Moths, Beetles and Waxwing

Thursday, November 15th 2012

After a mild night several moths were waiting in the light trap as we arrived at Foxglove. Five species in all were seen this morning, including The Sprawler, Mottled and Scarce Umber.

Scarce Umber

Scarce Umber, despite its name, is a resident and common species found most abundantly in the south of England though well distributed through the country to lowland Scotland. The example seen here is a male; the female is flightless and dark brown, with obvious wing stumps usually with two dark bands on each.

Mottled Umber

Mottled Umber was also found and is recognisable by the inner and outer cross bands on the wing with a central dark spot. The female of this species is flightless too, with minute wings barely visible to the naked eye.

The Sprawler

The Sprawler is unmistakable, with its stout furry thorax, streaky pattern and late flight period between October and December.

Dor Beetle

While clearing the moorland path Colin came across this Dor Beetle, the underside of which is a beautiful metallic green. These beetles are found mainly on cow dung, where they dig shafts below to bury the dung for breeding.

Another notable sighting was Waxwing feeding on berries over the past couple of days.

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Wednesday 10th August 2022 | Various sessions throughout the day - starting on the hour

Come along and find out which minibeasts are living in some of the habitats at Foxglove. Book a minibeast session for your family bubble. There will be a socially distanced brief to set you off and then you can use the equipment for the remainder of the session. You will be requested to use hand gel on arrival and the equipment will be cleaned between sessions. Please call the Reserve Managers on 07754 270980 to book your allocated slot. You are advised to arrive 15 minutes before your allocated time.

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Wednesday 17th August 2022 | Various sessions throughout the day - starting on the hour

Come along and find out which minibeasts are living in some of the habitats at Foxglove. Book a minibeast session for your family bubble. There will be a socially distanced brief to set you off and then you can use the equipment for the remainder of the session. You will be requested to use hand gel on arrival and the equipment will be cleaned between sessions.

Please call the Reserve Managers on 07754 270980 to book your allocated slot. You are advised to arrive 15 minutes before your allocated time.

A donation in advance (card payment by phone) of £5 per family bubble is required in order to secure your booking.

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