This remarkably distinctive moth resembles a twig from a Silver Birch, one of the caterpillar’s foodplants, and can occasionally been seen resting on twigs by day. The caterpillars also eat a range of other broadleaved trees and can be seen on the ground near trees in late summer or early autumn looking for somewhere suitable to pupate. They make a cocoon-like cell of silk and soil under the ground and emerge as moths the following year in late spring to early summer. They can be seen throughout open wooded areas, such as The Kilometre and Farm Lane.
This magnificent beetle is Britain’s largest and is, sadly, quite scarce now. The male’s huge ‘antlers’ are in fact overgrown mandibles (jaws) for courtship display and are generally too large and unwieldy for the beetle to be able to bite with them.
This large fritillary, while relatively widespread nationally, is scarce and declining in this region. Indeed, the specimen pictured is the only one recorded within a 10km radius in 2020.
The eye-catching caterpillars of this moth can often be seen in early autumn, wandering near trees, looking for somewhere to pupate.
This stunning moth resembles the colours of its caterpillars’ favourite foodplants, willow herbs, and can sometimes be seen resting among the foliage of these plants during the day in early summer.
Keep up to date with the nature at Wellington. We will bring you all things species and habitats, keeping you informed on the latest about Welly’s Wildlife.
Keep up to date with the nature at Wellington. We will bring you all things species and habitats, keeping you informed on the latest about Welly’s Wildlife.
Keep up to date with the nature at Wellington. We will bring you all things species and habitats, keeping you informed on the latest about Welly’s Wildlife.
