Hints of Autumn

Wednesday, September 4th 2013

The end of the summer means the start of Autumn habitat management on the reserve. Now that the wildflower meadows have finished providing nectar for the invertebrates the remaining grasses can be cut back and raked off. The small meadows at Foxglove are perfect glades and have been alive with butterflies and dragonflies throughout the warmer months.

At the edge of one of the glades this striking Orb web spider was enjoying the early morning sun. This large spider always has 4 white spots on it's abdomen which is very variable in colour. In this case bright orange.

Variety in colour is also seen in other species such as Common Toad. This pale one was observed this morning in the car park.

Autumn moths are beginning to appear in the weekly trapping session. This species (Autumnal Rustic) has one flight season from August to October and comes to light and flowers, particularly heather.

In total 45 moths of 16 species were identified. Frosted Orange, Dun Bar, Flame Carpet and Sallow were amongt the catch.

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