BR. J. BNT. NAT. HIST., 7: 1994 t7 



Asieia elegantula Zett. (Astciidae) 



A single specimen of this rare species was swept from the overhanging bank of 

 a small stream near South Fearns (NG5835) on the Isle of Raasay, Inner Hebrides 

 on 8.vii. 1 991 . The partially dry stream bed comprised large water-worn stones 

 and pebbles, no doubt derived from the boulder clay through which the stream was 

 incised. The stream banks were approximately 2 feet high and vertical, with gentle 

 bracken-covered, landslipped slopes above. Chandler (1978) records the fly from 

 Moray, Ross and Herefordshire, the most recent being from Grantown-on-Spey in 

 1945. Irwin (1985) recently recorded it from Norfolk and Plant (1989) recorded it 

 from Essex. 



This species is given Red Data Book Status 2 in Falk (1991). The life history of 

 Asteia elegantula was described by Freidberg (1984) from observations in an Israeli 

 garden where the insect proved to be common. Freidberg does, however, state his 

 specimens may represent another species. 



Pseudopachychaeta heleocharis (Nartshuk) (Chloropidae) 



A female was swept on the south side of the main lagoon at Blackburn Meadows, 

 Sheffield, South Yorks (SK411918) on 31.vii.1991. The vegetation here includes 

 Phragmites, Glyceria, Typha, Eleocharis and Potentilla palustris (L.) Scop. Ismay 

 (1991) recently added this to the British fauna. 



Crumomyia pedestris (Meig.) (Sphaeroceridae) 



A female of this very distinct and infrequent brachypterous fly was taken in a pitfall 

 trap placed on the edge of Carex marsh by the River Ock, near Noah's Ark public 

 house, Abingdon, Oxon SU441960. The trap was in position for two weeks and was 

 emptied on 14.vii.1992. 



Neottiophilum praeustum (Meig.) (Neottiophilidae) 



A female was identified in material sent to me by John Mousley. This specimen 

 was swept along the River Babingley, Flitcham, Norfolk TF7326 on 19. v. 1992. The 

 larvae are parasites on nestling passerines; a list of hosts is given by Owen (1957). 

 Adults are rarely seen although Irwin (1987) recently recorded the species from Norfolk. 



Parydroptera discomyzina (Collin) (Ephydridae) 



A single male was found in a pitfall trap at Iwade Marshes, Iwade, Kent (TQ91 1690). 

 The trap was put down on the 26. vi. 1993 and the contents recovered on S.vii.1993. 

 The trap was placed in herb-rich grazing marsh. 



This species was originally described by Collin (1913) from Rye in Sussex and from 

 Southwold in Suffolk. Ismay (1980) has published details of further specimens taken 

 at Rye. I know of no other British records. The species is given Red Data Book 

 Status 2 in Falk (1991). 



Acknowledgements 



My thanks to Dr Martin Drake, Brian Eversham, John Mousley, Alan Stubbs and 

 Derek Whiteley for arranging field meetings and access, Peter Chandler and Dr John 

 Ismay for checking determinations or identifying specimens and John Mousley and 

 Derek Whiteley for material. 



