typesetting error in the original paper and should read : - 2.11”

** It is appreciated by the author that certain races of lepidoptera in Britain and elsewhere which

‘appear’ to occur naturally in a ‘dwarf form’. These should not be confused with the appearance

of dwarf forms amongst a normal sized population.

Acknowledgements.

My thanks are expressed to Mr.Ian McGreggor of The National Meteorological Archive.

Bracknell. Berks, for data relating to weather conditions in England during 1831.

Permits

A small number of specimens of the Large Heath were taken for serious scientific study on

permits granted by English Nature and Forest Enterprise. The writer does not advocate the taking

of insects of any species merely for the purposes of forming a collection or without the necessary

permissions.

Reference.

Wailes, G. 1858. Catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Northumberland & Durham. Trans of Tyneside

Naturalists Field Club. Vol.3. page 8.

The J. A. “Notes on Local Reptiles” Articles, 1881

John L. Durkin, 25 May Avenue, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon, NE21 6SF

In the 1880s the Newcastle Weekly Chronicle, predecessor of the Evening Chronicle, published a

number of weekly articles from regular contributors, covering birds, wild flowers, gardening,

farming and mammals. “J. A.” was the author of the 44 mammal articles, and also wrote thirteen

articles on reptiles and amphibians. The most intriguing part of his writing is where he gives

seemingly authentic accounts of the presence in Northumberland of two species of amphibians,

Edible Frogs Rana esculenta and Natterjack Toads, Bufo calamita. Most of the text of each of his

articles is taken up with detailed accounts of their life histories, some of it now very dated, but

there is some very interesting data on their (alleged) local distribution, 121 years ago.

The identity of the author is unknown. His name is never given in full, and apart from the two

series of newspaper articles, on mammals and reptiles, I have been unable to trace any other

publications, collections, or cross-references to him. From clues in his articles, he was male and

was born in the 1830s, in or near Belford in north Northumberland. He had access to several of

the Northumberland Estates. He had strong connections in the Wooler area and with Prudhoe, in

later life. He may have worked in Newcastle, or elsewhere on Tyneside, but at the time of writing

24

these articles seems to be back living in Belford. He makes no reference to his occupation or to a

wife or children. He was quite well educated and well-read, and seems to have had a lot of leisure

time. He corresponded a lot with other naturalists, and travelled a lot locally. The absence of any

religious references, such as “God’s creatures”, in his writings suggests that he was not, like many

Victorian naturalists, a clergyman.

Despite much research and some useful tips from Harry Eales on how to trace biographical

information on local naturalists, “J. A. “ remains anonymous. The best of the possible candidates

is John Aitchison, a flour dealer born in 1835 in West Street, Belford, and still living in Belford in

1871 and 1881. His occupation implies that he would have been literate and would have taken

him around the county.

The distribution information in his thirteen articles is quoted in the following accounts. The notes

given in square brackets are my own, as is the gazetteer of place names.

Sand Lizard Notes on Local Reptiles I May 28th 1881 (Page 7)

We have occasionally met with it on Beanly and Bewick Moors in Northumberland. It has also

been met with in Durham and Yorkshire, and is probably more generally distributed over the

North of England than is popularly supposed. [This is almost certainly a misidentification of

Viviparous Lizard. The habitat is unsuitable for Sand Lizard.]

Viviparous Lizard II June 4th 1881 (Page 7)

The Viviparous lizard is much more abundant with us than the Sand Lizard. It occurs plentifully

in Durham and Northumberland. I have often seen it on the sandy banks of the Tyne near

Prudhoe, in Wylam Dene, and other places on Tynside. I have seen it at Chester-le-Street and

Cleadon in Durham, and in North Northumberland it is plentiful on Beanley and Hedgely Moors

and on the sandy banks of the Till and Wooler Water. ….Belford Cragg…..Chatton Moor…..

The Blind Worm III June 11th 1881 (Page 6)

In the neighbourhood of Wooler, where it is plentiful, and in the Belford district, where it is less

abundant…… Blind worms are plentiful near to Wooler Haugh Head, inhabiting an old wall by

the turnpike side in hundreds.

[Modern records are rarely of more than one or two individuals]

The Common Viper IV June 18th 1881 (Page 3)

It is common in many parts of Northumberland and Durham, and the writer has met with it in

different parts of Middleton and Belford Estates, as well as at Bewick, Hedgley, and Wooler.

When I was a lad……. summer of 1849 on Belford Moor. Coal Wood, Belford on Easter Monday

1850.

25

The Ringed Snake V June 25th 1881 (Page 7)

It is by no means so plentiful in Northumberland as the common viper, but is occasionally to be

met with in different parts of the county. It is perhaps more plentiful in the upper reaches of

Wooler Water than in any other part of the district. In the deep, rocky, weird-looking ravine on

the eastern slopes of the Cheviots, known as the Glitters, he has seldom failed to find individuals

of this species. …..Sometimes the Ringed Snake makes his appearance close to the village of

Wooler, and some time ago a large individual was killed in Middleton Plantation while engaged

in twisting itself around the branch of a tree. We have met with examples of it at Chillingham,

Crookham, and some other half-dozen places in the County. On one occasion we saw an

individual killed near to Warkworth Hermitage, a little below Warkworth Mills, on the River

Coquet. It is perhaps more plentiful in Durham than in Northumberland, especially in the

western parts of the County, and is frequently met with on the Wear; and three or four years ago

one was captured in a house in Sunderland, having taken up its residence in a hole of the wall.

[This sounds much more like the behaviour of a Slowworm] It is not uncommon in various parts

of Berwickshire and Roxburghshire, especially on the sylvan banks of the Teviot, and the

beautiful Jed and other tributaries of the Tweed.

[There are no modern records for Scotland]

Class Amphibia, The Common

Frog

VI July 2nd 1881 (Page 7)

Almost too well known to require description, being found abundantly.

The Green Frog “Rana esculenta” VII July 9th 1881 (Page 7)

An attempt was made in 1850 to introduce it to a marshy pond near Newton Hall, Newton-by-the

Sea, Northumberland, which however was only partially successful; the animals betaking

themselves to a larger and deeper pond, or rather two or three old quarry holes of considerable

extent, filled with water, and very deep in some places, where they propagated, and where we

believe, they still exist in considerable numbers.

The quarry pond to which the liberated frogs fled is situated on Newton Barns Farm, in the

corner of a field abutting on to the four road ends leading to North Sunderland, Christonbank

Station, Embleton, and Newton-by-the-Sea, and is perhaps the only place in Northumberland

where this species of frog is to be found. [This is probably NU224244] In the summer of 1852

the writer frequently heard the shrill peculiar croaking of the animals as he sat on the grassy

slope leading down to the water, and listened with lively satisfaction to their loud grunting rather

than piping noise.

On visiting the place in the summers of 1859, 1860, and 1861 the frogs seem to have increased

considerably in numbers, and their croaking on a calm evening could be heard for a good

distance off.

[At the time there was much confusion between the three species of Pool Frogs that were

introduced to a large number of sites, mainly in southern England, from

26

the Continent in the mid-19th century. From the information about the croaking, time of

spawning and preference for a quarry pond, these sound like true Rana esculenta.

I think we can accept this record as genuine, especially as J.A. gives exact details of the location,

which any reader could check for themselves.

There are still pools in this disused quarry, probably smaller now than in 1881]

On the whole the frog-eating propensities of the Europeans would seem to be much on the

decline and perhaps in the course of another century or so will have almost entirely died out. [ !

]

The Common Toad VIII July 16th 1881 (Page 7)

The Common Toad is abundant everywhere.

The Natterjack Toad IX July 23rd 1881 (Page 7)

It occurs in both the counties of Northumberland and Durham, [He gives no further details for

County Durham] and in this (Belford) district is fairly plentiful, though by no means so plentiful

as the common toad. We have met with it in different parts of the district- at Beal and

Haggerston, Adderstone, and Twizell, and in years long gone by it was not uncommon on

Newlands and Mousen Estates, where the writer first became acquainted with it in early youth.

[This is difficult to account for. If Natterjacks occurred in Northumberland, naturally or by

knowledgeable human introduction, this is the sort of distribution you might expect, especially in

the coastal land between these villages and the sea. However, there are no modern records or

contemporary corroborative 19th century records. J.A. seems to have known this species well

enough for this not to be a mistaken identification. Perhaps there was really a population here, for

at least 40 years, already in decline in 1881, (“years long gone by”). If so, it was probably an

unrecorded introduction.]

The Great Newt X July 30th 1881 (Page 7)

The Great Newt is common in most of the ponds, lakes, pools or other still and deep sheets of

water in both Northumberland and Durham.

The Smooth Newt XI August 6th 1881 (Page 7)

In the vicinity of Wooler……Lil Burn…..

The Smooth Newt frequents ponds, lakes, stagnant pools and other sheets of water, and is

frequently found in small streams and running brooks; and in wet ditches and standing shallow

pools it is often met with in vast numbers.

[There is no article on the Palmate Newt, Triturus helveticus. It was first recognised as a separate

species in Britain in 1843, with most of the early records around the country, including

Edinburgh and the Borders, in 1848.

“J. A.” was somehow not aware of this. This omission detracts slightly from the credibility of his

accounts of other species]

27

The Chelonia; Hawk’s Bill Turtle XII August 13th 1881 (Page 7)

The only local example known to the writer was taken off the mouth of the Coquet in 1852. ….

….. by herring fishers…… between three and four stones ….after being exhibited for some days

at Berwick, sent on, we believe, by train to London Market.

The Coriaceous Turtle XIII August 20th 1881 (Page 7)

….another example caught off the mouth of the Humber in 1803 is also in the British Museum.

[Leathery Turtle, Dermochelys coriacea]

[The original articles, including the other series on birds, flowers etc, can be viewed in Local

Studies in Newcastle City Library, either in the original newspapers or on microfilm viewers.

The various series are mostly grouped together on one page, usually the middle columns of page

seven.]

Gazetteer

PLACENAME GRID REF PLACENAME GRID REF

Adderstone NU1430 Lil Burn NU0423

Beal NU0642 Middleton Plantation ?NU0935

Beanley/Beanly Moor NU11C, D Middleton Estate NU0935

Belford NU1033 Mousen Estate NU1232

Belford Crag NU 13 Newlands NU1132

Belford Estate NU13B,C Newton-by-the-Sea NU2424

Bewick Moor NU02V,W Newton Hall NU2324

Chatton Moor NU02Z, NU12E Prudhoe NZ06W

Chester-le-Street NZ24Q Till (River) NU02

Chillingham NU0526 Twizell NU1228

Cleadon NZ3862 Warkworth hermitage NU2405

Coal Wood NU0834 Wooler NT9928

Crookham NT9138 Wooler Haugh Head NU0026

Glitters NT9916 Wooler Water NT92

Haggerstone NU0443 Wylam Dene ?NZ1163

Hedgley Moors NU01Y

References

“JA” 1881, Articles listed above.

Davis, P. & Brewer, C. 1986 A Catalogue of Natural Science Collections in North-East England

North of England Museums Service.

Heslop-Harrison, J.W. 1949 Notes on Local Mammals Vasculum 34 No4

Heslop-Harrison, J.W. 1950 Our Local Reptiles and Amphibians Vasculum 35 No1

28

Heslop-Harrison, J.W. 1961 A Census of Local Reptiles and Amphibians Vasculum 46 No1

Frazer, D 1983 Reptiles and Amphibians in Britain Collins New Naturalist

The “J.A.” Mammal Articles 1880-Part 1; Insectivores, bats and rodents.

John L. Durkin, 25 May Avenue, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon, NE21 6SF

In 1880 and 1881 the Newcastle Weekly Chronicle published a series of forty-four articles by

“J.A.” of Belford, about local mammals. Some biographical information about “J.A.” is given in

Durkin (2002). The mammal articles have detailed descriptions of the physical and ecological

characters of each species covered, with anecdotes of their habits and some information of their

local occurrence. There are accounts of a surprising variety of species, including bats and voles,

kept as pets. Most of the information on distribution relates to Northumberland, but there is a little

on Durham. The articles give an interesting picture of the changes that have taken place in the

status of some of our local mammals in the last 120-150 years. The articles on bats and squirrels

are of particular interest.

Some of his field observations are very accurate, but some of his identifications may be doubtful.

He seems to pay no attention to the then, recently published account of Mennell & Perkins

(1863), which is generally thought to be quite accurate.

The original articles were not in systematic order, but the following extracts have been ordered

into the more usual modern system. The original number and date of each article is given. The

notes below are quoted from the “J.A.” articles, with my own comments given in square brackets.

This account covers the insectivores, bats, lagomorphs and rodents. The cetaceans, carnivores,

pinnipeds and ungulates will be covered in Part 2.

The Hedgehog XI 20th March 1880 Page 3

A gentleman named Sample, who kept the Angel Inn at Felton, Northumberland, had a tame

hedgehog which used to turn a spit as well as any dog trained for the purpose.

The Common Mole VI 14th February 1880 Page 3

(continued) VII 21st February 1880 Page 3

Generally distributed in greater or less numbers.

The Common Shrew VIII 28th February 1880 Page 3

The genus Sorex includes numerous species, three at least of which are inhabitants of the district

between the Tees and the Tweed. In the autumn of 1868, after a burning hot summer, we collected

25 dead shrews in two days out of a grass field less than ten acres in extent.

[There is no article on the Pigmy Shrew, apparently not distinguished from the Common Shrew

by J.A.]

29

The Water Shrew IX 6th March 1880 Page 3

The Water Shrew is a much less abundant species than the one we described last week…. Not

uncommon in many quiet and sequestered places in the North of England.

The Oared Shrew X 13th March 1880 Page 6

With us, the oared shrew (Sorex remifer) is a comparatively rare species, though in some parts of

the country is said to be not uncommon. We have met with it on the Till, and the Aln, but more

frequently on Brunton Burn…… which empties itself into Beadnell Bay…. The Oared shrew is a

larger animal than the water shrew, and like the latter is essentially aquatic in its habits. It

measures over five inches in length… of which two inches is tail.

[This is most likely to be the Water shrew again. Possibly J.A. was confused because he used two

different book descriptions, with different names, to identify his Water Shrews. There is only one

European species.]

Horseshoe Bats V 31st January 1880 Page 3

[J.A. does not clearly distinguish the two species]

We have twice obtained a living specimen of this bat…

The first lived nearly three days…[No location is given]

The second specimen, obtained from Jesmond Dene, Newcastle, died the day after being

captured. This specimen was taken on the 24th of August 1870, and was probably not much more

than two months old.

The Mouse-Eared Bat III 17th January 1880 Page 3

The Mouse-coloured bat, (Vespertio murinus). Would seem to be a somewhat rare species in this

country, and to become scarcer towards the north.

[No locations are given, this is very unlikely locally]

Noctule Bat II 10th January 1880 Page 6

It occurs less abundantly with us than the Pipistrelle. We have met with it on several places on

Tyneside, and notably west of Newcastle at Newburn and Stella. One fine evening in the summer

of 1874 on driving from Crawcrook to Wylam Station, a fine specimen of this bat was knocked by

the driver of the gig with his whip near the plantation at Hedley Hall.

Pipistrelle Bat I 3rd January 1880 Page 3

It occurs plentifully in the Northern Counties. Once in an old building at Heaton, on the banks of

the Till, twenty-four of these…..They were nearly all killed by the workmen.

Barbastelle Bat V 31st January 1880 Page 3

[In the same article as Horseshoe Bat]

The only specimen, so far as we are aware, that has hitherto been taken in Northumberland was

obtained from an old cavern or drift near to Twyzel House, the seat of the late Mr. Selby, the

eminent ornithologist and naturalist, and was identified by him as a male specimen of

Barbastellus communis…..some 23 years ago. [1857]

30

The Long-Eared Bat IV 24th January 1880 Page 6

Last summer we noticed a great scarcity of bats in this district (Belford)…. Writing from

Haddington [Lothian, Scotland] says “The number of bats I observed last summer were very few.

I caught two specimens of the Common Bat…”. My friend Mr. James Sowerby had one in the

summer of 1836.

[Missing bats are Daubenton’s, Natterer’s]

Rabbit XXX 31st July 1880 Page 3

It would be superfluous in us to attempt any description of so well known an animal as the

common rabbit. The largest proportion of coloured rabbits I ever saw was on Harton Moor (near

Wooler). There was a colony in the vicinity of Dene Low Crags where it was possible if you

advanced cautiously to observe them….. black, white and grey. A great many grey ones had white

collars.

Common Hare XXXI 7th August 1880 Page 3

The Common Hare (Lepus timidus) of Linnaeus is a scarcely less well known animal than the

rabbit, and occurs plentifully throughout most parts of Great Britain.

We once had a gentleman declare that while attending a coursing meeting in the neighbourhood

of Embleton, Northumberland…[account of picking up a hare by hand]

[The Mountain Hare was included in this article but no details were given for local records.

Around this time it had been introduced into Ayrshire and Galloway and in the Border Hills.]

Red Squirrel XIX 15th May 1880 Page 3

Red Squirrel cont. XX 22nd May 1880 Page 3

… to have been almost, if not entirely, rooted out from our Northern woods and plantations.

Thirty years ago [1850] the squirrel was almost unknown in Northumberland, and in the county

of Durham it appears to have been very scarce. About that period….Ewart Park, in the

neighbourhood of Wooler,….a colony of which existed there, and was said to be the only one of

its kind in the county, but whether the animals had been introduced by the able and enlightened

owner, Sir Horace St. Paul, or whether they have been preserved in the park for ages, we are

unable to say….. From Ewart Park the squirrel has spread over the whole of North

Northumberland and is now fairly plentiful in all our coppices and woods. In the county of

Durham it appears to have made similar rapid progress within the last quarter of a century.

Diverging from the woods around Ravensworth Castle, it has gradually spread in various

directions to nearly all parts of the county.

[Our “native” Red Squirrels may not be so native after all!]

[Grey Squirrel not included, the main introductions to Britain were just about to begin.]

Field Vole XXIX 24th July 1880 Page 3

Lucker Station……A black specimen was kept as a pet….

[Corbet & Southern report occasional black specimens]

[He includes a note on the Bank Vole here] The Bank Vole (A. riparia) or Meadow Vole is a

rather rare animal in this country and does not seem to occur in any great numbers anywhere in

Europe. We are not aware of it having yet been found either

31

in Northumberland or Durham.

[This is quite unlikely, as Bank Voles were probably as common then as they are now. It seems

J.A. was confusing these species.]

Water Vole XXVIII 17th July 1880 Page 3

It is a common animal in this country, and occurs in greater or less numbers upon almost every

river and stream throughout the United Kingdom. We have frequently dug into the dwellings of

this little rodent by the side of a small stream in the neighbourhood of Belford.

Wood/Field Mouse XXIII 12th June 1880 Page 3

Five or six years ago great ravages were committed by a plague of mice upon some of the

pastoral farms of Upper Teviotdale and adjoining districts.

[Yellow-necked Mouse either not included or not distinguished from the Wood Mouse. There is

a specimen in the British Museum from Riding Mill, the only North-Eastern report.]

Harvest Mouse XXIV 19th June 1880 Page 3

The harvest mouse is much less common with us than either of the two species we last described.

[House Mouse and Field Mouse. It is possibly significant that no specific locations for Harvest

Mice are given.]

House Mouse XXII 5th June 1880 Page 3

The common mouse, with which everyone is but too well acquainted.

Black Rat XXVII 10th July 1880 Page 3

The Black Rat is now, apparently, much less abundant in this country than it was formerly, its

chief haunts being to a large extent occupied by the Brown Rat.

Brown Rat XXV 26th June 1880 Page 3

Brown Rat continued XXVI 3rd July 1880 Page 3

We need scarcely say that it is universally known.

Dormouse XXI 29th May 1880 Page 3

The Common Dormouse is probably well known to many readers of the Weekly Chronicle, it

being frequently kept in confinement……but it is somewhat rare in the North of England, and

from its shy and retiring disposition is seldom met with.

[No specific sites are mentioned, which may mean that none were known. The apparent extent of

the pet trade is interesting, presumably supplied from sources in the south of England.]

GAZZETTEER

Location Grid reference Location Grid reference

Aln (river) NTxxxx to NU2510 Jesmond Dene NZ2567 to NZ2664

Beadnell Bay NU22I Lucker Station NU1530

Belford NU1033 Newburn NZ1665

Brunton NU2024 Newcastle NZ26

32

Crawcrook NZ1363 Ravensworth Castle NZ2359

Embleton Stella NZ1763

Ewart Park NT9631 Till (River) NU02

Felton NU1800 Twyzel House NU1228

Haddington NT5173 Wylam NZ1164

Harton Moor ?

References

“JA” 1880, 1881, Articles listed above.

Corbet & Southern 1977 The Handbook of British Mammals Blackwell

Davis, P. & Brewer, C. 1986 A Catalogue of Natural Science Collections in North-East England

North of England Museums Service.

Durkin, J.L. 2002 The J.A. “Notes on Local Reptiles” Articles 1881 Vasculum 87(1)

Heslop-Harrison, J.W. 1949 Notes on Local Mammals Vasculum 34 No4

Mennell, H.T. & Perkins, V.R. 1864 A Catalogue of the Mammalia of Northumberland and

Durham Trans. Tyneside Naturalists Field Club VI 1863-4

Yalden, D. 1999 The History of British Mammals Poyser Natural History

Additions to the Shibdon Pond Field Meeting

It should have been noted that the records from Field Meeting 237 Saturday 29th September 2001

Shibdon Pond (NZ195626), near Blaydon, were made by Gordon Simpson and Dennis Hall. The

following records made by Dennis Hall were inadvertently omitted from the field report in

Vasculum 86(4).

Bryophytes

Dicranum scoparium

Hypnum cupressiforme

Brachythecium velutinum

Polytrichum biliferum

Bryum capilare

Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus

Ceratodon purpureus

Riccia fluitans

Fungi

Boletus scaber

Bjerkandera adusta

Flammulina velutipes

Hebeloma saccharidens

Omphalina fibula

Willows (Salix sp.)

Salix fragilis Crack Willow

S. aurita Eared Willow

S. caprea Goat Willow

S. viminalis Osier

Officers and Council of the Union 2002

President

Mr. A. Legg

President Elect

Vice Presidents

Dr.H. Ellis, Dr. M. Birtle, G. Simpson, Dr. L. Davies, Dr. J. Turner, Mrs. J. Stobbs, Mrs G. Batey,

Messrs. N. Cook, D. Hall, M. Mann

Hon. General Secretary

Mr. C.L. Evans

Hon. Treasurer

C/o Durham Wildlife Trust

Hon. Editors

Dr. M Birtle

Dr. P. Gates

Hon. Field Secretary

Mr. L. Moore

Hon. Auditor

Dr E. Hinton-Clifton

LOCAL RECORDERS (recorders: please notify changes or additions to the editor)

Butterflies

B.R.C. recorder, Northumberland and Durham: Ian Waller, 42 College View, Delves Lane,

Consett, County Durham, DH8 7DB.

Moths

B.R.C. recorder, County Durham: Alan & Jeri Coates, Forest Lodge, Hamsterley Forest, Bishop

Auckland, County Durham. DL13 3NL.

B.R.C. recorder, Northumberland: Mr N. Cook, 31 Lyndhurst Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle upon

Tyne, NE2 3LJ.

Dragonflies

Northumberland: Harry Eales, 11 Ennerdale Terrace, Low Westwood. Co. Durham. NE 17 7PN.

Durham: Ian Waller, 42 College View, Delves Lane, Consett, County Durham, DH8 7DB

Birds

Durham Bird Club: Tony Armstrong, 39 Western Hill, Durham City, County Durham. DH1 4RJ

(tel. 386 1519).

Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club: Nick Rossiter, West Barn, Lee Grange, Ordley, Hexham.

NE46 1SX.

Amphibia and Reptiles

Refer records to: Graeme Skinner, c/o Durham Wildlife Trust, Rainton Meadows, Chilton Moor,

Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear,DH4 6PU

Mammals (general)

Northumberland: Mary Gough, c/o Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Garden House, St Nicholas

Park, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3XT. (tel. 0191 284 6884)

Durham: Kevin O'Hara, c/o Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Garden House, St Nicholas Park,

Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3XT. (tel. 0191 284 6884) email:

kevin.ohara@northwt.org.uk

Bats

Northumberland Bat Group: Ruth Hadden, East Farm Cottage, Ryal, Northumberland. NE20

0SA.

Durham Bat Group:Ian Bond, 105 Davison Rd., Darlington DL1 3DS (01325 264296)

Badgers (Badger groups may be contacted via the relevant Wildlife Trusts).

Plants

B.S.B.I. recorder (Durham): G.G. Graham, 3 The Willows, Bishop Auckland, County Durham,

DL14 7HH.

B.S.B.I. recorder (Northumberland): Professor G.A. Swan, 81 Wansdyke, Morpeth,

Northumberland. NE61 3QY.

Algae: Dr F.G. Hardy, Dept of Marine Sciences & Coastal management, Ridley Building,

University of Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU.

Spiders

Isobel Baldwin, British Arachnological Society Recorder,14 Murrayfield Drive, Brandon,

Durham, DH7 8TG.

Geological

Contact: S.G. McLean, The Hancock Museum, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne.NE2 4PT.

Volume 87 No. 2 ISSN 0049-5891

THE VASCULUM

Records of the ‘Black’ Lacewings of the Genus

Nothochrysa, (Neuroptera : Chrysopidae) in

Northumberland & Durham, V.C’s 68, 67 & 66.

3

Moth Records for Northumberland 2001 (VC 67 And

68)

6

Shieldbug Records 10

Moths from Malton 10

Five Spotted Burnets (Zygaena lonicera) 10

Will Global Warming Leave Glowworms in the

Lurch?

11

The “J.A.” Mammal Articles 1880 Part 2; Cetaceans,

Carnivores, Pinnipeds and Ungulates.

12

A Peat Slide at White Sike, Muggleswick Common,

Co. Durham in 1990

18

Field Meeting 238, Tyne Waters, nr. Acomb NY

919661, 27 April 2002

19

Plants (John Durkin, Dennis Hall) 19

Flora of County Durham- Cochlearia. 22

Spider Records from the Browney Valley (V.C. 66) 24

Editors:

Dr P.J. Gates,(P.J.Gates@durham.ac.uk)

Department of Biological Science,

University Science Laboratories,South Road,Durham.

Dr. M Birtle (m.birtle@tees.ac.uk)

4, Fulmar Rd.,

Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, TS20 1SL

Published by the Northern Naturalists’

Union

The North Country Quarterly

of Natural History

THE VASCULUM

The Vasculum is a quarterly journal concerned with the Natural History of North-East England.

Founded in 1915 as a privately-published concern, since 1942 it has been the published organ of

the Northern Naturalists' Union. Any contribution on the Flora, Fauna and Geology of

Northumberland and Durham will be considered for inclusion. Short notes as well as longer

articles and simple records all fall within the scope of the journal. Space is also available for

secretaries of local societies to record their transactions and announce future meetings.

For preferred style, and particularly for the method of citing references, will contributors please

refer to previous issues. At least a four-figure grid reference should be supplied when referring to

sites.

Contributions are accepted on paper, computer disc, or e-mail: the address for

contributions is given on the front cover of this issue.

THE NORTHERN NATURALISTS' UNION

The Northern Naturalists' Union (NNU) was founded in 1924 to promote co-operation between

natural history societies, and to collect and collate local records. Membership currently stands at

around 200.

The NNU publishes The Vasculum, and several past publications included a series of

Transactions published between 1931 and 1953 and three separately published supplements to

The Vasculum: Sources of Information on the Natural History of County Durham (1972) and

parts I and II of T.C. Dunn & J.D. Parrack's The Moths and Butterflies of Northumberland and

Durham (1986 & 1992).

The NNU organises a series of field meetings each year, and arranges a speaker for an Annual

Invited Lecture, hosted by one of the constituent societies in November. An Annual General

Meeting of the NNU is held in March, and is addressed by a guest speaker.

The field meetings serve a dual purpose. First, the informal exchange of knowledge between

members and their guests, and secondly the recording of the flora and fauna of the sites visited.

Lists of the species seen during field meetings are published in The Vasculum. Subscriptions

Subscriptions are due on 1st January. Subscriptions are £7.00 for individuals, £9.00 for

societies/libraries and should be sent to

Northern Naturalists’ Union, C/o Office Administrator, Durham Wildlife Trust, Rainton

Meadows, Chilton Moor, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, DH4 6PU

1

THE VASCULUM

Vol. 87, No 2 June 2002

Notice of 35th Annual Lecture

The 35th Annual Lecture will be held on the 2nd November 2002 at 2.00 pm in Catchgate Library,

Annfield Plain, by kind permission of the Annfield Plain and Stanley Naturalists’ Club.

The speaker will be Keith Bowey and the lecture will be entitled ‘Bioversity Action Plans’. There

will be space for photographs and exhibits and it is hoped that many members will bring these.

Tea and biscuits will be provided at a small charge.

Field meetings in 2002

(Please note that there was a mistake on the membership cards-Dennis Hall is not the leader on

July 27th as printed on the card.)

Field Meeting 240, July 13th 2.00 pm, Warden Law, Houghton le Spring. Leader, Dennis Hall.

O/S ref NZ 370 503,. Park in Go-Kart Stadium car park.

Field Meeting 241, July 27th 2.00 pm, Stillington Nature reserve. Leader Ian Waller. O/S ref NZ

377 236, approx 5 miles east of Newton Aycliffe. Park at East end of town adjacent to old school.

Field Meeting 242, 17th August 2.00 pm, Ladycross Quarry, Slaley. Leader Bill Monk. O/S ref

NY 955 560 walk around quarry and mothing circus afterwards.

Field Meeting 243, 31st August 2.00 pm, Shincliffe near Durham. Leader Steve Robbins

Field Meeting 244, 14th October (Note change of date) 11.00 am joint meeting with Fungus

Group, Baybridge nr. Blanchland NY957499. leader Keith Cunningham

2

Correction: The following map was inadvertently omitted from Durkin J.L, ‘Flora of County

Durham Update 2002-Nymphaeaceae & Ranunculaceae’, Vasculum 87, 1, 2002

White Water Lily Nymphaea alba L.

Introduced, but long-established, in a number of lakes in former country estates, such as Axwell

Park, NZ1962 and Wynyard, NZ4225. Introduced more recently elsewhere, often as a throw-out

from a garden pond that it has outgrown. These plants usually die after struggling for a few years.

The Teesdale record is interesting, could perhaps be native.

VC65 TEESDALE

HEXHAM

DURHAM CITY

GATESHEAD

NEWCASTLE

DARLINGTON

HARTLEPOOL

VC66

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Nymphaea alba

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Records of the ‘Black’ Lacewings of the Genus Nothochrysa, (Neuroptera : Chrysopidae) in

Northumberland & Durham, V.C’s 68, 67 & 66.

Harry T. Eales. 11. Ennerdale Terrace, Low Westwood. Co.Durham. NE17 7PN.

Most entomologist when hearing or reading the word Chrysopidae would immediately associate it

with the green lacewings. This is basically, correct, but there are two species which are an

exception. These belong to the Genus Nothochrysa which are almost entirely black in colour, not

only on the body of the insects, but also in the colouring of the wing veins. This makes them

instantly recognisable as to genera, and with only two British species known, they can be

separated to species level with ease, provided the entomologist finding them has either some

experience of this order, or access to modern ‘keys’ to their identification.

No serious recording of these and other lacewing species has ever been done locally except by

Dr.M.D.Eyre who did some excellent work on this group during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s,

and the author who has done casual recording since 1970. There are some local lacewing records

that have originated from the operators of Rothamstead moth traps. These occasionally send their

captures away for identification, however, many simply discard them as of no interest. Strangely,

only one specimen of Nothochrysa is known to have been caught locally in a moth trap, whereas

in eastern Europe they come to light traps in huge numbers. (C.Plant. pers com.) This may be due

to the differences in the type of light bulb being used, or may simply indicate that these two

species are considerably less common in Britain.

Little is known of the biology or habitat preferences of either species except that they are

invariably found where Oak and Pine trees occur together (Plant 1994). It is believed that both

species inhabit the upper branches where collecting by netting or beating is almost impossible to

carry out. Most of the local captures seem to have been made by beating the lower branches of

trees or adjacent bushes after a period of windy weather during which specimens may have been

blown down from the higher branches.

Local Records.

Nothochrysa capitata. (Fabricius, 1793).

NY999592 67 East Wood House 14.07.1974 I.D.Wallace. Det. H.T.Eales.*Eales Coll.

NZ17-60- 66 Thornley Wood 00.00.1982 M.D.Eyre. Thornley Woodlands

Centre Database.

NZ4—3-- 66 Castle Eden Dene Pre 1983 Sheppard & Eyre 1983.

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NZ39-56- 66 Sunderland Pre 1983 M.D.Eyre. Ent.Gaz. 34:121. 1983.

NZ17-58- 66 Gibside Pre 1983 M.D.Eyre. Ent.Gaz. 34:121. 1983.

NU01-20- 68 Roddam Dene Pre 1983 M.D.Eyre. Ent.Gaz. 34:121. 1983.

NU0312 68 Mere Burn Pre 1983 M.D.Eyre. Ent.Gaz. 34:121 1983.

NZ112572 67 Milkwellburn

Wood

22.06.1998 H.T.Eales. Eales Collection.

NY97-61- 67 Dipton Wood 28.06.1998 H.T.Eales. Eales Collection.*

NZ0653 67 Shotley Field 06.07.1998 H.T.Eales. Eales Collection.

NZ26-70- 67 Gosforth Park 08.08.1998 H.T.Eales. Eales Collection.*

NY948973 67 Grasslees Wood 00.07.2000 MoD Survey. Eales 2000.

NT925014 67 Holystone Burn 00.07.2000 MoD Survey. Eales 2000.

*These specimens had a small white waxy lump on the upperside of the penultimate segment of

the abdomen. All the specimens were female and these lumps were later identified as

spermatophors. See Barnard (1999). Specimens of this species may be met with from June to

August locally.

Nothochrysa fulviceps. (Stevens, 1836).

NY9—3--

66 Stanhope Pre 1917 R.South. Lucas 1917.

NY933769 67 At a roadside lay-

bye on A68 Road.

27.06.2000 H.T.Eales. Eales Collection.

Whilst N.capitata is not by any means common, it is widespread although local throughout most

of England. However N.fulviceps could almost be considered as, ‘The Holy Grail’ of British

Neuroptera. A national distribution map in Neuro News No.16 (1995) shows four records for the

pre 1900 date group, two records between 1900 and 1979, and only one record in the post 1979

period. This latter specimen was captured by in Cumbria on 6th June 1995 by Stephen Hewitt of

Tullie House Museum, Carlisle. My own capture was more by accident than design, as I was

beating a Hawthorn bush for Shieldbugs when this species fell into my beating tray. The

specimen, a female, was kept alive in the hope of obtaining ova, unfortunately without result.

Both Oak and Pine trees were in the immediate vicinity, these were beaten in the hope of finding

other specimens and with permission of the local landowners, an M.V. light trap was run every

night in the vicinity for the following week, but no additional specimens were found.

The Durham record at Stanhope was made by no less a personage than Richard South who is

known to almost all entomologists of the 20th C. for his very popular books on British Butterflies

and Moths.

Many species of lacewing are at present regarded as scarce or rare, may in fact be a lot more

common than the records indicate. This is due simply to the fact that there are so few recorders of

these species.

For those who may be interested in these insects, there is now a very good and

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easy to use identification guide available in the AIDGAP series of books. Plant (1997). Older

‘keys’ by Fraser (1959) and Killington (1936 & 1937) are both very much out of date, they also

contain several errors which can lead to inaccurate identifications, and should not now be used. A

Provisional Atlas of Lacewings and allied insects. Plant (1994) gives accurate distribution maps

of all the British species up to the date of publication, with times of appearance, habitat, collecting

methods and much additional and useful information. Most species can be identified by using a

10X or 20X hand lense. but some species may require the use of a microscope.

There is considerable scope especially for young entomologists interested in this Order, to make

numerous discoveries especially in the biology and ecology of these insects. The life cycles, the

number of generations per season, of many of species are little or even completely unknown.

Almost every year one or two species new to Britain are discovered.

References.

Barnard, P. 1999. Spermatophores in the genus Nothochrysa. Neuro News No.24.

Summer 1999.

Eyre, M.D. 1983. Megaloptera, Neuroptera and Mecoptera in Nortrhumberland &

Durham. Entomologists Gazette 34:117-123. (The M.D.Eyre

Collection of local Lacewings is in The Hancock Museum.)

Eales, H.T. 1998. What is it ? A peculiar growth observed on the abdomen of

Nothochrysa captiata. Neuro News No.23 Winter 1998/99.

Eales,H.T. 2000. An Invertebrate Survey of Selected Sites within the Otterburn

Training Area Northumberland. Unpublished report to Defence

Estates.

Fraser, F.C. 1959. Mecoptera, Megaloptera and Neuroptera. Handbooks for the

Identification of British Insects 1 (12 & 13): 1-40.

Killington, F.J. 1936 &

1937.

A Monograph of the British Neuroptera. London. Ray Society.

Plant, C.W. 1994. Provisional Atlas of the lacewings and allied insects. Biological

Records Centre. Huntingdon.

Plant, C.W. 1995. A Distribution map of N.fulviceps. Neuro News No.16. Summer

1995.

Plant, C.W. 1997. A key to the adults of British Lacewings and their Allies. Aidgap

Series. Field Studies Council. Preston Montford.

Plant, C.W. 2000. Notification of the capture of N.fulviceps in Northumberland.

Editors Notes, Neuro News No 26. Winter 2000/1.

Sheppard, D.A. & Eyre,

M.D. 1983.

The Insects of Castle Eden Dene (Minor Orders), Vasculum. 68:25.

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Moth Records for Northumberland 2001 (VC 67 And 68)

Nicholas Cook, 31 Lyndhurst Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3LJ

Field work was impossible during the season because of the restriction in force as a result of foot

and mouth disease. A few nights of roadside trapping did take place (to the surprise of passing

late night motorists and the Morpeth police!), but no notable records resulted. Consequently, all

records for 2001 are from the static traps (with the exception of a single Convolvulus Hawk).

They are presented here in chronological order. The record of particular note is the appearance of

a Striped Wainscot (Mythimna pudorina) at the Corbridge trap. This is a new record for our

counties.

April

Red Sword-grass Xylena vetusta

Taken at Keilder on 13 and 26 April, at Corbridge on 10 May, and later in the year prior to

hibernation at Rothbury on 11 December.

May

Least Black Arches Nola confusalis

Roger Edwards had five at Belford between 24 and 27 May.

Grey Pug Epithecia subfuscata

Belford. Taken on 25 May and 3 July.

Currant Pug Epithecia assimilata

Keilder, 26 May.

Brindled Pug Epithecia abbreviata

This is common in southern VC 67, but one came to the Belford trap on 27 May - the only recent

record for VC 68.

Elephant Hawk Deilephila elpenor

Only one record for Northumberland this year, at Corbridge on 30 May. Not even a larva was

reported to me for the first season ever!

June

Dwarf Pug Epithecia tantillaria

Keilder, 3 June; and Belford, 26 June.

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Shears Hada pleteja

Keilder, 17 June.

Glaucous Shears Papestra biren

Keilder, 28 June.

Pale Prominent Pterostoma palpina

One at Keilder on 28 June. Previously recorded here as long ago as June 1973.

July

The Flame Axylia putris

I have previously reported that in 2000 Roger Edwards took one at Belford. In 2001, he took six

between 4 and 31 July.

Fan-foot Herminia tarsipennalis

In Vasc 85(4), page 34, I reported that I find this species as common as the Small Fan-foot (H

nemoralis). However, I was not expecting to find 19 in my trap in Jesmond on 4 July. There had

obviously been a large emergence locally.

White Satin Leucoma salicis

A male in Jesmond on 5 July. The first record for VC 67 since Peter Tennant had one at

Allerwash on 5 August 1983 (Vasc 74(1)).

Ash Pug Eupithecia fraxinata

Jesmond, 6, 23 and 28 July; and again on 18 August.

Juniper Pug Eupithecia pusillata

Belford, between 22 July and 16 August. Only the third record for VC 68.

Striped Wainscot Mythimna pudorina

Michael Greene took one in his garden at Corbridge on 22 July. This is a new record for our

counties, the moth not having been recorded north of Yorkshire previously. It should be included

on page 192 of Dunn and Parrack, with the Bradley and Fletcher log book number 2196.

Straw Dot Rivula sericealis

Becoming more frequent. David Kipling records thirteen from Keilder between 23 July and 12

August; and Shaun Hackett had one at Ingram on 11 August (National Moth Night 2001).

Common Footman Eilema lurideola

One at Corbridge on 23 July; and at Belford between 26 July and 23 August.

Lilac Beauty Apeira syringaria

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Corbridge, 27 July.

Old Lady Mormo maura

One flying about inside the Belford Craft Shop on 29 July!

Dot Moth Melanchra persicariae

Jesmond, 30 July.

August

Bordered Pug Eupithecia succenturiata

Jesmond, 2 and 12 August.

Svennson’s Copper Underwing Amphipyra bebera

Jesmond on 7 August. An early date for the first moth.

Dotted Carpet Alcis jubata

Keilder on 8 and 12 August; and at Low Countess Park on 14 August.

Slender Brindle Apamea scolopacina

In last year’s report (Vasc 85(4) page 37) I stated that the Low Countess Record for 19 July 2000

was only the third record for Northumberland. I was therefore pleased to find thirteen moths in

the trap at this location on 8 August.

Large Wainscot Rhizedra lutosa

Belford, 12 August.

Feathered Gothic Tholera decimalis

Jesmond, 13 August; Corbridge, 14 August; and Belford, 16 August.

Least Yellow Underwing Noctua interjecta

Corbridge, 14 August. This is only the second record for Northumberland.

Double-striped Pug Gymnoscelis rufifasciata

Keilder, 16 August. A recent addition to the County List, having first been recorded from

Allerwash on 16 July 1997. This is the second record for Northumberland

Small Phoenix Ecliptopera silaceata

A second generation moth at Jesmond on 23 August.

Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing Noctua fimbriata

Belford, 30 August.

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September

Brindled Green Dryobotodes eremita

Melanic form at Corbridge on 19 September.

October

Blair’s Shoulder-knot Lithophane leautieri

Increasing in abundance. Michael Greene took twenty at Corbridge between 5 and 26 October.

Brindled Ochre Dasypolia templi

Keilder, 7 October.

Convolvulus Hawk Agrius convolvuli

One found alive in north Northumberland, in the vicinity of Ancroft, 21 October.

I would like to thank those recorders who have sent me their records. I am now the appreciative

and proud owner of the Andrew Buckham collection of moths, which was formed over the last

thirty or so years. There are many macros from just north of the border which are useful because

they show the colour forms and varieties that we may expect to see in our counties. The collection

is available for viewing in Jesmond by appointment.

Finally, I append a list of the traps that are known to operate (both frequently and infrequently)

within Northumberland. If there are any others, I would be pleased to hear from you:

N Cook 31 Lyndhurst Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle

Low Countess Park, Bellingham

R Edwards Sionside, Belford

M Greene East Farnley Grange, Corbridge

S Hackett Ingram Information Centre, Ingram

Beamish Caravan Site, Powburn

Dr J Keating Whiteridge House, Kirkwhelpington

W Monck Ladycross Quarry, Slaley

M Ryan/D Kipling Keilder Village, Keilder

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Shieldbug Records

I was handed for identification a Shieldbug which had been taken by Mr. Doug.McCutcheon in

Normans Riding Wood, near Winlaton. Co.Durham NZ165611 found by him on 15th May 2002.

Examination showed that it was a male specimen of Troilus luridus (Fabricius). This is the first

confirmed record of the species in either Northumberland or Durham and is therefore a new

County Record.

Another foreign Shieldbug species has been found by Mr. Barry Robinson who located a

specimen of Nezara viridula (Linn) in a new plantpot in a B & Q hypermarket in Sunderland

Co.Durham. VC66. NZ0152. on 07.04.2002. This is the fourth record locally for this species and

the first for 24 years.

Harry T.Eales.

Moths from Malton

Some first catch moth records for Malton (NZ179462), which have not yet appeared in the

Vasculum:

5.4.99 Early Grey Xylocampa areola

18.7.99 Footman Eilema lurideola

25.7.99 Slender Brindle Apamea scolopacina

2.7.00 Uncertain Hoplodrina alsines

27.8.00 Ear Moth Amphipoea oculea

27.5.01 Grey Birch Aethalura punctulata

8.7.01 Small Fan Foot Herminia nemoralis

2.9.01 Brindled Green Dryobotodes eremita

8.9.01 Northern Deep Brown Dart Aporophyla lueneburgensis

1.4.02 Oak Beauty Biston strataria

Terry Coult

Conservation Manager

Five Spotted Burnets (Zygaena lonicera)

On an historical note to follow last issue's quotes from the Newcastle Weekly Chronicle.I quote

from the issue of the 20th of August, 1892:

"INTRODUCTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF LEPIDOPTERA, It may interest some of your

readers to know that I have successfully introduced one of the five spotted burnets (Zygaena

lonicera) into this neighbourhood. I set at liberty last year, in a suitable place, about 500 cocoons

of the species. I afterwards saw several of the moths about, and this year the insect has been taken

in the perfect state by some of the local entomologists. Whether it will be able to perpetuate the

race, remains to be seen: but as its said to have occurred formerly on the cliffs at Tynemouth I see

no reason why it should not. I have tried a similar experiment in another place with the pilted

beauty (Nyssia zonaria), which is almost confined in this country to the

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sea banks at the mouth of the Mersey. I placed a large number of impregnated females there, and

also put down a quantity of fertile eggs. Should it appear in the perfect state, I will report it in due

time" John E. Robson, Hartlepool.

The Moths and Butterflies of Northumberland and Durham, (Dunn and Parrack, 1992) records

Robson's introduction of Narrow-bordered, Five-spot Burnet (Zygaena lonicerae) at Blackhall

Rocks as a successful introduction with the moth spreading throughout the Northeast. There is no

mention anywhere that I can find of the Belted Beauty (Lycia zonaria) which is presumably the

moth whose name is miss spelt in the newspaper article, anywhere in any publications that I can

find. The question is how local was the introduction and did it succeed?

Terry Coult

Conservation Manager

Will Global Warming Leave Glowworms in the Lurch?

Glowworm females are flightless and therefore exisiting populations have a very limited capacity

to spread into new sites. The one known population in Durham County, at Thrislington NNR, is

isolated by quarrying activities, arable land and roads. Here the species appears to be at the

northern limit of its range in the UK and should weather patterns change to favour an extension of

its range it would not be able to do so. It seems to be a suitable candidate for a bit of help from us

humans. Translocations are very rarely successful but the glowworm could be considered if it met

the criteria for such intervention. As part of a programme looking into the feasability of

translocating some individuals to a receptor site in future I need to establish whether Thrislington

really is the only population in the county. If anyone knows of other sites in Durham or further

north where glowworms glow (or glowed), could they let me know.

Val Standen,

0191 3864058 (home) 01913743347 (work),

email: valerie.stande@durham.ac.uk

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The “J.A.” Mammal Articles 1880 Part 2; Cetaceans, Carnivores, Pinnipeds and Ungulates.

John L. Durkin, 25 May Avenue, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon, NE21 6SF

Continuing the account of the “J.A.” notes on local mammals. As in the previous Vasculum

account, the text is quoted from the original articles, and my own comments are given in square

brackets. The most curious accounts are of the capture and killing of a Polecat and of a possible

Wild Cat, and of the status of the badger as probably extinct.

Humpback Whale XXXVII 25th September 1880 Page 3

A great amount of confusion still exists amongst naturalists regarding the identity of certain

alleged species….

We may also mention Johnston’s Hump-backed Whale, (Megaptera longiniana) which would

seem to be a distinct species, and was first described by the late Dr. Johnston of Berwick-upon-

Tweed, from a specimen cast ashore at Newcastle some years ago.

Sperm Whale XXXVI 18th September 1880 Page 3

A spermaceti whale was driven ashore near Cresswell, on the coast of Northumberland, on the

eighth of August 1822.

Bottle-nosed Whale XXXIX 16th October 1880 Page 3

[Description of Bottle-headed Whale, but no local records.]

Sowerby’s Whale XLII 20th November 1880 Page 3

[Description, but no local records.]

White Whale

[Beluga]

XXXIX 16th October 1880 Page 3

[Description, in the same article as Bottle-nosed Whale, but no local records. A rather depressing

account of the killing of a Beluga in the Firth of Forth]

Narwhal XXXVIII 9th October 1880 Page 3

[Description, but no local records.]

Common Porpoise XLII 20th November 1880 Page 3

It is very common on the north-east coasts of our island and may be frequently seen in

considerable herds swimming about in playful gambols within no great distance of the shore.

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Grampus XL 30th October 1880 Page 3

Caaing Whale XL 30th October 1880 Page 3

[These two species, Orca (Killer Whale) and Pilot Whale respectively, are described but no local

records are given.

Bottle-nosed

Dolphin

XLI 13th November 1880 Page 3

Common Dolphin XLI 13th November 1880 Page 3

[These two species are in the same article. Descriptions, but no local records. This is slightly

surprising.]

Common Rorqual XXXIV 28th August 1880 Page 3

[This article is about the “Razor-backed Whale or Great Northern Rorqual, Physalus antiquarum,

which I have interpreted as the Common Rorqual, which is now called Balaenopera physalis]

A young specimen of this kind was caught in the Thames near Deptford in 1842.

A much larger specimen was thrown ashore about two miles north of Berwick-on-Tweed during

a storm in September 1829. It measured thirty-five and a half feet in length, and twenty-four feet

in circumference. It was taken possession of by the corporation of Berwick and sold for £17 2s

6d.

A specimen was found floating off Holy Island, on the Northumberland coast, on the 2nd August

1810, which is said to have measured over thirty feet in length.

Black Right Whale XXXV 4th September 1880 Page 3

[This article is about the Greenland Whale, (Balaena mysticetus), which I have interpreted as the

Black Right Whale, now called Balaena glacialis]

In “Gillespies Collection” a whale is mentioned as having been captured at Newbiggin, on the

coast of Northumberland, on the 26th August 1759.

Another was taken on the 21st November 1776, between Stockton and Newcastle, and towed by a

ship into Seaham.

A very large specimen appears to have been captured and brought into Sunderland in January

1788.

A somewhat singular instance is recorded of a dead Greenland whale having been found floating

off Holy Island on the 18th July 1808.

A large individual which measured fifty feet in length was killed off Warkworth Harbour by some

Hauxley fishermem on the 25th September 1832.

Examples have also been met with at Berwick and other parts of our coast.

Fox XVI 24th April 1880 Page 3

Fox (continued) XVII 1st May 1880 Page 3

In the summer of 1877, a neighbour of the writer’s, Mr. T. Hope, Belford, caught a young fox on

Chatton Moor, which he kept for twelve months…..

No doubt comparatively well known to almost every reader of the Weekly Chronicle.

His name has long been connected with what is still generally considered as one of

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the principal and most exciting of English field sports.

A company of these gentlemen all mounted and numbering perhaps from thirty to sixty, riding at

full gallop through field after field of newly sown or springing corn, breaking down all sorts of

fences and sometimes breaking their own and their horses necks in their mad, headlong career.

Foxhunting, this useless, dangerous and barbaric sport.

Its flesh is said to be not unpalatable….

We lately read in an old newspaper published at Carlisle in 1817 of three young foxes being

trained to hunt foxes, and actually took part in the chase along with the hounds.

[Pine Marten see below under weasel.]

Stoat XIII 3rd April 1880 Page 3

In the month of January last year, a fine specimen of this animal was shot on Lyam Moor,

Northumberland…..[partly white]. In this county, as also in the county of Durham, the stoat may

be considered as a rather rare animal, having, except perhaps in some moorland parts, been

almost completely “wiped out” by the game interest.

Weasel XII 27th March 1880 Page 6

It is a long time since the bear and the wolf ceased to form a part of existing British fauna, the

badger and the marten have also disappeared, and the polecat and the otter are on the verge of

extinction. One little animal of this class, however, is still not uncommon in our country lanes,

fields and woods.

…..between Belford and Lowick…..

Polecat XIV 10th April 1880 Page 3

It was formerly numerous in this country, and less than fifty years ago was not uncommon; it has

now however been almost completely extirpated,…. It is over twenty years since we last met with

a specimen of the Foumart in Northumberland. This was at Brunton Farm by Chathill, in the

summer of 1859. [Description of J.A. helping some farm labourers and their terriers to kill a

polecat in some gorse bushes]

Top of head dark chocolate, sides of face greyish brown, with a small white patch on the upper

part of each side of the mouth, and another behind the eyes in the form of a semi-circle. A white

band or fringe also surrounds the outer margins of the ears. The neck, back and sides are dark

brown, tinged with numerous grey hairs. The chin, throat and lower surface are palish brown

with a somewhat yellowish tint, the tail is almost black.

[This is a good description of a Polecat, though there are colour varieties of ferret that are a close

match. Since the farm labourers thought it was a true “foumart”, and would have been very

familiar with ferrets, I think we can accept this as a Polecat.]

[Mink had not yet become farmed animals, or escaped into the wild]

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Badger

[There was no article in 1880, as they were thought by J.A. to be extinct locally. (see above

under weasel). An unknown reader may have enquired about this, for an explanatory note

appears, handwritten in pencil on a scrapbook of the J.A. articles that J. W. Heslop-Harrison says

“had fallen into our hands”

Heslop-Harrison wrote “ In a later note, dated in pencil N.W.C. 20/8/81, and appearing after the

series had been concluded, J. A explains that he had imagined that the last local specimen of the

animal had been killed on North Hazelrigg Moor in the spring of 1852. He supplies facts

concerning a colony of badgers which had been detected in Detchant Wood, near Belford.” ]

Otter XV 17th April 1880 Page 3

The otter, though it is more frequently met with than the polecat, cannot now be considered as

anything but a rather uncommon animal in this country.

Some attempts have been made to revive this sport [otter hunting] in Northumberland, but

apparently with very little success. In days of yore the otter was common on the Tees, Wear,

Tyne, Coquet, and Tweed, and many of their affluents. It is now seldom seen on any of these

rivers…

It occurs perhaps more frequently on the Tweed than on any of the other rivers we have named,

and during the severe winter of 1878/79 several otters were captured on the Tweed and its

tributaries. Two individuals were taken almost together on Gala Water, another was captured on

the White Adder, and two or three individuals were taken on the Tweed itself. Last year a

specimen was captured a little west of Coldstream. … in the spring of 1853…. We accidently

came upon an otter in Hetton Burn, about a mile north of Hazelrigg Mill.

[Account of an unsuccessful hunt, involving J.A. Note his curiously contrasting attitudes to fox

hunting, and to the killing of the last otters, Wild Cats and Polecats.]

The otter having been almost extirpated in the two counties….

Wild Cat XVIII 8th May 1880 Page 3

The Wild Cat may now be considered as entirely extinct in the counties of Northumberland and

Durham, but whether any stray specimens of it are still to be met with in the more mountainous

districts of Cumberland and Westmoreland we are unable to say. During the summer of 1849, as

well as winter and following spring, much of our time was spent in the company of the

gamekeeper’s son at Belford, Mr. W. Joicey, and our rambles through the woods, plantations,

and moors were of almost daily occurrence. It was during one of these rambles that we were

startled by the appearance of an extraordinarily large cat of a reddish grey colour in a

somewhat thick stubby plantation at the foot of a steep rocky hill known as “The Crag”… [Traps

were set, with no success] Three weeks after….J.D. Clarke esq. of Belford Hall…. levelled his

gun at this animal…. dead to the ground.

From the point of the nose to the root of the tail two feet eight inches, the caudal appendage ten

inches,… circumference around the girth seventeen inches, height from forepaw to the top of the

shoulder thirteen and a half inches, the head round and chubby, the face broad and flat, the ears

short, the eyes large.

The fur on the upper parts of the body was of a yellowish grey colour, the crown of the head and

centre of the back being marked with a broadish longitudinal stripe of dark reddish brown, the

sides of the body, legs and tail were also barred across

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with stripes of the same colour.

…in the collection of a private gentleman in Edinburgh.

[This is a good description of a “Scottish” Wild Cat, except the size is slightly large. The names

of other individuals involved give some corroboration to the report. This may be the 1849 record

referred to in Corbett and Southern. The other “last records” for Wild Cats locally are at Castle

Eden Dene, County Durham, in 1843 and at Eslington, Northumberland, in 1853. Eslington is 14

miles from Belford.]

Grey Seal XXXII 14th August 1880 Page 3

Grey Seal

(continued)

XXXIII 21st August 1880 Page 3

[These articles were actually entitled “The Great Seal, (Phoca barbatus)”, but seem to refer to

Grey Seal, now called Halichoerus grypus. The articles appear to describe the Grey Seals of the

Farnes, Common Seals, Phoca vitulina, and, as occasional visitors to the Farnes, Bearded Seals

Erignathus barbatus, then called Phoca barbata. “J.A.” seems to have confused the Grey and

Bearded Seals. This was a common misconception in the early part of the 19th century, but had

been refuted by Selby (1841)]

The Crumstone Rock is the home of the Great Seal, (Phoca barbata). It occurs here at all

seasons of the year, and at times in very considerable numbers.

The Great Seal, besides occurring on the Farne Islands, is also met with on the wild rocky coasts

of the north of Scotland, and on the Orkney Islands. It is however less abundant than the

Common Seal (Phoca vitulina), which, we are told, is now much less numerous than it formerly

was.

[He gives no definite records for the Common Seal, whose Teesmouth colony had probably

recently been lost due to industrial development. His reference to seals in rivers, though, is

nowadays more appropriate to the Common Seal than to the Grey.]

On the Farne Islands the members of the Great Seal appear to have remained about stationary

for many years.

During severe storms individuals of the species are sometimes washed ashore on our coasts, and

have been occasionally met with in the Tyne and at other places. For a further account of this

animal as well as of the Grey Seal, an occasional visitor to our coasts, we must wait until next

week.

14 to 18 feet in length, but seldom 14 feet in length …. At the Farnes. [No British seal is this size,

Grey Seals are up to 8 feet, Bearded Seals 9 feet, and Common Seals 5 feet.]

The Grey Seal (Halichoerus gryphus) is occasionally met with on some of the outer rocks of the

Farne Islands, but the individuals seen there must be considered rather as stragglers than as

regular visitants or permanent residents.

An immature specimen of this kind was obtained in May last by Mr. Wm. Robson jun. of North

Sunderland….

This species is known locally as the Nor Seal. It is an inhabitant chiefly of the shores of Ireland,

Iceland and the Norwegian coasts.

Eight to ten feet in length…[This is correct for the Bearded Seal]

Deer XLIV 1st January 1881 Page 3

[Entitled “The Common Stag and Fallow Deer”, this article covered Red, Fallow and

17

Roe]

[Red] It has long been a denizen of Chillingham Park.

We have heard it related that during a stag hunt at Chillingham (the chase being once practised

there to within comparatively recent years), ….. captured ten or twelve miles distant from

Chillingham Park…. brought back to the park in a van kept for that purpose.

The Fallow Deer….. is the species most generally kept in the parks of this country.

…there are few parks of any note in this country where it is not found in greater or lesser

numbers. [He gives no specific sites, but several parks in Northumberland and Durham are

known to have had Fallow Deer at that time.]

The Roebuck…. an animal now very scarce in England, though we believe it has been re-

introduced with some success into some of the southern counties….. is still tolerably plentiful in

the mountainous parts of Scotland.

Wild Cattle XLIII 11th December 1880 Page 3

The Chillingham White Cattle….

58 in number….

[Feral Goat Strangely, there is no article or other mention of the feral goat herds of the Border

Hills.]

Gazzeteer

LOCATION GRID REF LOCATION GRID REF

Amble NU2604 Hauxley NU2802

Belford NU1033 Hazelrigg Mill NU0433

Berwick-upon-Tweed NT9953 Hetton Burn NU0335

Castle Eden Dene NZ44K Holy Island NU14

Chathill NU0528 Lyam Moor NU0731

Chatton Moor NU0928 Lowick NU0139

Chillingham NU0625 Newbiggin NZ3187

Coldstream NT8439 Newcastle NZ26M

Cresswell NZ2993 North Hazelrigg Moor NU0533

Detchant Wood NU03T North Sunderland NU2131

Eslington NU0412 Seaham NZ4349

Farne Islands NU23 Stockton NZ4419

Gala Water (A Scottish tributary of the Tweed) NT43 Sunderland NZ4057

Harton Moor ? White Adder (river) NT95

References

“JA” 1880, 1881, Articles listed above.

Corbet & Southern 1977 The Handbook of British Mammals, Blackwell

Davis, P. & Brewer, C. 1986 A Catalogue of Natural Science Collections in North-East

England North of England Museums Service.

18

Durkin, J.L. 2002 The J.A. Notes on Local Reptiles articles 1881, Vasculum

87, 1

Durkin, J.L. 2002 The J.A. Mammal Articles 1880 Part One, Vasculum 87, 1

Heslop-Harrison, J.W. 1949 Notes on Local Mammals, Vasculum 34, 4

Mennell, H.T. & Perkins, V.R.

1864

A Catalogue of the Mammalia of Northumberland and

Durham, Trans. Tyneside Naturalists Field Club VI 1863-4

Selby, P.J. 1841 Observations on the great seal of the Farn Islands showing

it to be the Halichaerus griseus, Nilss., and not the Phoca

barbata., Ann Mag. Hist. 6: 462-466.

Yalden, D. 1999 The History of British Mammals, Poyser Natural History

A Peat Slide at White Sike, Muggleswick Common, Co. Durham in 1990

W.B.Woodward, 22 Monks Crescent, Durham, DH1 1HD

The slide was noticed by a farmer and also by a gamekeeper on the 25th August 1990. It had

probably taken place either in the late evening of the 24th or else in the early hours of the 25th.

On the O.S. Landranger Sheet 87 [1980] the location is c. 0011453. The lateral dimensions of the

slide were about 30 m wide by 300m long and the depth approached 70cm in places, judging by

the size of the blocks of peat in the jumbled mass in the valley bottom of the Feldon Burn. The

top of the slide is at 435m O.D. and the bottom at 400m O.D.

I walked the site and saw that the peat had moved over a clay base. There were many remains of

roots of birch trees but I saw no artefacts other than those stated below nor were there “fossil”

remains. I also took some of the worst photographs of my career, or dark peat on an overcast

day!

There were many fragments of fired clay pipes throughout the debris. The top of the tear was on

a line of several fired clay cisterns which are rather less than a metre in each dimension. I am told

these are the remains of the first upland water supply for Consett. The cisterns trapped water

from springs, the water was then gravity fed by pipe to the town.

There were/are rain guages which were operated the then Sunderalnd and South Shields Water

Company. There was about 1km to the north on Feldon Burn and this was read on a monthly

basis. There is another guage at Derwent Bridge about 7km to the NNE and this was read on a

daily basis.

The rainfall records show that March to July 1990 was “dry” with an average of 55mm rain per

month at Feldon Burn and 40mm at Derwent Bridge. The first half of August was very dry with

no records of rain on many days at Derwent Bridge. The second half of the month was rather

wetter and 88.7mm of rain was recorded for

19

August of which 56.2mm fell on the 25th August. The Feldon Burn site showed 233 mm for

August. It seems a fair assumption that a localised rainstorm on Muggleswick Common triggered

the peat slide.

Warnings by the observers enabled the S & S.S. Water Company to close the main control valve

at the Burnhope intake dam and so prevent peat and peaty water from flowing into the Derwent

Resevoir. Later Northumbrian Water removed large blocks of peat which were impeding water

flow under a local bridge on the Feldon Burn.

I wish to thank Mr. George Wilson, the Superintendent, Derwent Reservoir for the supply of

information and data as well as for his cooperation over decades in work relating to Derwent

Field Meeting 238, Tyne Waters, nr. Acomb NY 919661, 27 April 2002

A small party walked along the east bank of the North Tyne in pleasantly wooded habitat.

Plants (John Durkin, Dennis Hall)

Aconitum napellus Monkshood

Adoxa moscatellina Moschatel

Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard

Allium ursinum Ramsons

Allium vineale Crow Garlic

Anemone nemorosa Wood Anemone

Angelica sylvestris Angelica

Aquilegia vulgaris Columbine

Arum maculatum Wild Arum

Athyrium filix-femina Lady Fern

Caltha palustris Kingcup

Cardamine amara Large Bittercress

Carex acutiformis Lesser Pond Sedge

Carex pendula Pendulous Sedge

Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear

Conopodium majus Pignut

Crepis paludosa Marsh Hawksbeard

Dactylorhiza fuchsii Spotted Orchid

Doronicum pardalianches Leopard’s Bane

Epilobium hirsutum Hairy Willow-herb

Equisteum arvense Common Horsetail

Filipendula ulmaria Meadow-sweet

Gagea lutea Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem

Galium boreale Northern Bedstraw

Genista tinctoria Dyers Greennweed

20

Geum rivale Water Avens

Geum urbanum Wood Avens

Glechoma hederacea Ground Ivy

Hedera helix Ivy

Hesperis matronalis Dame’s Violet

Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell

Hypericum hirsutum Hairy St John’s Wort

Impatiens glandulifera Himalayan Balsam

Lilium martagon Martagon Lily

Luzula sylvatica Greater Woodrush

Mercuralis perennis Dog’s Mercury

Moehringia trineria 3-nerved Sandwort

Myosotis scorpioides Water Forget-me-not

Myosotis sylvatica Wood Forget-me-not

Petasites hybridus Butterbur

Polypodium vulgare Polypody

Polypodium vulgare Common Polypody

Potentilla anseroina Silverweed

Potentilla sterilis Barren Strawberry

Primula polyantha Hybrid Oxlip

Primula veris Cowslip

Primula vulgaris Primrose

Primula x polyantha False Oxlip

Prunus padus Bird Cherry

Prunus spinosa Blackthorn

Ranunculus auricomis Goldilocks

Ranunculus ficaria Lesser Celandine

Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort

Salix purpurea Purple Willow

Sanicula europaea Wood Sanicle

Saxifraga granulose Meadow Saxifrage

Saxifraga hirculus Meadow Saxifrage

Stellaria holostea Greater Stitchwort

Stellaria nemorum Wood Stitchwort

Symphytum tuberosum Tuberous Comfrey

Taraxacum spectabile Broad Leaved Marsh Dandelion

Trollius europaeus Globeflower

Valeriana officinalis Valerian

Veronica Montana Wood Speedwell

Viola riviniana Common Violet

Bryophytes

Lunularia cruciata

Mnium hornum

Eurhynchium praelongum

Rhizomnium punctatum

Rhynchostegium riparioides

21

Cratoneuron commutatum

Calliergon cuspidatum

Plagiomnium longirostrum

Cinclidotus fontinaloides

Birds

Dipper

Grey Wagtail

Tufted Duck

Mallard

Heron

Oyster Catcher

Chiff-chaff

Willow Warbler

Lepidoptera

Anthocharis cardamines Orange Tip

Bees

Tawny Mining Bee

Hoverflies

Syrphus ribesii

Melanostoma scalare

Platycheirus scutatus

Amphibians

Common Fog

Toad tadpoles

22

Flora of County Durham- Cochlearia.

John L. Durkin, 25 May Avenue, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon, NE21 6SF

Three species of the Scurvy Grasses, Cochlearia, occur in County Durham. These

are the Common Scurvy Grass, C. officinalis, the Pyrenaean Scurvy Grass, C. pyrenaica, and the

Danish Scurvy Grass C. danica. At the time of the Durham Flora, 1988, C. officinalis was present

on our coasts, saltmarshes, and tidal riversides and was starting to spread along salted road

verges. This appears to be the nominate subspecies. C. pyrenaica was present in Teesdale and

Weardale and on the banks of the Tyne at Wylam, again as the nominate form. The Danish

Scurvy Grass C. danica had always been rare and had not been seen since 1944, by J. W. Heslop-

Harrison at Greatham Creek. The maps of C. officinalis and C. pyrenaica in the Flora are still

quite accurate, though C. officinalis has spread sparsely along the major roads in the east of the

county, and C. pyrenica has spread further down the Tyne, where the two species now occur

together. By the Tyne, generally, C. officinalis is nearer the water, in salt-marsh, and C. pyrenaica

is higher up on the riverbank, on rubble or disturbed ground.

Danish Scurvy Grass, however, has spread rapidly in the last two or three years and

is now a common plant along the A1, A1(M) and A19 roads. These major roads are illustrated on

the distribution map.

VC65 TEESDALE VC62

HEXHAM

DURHAM CITY

GATESHEAD

NEWCASTLE

DARLINGTON

HARTLEPOOL

VC66

1

2

3

4

5

6

8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5

Cochlearia danica

Old Records(in the NZ52,NZ53 squares).2002 Records

23

Danish Scurvy Grass favours the central reservation best, plus verges, junctions, and

roundabouts, especially where there is bare ground, presumably the most salty places. Dips in the

slope of the road, for example where the A1(M) crosses a river, are favoured spots. Specimens

examined in the hand came from roundabouts above the motorway, as it is illegal to stop and look

at plants on the motorway! Many of the local flowers are shades of mauve, rather than the usual

white of this genus. The A1 flowers are mostly mauve, the A19 mostly paler. The A1 colonies are

also denser and more continuous, possibly because this road is salted more than the more coastal

A19.

This is now our most common Scurvy Grass. In some locations, such as beside the

Metrocentre, (NZ2162), it appears that C. danica is ousting other halophytes, such as C.

officinalis and Spergularia marina. At least some of its spread is into what was previously bare

ground, and in some places it is the only vegetation present. Despite its frequency along roads, C.

danica is still absent from the salt-marshes of the Tyne and the Wear.

Danish Scurvy Grass was quite obvious along our road verges when it was in flower

in 2002, from early April to mid May. Closer examination showed that a number of other, less

showy plants were also expanding their ranges along the main roads. These include Buck’s Horn

Plantain, Plantago coronopus. Marsh Arrowgrass, Triglochin palustris, Sea Arrowgrass, T.

maritima, Reflexed Saltmarsh-grass Puccinellia distans, and Common Saltmarsh-grass, P.

maritima.

One plant on the A1 Metrocentre south-bound slip-road stood out as it flowered later

than danica and was taller and white-flowered among the deeply coloured danica. Examination

showed it to be intermediate in structure between danica and officinalis, and probably the hybrid

between them.

In Northumberland a second subspecies of C. pyrenaica occurs, C. pyrenaica alpina,

rare both in the Cheviots and on the coast. This could be present in County Durham, perhaps on

one of the river salt-marshes. A fourth species of Scurvy-grass has also been recorded in

Northumberland, C. anglica. This was once recorded on the Wear, probably at Timber Beach, but

there are no recent records for County Durham.

Acknowledgements

The map is produced from “Dmap”, a useful data-mappimg program developed by

Alan Morton of Blackthorn Cottage, Chawridge Lane, Winkfield, Windsor, Sl4 4QR.

Some of the records were collected during the course of fieldwork for the Tees Flora

Project, run by the Botanic Centre, Middlesborough..

24

References

Durkin, J.L. 2001 “Salt Marshes of the River Tyne and River Wear” Vasculum 86, 4.

Graham, G.G. 1988 “The Flora and Vegetation of County Durham” Durham Flora

Committee.

Graham, G.G. 1991 “Botanical Records” Vasculum Vol. 76 No1.

Hall, D. 2001 “Some observations from Warden Law and Houghton Cut”

Vasculum Vol. 83 No 3.

Lawrence, I. 1994 “A guide to the wild flowers of Cleveland” Cleveland County

Council.

Stace, C. 1997 “New Flora Of The British Isles” Cambridge University Press.

Swan, G. A. 1993 “Flora of Northumberland” Natural History Society of

Northumbria.

Swan, G.A. 2001 “A Supplement to Flora of Northumberland” Trans. NHS

Northumbria 61, 3.

Spider Records from the Browney Valley (V.C. 66)

Michael Mann, 22 Roselea, Witton Gilbert, Co. Durham, DH7 6RG

Haplodrassus signifer 7th July 1998 Found under stones

on Malton Nature

Reserve

NZ182459

Philodromus cespitum 11th August

2000

Female with young

on nettles in old

meadow

Kaysburn

Philodromus cespitum 4th July 1998 Malton Nature

Reserve

Dismodicus elevatus 1st July 2000 Male beaten off

conifers

Malton Nature

Reserve

1st Durham record (found in very few localities in Scotland and Northern England. Usually on

conifers. Persoanl comm.. M.J. Roberts. Nationally rare.)

Araniella cucurbitina 18th July 1999 Female beaten from

Oak

Malton Nature

Reserve

Officers and Council of the Union 2002

President

Mr. A. Legg

President Elect

Vice Presidents

Dr.H. Ellis, Dr. M. Birtle, G. Simpson, Dr. L. Davies, Dr. J. Turner, Mrs. J. Stobbs, Mrs G. Batey,

Messrs. N. Cook, D. Hall, M. Mann

Hon. General Secretary

Mr. C.L. Evans

Hon. Treasurer

C/o Durham Wildlife Trust

Hon. Editors

Dr. M Birtle

Dr. P. Gates

Hon. Field Secretary

Mr. L. Moore

Hon. Auditor

Dr E. Hinton-Clifton

LOCAL RECORDERS (recorders: please notify changes or additions to the editor)

Butterflies

B.R.C. recorder, Northumberland and Durham: Ian Waller, 42 College View, Delves Lane,

Consett, County Durham, DH8 7DB.

Moths

B.R.C. recorder, County Durham: Alan & Jeri Coates, Forest Lodge, Hamsterley Forest, Bishop

Auckland, County Durham. DL13 3NL.

B.R.C. recorder, Northumberland: Mr N. Cook, 31 Lyndhurst Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle upon

Tyne, NE2 3LJ.

Dragonflies

Northumberland: Harry Eales, 11 Ennerdale Terrace, Low Westwood. Co. Durham. NE 17 7PN.

Durham: Ian Waller, 42 College View, Delves Lane, Consett, County Durham, DH8 7DB

Birds

Durham Bird Club: Tony Armstrong, 39 Western Hill, Durham City, County Durham. DH1 4RJ

(tel. 386 1519).

Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club: Nick Rossiter, West Barn, Lee Grange, Ordley, Hexham.

NE46 1SX.

Amphibia and Reptiles

Refer records to: Graeme Skinner, c/o Durham Wildlife Trust, Rainton Meadows, Chilton Moor,

Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear,DH4 6PU

Mammals (general)

Northumberland: Mary Gough, c/o Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Garden House, St Nicholas

Park, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3XT. (tel. 0191 284 6884)

Durham: Kevin O'Hara, c/o Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Garden House, St Nicholas Park,

Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3XT. (tel. 0191 284 6884) email:

kevin.ohara@northwt.org.uk

Bats

Northumberland Bat Group: Ruth Hadden, East Farm Cottage, Ryal, Northumberland. NE20

0SA.

Durham Bat Group:Ian Bond, 105 Davison Rd., Darlington DL1 3DS (01325 264296)

Badgers (Badger groups may be contacted via the relevant Wildlife Trusts).

Plants

B.S.B.I. recorder (Durham): G.G. Graham, 3 The Willows, Bishop Auckland, County Durham,

DL14 7HH.

B.S.B.I. recorder (Northumberland): Professor G.A. Swan, 81 Wansdyke, Morpeth,

Northumberland. NE61 3QY.

Algae: Dr F.G. Hardy, Dept of Marine Sciences & Coastal management, Ridley Building,

University of Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU.

Spiders

Isobel Baldwin, British Arachnological Society Recorder,14 Murrayfield Drive, Brandon,

Durham, DH7 8TG.

Geological

Contact: S.G. McLean, The Hancock Museum, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne.NE2 4PT.

Volume 87 No. 3 ISSN 0049-5891

THE VASCULUM

Reports from Field Meetings 2002………………………………………………..2

Helicella itala (the Heath Snail) in County Durham (V.C. 66) and

Northumberland…………………………………………………………………….15

Editors:

Dr P.J. Gates,(P.J.Gates@durham.ac.uk)

Department of Biological Science,

University Science Laboratories,South Road,Durham.

Dr. M Birtle (m.birtle@tees.ac.uk)

4, Fulmar Rd.,

Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, TS20 1SL

Published by the Northern Naturalists’ Union

The North Country Quarterly

of Natural History

THE VASCULUM

The Vasculum is a quarterly journal concerned with the Natural History of North-East England.

Founded in 1915 as a privately-published concern, since 1942 it has been the published organ of

the Northern Naturalists' Union. Any contribution on the Flora, Fauna and Geology of

Northumberland and Durham will be considered for inclusion. Short notes as well as longer

articles and simple records all fall within the scope of the journal. Space is also available for

secretaries of local societies to record their transactions and announce future meetings.

For preferred style, and particularly for the method of citing references, will contributors please

refer to previous issues. At least a four-figure grid reference should be supplied when referring to

sites.

Contributions are accepted on paper, computer disc, or e-mail: the address for

contributions is given on the front cover of this issue.

THE NORTHERN NATURALISTS' UNION

The Northern Naturalists' Union (NNU) was founded in 1924 to promote co-operation between

natural history societies, and to collect and collate local records. Membership currently stands at

around 200.

The NNU publishes The Vasculum, and several past publications included a series of

Transactions published between 1931 and 1953 and three separately published supplements to

The Vasculum: Sources of Information on the Natural History of County Durham (1972) and

parts I and II of T.C. Dunn & J.D. Parrack's The Moths and Butterflies of Northumberland and

Durham (1986 & 1992).

The NNU organises a series of field meetings each year, and arranges a speaker for an Annual

Invited Lecture, hosted by one of the constituent societies in November. An Annual General

Meeting of the NNU is held in March, and is addressed by a guest speaker.

The field meetings serve a dual purpose. First, the informal exchange of knowledge between

members and their guests, and secondly the recording of the flora and fauna of the sites visited.

Lists of the species seen during field meetings are published in The Vasculum. Subscriptions

Subscriptions are due on 1st January. Subscriptions are £7.00 for individuals, £9.00 for

societies/libraries and should be sent to

Northern Naturalists’ Union, C/o Office Administrator, Durham Wildlife Trust, Rainton

Meadows, Chilton Moor, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, DH4 6PU

1

THE VASCULUM

Vol. 87, No 3 September 2002

Notice of 35th Annual Lecture

The 35th Annual Lecture will be held on the 2nd November 2002 at 2.00 pm in Catchgate

Library, Annfield Plain, by kind permission of the Annfield Plain and Stanley Naturalists’

Club.

The speaker will be Keith Bowey and the lecture will be entitled ‘Bioversity Action Plans’.

There will be space for photographs and exhibits and it is hoped that many members will

bring these.

Tea and biscuits will be provided at a small charge.

2

Reports from Field Meetings 2002

(report from Meeting 238 27th April, 2002, Acomb in Vasculum 87(2))

Field Meeting 239, 18th May 2.00 pm, Hesleden Dene, County Durham. Leader Terry Coult.

O/S ref NZ 442 379.

List from Dennis Hall:

Pond

Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort

Menyanthes trifoliata Bog-bean

Hippuris vulgaris Mare's-tail

Callitriche stagnalis Water Starwort

Stratiotes aloides Water soldier

Butomus umbellatus Flowering -rush

Sparganium erectum Branched burr-reed

Drepanocladus aduncus Aquatic moss

Dene

Cardamine flexuosa Wavy Bittercress

Hesperis matronalis Dame's Violet

Hypericum perforatum Perforate St. John's-wort

Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony

Sanguisorba minor Salad Bumet

Geum urbanum Wood Avens

Epilobium montanum Broad-leaved Willow-herb

Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Cranesbill

Geranium robertianum Herb Robert

Geranium pratense Meadow Cranes-bill

Aegopodium podagraria Ground Elder

Torilis japonica Upright Hedge-parsley

Symphytum officinale Common Comfrey

Calystegia sylvatica Large Bindweed

Calamintha ascendens Common Calamint

Scrophularia nodosa Figwort

Stachys officinalis Betony

Galium verum Lady's Bedstraw

Cruciata laevipes Crosswort

Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane

Hieracium vulgatum Hawkweed

Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle

Dactylorhiza fuchsii Spotted Orchid

Listera ovata Twayblade

Carex sylvatica Wood Sedge

Briza media Quaking grass

Brachypodium sylvatica Wood False-Brome

Deschampsia caespitosum Tufted Hair-grass

Lolium multiflorum Italian Rye-grass

3

Report from Pat Wood:

Botanists from Cleveland Naturalists’ Field Club produced the following records. Recording

began at the old Station House in the village. Nearby is part of the old Hart-Haswell railway line.

This has now been converted into a cycle track. Alongside the track is a pond area in which a

number of pond plants have been introduced. We proceeded eastwards for approximately ¼ of a

mile and recorded all the plants on both sides of the track. A number of trees and bushes have

been introduced here.

Achillea millefolium Yarrow

Aethusa cynapium ssp. cynapilia Fools Parsley

Anthemis cotula Chamomile Mayweed

Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley

Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch

Arctium minus ssp. nemorosum Burdock

Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort

Bellis perennis Daisy

Brassica napa

Calystegia sp. Bindweed

Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherds Purse

Centaurea nigra Black Knapweed

Cerastium glomeratum Mouse Ear Chickweed

Cerstium fontanum

Chara sp. Stonewort

Chenopodium album Fat Hen

Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle

Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle

Crassula helmsii New Zealand Pygmyweed

Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn

Crepis capillaries Smooth Hawksbeard

Epilobium ciliata

Fragaria vesca Strawberry

Fumaria officinalis Fumitory

Gallium aparine Cleavers

Geranium dissectum Cut Leaved Cranesbill

Geranium robertianum Herb Robert

Geranium x oxonianum

Geum urbanum Wood Avens

Glyceria fluitans Flote Grass

Hedera helix Ivy

Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed

Hypericum x desetangsii

Hypochaeris radicata Cats Ear

Iris pseudacorus Flag Iris

Lamium album White Dead Nettle

Lamium purpureum Red Dead Nettle

Lapsana communis Nipplewort

Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling

4

Leucanthemum vulgare Ox Eye Daisy

Linearia vulgaris

Linum catharticum Fairy Flax

Lolium perenne Perennial Rye Grass

Lotus corniculatus Common Birds Foot Trefoil

Matricaria discoidea

Medicago lupulina Black Medick

Melilotus altissimus Tall Melilot

Menyanthes trifoliate Bogbean

Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-Not

Myosotis scorpioides Water Forget-me-Not

Papaver rhoes Common Poppy

Pentaglottis sempervirens Green Alkanet

Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain

Plantago major Greater Plantain

Polygonum aviculare Knot Grass

Potamogeton natans Broad Leaved Pondweed

Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil

Primula vulgaris Primrose

Pulicaria dysenterica Fleabane

Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort

Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup

Ranunculus trichophyllus Thread Leaved Water Crowfoot

Reseda lutea Wild Mignonette

Rhinanthus minor Burnet Rose

Rosa pimpinellifolia Japanese Rose

Rosa rugosa

Rosa sheradii

Rubus caesius Dewberry

Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble

Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel

Rumex crispus Curled Dock

Rumex obtusifolius Broad Leaved Dock

Sambucus nigra Elder

Senecio vulgaris Groundsel

Senecio jacobaea Ragwort

Silene dioica Red Campion

Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion

Sinapsis arvensis Charlock

Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard

Sonchus arvensis Perennial Sow Thistle

Sonchus asper Prickly Sow Thistle

Sparganium erectum ssp neglectum Branched Bur Reed

Stachys sylvatica Hedge Woundwort

Stellaria holostea Greater Stitchwort

Stellaria media Chickweed

Taraxacum officinale Dandelion

Torilis japonica Upright Hedge Parsley

Tragopogon pratensis Goats Beard

Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil

5

Trifolium dubium Lesser Trefoil

Trifolium medium Zigzag Clover

Trifolium pratense Red Clover

Trifolium repens White Clover

Tripleurospermum inodorum Scentless Mayweed

Trisetum flavescens Yellow Oat Grass

Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot

Ulex europaeus Gorse

Ulmus glabra Wych Elm

Urtica dioica Common Nettle

Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell

Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Vicia sativa ssp. Segetalis Common Vetch

Vicia sepium Bush Vetch

Viola arvensis Field Pansy

Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch

x festulolium loliaceum

Grasses

Alopecurus geniculatus Water Meadow Foxtail

Anisantha sterilis Barren Brome

Arrenatherum elatius False Oat Grass

Brachypodium sylvaticum False Brome

Bromus hordaceous

Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dogs Tail

Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot

Festuca arundinaceae Tall Fescue

Festuca rubra Red Fescue

Phleum pratense Timothy

Poa annua Annual Meadow Grass

Poa trivialis Rough Meadow Grass

x festulolium loliaceum

Rushes and Sedges

Butomus umbellatus Flowering Rush

Carex acutiformis Lesser Pond Sedge

Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge

Carex hirta Hairy Sedge

Eleocharis palustris Spike Rush

Juncus inflexus Hard Rush

Trees

Acer campestre Sycamore

Alnus glutinosa Alder

Betula pendula Silver Birch

Fraxinus excelsior Ash

Populus alba White Poplar

6

Prunus avium Bird Cherry

Prunus spinosa Blackthorn

Quercus robur Pendunculate Oak

Salix caprea Goat Willow

Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia

Ferns and Horsetails

Equisetum arvensis Common Horsetail

Hippuris vulgaris Marestail

Pteridium aquilinum Bracken

Field Meeting 240, 15th June 5 pm , Low Countess park, Bellingham. Northumberland.

Leader, Nick Cook. O/S ref NY 869 805,

Report from Nick Cook:

This visit was held to coincide with National Moth Night 2002. Eight members and friends

helped to set the traps. A total of 31 species were taken in or around the six moth traps that were

running:

Ghost Moth Hepialus humuli

Gold Swift H hecta

Map-winged Swift H fusconebulosa

Silver-ground Carpet Xanthorhoe montanata

Common Carpet Epirrhoe alternata

Pine Carpet Thera firmata

Green Carpet Colostygia olivata

Chimney Sweeper Odezia atrata

Small Yellow Wave Hydrelia flammeolaria

Brown Silver-line Petrophora chlorosata

Brimstone Moth Opisthograptis luteolata

Clouded Border Lomaspilis marginata

Scalloped Hazel Odontopera bidentata

Peppered Moth Biston betularia

Common White Wave Cabera pusaria

Barred Red Hylaea fasciaria

Light Emerald Campnea margaritata

Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi

Pebble Prominent Eligmodonta ziczac

Coxcomb Prominent Ptilodon capucina

White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda

Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba

Bright-line Brown-eye Lacanobia oleracea

Pale-shouldered Brocade L thalassina

Broom Moth Ceramica pisi

Brown Rustic Rusina ferruginea

Small Angle Shades Euplexia lucipara

7

Clouded-bordered Brindle Apamea crenata

Dusky Brocade A remissa

Beautiful Golden Y Autographa pulchrina

The Spectacle Abrostola triplasia

As usual, the Peregrine falcons put in an appearance during the evening. The male bird’s perch

above the River North Tyne was identified, and a telescope gave superb views as he surveyed the

area around the river for some three hours. Another notable record following the meeting was

made on 19 June 2002. Lance Moore found a female Glow-worm (Lampyris noctiluca) emitting

a strong, greenish light. In spite of diligent searching over the next two nights for further beetles,

only the same single female was seen.

Field Meeting 241, July 13th 2.00 pm, Warden Law, Houghton le Spring. Leader, Dennis

Hall. O/S ref NZ 370 503,.

Fungi from Alan Legg:

Fungi

As might be expected on a warm summer's day at a dryish site- after a period of limited rainfall

no large fleshy fungi were found. The foIIowing pIant parasites and saprophvtes were however

recorded: -

AIbugo candida on a number of living crucifers

Leptospora rubeIIa on dead stem of Centaurea

Ophiobolus acuminatus on dead stem of Arctium

Pseudopeziza trifoloii on living leaves of Trifolium pratense

Taphrina amentorum on young "cones" of Alnus qlutinosa

LachnelIa viIlosa on various dead herbaceous stems including Arctium,

Artemisia , Cirsium, Epilobium and Rhinanthus

Coleosporium tussiIaginis on living leaves of Tussilago farfara

MeIampsora epitea on living leaves of Salix spp.

Phragmidium vioIaceum on living leaves of Rubus “fruticosus'”

Puccinia laqenophorae on living leaves of Senecio jacobea

Puccinia malvacearum on living leaves of Malva sp.

Puccinia poarum on living leaves of Tussilago farfara

Field Meeting 242, July 27th 2.00 pm, Stillington Nature reserve. Leader Ian Waller. O/S ref

NZ 377 236,

Fungi from Alan Legg

Fungi

Erysiphe cichoracearum on living leaves of Tussilago

Erysiphe trifolii on living leaves of Trifolium sp.

Leptospora rubella on dead stem of Epilobium hirsutum

Lonhiostoma angustilabrum on dead stem of Epilobium hirsutum

Microsphaera alphitodes on living leaves of Quercus

MoIIisia diIutella on dead stem of Epilobium hirsutum

8

Ophiovalsa suffusa on thin dead Alnus twig

Pseudopeziza trifolii on living leaves of Trifolium repens

Spaerotheca plantaginis on living leaves of Plantago lanceolata

Taphrina amentorum on new cones of Alnus glutinosa

CoIeosporium tussiIaginis on living leaves of TussiIago

Melampsora capraearum on living leaves or Salix cinerea

Puccinia cnici on Iiving Ieaves of Cirsium vuIgare

Puccinia punctiformis on Iiving Ieaves of Cirsium arvense

Puccinia pulverulenta on living leaves of EpiIobium hirsutum

Uromyces viciae-fabae on living leaves of Vicia sepium

Plants from Dennis Hall

Plants

Achillea millefolium Yarrow

Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent

Alisma plantago aquatica Water Plantain

Alnus glutinosa Common Mallow

Carex flacca Carnation Sedge

Carex otrubae False Fox Sedge

Carex pendula Pendulous Sedge

Centauria nisra Black knapweed

Centauria scabiosa Greater Knapweed

Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury

Chamerion angustifolium Rose-bay Willow-herb

Cichoriurn intybus Chicory

Dipsacus fallonum Teasel

Echium vulsare Viper's Bugloss

Eleocharis palustris Common Spike-rush

Epilobium hirsutum Hairy Willow-herb

Euphrasia nemorosa Eyebright

Juncus acutiflorus Sharp-flowered Rush

Juncus articulatus Jointed Rush

Juncus effusus Soft Rush

Juncus inflexus Hard rush

Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy

Malva moschata Musk Mallow

Malva sylvestris Common Mallow

Medicago lupulina Black Medick

Melilotus altissima Tall Melilot

Myosotis caespitosa Small-flowered Water Forget-me-knot

Myriophyllum spicatum Spiked Water Milfoil

Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary Grass

Prunella vulgaris Self-heal

9

Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort

Rhinanthus minor Yellow-rattle

Rumex conglomeratus Clustered Dock

Rumex crispus Curled Dock

Salix caprea Great Sallow

Salix cinerea Grey Willow

Salix purpurea Purple Willow

Salix smithiana Hybrid Willow

Senecio erucifolius Hoary Ragwort

Sisvmbrium officinale Hedge Mustard

Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil

Typha latifolia Reedmace

Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch

Vicia sepium Bush vetch

Bryophtes

Plagiothecium succulentum

Barbula fallax

From Pat Wood:

The following were recorded by members of Cleveland Naturalists on 1st August

Rhinanthus minor ssp stenophyllus

Centaurea monktonii

Silaum siliaum

Genista tinctoria

Crassula helmsii

Agrimonia eupatoria

Field Meeting 243, 17th August 2.00 pm, Ladycross Quarry, Slaley. Leader Bill Monk. O/S

ref NY 955 560

No records have been received for this meeting. Please send any made for a future issue.

10

Field Meeting 244, 31st August 2.00 pm, Shincliffe near Durham. Leader Steve Robbins

Report from Steve Robbins:

Participants started by the river Wear bridge at Shincliffe and followed the river upstream,

crossing over the bridge o explore the area below Old Durham. They returned to their cars near

Shincliffe via the northern bank of the river.

Plants

Achillea millifolium Yarrow

Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard

Alnus incana Alder

Armoracia rusticana Horse Radish

Bellis perennis Daisy

Betula pendula Silver Birch

Calystegia arvensis Field Bindweed

Calystegia silvatica Large Bindweed

Campanula rotundifolia Harebell

Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut

Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse Ear

Corylus avellana Hazel

Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn

Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dogs Tail

Daucus carota Wild Carrot

Echium vulgare

Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb

Fagus sylvatica

Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet

Fraxinus excelsior Ash

Galium aparine Cleavers

Galium cruciata Crosswort

Galium verum Ladys bedstraw

Geranium pratense Meadow Cranesbill

Hedera helix Common Ivy

Hesperis matronalis Dames Violet

Hieracleum sphondylium Hogweed

Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog

Impatiens glandulifera Indian Balsam

Lamium album White Dead Nettle

Lapsana communis Nipplewort

Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling

Leucanthemum vulgare Ox Eye daisy

Ligustrum avalifolium

Ligustrum vulgare Privet

Linaria vulgaris Toadflax

Lolium perenne Perennial Rye Grass

11

Lotus corniculatus Common Birds Foot Trefoil

Malva sylvestris Common Mallow

Matricaria descoidea

Myrrhis odorata Sweet Cicely

Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy

Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary Grass

Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain

Plantago major Greater Plantain

Potentilla anserine Silverweed

Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil

Reseda luteola Weld

Rubus fruticosus agg Bramble

Rubus idaeus Raspberry

Sanguisorba officinalis Great Burnet

Silene alba White Campion

Silene dioica Red Campion

Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion

Sorbus aria Whitebeam

Sorbus aucuparia Rowan

Sorbus intermedia Swedish Whitebeam

Sparganium erectum Branched Bur Reed

Stachys arvensis Field Woundwort

Stachys palustris Marsh Woundwort

Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort

Symphytum spp Comfrey

Trifolium pratense Red Clover

Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch

Fungi and Galls from Steve Robbins and Alan Legg:

Micro Fungi (Rusts and Powdery Mildews)

Claviceps purpurea ergots on infIoresences of Dactylis and

Lolium. Also on Agropyren repens

Coleosporium tussilaginis on Sonchus asper and on leaves of Petasites

hybridus

Cyrnadothea trifoIii anamorph on leaves of Trifolium repens

Erysiphe artemisiae on leaves or Artemisia vulgaris

Erysiphe cichoracearum on leaves of Tanacetum vulgare

Erysiphe cruciferarum on leaves of Sisymbrium officinale

Erysiphe cynoglossi on leaves of Symphytum

Erysiphe depressa on leaves of Arctium

Erysiphe heraclei on leaves of Heracleum

Erysiphe sordida on leaves of Plantago

Erysiphe trifolii on leaves of Trifoliurn and Lathyrus

Microsphaera aIphitodes on leaves of Quercus

Miyagai pseudosphaeria on leaves and stems of Sonchus

12

Peronospora ranunculi on leaves of Ranunculus repens

Phomopsis oblita on dead stem of Artemisia

Podosphaera clandestina on leaves of Crataegus

Protomyces macrosporus anamorph on leaves of Aegopodium

Pseudopeziza trifolii on leaves of Trifolium

Phragmidium mucronatum on leaves of Rosa canina

Puccinia aegopodii on leaves of Aegopodium

Puccinia arenariae on leaves of Silene dioica

Puccinia chaerophylli on Ieaves on Myrrhis

Puccinia coronata on leaves of Poacae

Puccinia galli-cruciatae on Galium laevipes

Puccinia hieracii on Ieaves of Hieracium

Puccinia lapsanae on leaves of Lapsana communis

Puccinia punctata on leaves or GaIium cruciata

Puccinia punctiformis on leaves of Cirsium

Puccinia variabiIis on leaves of Taraxacum

Ramularia rubella on leaves of Rumex obtusifoIius

Rhytisma acerinurn on leaves of Acer pseudoplatanus

Sawadea bicornis on leaves of Acer pseudoplatanus

Sphaerotheca ferruginea on leaves of Sanguisorba

Urocytis anemones on Ranunculus repens

Uromyces geranii on leaves of Geranium pratense

Uromyces rumicis on leaves of Rumex

Uromyces trifolii on Trifolium repens

Uromyces viciae-fabae on leaves of Vicia cracca

Urocystis ranunculi on leaves of RanuncuIus repens

Venturia inaequalis on fruit of Malus

Hymenopteran Galls

Andricus anthracina on Quercus

Andricus curvator on Quercus

Andricus fecundator on Quercus

Andricus kollari on Quercus

Andricus lignicola on Quercus

Andricus ostreus on Quercus

Aulacidea hieracii on Hieracium perproquinetum

Neuroterus numismalis on Quercus

Neuroterus quercusbaccarum on Quercus

Neuroteurus albipes on Quercus

Phytoptus laevis on Alnus glutinosa

Potania proxia on Salix

Dipteran Galls

Chlorops taeniopus on Agropyren repens

Contarinia jacobeae on Senecio jacobaea

Dasyneura viciae on Vicia cracca

Dasyneura fraxini on Fraxinus excelsior

Dasyneura pustularis on Filipendula ulmaria

13

Dasyneura trifolii on Trifolium repens

Dasyneura urticae on Urtica dioica

Jaapiella veronicae on Veronica chamaedrys

Macrodiplosis dryobia on Quercus

Rhabdophaga marginetorquens on Salix

Rhopalomyia tanaceticola on Tanacetum vulgare

Wachtiella persicaria on Polygonum amphibium

Wachtiella rosarum on Rosa canina

Acarid Galls

Epitrimerus trilobus on Sambucus racemosa

Eriophyes artemisiae on Artmesia vulgaris

Eriophyes brevitarsus on Alnus glutinosa

Eriophyes galii on Galium aparine

Eriophyes goniothorax typicus on Crataegus monogyna

Eriophyes macrorhynchus on Acer pseudoplatanus

Eriophyes nervisequeves on Fagus sylvatica

Eriophyes pseudoplatanus on Acer pseudoplatanus

Eriophyes triradiatus on Salix

Aphid Galls

Macrosiphoniella tanacetaria on Tanacetum vulgare

Psyllid galls

Trioza urticae on Urtica dioica

Psyllopsis fraxini on Fraxinus excelsior

Miscellaneous Galls

Mycoplasma on Plantago lanceolata

Field Meeting 245, 14th September 2002 Baybridge-Blanchland, Leader: Keith Cunningham

Report from Alan Legg:

Members of the NNU joined forces with the North East Fungi Study Group for a fruitful fungus

foray which began and ended in the car-park at Baybridge. After a search of the area around the

car-park the party continued with a fairly thorough examination of the mixed woodland to the

south of the river Derwent.

Including Myxomycetes, just under one hundred species were identified, far more than recent dry

weather and the reputation of the site had led us to expect. Because most finds were of common

and widespread fungi this report will concentrate only on the more interesting.

14

Twenty four species were found before leaving the car-park area and, of these, the most

interesting was the tiny Didymosphaeria conoidea, which parasitises perithecia of other small

ascomycetes on dead herbaceous stems. On this occasion material was found on a dead stem of

Epilobium angustifolium but it was not possible to identify the remains of the immediate fungal

host. This collection probably represents a new record for VC67.

The wood itself produced over seventy fungal records, easily the most exciting of which was the

large toadstool Cortinarius armillatus, a fairly easily identifiable species with a conspicuously

red-banded stem. Several specimens of this handsome fungus were found with Birch, it’s usual

mycorrhizal partner. Though considered to be common in neighbouring parts of north eastern

Europe, it seems scarce locally. I have seen it only once before, in 1987 in Kilton Woods, Loftus

(VC62). Bramley (1985) indicates records from North West Yorkshire (VC65), and this would

seem to be the first record for VC66.

Certainly the most interesting microfungi found in the wood was a tiny pure white discomycete

with long hairs discovered by Dr Ellis on the ground amongst litter of Birch and Luzula sylvatica.

Some of the material was immature but it was fairly easy to identify the beautiful thimble-shaped

cups of Leucoscypha erminea. It is always risky to comment on the frequency and distribution of

such tiny fungi because of the national shortage of collectors, but I can find very few British

records and this seems certainly a first for VC66.

Other notable records were as follows:-

Scutellinia hirta – an infrequently found, off-white species of toadstool with flesh that reddens

slightly on handling. It grows with coniferous trees and with four recent records seems fairly well

established in VC66.

Tremelia foliacea – an attractive brownish jelly fungus with several records in North Yorkshire

and County Durham all of which are from deciduous wood. The specimen seen on this occasion,

however, was growing on a pine log in association with Stereum sanguinolentum.

Grifola frondosa – a large annual polypore found occasionally low down on dead or damaged

trunks of Beech or Oak. It is said to occur more frequently in southern Britain. The only other

known VC66 site is Hamsterly Forest where it has be seen on Oak.

Reference

Bramley, W.G., 1985, A Fungus Flora of Yorkshire, Leeds, Y.N.U.

15

Notes and Records

Lesser Sea Spurrey (Spergularia marina) was recorded on Cockfield Fell, adjacent to the car park

on top of the fell between Butterknowle and Cockfield, on a Cleveland Naturalists’ Field Club

meeting to Butterknowle, 23rd June 2002.

Good King Henry (Chenopodium Bonus henricus) was also seen next to the bridge in

Butterknowle on the same day.

Pat Wood

At a meeting of the Cleveland Naturalists’ Field Club in Preston park, Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-

Tees, on Wednesday June 19th 2002 a single larva of the White Satin (Leucoma salicis) was found

by Maurice Hallam (conf. Alan Coates). It was feeding on German Poplar. This seems to be the

first record of larva for County Durham (VC66). The very few previous records of this moth have

been assumed to be immigrations.

Malcolm Birtle

Helicella itala (the Heath Snail) in County Durham (V.C. 66) and Northumberland

Dr. M. Birtle, 4 Fulmar Rd., Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, Co. Durham, TS20 1SL

(m.birtle@tees.ac.uk)

Helicella itala is a member of the Helicidae family of snails. It is an attractive, relatively large,

banded snail whose shell is formed into an almost flat spiral with a very low spire. It is easily

identified by the very wide umbilicus. The last whorl turns down slightly, particularly at the

aperture. The shell is white with variable brown/black bands. However, dead specimens can

bleach very quickly. The favoured habitat is dry, calcareous grassland.

In 1934 E. Percy Blackburn published ‘A Survey of the Land and Freshwater Mollusca of

Northumberland and Durham’ in the Transactions of the Northern Naturalists Union. The entry

for Helicella itala is as follows- ‘For [Cheviotland], there are seven old records, it appears to be

dying out there. A solitary specimen was found at Seaton Sluice, 1923. Still found in a few places

along the Durham coast, Ryhope, Hart, Horden, Hartlepool, Blackhall Rocks, also, at same

place, var. fasciatum, (this locality is now built upon), Seaton Carew. Inland records,

Garmondsway, Bishop Middleham.’

In 1989, Ralph Lowe published ‘An Atlas of the Land and Freshwater Mollusca of

Northumberland and Durham’ (Lowe, 1989). The information in this document is in the standard

form of ‘dot’ records in 10 km grid squares. Only five 10 km squares are marked as localities for

H. itala. These are concentrated in South-East County Durham with an outlier in the

Gunnerton/Chollerton area of Northumberland.

16

In the recently published ‘Atlas of the Land and Freshwater Mollusca of Britain and Ireland’ there

are fourteen 10 km squares in Durham and Northumberland

indicated as localities of which eight are in South-east Durham, four

being pre 1965 records. Northumberland records are all pre-1965

except the outlier in the Gunnerton area. This is illustrated in the

distribution map. Recent records are concentrated in South-East

Durham. Nationally, the Atlas indicates a significant decline and

reduction in range for this species since 1965. ‘It remains common

by the sea in Western and Northern Britain, and in Ireland. In

Southern and Eastern England, however there is clear evidence that

populations have declined strongly this century; in many areas

where it was formerly common only weathered shells can now be

found.’ (Kerney,1999)

A number of sites have been searched by the author between October 1999 and September 2002,

to confirm the continued existence of Helicella itala or to add to the known distribution of the

snail. All sites visited are listed below, including those where H. itala was not found despite

favourable habitat and/or previous records. The fact that H. itala was not found at a site does not

mean that it is not there of course. However, sites were chosen because of previous records and/or

the existence of suitable habitat.

The author would welcome any reports of this snail from sites in Durham, Northumberland or

North Yorkshire.

North Gare and Seaton Carew (NZ 537285)

H. itala is abundant north of the Gare, but in a restricted zone between the Golf Course and the

sand dunes proper. The zone roughly follows the line of old tank traps towards Seaton Carew.

Unfortunately, this is the area that is being heavily overgrown by Sea Buckthorn. Some

management action is being taken by English Nature to prevent the Buckthorn spreading across

the dune system. Both living and dead specimens were found abundantly here. In the past H.

itala was found on dunes south of the Gare but none have been found recently.

4

17

18

Bishop Middleham Quarry Reserve (NZ 334321)

At this site the snail is found on the quarry slopes in those parts of the quarry bare of trees and

scrub. Recently deceased and live specimens were found abundantly.

Garmondsway (NZ 351349 to NZ 358352)

Many dead specimens were found alongside the old railway, and in cutting sides, between

Trimdon Grange Quarry and Raisby.

Raisby Hill Grassland Reserve (NZ 336354)

This area has been, and continues to be heavily quarried. Durham Wildlife Trust has a grassland

reserve at Raisby Hill. This site also has quite extensive woodland. The bare areas seem to be

recently disturbed and covered by quarry spoil. No specimens were found here. If a live colony

exists at Garmondsway this site is close enough for possible (re?)colonization.

Hart Warren (NZ 495363)

Surprisingly, given the amount of suitable habitat no specimens were found at this site.

Crimdon Dene (NZ 488369)

Many specimens that seemed to be rather old were found in dune debris (a mix of sand and rubble

left after dune destruction) at Crimdon Dene below the car park. These specimens were not found

in the kind of habitat H. itala normally prefers. None were found in the existing undamaged dune

areas.

Blackhall Rocks (NZ 469394)

Disappointingly, no specimens were found at this site.

Castle Eden Dene Mouth and Horden Cliffs (NZ 458406 to NZ 448419)

Dead specimens were found in landslips under the cliffs. It was impossible to tell if these were

recent or ‘fossil’ specimens. The specimens were not bleached and in good condition. However,

they were found only in landslip debris that had fallen from the cliff onto the beach. No

specimens were found on top of the cliff or amongst vegetation at the foot of the cliffs. The

situation resembled that at Crimdon Dene. Is it possible that the specimens are in wind-blown

sand that has been deposited on the cliffs in the past from colonies that existed in dunes below the

cliffs? These dunes, if they existed, would have been destroyed when colliery spoil was dumped

on the foreshore.

Wingate Quarry Reserve (NZ 372376)

At this site the snail was found on the quarry slopes in those parts of the quarry bare of trees and

scrub. Recently deceased and live specimens were found abundantly.

Trimdon Grange Quarry Reserve (NZ 363353)

Disappointingly, no specimens were found at this site despite repeated and persistent searching at

meetings of Darlington and Cleveland Naturalists’ Field Clubs.

19

Hart to Haswell Walkway (NZ 485362 to NZ 455375)

There are some small cuttings on this old railway line that have seemingly suitable habitat for H.

itala. However no specimens were found.

Castle Eden Dene Mouth (NZ 456408)

North of Dene Mouth dead specimens of Helicella itala were found in landslips associated with

sand in boulder clay.

The following sites with apparently suitable habitat were searched and no specimens were found

dead or alive.

Tunstall Hills, Pittington Quarry, South Shields dunes, Marsden, Hawthorn Hive, Seaham, and

Ryhope.

Northumberland

No inland sites have been examined. The following coastal sites with apparently suitable habitat

were searched and no specimens were found dead or alive.

Holy Island, Newton Dunes, Bamburgh Dunes, Ross Links, Embleton, Dunstanburgh, Warkworth

Dunes, Druridge Bay, Beadnell, and Newbiggin.

This, however, is not evidence of absence. In 1960 the Northern Naturalists’ Union visited

Embleton and Newton. A report on the meeting appeared in the Vasculum Vol. XLV, No. 3. An

extract follows,

The ninety-sixth field meeting was held at Embleton and Newton on July 16th under

the leadership of Mr. T. W. Wanless. Helping him were Mr. Jack Thompson, Mr. C. J. Gent and

Mr. T. C. Dunn, who dealt respectively with the plants, birds and insects. Prof. Heslop Harrison

kept a roving eye on various points of interest. ………..Whilst the dune insects were being

examined some attention was paid to the mollusca. These comprised, for the most part, numerous

Helix nemoralis, found at "thrush" stones although H. aspersa, H. caperata and H. itala were

collected occasionally.

The outing closed with an inspection of Dunstanburgh Castle which had to be

abandoned when heavy rain fell.

The following appeared in the Vasculum Vol. XLVII No. 3, October, 1962

During the summer we have had two regular field meetings, one on July 15th to Beadnell, where

we concentrated on the dunes and the marshy ground to the west, whilst the other took us on

September 2nd to Housesteads to examine the Roman station there.

Beadnell provided us with the only outing in which we saw many insects on the wing.

……………Naturally, in studying the plants, we collected many snails. Included in these were

Helix aspersa, H. nemoralis and H. itala.

20

So, it would appear that H. itala either is, or was, extant at Embleton, Newton and Beadnell in the

1960’s.

Discussion

The coastal localities were important for this species in County Durham. Hart

Warren in particular should have colonies. The destruction of habitat north of Hart Warren caused

by the dumping of colliery spoil and erosion of sand dunes has probably damaged the distribution

of H. itala along the coast. Dumping has now ceased and active conservation work on the habitats

is being carried out. However, the only strong coastal colony is at North Gare and it seems

impossible for the snail to disperse from there to suitable habitat further up the coast due to the

coastal development of Seaton Carew and Hartlepool.

Inland in County Durham, the axis of country between Bishop Middleham and

Trimdon Grange contains some important sites for H. itala (possibly the only sites?). Old railway

cuttings and quarries seem to be most favoured. However, it was a surprise that Trimdon Grange

Quarry contained no specimens. Similar sites throughout the magnesian limestone country need to

be explored. If the destruction of the coastal colonies is confirmed these inland sites may be the

last refuge for this species in Durham.

The current existence of this snail in Northumberland has not been established. Any

records (including County Durham, and North Yorkshire) would be gratefully received by the

author.

References

Kerney M., ‘Atlas of the Land and Freshwater Molluscs of Britain and Ireland’, Harley Books,

Colchester, 1999

Lowe R., ‘An Atlas of Land and Freshwater Mollusca of Northumberland and Durham’,

Northumberland Biological Records Centre, Hancock Museum, 1989

Percy Blackburn E., ‘A Survey of the Land and Freshwater Mollusca of Northumberland and

Durham’, Transactions of the Northern Naturalists Union, 1934

Officers and Council of the Union 2002

President

Mr. A. Legg

President Elect

Vice Presidents

Dr.H. Ellis, Dr. M. Birtle, G. Simpson, Dr. L. Davies, Dr. J. Turner, Mrs. J. Stobbs, Mrs G. Batey,

Messrs. N. Cook, D. Hall, M. Mann

Hon. General Secretary

Mr. C.L. Evans

Hon. Treasurer

C/o Durham Wildlife Trust

Hon. Editors

Dr. M Birtle

Dr. P. Gates

Hon. Field Secretary

Mr. L. Moore

Hon. Auditor

Dr E. Hinton-Clifton

LOCAL RECORDERS (recorders: please notify changes or additions to the editor)

Butterflies

B.R.C. recorder, Northumberland and Durham: Ian Waller, 42 College View, Delves Lane,

Consett, County Durham, DH8 7DB.

Moths

B.R.C. recorder, County Durham: Alan & Jeri Coates, Forest Lodge, Hamsterley Forest, Bishop

Auckland, County Durham. DL13 3NL.

B.R.C. recorder, Northumberland: Mr N. Cook, 31 Lyndhurst Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle upon

Tyne, NE2 3LJ.

Dragonflies

Northumberland: Harry Eales, 11 Ennerdale Terrace, Low Westwood. Co. Durham. NE 17 7PN.

Durham: Ian Waller, 42 College View, Delves Lane, Consett, County Durham, DH8 7DB

Birds

Durham Bird Club: Tony Armstrong, 39 Western Hill, Durham City, County Durham. DH1 4RJ

(tel. 386 1519).

Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club: Nick Rossiter, West Barn, Lee Grange, Ordley, Hexham.

NE46 1SX.

Amphibia and Reptiles

Refer records to: Graeme Skinner, c/o Durham Wildlife Trust, Rainton Meadows, Chilton Moor,

Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear,DH4 6PU

Mammals (general)

Northumberland: Mary Gough, c/o Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Garden House, St Nicholas

Park, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3XT. (tel. 0191 284 6884)

Durham: Kevin O'Hara, c/o Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Garden House, St Nicholas Park,

Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3XT. (tel. 0191 284 6884) email:

kevin.ohara@northwt.org.uk

Bats

Northumberland Bat Group: Ruth Hadden, East Farm Cottage, Ryal, Northumberland. NE20

0SA.

Durham Bat Group:Ian Bond, 105 Davison Rd., Darlington DL1 3DS (01325 264296)

Badgers (Badger groups may be contacted via the relevant Wildlife Trusts).

Plants

B.S.B.I. recorder (Durham): G.G. Graham, 3 The Willows, Bishop Auckland, County Durham,

DL14 7HH.

B.S.B.I. recorder (Northumberland): Professor G.A. Swan, 81 Wansdyke, Morpeth,

Northumberland. NE61 3QY.

Algae: Dr F.G. Hardy, Dept of Marine Sciences & Coastal management, Ridley Building,

University of Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU.

Spiders

Isobel Baldwin, British Arachnological Society Recorder,14 Murrayfield Drive, Brandon,

Durham, DH7 8TG.

Geological

Contact: S.G. McLean, The Hancock Museum, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne.NE2 4PT.

Volume 87 No. 4 ISSN 0049-5891

THE VASCULUM

Follow-up note on the status of the Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera Hudson at its

northernmost station in Britain

2

Further records of Cat’s-ear Hypochoeris radicata L. galled by Phanacis

hypochoeridis (Kieffer) (Hymenoptera:Cynipidae) and notes on the associated

parasitoids (Hymenoptera;Chalcidoidea)

3

Editors:

Dr P.J. Gates,(P.J.Gates@durham.ac.uk)

Department of Biological Science,

University Science Laboratories,South Road,Durham.

Dr. M Birtle (m.birtle@tees.ac.uk)

10, Avon Grove,

Billingham

Co. Durham, TS22 5BH

Published by the Northern Naturalists’ Union

The North Country Quarterly

of Natural History

THE VASCULUM

The Vasculum is a quarterly journal concerned with the Natural History of North-East England.

Founded in 1915 as a privately-published concern, since 1942 it has been the published organ of

the Northern Naturalists' Union. Any contribution on the Flora, Fauna and Geology of

Northumberland and Durham will be considered for inclusion. Short notes as well as longer

articles and simple records all fall within the scope of the journal. Space is also available for

secretaries of local societies to record their transactions and announce future meetings.

For preferred style, and particularly for the method of citing references, will contributors please

refer to previous issues. At least a four-figure grid reference should be supplied when referring to

sites.

Contributions are accepted on paper, computer disc, or e-mail: the address for

contributions is given on the front cover of this issue.

THE NORTHERN NATURALISTS' UNION

The Northern Naturalists' Union (NNU) was founded in 1924 to promote co-operation between

natural history societies, and to collect and collate local records. Membership currently stands at

around 200.

The NNU publishes The Vasculum, and several past publications included a series of

Transactions published between 1931 and 1953 and three separately published supplements to

The Vasculum: Sources of Information on the Natural History of County Durham (1972) and

parts I and II of T.C. Dunn & J.D. Parrack's The Moths and Butterflies of Northumberland and

Durham (1986 & 1992).

The NNU organises a series of field meetings each year, and arranges a speaker for an Annual

Invited Lecture, hosted by one of the constituent societies in November. An Annual General

Meeting of the NNU is held in March, and is addressed by a guest speaker.

The field meetings serve a dual purpose. First, the informal exchange of knowledge between

members and their guests, and secondly the recording of the flora and fauna of the sites visited.

Lists of the species seen during field meetings are published in The Vasculum. Subscriptions

Subscriptions are due on 1st January. Subscriptions are £7.00 for individuals, £9.00 for

societies/libraries and should be sent to

Northern Naturalists’ Union, C/o Office Administrator, Durham Wildlife Trust, Rainton

Meadows, Chilton Moor, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, DH4 6PU

1

THE VASCULUM

Vol. 87, No 4 December 2003

Change of Address

Contributors should note the change of address of an editor (M. Birtle) to 10, Avon Grove,

Billingham, Co. Durham, TS22 5BH

Corrections to Vasculum 87(3)-with apologies to contributors

Records from Field Meeting 244, 31st August, Shincliffe near Durham. Leader Steve

Robbins

Microfungi (including Rusts and Powdery Mildews)

Cyrnadothea trifoIii should have been Cymadothea trifoIii

Urocytis anemones should have been Urocystis anemones

Miyagai pseudosphaeria should have been Miyagia pseudosphaeria

Records from Field Meeting 245, 14th September, Baybridge-Blanchland. Leader Keith

Cunningham

The final paragraphs should have been-

Other notable records were as follows:-

Scutellinia hirta – a less well-known member of the group of 18 species of “eyelash fungi”

currently considered to be British;

Inocybe pudica– an infrequently found, off-white species of toadstool with flesh that reddens

slightly on handling. It grows with coniferous trees and with four recent records seems fairly well

established in VC66.

Tremelia foliacea – an attractive brownish jelly fungus with several records in North Yorkshire

and County Durham all of which are from deciduous wood. The specimen seen on this occasion,

however, was growing on a pine log in association with Stereum sanguinolentum.

Grifola frondosa – a large annual polypore found occasionally low down on dead or damaged

trunks of Beech or Oak. It is said to occur more frequently in southern Britain. The only other

known VC66 site is Hamsterly Forest where it has been seen on Oak.

2

Follow-up note on the status of the Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera Hudson at its northernmost

station in Britain

Hewett A. Ellis, 16, Southlands, Tynemouth, NE30 2QS

Although well-known in County Durham, the Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera Hudson is very rare in

Northumberland. Summerhayes (1968) states the species, which is widespread throughout much

of England and Wales, does not extend into Northumberland. More recently, in 1988, a single Bee

Orchid was recorded in Wallsend Dene (Willey, 1989; Swan, 1993) and since then the species has

been found in four new sites in the south of Northumberland VC67 (Swan,2001). One of these

four relates to my record of a single flowering spike growing at the side of a dismantled railway

south of the New York Road bridge near Shiremoor in 1999 (Ellis, 1999). This location is of

some importance since it is thought to represent the most northerly station for the Bee Orchid in

Britain (Swan, 2001).

It is well-known that the number of Bee Orchid plants to be found can fluctuate markedly from

year to year, even in favourable locations (Summerhayes, 1968). Therefore it was not too much of

a disappointment when the Bee Orchid failed to appear at the site during the 2000 season. Hope

diminished, when there was no sign of the orchid in 2001, but a year later on the 10th June 2002,

to the delight of my wife Christine and myself, we found 16 spikes of Bee Orchid at the same

location spread over a few metres. At subsequent visits the spikes were seen to have come into

full flower and then formed seeds. We are now much more optimistic regarding the chances for

the long term survival of the Bee Orchid at this location.

References

Ellis,H.A. 1999. A new location for Ophrys apifera Hudson, Bee Orchid in Northumberland

(VC67). The Vasculum 84(3) :20-21.

Swan,G.A. 1993. Flora of Northumberland. Newcastle upon Tyne: The Natural History Society

of Northumbria.

Swan,G.A. 2001. A supplement to Flora of Northumberland. Transactions of the Natural History

Society of Northumbria 61 (3): 71-160.

Summerhayes,V.S. 1968. Wild Orchids of Britain.2nd edition. London:Collins. Willey,J. 1989.

Plant records, Ophrys apifera Hudson,1988. Watsonia 17:482.

3

Further records of Cat’s-ear Hypochoeris radicata L. galled by Phanacis hypochoeridis

(Kieffer) (Hymenoptera:Cynipidae) and notes on the associated parasitoids

(Hymenoptera;Chalcidoidea)

Hewett A. Ellis, 16, Southlands, Tynemouth, NE30 2QS

Introduction

In a previous paper (Ellis, 2002a) I described the galls induced by the cynipid Phanacis

hypochoeridis (Kieffer, 1887) on the stems of Cat's-ear Hypochoeris radicata L. and gave a list of

some personal records for North-east England. The species was recorded in many localities within

15 different tetrads in Northumberland VC67 and my experience suggested that the galls were

probably more widespread and frequent in North-east England than had been recognised

previously (Bagnall, 1916).

Subsequently I have found the galls at a number of additional locations. Some of these new sites

are within tetrads previously recorded but P.hypochoeridis galls have also been found within 6

additional tetrads; 4 in South Northumberland VC67 and one each in North Northumberland

VC68 and County Durham VC66. Overall I have now recorded the species at many locations

within 22 different tetrads in North-east England, including the one at Coatham Dunes in VC62

(Ellis, 2002a).

The purpose of the present paper is to document these additional locations and to give a brief

account of the parasitoid species reared from samples of the galls collected earlier from five of the

original localities (Ellis, 2002a).

Additional records (in chronological order)

Wallsend (VC67)

(i) Hedgerow, side of dismantled wagonway. Rising Sun Country Park near Hadrian Park Estate,

NZ307 686. 9.6.2002, one to three galls on each of three plants.

North Shields (VC67)

(i) Course of dismantled railway south of Middle Engine Lane, NZ326 689.

13.6.2002, single plant with two galled stems.

Warkworth (VC68)

(i) Dunes near sea alongside golf course south of Birling Carrs, NU255 070.

15.6.2002, three plants each with a galled stem.

Whitley Bay (VC67)

(i) Cliffside and adjacent bank of old firing range earth mound opposite St. Mary's

Island, NZ346 754, 21.6.2002, one or more galls on each of four plants.

4

Warden Law (VC66)

(i) Old gravel/sand pits near Houghton-le-Spring, NZ371 504. 13.7.2002, several

galled plants present; examined twelve with one or more galled stems. A second year

gall with exit holes also present.

Druridge Ponds (VC67)

(i) Side of small Nature Reserve Pond, Druridge Links near site of former East

Chevington, NZ271 980. 16.7.2002, five plants with one or more galled stems.

Cambois to North Blyth (VC67)

(i) Industrial wasteland near level crossing, NZ 303 840 & NZ 303 838. 18.7.2002,

eight plants with one or more galled stems.

(ii) Dunes and grasslands, NZ 304 845 to NZ 311 829. 18.7.2002, numerous galled

plants present; examined 97 with multiple galls. A second year gall with exit holes

also present. Revisited location 27.9.2002 when some galls still green, but many

drying and becoming brown.

Inhabitants of the galls

What follows is a summary of the nature of the inhabitants reared from galled Cat’s-ear stems

collected from Coatham Dunes, Druridge Bay, Sandy Bay near Newbiggin-by -the-Sea, North

Shields, and Hartley Links mentioned in the earlier paper (Ellis, 2002a). For a detailed account

see Ellis (2002b).

In all 86 insects were reared from 13 galled stems and branches collected from the five localities.

Of these 50 were the cynipid gall-inducer Phanacis hypochoeridis and 36 were parasitoids

belonging to three families and five genera of the Chalcidoidea. The parasitoid species were :

Eurytomidae

Eurytoma hypochoeridis Claridge 1960

Eurytoma cynipsea Boheman 1836

Pteromalidae

Pteromalus vibulenus (Walker 1839)

Stinoplus etearchus (Walker 1848)

Leptomeraporus nicaee (Walker 1839)

Eupelmidae

Macroneura vesicularis (Retzius 1783)

E. hypochoeridis, the most common species reared (7 male, 7 female) accounted for 38.9% of the

parasitoids. The species has been reported previously from P. hypochoeridis galls (Claridge &

Askew, 1960; O'Connor, Nash & Boucek, 2000). It was a parasitoid of galls from Coatham

Dunes, Sandy Bay and North Shields.

5

E. cynipsea, the second most common species reared (3 male, 7 female) accounted for 27.8% of

the parasitoids. Apart from an old reference (Connold, 1901), this parasitoid of P. hypochoeridis

in Britain has been little known. Indeed the species does not appear in the current British List

(Fitton et al, 1978). It was a parasitoid of galls from Druridge Bay, North Shields and Hartley

Links.

P. vibulenus, one male was reared from the Coatham Dunes site. There does not appear to be any

previous record for this species associated with P. hypochoeridis galls in Britain.

S. etearchus, which is a parthenogenetic species known only as females, accounted for 7 (19.4%)

of the reared parasitoids. It is a well-known and widely distributed parasitoid of P. hypochoeridis

galls (Askew,1970; O'Connor, Nash & Boucek, 2000). It was obtained from galls from Sandy

Bay and North Shields.

L. nicaee, only 3 individuals of this species were obtained (1 male, 2 female) and all were from

the one site at North Shields. There appear to be no previous records of this species as a parasitoid

of P. hypochoeridis, or of any other cynipid gall (Askew, pers. comm., 2001).

M. vesicularis, a single brachypterous female (vestigial wings are normal in this species), was

reared from a gall collected at Coatham Dunes. I am unaware of any other published records of

this species attacking P. hypochoeridis galls of Cat's-ear.

Discussion

Most of my recording has been carried out within the south-east part of Northumberland (VC 67),

with only very occasional visits to County Durham (VC 66), North Northumberland (VC 68) and

North East Yorkshire (VC 62). This explains the concentration of the records in south-east

Northumberland. If my experience is representative, then it would seem that the galls, if sought,

would be widespread and fairly common throughout our region. It should be noted, however, that

even recently (Redfern, Shirley & Bloxham, 2000), it has been stated that P. hypochoeridis is rare

in Britain! Some of the best sites for the galls are on dunes and adjacent grasslands where the host

plant Cat's-ear has been left undisturbed for years, as at Coatham Dunes and North Blyth dunes.

Rearing the various inhabitants of galls can be an absorbing and informative pursuit. In the

present study, although only a few Cat's-ear galls were reared, several of the parasitoids obtained

have rarely, or never, been previously associated with the galls in Britain. Further studies are

needed to determine the possible interrelationships between the cynipid gall-inducer and the

various parasitoid species reared.

6

References

Askew, R.R. 1970. Observations on the hosts and host food plants of some

Pteromalidae (Hym.,Chalcidoidea). Entomophaga 15(4): 379-385.

Bagnall, R.S. 1916. Talks about plant galls III. Gall-wasps other than those

affecting oaks. The Vasculum 2(1):9-12.

Claridge, M.F. & Askew, R.R. 1960. Sibling species in the Eurytoma rosae,

group (Hym., Eurytomidae). Entomophaga 5(2):141-153.

Connold, E.T. 1901. British Vegetable Galls. An Introduction to Their Study.

Hutchinson & Co., London.

Ellis, H.A. 2002a. Cat’s-ear Hypochoeris radicata L. galled by Phanacis

hypochoeridis (Kieffer) (Hymenoptera:Cynipidae) in North-east England. The

Vasculum 87(1) :3-7.

Ellis, H.A. 2002b. Parasitoids (Hymenoptera:Chalcidoidea) of Phanacis

hypochoeridis (Kieffer) (Hymenoptera:Cynipidae) galls of Cat’s-ear (Hypochoeris

radicata L.) in North-east England. Cecidology 17(1):2-9.

Fitton, M.G., Graham, M.W.R.deV., Boucek, Z.R.J., Fergusson, N.D.M.,

Huddleston, T., Quinlan, J. & Richards, O.W. 1978. A Check List of British Insects.

Second Edition, Part 4: Hymenoptera Handbooks for the Identification of British

Insects Volume XI, (Part 4). Royal Entomological Society, London.

O'Connor, J.P., Nash, R. & Boucek, Z. 2000. A Catalogue of the Irish

Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera). Occasional Publication of the Irish Biogeographical

Society, Number 6, 1-135.

Redfern, M., Shirley, P. & Bloxham, M. 2000. Keys to Galls. Identification of

galls on plants and fungi in Britain (Test Version). Field Studies Council.

Acknowledgement

l wish to thank Dr R.R. Askew for the parasitoid determinations.

7

1. Gall

2. Gall

3. Gall section

4. Imago

Phanacis hypochoeridis (Kieffer) , Reproduced from Swanton E.W., British Plant Galls, 1912

8

Reproduced from Chinery M., Collins Guide to the Insects,1986

Officers and Council of the Union 2002

President

Mr. A. Legg

President Elect

Vice Presidents

Dr.H. Ellis, Dr. M. Birtle, G. Simpson, Dr. L. Davies, Dr. J. Turner, Mrs. J. Stobbs, Mrs G. Batey,

Messrs. N. Cook, D. Hall, M. Mann

Hon. General Secretary

Mr. C.L. Evans

Hon. Treasurer

C/o Durham Wildlife Trust

Hon. Editors

Dr. M Birtle

Dr. P. Gates

Hon. Field Secretary

Mr. L. Moore

Hon. Auditor

Dr E. Hinton-Clifton

LOCAL RECORDERS (recorders: please notify changes or additions to the editor)

Butterflies

B.R.C. recorder, Northumberland and Durham: Ian Waller, 42 College View, Delves Lane,

Consett, County Durham, DH8 7DB.

Moths

B.R.C. recorder, County Durham: Alan & Jeri Coates, Forest Lodge, Hamsterley Forest, Bishop

Auckland, County Durham. DL13 3NL.

B.R.C. recorder, Northumberland: Mr N. Cook, 31 Lyndhurst Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle upon

Tyne, NE2 3LJ.

Dragonflies

Northumberland: Harry Eales, 11 Ennerdale Terrace, Low Westwood. Co. Durham. NE 17 7PN.

Durham: Ian Waller, 42 College View, Delves Lane, Consett, County Durham, DH8 7DB

Birds

Durham Bird Club: Tony Armstrong, 39 Western Hill, Durham City, County Durham. DH1 4RJ

(tel. 386 1519).

Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club: Nick Rossiter, West Barn, Lee Grange, Ordley, Hexham.

NE46 1SX.

Amphibia and Reptiles

Refer records to: Graeme Skinner, c/o Durham Wildlife Trust, Rainton Meadows, Chilton Moor,

Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear,DH4 6PU

Mammals (general)

Northumberland: Mary Gough, c/o Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Garden House, St Nicholas

Park, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3XT. (tel. 0191 284 6884)

Durham: Kevin O'Hara, c/o Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Garden House, St Nicholas Park,

Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3XT. (tel. 0191 284 6884) email:

kevin.ohara@northwt.org.uk

Bats

Northumberland Bat Group: Ruth Hadden, East Farm Cottage, Ryal, Northumberland. NE20

0SA.

Durham Bat Group:Ian Bond, 105 Davison Rd., Darlington DL1 3DS (01325 264296)

Badgers (Badger groups may be contacted via the relevant Wildlife Trusts).

Plants

B.S.B.I. recorder (Durham): G.G. Graham, 3 The Willows, Bishop Auckland, County Durham,

DL14 7HH.

B.S.B.I. recorder (Northumberland): Professor G.A. Swan, 81 Wansdyke, Morpeth,

Northumberland. NE61 3QY.

Algae: Dr F.G. Hardy, Dept of Marine Sciences & Coastal management, Ridley Building,

University of Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU.

Spiders

Isobel Baldwin, British Arachnological Society Recorder,14 Murrayfield Drive, Brandon,

Durham, DH7 8TG.

Geological

Contact: S.G. McLean, The Hancock Museum, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne.NE2 4PT.