inse

Thanks to the efforts of three contributors, a total of twenty one new moth species were added to the local list. Five were found at or near Wheelton Plantation on 31st May (four of which were "micros"). The remainder were recorded at a site in Belmont where moth trapping is done on a regular basis.

Anthophila fabriciana
Glyphipteryx simpliciella	(the Cocksfoot Moth)
Teleiodes proximella
Cydia succedana

Water Carpet	Lamproteryx suffumata
Chevron	Eulithis testata
Autumn Green Carpet	Chloroclysta miata
Pine Carpet	Thera firmata
Grey Pine Carpet	Thera obiliscata
May Highflier	Hydriomena imluviata
Scallop Shell	Rheumaptera undulata
Sandy Carpet	Perizoma didymata
Annulet	Gnophos obscurata
Dark Sword-grass	Agrotis ipsilon
Northern Rustic	Standfussania lucernea
Black Rustic	Aporophyla nigra
Rufous Minor	Oligia versicolor
Lesser Common Rustic	Mesapamea didyma
Large Ear	Amphipoea lucens
Scarce Silver-lines	Bena bicolorana

Other than these new species, the two records of Hummingbirds Hawk Moths (Macroglossum stellatarum) were a highlight. Of interest also were the records of a Pale Brindled Beauty moth (Apocheima pilosaria) on 1st and 11th December (Chorley and Euxton). I believe these are the only December records we have ever had. The species normally appears in January and February.

Recorded between 8^th July and 22^nd August from a total of 11 sites. It still seems to be spreading its range and is certainly more often encountered than the Large Skipper. A maximum count of 11 insects was recorded at Burgh Tip on July 11^th.

After the poorest year ever in 1999, it is pleasing to report an increase in sightings of this once common species. It was reported on 12 occasions between 17th June and 30th July.

Between 17th August and 22nd September there were 6 records for this migrant. The maximum count was of 4 insects in flight at Adlington on 22^nd September.

Only 4 records this year, each from a different site. This was the 3rd consecutive year that we have had the species recorded locally.

Widely distributed and represented by many records. It was present until the 8th of October.

As widespread but perhaps less frequently recorded than the previous species. It flew during April and May, then again from mid June until 19th September.

The two generations were well identified. The first between 1st and 30th May and the second from 7th July until the 4th of September. It was seen throughout the area, with large numbers at Withnell and Ollerton Bridge in July.

The flight time of 24th April until the 7th of June was much more typical than 1999, when first and last dates were exceptionally early. It is a well established local species found in all parts of the area.

Found in its usual sites at the edge of our moorland between 1st and 31st of May. We often have records of odd single insects far away from the main colonies, but not this year.

A first for the area. A single male was found dead near Common Bank Industrial Estate at the beginning of August. Another record was received from a member's garden, which unfortunately lies just 200 yards outside our area, but it proves the species occurs locally. As the habit of this species is to spend much of its time in the top branches of oak trees, it is quite possible that it has been overlooked previously. Indeed, I had an unconfirmed verbal report of the species during 1999. Needless to say, further reports will be welcomed.

Found in reasonable numbers in 2000. The species flew between 22^nd July and 28^th September with a maximum count of 10 insects at Hoghton on 14^th September.

The seven records this year - from 7 different sites - was about as good a year as we have had for some time. 11 insects were counted at Ellerbeck on 19^th June, the total flight period being 17^th May until 29^th August.

Whilst no more than 2 insects were reported at any site, the species was seen from Hoghton to Rivington and White Coppice to Eccleston - a pretty wide spread! It flew from early May and then again between 26th July and 29th August.

As usual, I received more records of this species than of any other. It was frequent between 13^th June and 29^th October with large numbers reported at sites in Rivington, Brinscall and Withnell.

2000 was a much better year for this migrant. It was seen only 4 times in June but from 8th August until 17th October it appeared in most parts of the area. As many as 7 were seen together at Belmont on 4^th September.

Another poor year for what used to be a much commoner species. It was infrequent in the spring with only a handful of records in April and May. From 19th July until 19th October it occurred throughout the area but never in great numbers.

As has been the case for a few years now, this species was the commonest Vanessid in spring. It was seen quite frequently between its appearance on 18th March until mid June. Its summer generation was in flight from 22nd July until the 13th of October. Large numbers were reported near Dean Wood, Rivington, and at Belmont during August.

A couple of appearance during spring (19^th April at Belmont and 30th April at Rivington) suggested it might not be a good year for the species. However, the summer generation did us much better. From 11th July until 27th October it was recorded at many sites. I notice that we received no records from west of Euxton. It seems unlikely that it does not visit the gardens of Croston, Eccleston and Mawdesley. Records would be welcome.

In total, records were received from 29 different sites representing most parts of the area. Up to 10 insects at a time were reported. Its continued expansion is very pleasing. The flight time was 8^th May (Birkacre) until 13^th October (Rivington).

The spring generation was on the wing between 21st May and 18th June. The late generation was much more often reported as is usual for this species. Its flight period was 22^nd July until 25^th September.

The species is well spread in the area but oddly no longer reported to the west of the area, which was once its stronghold. I feel this is more likely to be a lack of recorders rather than a lack of insects! Records were received between 30th June and 28th August. The largest numbers (over 100) were reported from Birkacre on 30^th July.

Reported from 17th June throughout the summer until 28th August. It is common especially to the east of the area. Highest numbers were from Belmont (200+ on 20^th July) with good numbers again from Birkacre and Burgh Tip.

After the worst year ever last year (1 record only) the four records in 2000 should be a cause for celebration!. It is found to the east of the area in June and July and I would be very grateful for more records of this one.

There were no new species added to the local list this year. The main points of interest were the records relating to the Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator) and the Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa) at Cuerden Park. This is the second year of good records for these species which hopefully will now be firmly established.

Records for Cuerden Park between 16th June and 30th July. 11 records in total with good numbers reported..

7 records this year. 5 from Cuerden between 12th July and 4th September, a record of breeding at Belmont on 12^th August, plus a single record from Healey Nab on 13th August.

Disappointingly only recorded at 3 sites (Belmont, Cuerden and Euxton) between 10th June and 4th September

Just three recorded this year. The first from Withnell on 6th August, the other two from Brinscall in September.

Recorded throughout the area as usual. First date 7th July and last 21st September.

Seen at the ponds in Cuerden between 7th and 19th July, and present at Belmont on 29^th and 30^th July.

After two blank years, it was pleasing to receive a record from Limbrick on 13th June

Only seen at three sites in 2000. 22nd August to 29th September. 100+ recorded at Belmont on 3^rd September.

12 sites from 19th July until 17th October. As many as 10 insects were recorded at Rivington on 23rd August.

My thanks as always to the following members and friends who have contributed records used in compiling this report. My apologies to anyone I may have missed:

D.Barker, D.Beattie, S.Booth, J.Burgoine, C.Derbyshire, D.Downing, P.Grundy, R.Hoyle, C.Johnson, C.Kellett, P.Leather, D.Lumb, S.Martin, A.Porter, R.Rhodes, J.Riley, C.Smith, N.Southworth, D.Tucker, D.Weir, N.West, and J.Whiteside.