ferchaultella (Stephens, 1850) Dark-grey Virgin Smoke 



ferchautella. misspelling 

 Guernsey - 4 larvae and pupae taken from walls [date not given], R.S. McDonogh, 1941(7):202. 

 Jersey - series of larvae taken from trees [date not given], from the resulting adults 1 specimen had 14 antennal 



segments, 1 specimen with 13 segments and the remainder were 12 segmented, all other anatomical 



characters from the entire series were within the range of definition for this species, R.S. McDonogh, 



1941(7):202. 



Channel Islands - supported the opinion of R.S. McDonogh that this species occurs along with lapideila, I. Sims, 

 1999(12):23. 



Guernsey - cases taken in St. Martin, Saints Bay on Lepraria growing on rocks, 1 7. vi. 1 990 and hied through to 

 adults, D.J.L. Agassiz & J.R. Langmaid; R.A. Austin, 1991(22):737 {recorded as Luffia ferchautella 

 [sic]}. 



[Evidence suggests that over the British and continental distribution regions, an amount of local variation 

 exists in the biological behaviour and in the anatomical features of immature stages and adults for both 

 the bisexual lapideila and the parthenogenetic ferchaultella. Among the early 20th century English 

 entomologist's, opinions differed concerning the status of ferchaultella, it being generally thought that the 

 two 'species' should be regarded as conspecific. McDonogh (1941:197-198) cited three proposed opinions 

 regarding their relationship: 1. the bisexual lapideila continually produces temporary colonies of 

 pathenogenetic $$, while the bisexual form remains undiminished; 2. the bisexual form is producing 

 more permanent parthenogenetic colonies at the expense of itself, which may be destined to extinction; 3. 

 that the parthenogenetic form was produced as a result of one or a series of mutations, and has coexisted 

 ever since with its parent stock. McDonogh however, finally concluded that there were valid reasons for 

 regarding them as two species. Today, though it is accepted that infraspecific variation exists in the 

 biological behaviour and in the anatomical characters of immature stages and in adults for both lapideila 

 and ferchaultella, there exists within the accepted parameters of the range of specific characters, 

 sufficient diagnostic features to reasonably separate them as two defined species. Sims (1999: 24) 

 provided sound observations which suggest that there is a case for regarding ferchaultella as a form of 

 lapideila, but equally, that there are is also a range of characters providing sufficient evidence to regard 

 them as separate species. Sims concluded that the taxonomic status of these moths could not be based on 

 these observations alone, even though the evidence as a whole suggested support for speciation, it is 

 probable that the question may have to be resolved by the application of biochemical techniques, e.g. gel 

 electrophoresis and/or chromosomal studies]. 



PSYCHE Schrank, 1801 



FUMEA Haworth, 1812 



casta (Pallas, 1767) Shining Sweep 



nitidella (Hubner, 1793) 



intermediella; sensu Luff, 1909b 

 Jersey - listed by F.P. Johnson & F.G. Piquet, in, D.T. Ansted & R.G. Latham. 1862; & 1865: 228 {recorded as 



Fumea nitidella}; & W.A. Luff, 1909b(5):495 {recorded as Fuinea intermediella, Bid.}. 

 Jersey - cases were taken, 21-28.viii.1886, R.C.R. Jordan, 1888(25 ):50 {recorded as Fumea sp. [judging from 



other known records, the cases were most likely referable to Psyche casta] }. 

 Guernsey - 1 specimen bred from pupa found in Castel, Vazon, Grande Mare in 1898, W.A. Luff, 1899a(3):275 



{recorded as Fumea nitidella. Steph. }. 

 Alderney - cases taken, 4.vii. 1901 , W.A. Luff, 1902a(4):56; 1902b(4):66 {recorded as Fumea casta}. 

 Sark - 1 case seen in 1982, D.J.L. Agassiz; [pers. comm.]. 

 Herm - 1 case seen in 1982, D.J.L. Agassiz; [pers. comm.]. 



Guernsey - cases noted as generally common, 1 2- 1 9. vi. 1 990, D.J.L. Agassiz & J.R. Langmaid; [pers. comm.]. 

 Herm - cases noted as generally common, 13.vi.1990, D.J.L. Agassiz & J.R. Langmaid; [pers. comm.]. 

 Guernsey - 1 old case seen in Castel, Saumarez Park, 23.viii.1992 and several old cases in Castel, Cobo Road. 



27.viii.1992, R.J. Heckford; [pers. comm.], 

 Sark - larval cases seen at La Coupee and Port Gorey, 20. vi . 1 994 and on Eperquerie Common, 23.vi.1994, I.C. 



Beavis; [Societe Sercquiaise files]. 

 Herm - 1 case taken at Frenchman's Point. 21 . vii. 1995, M. & M. Shaffer; [BMNH). 

 Guernsey - 1 case taken in St. Pierre du Bois, Mt Herault, 28.vii.1995, M. & M. Shaffer; [BMNH]. 

 Sark - 1 case taken at La Coupee, 29.V.1996, S emerged 25.vi.1996, M. & M. Shaffer; [BMNH]. 

 Sark - 1 case taken at Le Vallon D'Or, l.vi.1996, S emerged 4.vii.l996, M. & M. Shaffer: [BMNH]. 

 Sark - 1 case taken on lichen at Eperquerie Common, , 15. v. 1997, M. & M. Shaffer; [BMNH]. 

 Guernsey - 1 case taken on Ivy, on cliffpath in St. Pierre du Bois, 17. v. 1997, M. & M. Shaffer; [BMNH]. 



150 



