A note from Colin W Plant about the revival of the Lacewing Project

The British Isles national recording scheme for lacewings and allied insects (Neuroptera, Megaloptera, Raphidioptera and Mecoptera) has been conspicuous by its inactivity over the last twenty years – a fact that is entirely the fault of myself, as scheme organiser/national recorder.

This is about to change, however, as the scheme is being relaunched as of now. I very much welcome material for identification and/or confirmation. In particular, operators of light traps are encouraged to save the lacewings, alderflies, snakeflies and scorpion flies that enter their traps. All of them – there are several near identical species amongst both the greens and the browns. I also want casually collected material away from light traps. There are over 70 species to find! Specimens may be pinned, papered, preserved in alcohol or simply stored dry in tubes. Dated, nightly samples would be the absolute ideal, but pooled, weekly samples are better than nothing. I will supply lists to all contributors, but note that the default position is that I will keep or discard specimens unless directed to return them.

We also aim to revitalise the website (http://lacewings.myspecies.info) and the newsletter Neuro News, with a first edition appearing this autumn. The newsletter will be edited by James Jepson, who is based in Manchester. Please send contributions for the newsletter to him, preferably by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by post to Dr James E. Jepson, Editor, Neuro News, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Williamson Building, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL. Specimens should be sent to myself: Colin W. Plant, 14 West Road, Bishops Stortford, Herts, CM23 3QP.

All Records should be sent to our County Recorder: Stewart Irons at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.