Dahlica triquetrella is currently rarer than both Dahlica lichenella and Dahlica inconspicuella and the only other known site in Nottinghamshire is the flood wall at Attenborough NR, where it was discovered new to the county by Richard Rogers, back in 2012.

Although the larvae of all three Dahlicas produce very similar cases, those of Dahlica triquetrella are slightly larger (6mm-10mm) and covered with various insect fragments at the front end. If anything, Dahlica triquetrella cases are more similar to those of Diplodoma laichartingella, but less obviously triangular in cross section.

Published at the end of October, this first Atlas of Nottinghamshire Harvestmen, brings together most recent records into a single document.

The recent increase in recording Harvestmen, means that it has been long overdue. The publication aims to provide an up to date and accurate modern day Atlas of species, including short accounts on range, distribution and habitat of Nottinghamshire's Opilione (Harvestmen) fauna.

There are currently around 30 known species of Harvestmen found in the UK, following some recent additions. Of these, some 21 species have been reliably recorded in Nottinghamshire since the turn of the present century.

Only two species (Lacinius ephippiatus and Paroligolophus meadii) are not illustrated, but their corresponding distribution maps are provided, based on records made available to us.

Despite the near certainty of at least two species of Woodlouse being present in every single square kilometer of the county, the recording of these particularly common and easily accessible invertebrates in Nottinghamshire has always been limited.

Even when the great Victorian naturalists were at their peak, collecting and recording our local invertebrate fauna over a century ago, virtually none of them seemed to have any real interest in Woodlice and there were just eight species on the Nottinghamshire list by the turn of this century.

This first revision continues to produce up to date distribution maps of all the Woodlice recorded in the county over recent years and includes data for Porcellio spinicornis, found for the first time in 2015.

Thanks to Tony Barber of the British Myriapod and Isopod Group, it has recently been possible for us to produce and publish, a long overdue modern atlas of Nottinghamshire Centipedes.

Records sent to us by the BMIG, coupled with our own records, means that we actually have a good picture of species distribution within Nottinghamshire and probably much better than many other Midland counties.

This second revision includes the species account and distribution map for Cryptops anomalans, recently found for the first time in Nottinghamshire, plus a complete update of all distribution maps.

In late September, we found specimens of the attractively marked/coloured Ground Beetle Chlaenius vestitus, at the former sand quarry at Market Warsop.

The four specimens were located underneath a flattened lager can, at the side of a small, semi-permanent flood pool, frequently driven through by off-road vehicles. The same location also prodiced Amara fulva, earlier in the year, another beetle of washed sand habitat.

Despite being described as widescpread in southern counties of the UK, and with records as far north as Yorkshire, the majority of records fall in a line just south of Nottingham, running in a line from The Wash to the Severn Estuary. Chlaenius vestitus is not a common beetle in Nottinghamshire. The few known sites are in the Trent Valley.

In early 2015, Attenborough Nature Reserve's Reserve Manager Tim Sexton found and photographed an Empicoris sp, which was later identified as being Empicoris culiciformis and the first ever record for the county.

There are just three species of Empicoris in the UK, with Empicoris vagabundus being the most common. Empicoris culiciformis is extremely uncommon in the UK, with records scattered across the middle of the country and with none previously reported from Nottinghamshire.

Peak dates so far have been from September 7th to 13th, but another wave of moths began to appear from September 18th.

We recorded numerous different individual Hummingbird Hawk-moths, which could be identified through a combination of wear, size and markings via photographs. Numbers peaked with five on September 10th and four on September 11th. The total number of recorded visits for each day was 23 and 20 respectively.

We were able to devote virtually complete coverage on September 10th, 11th and later September 19th, to the moths visiting the Valerian growing in our Market Warsop garden. This enabled us to gather some interesting data on the duration of visits by feeding moths.

On the morning of September 19th, M2 appeared on the rear wall of the house and remained for over an hour (from 09:00h - 10:18h) before flying down to feed for four minutes at 10:19h. It left and was not seen for the rest of the day and presumed gone.

M1 arrived to feed at 10:05h for four minutes, before returning at 10:24h for a further four minutes. It then developed a pattern of feeding/resting for the rest of the day. At one point it rested on the rear wall of 16 Day Street, then later rested on the fence of 12 Day Street.

It is hoped that Hummingbird Hawk-moths migration continues throughout September and that additional feeding data can be obtained.

2015 seems to have been a good year for the rare and distinctively marked migrant Calliphorid Stomorhina lunata, with a number of UK records.

Stomorhina lunata specialises in predating the eggs of Locusts. Of African origin, it has been widely recorded in many counties of the UK during 2015, including both male and female, found and photographed by Pauline Bradford at her home in Langold on September 20th 2015.

It is unknown whether there are any previous Nottinghamshire records.

Our first visit of 2015 took place on August 2nd, which was a week earlier than in 2014. A total of 217 Leiobunum sp.A were counted, with many still immature, although there were already a few mature males present. Once again, the main aggregations were located in exactly the same positions on the Priory walls, as recorded in previous years.

Our second visit took place on August 15th. A total count of 212 was made, with groups in similar positions and there was an increase in the numbers of small groups. One usually guaranteed aggregation under an arch on the eastern-end of the Priory had disappeared.

We returned to Worksop again on September 4th, noting changes to the distribution of Leiobunum sp.A on the north side of the Priory and actually finding very few to be present. Most were found on the warmer southern walls, probably moving as a result of the recent spell of cold northerly winds.

On September 14th, we returned with wildlife cameraman James Dunbar to conduct another count. On arrival we immediately checked the first aggregation, which only a few weeks ago had held approximately 90 individuals. With the division of this aggregation noted on our previous visit, we noted a further reduction in numbers and after checking all the southern walls of the Priory, concluded that many Leiobunum had dispersed further afield, including one group which had aggregated on the north side of a large tomb.

No Leiobunum were found to be present on the Priory's eastern side and there were very few recorded along the northern side. Clearly there was a large reduction in numbers and possibly a more widespread dispersal away from the Priory. A total of 116 Leiobunum sp were found on the Priory and another 28 on an adjacent building, which had reduced in number from 54 on our previous visit.

We continue to be convinced that there are other sites in Worksop for Leiobunum sp.A, but have had no success so far. The housing estate where we first recorded this Harvestman back in 2009, was also surveyed again.

The Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) has continued to find former Colliery sites in north Nottinghamshire, very much to their liking. But on a recent visit to the former Manton Colliery (now Manton Pit Wood) we were stunned at the vast numbers of beetles present.

Our most conservative estimate was of 2,500 beetles, but we believe this to be very much an under-estimate. Virtually every Alder present, held good numbers, including young sucker growth. The beetles were also recorded on both Birch and Goat Sallow.

Entomologists Keith and Belinda Lugg, visiting Worksop Priory to see the large Harvestman Leiobunum sp, also discovered Nottinghamshire's first record of the nationally scarce (Nb) Centipede Cryptops anomalans, in the grounds of Worksop Priory on August 22nd 2015.

The record provides a welcome addition to the county's species list and is a species we have personally searched for on a number of occasions.

Mainly a coastal species of south-eastern parts of the UK, Platytes alpinella does occasionally turn up inland and has been recorded just outside Nottinghamshire, in both Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire (at Rossington in 1997 and West Melton in 1999). Derbyshire's first record was from near Chesterfield in 1990.

Phil and Ian recorded their first Platytes alpinella, at a Robinson 125MV light run at Chainbridge Meadows August 11th 2015 and have since recorded a second moth from nearby Neatholme Lane on August 20th.

Both locations form part of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust's Idle Valley NR.

An hour spent netting moths on a section of the former Warsop Main Colliery on August 17th, provided what proved to be a Nottinghamshire first, when an adult Isophrictis striatella (Gelechiidae) was found nectaring on the flowerheds of Tansy.

This moth is mostly restricted to the south-east of the UK, but is occasionally found at isolated sites further north. At the time of writing (August 2015) the current status of this moth in Nottinghamshire has been researched and the county micromoth recorder Dave Budworth, has confirmed that there are no records for both Nottinghamshire and neighbouring Derbyshire. However, another search a few evenings later, proved that Isophrictis striatella is well established on site and is likely to be present at many Nottinghamshire sites.

At the beginning of July and coinciding with a period of very hot weather, a Scarlet Tiger (Callimorpha dominula) was trapped at MV light by David Yates in his Southwell garden.

The county recorder has confirmed that there are no previous Nottinghamshire records, but raised the possibility that the moth could have been captive bred and released. However, in view of the genuine migration which occurred around the capture date, this is almost certainly a genuine wild record.

A potential first Nottinghamshire record of the attractive, green Leaf Beetle Chrysomela aenea, has been recorded on the site of the former Warsop Main Colliery.

With no records (recent or otherwise) showing on the NBN Gateway, the chance find of a single adult climbing towards the top of a small Alder in late June 2015, may well be the first Nottinghamshire record. Chrysomela aenea appears to be widespread over much of the north-west UK, so may well be increasing its south-easterly range, in much the same way as Agelastica alni (the Alder Leaf Beetle) has done in the past few years.

We recently recieved news of a another Bordered Straw, trapped at MV light in Bestwood village by Sean Tobin on June 25th. More are clearly on the way later this Summer.

June ended with us recording our highest ever June total of over 100 Silver Y's. Most were recorded either nectaring at Valerian or trapped at MV light in our garden at Market Warsop. Hummingbird Hawk-moths also provided a record June count, with 15 different individuals recorded on Valerian at Market Warsop between 8th and 18th.

Other migrants recorded, included Rush Veneers at Langar (9th) Market Warsop (16th) and Lound Wood, near Eakring (19th), with Plutella xylostella recorded on both 19th and 25th.

A small Argyresthia species, attracted to MV light operated in our Market Warsop garden on June 13th 2015, turned out to be Argyresthia cupressella and a new moth for Nottinghamshire. Confirmation later came from the county recorder Dave Budworth.

Originally a North American species, Argyresthia cupressella is found in the UK after being introduced here via the horticultural trade. It was first recorded in Suffolk as recently as 1997 and there are records as far west as Wales, but very few from Midland counties. Despite the lack of records, this moth is probably widespread in many urban and suburban areas of Nottinghamshire. A second specimen was trapped on June 17th.

It looks as though 2015 might be a classic year for migrant moths, following a string of early arrivals in the south of the UK. Bordered Straw (Heliothis peltigera) has arrived early in good numbers and has already been recorded from several light traps operated in the Midlands.

Good numbers of Silver-striped Hawk-moth (Hippotion celerio) have also reached the UK and this is another moth likely to occur in Nottinghamshire for the first time in many years, later this Summer or Autumn.

So far though, 2015 has been poor for migrant moths locally and we have not recorded any migrants at all this year to date (May 31st) and even regular moths such as Silver Y and Plutella xylostella, have failed to turn up at the MV light operated from our Market Warsop home, as of the end of May.

We recently conducted several Grizzled Skipper surveys at a brownfield site near Langar in the south of Nottinghamshire. The survey also produced casual records of a number of notable county invertebrate species, including the Lygaeid Bug Eremocoris podagricus, Sehirus luctuosus (Forget-me-not Shieldbug) and Oedemera nobilis (Swollen-thighed Beetle).

Usually found within the vicinity of Forget-me-not (Myosotis arvensis), Sehirus luctuosus is a ground living Shieldbug and is a difficult species to locate, spending the day low down underneath vegetation. Presently classed as rare in Nottinghamshire, as far as we are aware, we found the county's only other record at Warsop Main Pit Top in May 2007.

Oedemera nobilis is more commonly known as the Swollen-thighed Beetle and for obvious reasons. A recent Nottinghamshire colonist, this beetle has been spreading north through the UK and is known from at least two Trent Valley sites. It must now be quite common in south Nottinghamshire and is an easy species to record. The adults are regular visitors to flowers (especially Ox-eye Daisy) and are conspicuous by their quite large size and metallic green colouration.

Often known as the Spitting Spider, due to its method of catching prey items, Scytodes thoracica is a spider of the southern half of the UK. It is found in heated buildings and houses, in which it wanders during the night. Females mesure 4-6mm in length, with the males slightly smaller.

In Nottinghamshire, Scytodes thoracica certainly seems to be rare or just under-recorded and we know of just one previous record from somewhere in south-west Nottingham (via the Spider Recording Scheme website) but have no details or actual site.

Our thanks go to Tim for kindly providing us with this excellent photograph.

On April 18th, we decided that we would try for this moth on Budby South Forest and within half an hour, had swept two small larval cases from the Heather.

The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire county micromoth recorder Dave Budworth reports that "it looks to be a first for Notts". He notes that J.W. Carr does not mention the species, although there could well be a later record lurking somewhere. MOGBI shows a record from Notts but this may be difficult to trace.

On checking the Derbyshire records, Dave was surprised to find very few, with only one for last century from the Goyt Valley in 1956 by the late Hugh Michaelis. He says, "there are a group of more recent Derbyshire records, but these are again all along the western moorland border of the county.

Adrian Dutton reports that he recently recorded a possible third county record of the attractive Pogonocherus hispidus, swept from low vegetation at a site between Shelford and Radcliffe on Trent, on April 14th 2015.

In our recently published 'The current status and distribution of Nottinghamshire Longhorn Beetles' (available via the downloads page), we state that there are just two previous Nottinghamshire records. It was recorded from Bunny Old Wood (no recorder given) in 2000 and more recently from the Nottingham Trent University's Brackenhurst Campus, near Southwell in 2014 (Heeney, W.).

A general increase in interest in recording Nottinghamshire's invertebrate fauna, is continuing to see new species being recorded in the county for the first time. Tim Sexton is leading the wa in the south of the county, recently discovering Box Bug (Gonocerus acuteangulatus) at Attenborough NR in April.

Formerly recorded as an RDB1 species and only from Box Hill in Surrey, Box Bug has rapidly increased it's range to cover large parts of the south-eastern UK.

It reached Leicestershire for the first time in 2014, so its occurrence in Nottinghamshire was to be expected. Now found on a variety of trees and shrubs, Tim found and photographed this individual on Cherry. More records should follow in the coming years.

We recently received news of another Nottinghamshire record of Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) from the former Shireoaks Pit Top in the north-west of the county.

Cliff Toplis recorded this large and attractive leaf beetle on April 6th 2015, providing Nottinghamshire with a quick third record, following records from Dyscarr Wood in June 2014 (Pauline Bradford) and Warsop Main Pit Top by ourselves in September 2014.

Geophilus carpophagus has frequently been confused with Geophilus easoni in the past, and only recently have the two been considered to be separate species (Arthur, et al 2001).

There is a previous Nottinghamshire record from Bunny Old Wood, but the recorder is unknown and Geophilus carpophagus is not a woodland species, favouring more urban locations where it can be found under loose mortar and brickwork on the walls of buildings etc.

Two specimens were found underneath loose mortar on the walls of Sookholme Church in April 2015 and represent the first confirmed record of this Centipede in Nottinghamshire.

While conducting further searches for Bristly Millipede (Polyxenus lagurus) on Edwinstowe and Cuckney Churches, we discovered the distinctive Woodlouse Porcellio spinicornis, underneath loose mortar. Others were found, but all were considerably smaller than this adult.

There seems to be just one previous Nottinghamshire record, of what should be a common species of buildings and stone walls etc, found listed on the NBN Gateway from West Bridgford in 1975.

Whist searching for Bristly Millipedes on an old stone wall at Church Warsop, three unidentified Millipedes were found underneath loose mortar. Later examination, proved that they were Choneiulus palmatus, which had not been recorded in Nottinghamshire previously, but has been recorded in neighbouring Leicestershire and Rutland.

As with most Myriapods, this is a difficult Millipede to identify to species level and Choneiulus palmatus is impossible to separate from Proteroiulus fuscus and Nopoiulus kochii, without the aid of a microscope. It seems very much a Millipede of buildings and urban sites, but this was still a surprise find and a first county record.

On March 27th, we decided to check the walls of our local Parish Church for invertebrates. One of our target species this year, is the Bristly Millipede (Polyxenus lagurus), which has been found to be common on the walls of many Leicestershire and Rutland Churches, but Nottinghamshire records are rare.

On one small peice of mortar were five Bristly Millipedes of varying sizes, with the smallest being approximately 1mm long. They move quite quickly, so proved a little difficult to photograph, but they eventually settled down.

At the time, we thought this was the first Nottinghamshire record for just over a century, but it has turned out that there are two previous records for Attenborough NR, tracked down on the NBN Gateway. We're sure that we had checked before compiling our recent publication "An Atlas of Nottinghamshire Millipedes" a few months ago.

Dave McGeever recently sent us a record of Juniper Shieldbug (Cyphostethus tristriatus) found on a fence in his Ravenshead garden on March 21st 2015, which seems to be only the fifth county record to date.

Although Juniper Shieldbug still seems to be a rare Shieldbug in Nottinghamshire (based purely on the current lack of records) this distinctive species has spread north through the UK, over the past number of years and must certainly be in all Nottinghamshire towns by now.

Saying that, it did take us nearly ten years to find, eventually turning up in Mansfield, where we found numerous nymphs on Lawson's Cypress.

Warm sunny weather produced an unusually early Red Admiral record, when an adult was recorded on the walls of our Market Warsop house on February 18th.

Our earliest-ever first date for Red Admiral, is of an adult seen flying across the road near Tug Bridge Farm, Eakring on February 9th 2008.

In early January 2015, we discovered an immediately different looking Millipede, to any which we had recorded before. It was found under an old piece of carpet, dumped along a former railway line, which used to access the Clipstone Colliery.

Just its very habit, was enough to make us suspect that it was something different, so we took many photographs while on site, but took it home to try and get photographs of better quality and in better natural light.

Thankfully, photographs took at the time, plus those on return home, were enough to help us realise that this was indeed an interesting find and certainly a Millipede at least new to us. It measured approximately 13mm and the resulting photographs enabled us to key it out as a Chordeuma species, of which there are two in the UK.

Both Chordeuma sylvestre (C.L.Koch, 1847) and Chordeuma proximum (Ribaut, 1913) are known to have strong south-westerly distributions in the UK and are visually identical, but the most likely species based on its wider UK range alone would be Chordeuma proximum.