Invertebrate Notes September 2026

Hymenoptera (Bees, Wasps, Ants & Sawflies)

Small Scabious Mining Bee Andrena marginata (Andrenidae)

Recorder: John Wright
Date: 6 September 2026
Site: Delph Pasture, Cheshire (VC58)

This specialist bee is closely associated with scabious-rich habitats and has undergone substantial declines across much of Britain. The only known other North West site is Woolfall Heath, Merseyside, where it was recorded in 2017.

Small Scabious Aleiodes angustipterus (Braconidae)

Recorder: Simon Von Toller
Date: 13 September 2026
Site: Wybunbury Moss NNR, Cheshire (VC58)

This parasitoid braconid wasp was recorded for the first time in the North West region. Species of Aleiodes are internal parasitoids of moth caterpillars, eventually mummifying their hosts.

Andricus quercusradicis (Cynipidae)

Recorder: Simon Von Toller
Date: 3 September 2026
Site: Wybunbury Moss NNR, Cheshire (VC58)

A first for Cheshire (VC58). This species of oak gall wasp induces characteristic galls on the roots of oak trees, meaning it is often overlooked compared with more conspicuous oak galls found on leaves and twigs.

Andricus sieboldi (Cynipidae)

Recorder: Simon Von Toller
Date: 3 September 2026
Site: Wybunbury Moss NNR, Cheshire (VC58)

A first record for the North West region (VC58, VC59 and VC60). This species forms distinctive galls on oak and has expanded its known British distribution in recent decades.

Nematinus fuscipennis (Tenthredinidae)

Recorder: Nicola Garnham
Date: 13 September 2026
Site: Arkholme, Lancashire (VC60)

Larvae feed on Alder. A first for VC60.

Blattodea (Cockroaches)

Tawny Cockroach Ectobius pallidus (Blattellidae)

Recorder: Phil Smith
Date: 24 September 2026
Site: Hightown Dunes, Merseyside (VC59)

A nymph and adult Tawny Cockroach were found within a small stand of oaks at Hightown Dunes. This population was first discovered by Tony Hunter in 2020 and was subsequently relocated during a 2025 Tanyptera Recording Day. Ectobius pallidus remains a distinctly local species in the North West and is far removed from its stronghold in south-east England. The continued presence of both adults and immature stages confirms that the population remains established. Currently graded Nationally Scarce.

Dusky Cockroach Ectobius lapponicus (Blattellidae)

Recorder: Gareth Wilson
Date: 20 September 2026
Site: Chorley, Lancashire (VC59)

This attractive woodland cockroach was recorded for the first time in the North West region. Ectobius lapponicus is more frequently encountered in the south and appears genuinely scarce in north-west England. Currently graded Nationally Scarce. As with other members of the genus, it is a harmless outdoor species associated with vegetation and leaf litter. This record may indicate either an overlooked population or a continuing expansion in range.

Hemiptera (True Bugs)

Dicyphus escalerae (Miridae)

Recorder: Peter Brash
Date: 13 September 2026
Site: Liverpool, Merseyside (VC59)

A first record for the North West. A species that has increased its British distribution in recent years, it is often associated with ornamental plantings and urban environments.

Acompocoris alpinus (Anthocoridae)

Recorder: Peter Brash
Date: 3 September 2026
Site: Etihad Campus, Manchester (VC59)

Recorded for the first time in South Lancashire, Acompocoris alpinus is a small predatory bug associated with conifers.

Cardiastethus fasciiventris (Anthocoridae)

Recorder: Peter Brash
Date: 3 September 2026
Site: Etihad Campus, Manchester (VC59)

This minute predatory bug was previously known from only a single South Lancashire record, made in 2024.

Lygus gemellatus (Miridae)

Recorder: Jordan-Jack Williams
Date: 25 September 2026
Site: Ainsdale, Lancashire (VC59)

This plant bug was recorded for the first time in the North West region. Species of Lygus can be challenging to identify, making regional additions particularly valuable. Its occurrence at Ainsdale adds another specialist coastal record from a dune system that continues to support nationally important invertebrate assemblages.

Bay Sucker Trioza alacris (Triozidae)

Recorder: Dave Higginson-Tranter
Date: 27 September 2026
Site: Lytham Hall, Lancashire (VC60)

This psyllid, or jumping plant louse, was found for the first time in VC60. It is associated with bay trees (Laurus nobilis), producing characteristic leaf distortion and rolling.

Aphid discoveries

Hairy Willowherb Aphid Aphis praeterita (Aphididae)

Recorder: Chris Hynes (identified by James Emerson)
Date: 28 September 2026
Site: Dairy House Meadows, Cheshire (VC58)

Recorded for the first time in the North West region.

Hornbeam Aphid Myzocallis carpini (Aphididae)

Recorder: Chris Hynes
Date: 24 September 2026
Site: Marbury Country Park, Cheshire (VC58)

A new species for VC58. As its name suggests, this aphid is closely associated with hornbeam and may previously have been overlooked where its host occurs.

Uroleucon tussilaginis (Aphididae)

Recorder: Chris Hynes
Date: 22 September 2026
Site: Marbury Country Park, Cheshire (VC58)

The first record for the North West region, adding another specialist aphid to the regional list.

Chaitophorus leucomelas (Aphididae)

Recorder: Chris Hynes
Date: 20 September 2026
Site: Northwich Flashes, Cheshire (VC58)

New to the North West region and associated with poplars.

Chaitophorus salicti (Aphididae)

Recorder: Chris Hynes
Date: 18 September 2026
Site: Ashtons Flash, Cheshire (VC58)

Another regional first, this species being associated with willows.

Tinocallis takachihoensis (Aphididae)

Recorder: Chris Hynes
Date: 17 September 2026
Site: Marbury Country Park, Cheshire (VC58)

A non-native species associated with elm, recorded for the first time in the North West.

Capitophorus similis (Aphididae)

Recorder: Chris Hynes
Date: 14 September 2026
Site: Marbury Country Park, Cheshire (VC58)

A further regional addition from Marbury Country Park.

Capitophorus inulae (Aphididae)

Recorder: Chris Hynes
Date: 11 September 2026
Site: Ashtons Flash, Cheshire (VC58)

The first North West record of this species.

Myzocallis walshii (Aphididae)

Recorder: Chris Hynes
Date: 8 September 2026
Site: Marbury Country Park, Cheshire (VC58)

Another first for the North West region, demonstrating the value of detailed host plant-focused survey work.

Coleoptera (Beetles)

Poplar Ladybird Oenopia conglobata (Coccinellidae)

Recorder: Tim Douglas
Date: 27 September 2026
Site: Hazel Grove, Greater Manchester (VC59)

Recorded for the first time in the North West.

Larch Longhorn Beetle Tetropium gabrieli (Cerambycidae)

Recorder: Tony Hunter
Date: 27 September 2026
Site: Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire (VC59)

This longhorn beetle was recorded for the first time in VC59. The species is associated with conifers, particularly larch, where larvae develop beneath the bark of stressed or recently dead trees. Records remain relatively scarce in the North West, making this a noteworthy addition to the county fauna.

Philonthus spinipes (Staphylinidae)

Recorder: Nicola Garnham (determined by Clive Washington)
Date: 3 September 2026
Site: Arkholme, Lancashire (VC60)

This rove beetle was recorded for the first time in VC60.

Diptera (True Flies)

Acletoxenus formosus (Drosophilidae)

Recorder: Simon Springate
Date: 26 September 2026
Site: Linney’s Bridge, Cheshire (VC58)

This unusual fly with large red eyes was recorded for the first time in Cheshire. The species is particularly interesting because its larvae are predators of whitefly, an unusual lifestyle within a family better known for species associated with decaying fruit and vegetation.

Obolodiplosis robiniae (Cecidomyiidae)

Recorder: Dave Higginson-Tranter
Date: 27 September 2026
Site: Lytham Hall, Lancashire (VC60)

This gall midge, associated with False Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), was recorded for the first time in VC60. The species produces distinctive rolled leaf galls that are often easier to find than the insects themselves.

Araneae (Spiders)

Micaria pulicaria sensu stricto (Gnaphosidae)

Recorder: Jonathan Daws
Date: 7 September 2026
Site: The Parade, Parkgate, Cheshire (VC58)

This ant-mimicking ground spider was recorded for the first time in Cheshire. Species of Micaria are fast-moving hunters, often found on open ground where their resemblance to ants may provide protection from predators.