Record Highlights
Stigmus solskyi (Crabronidae)
Recorder: Chloe Aldridge
The second known record for Cheshire.
Bethylus fuscicornis (Bethylidae)
Recorder: Chloe Aldridge
Tiny parasitoid wasps of the family Bethylidae are among the least recorded aculeates in the region, so the identification of Bethylus fuscicornis is a particularly welcome addition to Cheshire records.
Members of this family parasitise the larvae of moths and beetles, often beneath bark or within concealed habitats. Although probably more widespread than records suggest, their small size means they are rarely encountered except through targeted survey work or specialist examination of specimens.
Enclisis alpicola (Ichneumonidae)
Recorder: Josh Boe (identified by Gavin Broad)
The discovery of Enclisis alpicola at Alvaston Hall constitutes a first record for Cheshire and, as far as currently known, the wider North West region.
Hemiptera (True Bugs)
Orthotylus bilineatus (Miridae)
Recorder: Keith Fowler
The mirid bug Orthotylus bilineatus was recorded at Alvaston Hall, the first Cheshire record since 1970, and possibly even earlier depending on interpretation of historical records.
Stenidiocerus poecilus (Cixiidae)
Recorder: Keith Fowler
This distinctive planthopper was recorded twice at Alvaston Hall, becoming a first record for both Cheshire and the wider Tanyptera recording area.
Macropsis graminea (Macropsidae)
Recorder: Keith Fowler
A first for Cheshire and the Tanyptera region.
Lesser Marsh Grasshopper Chorthippus albomarginatus (Acrididae)
Recorder: David Williams
The Lesser Marsh Grasshopper was recorded at Alvaston Hall, constituting only the second or third known Cheshire record.
This species is primarily associated with wetter grasslands and marshy habitats and remains very local in north-west England.
Drab Wood Soldierfly Solva marginata (Xylomyidae)
Recorder: Phil Brighton
Although known as the Drab Wood Soldierfly, the Alvaston Hall specimen showed striking lemon-yellow markings on the legs and body. Records remain exceptionally scarce in the North West, with only a handful known regionally, including an historic Cheshire record from Tatton Park and an unusual Liverpool record from indoors.
The larvae develop within decaying wood, particularly old poplars and other broad-leaved trees. The discovery at Alvaston Hall adds another important locality for a species that appears genuinely uncommon across the region.
Apsectrotanypus trifascipennis (Chironomidae)
Recorder: Phil Brighton
This non-biting midge represents a first record for VC58 and only the second known record for the North West region.