Butterfly and Moth Monitoring

Whenever butterflies and moths are seen on the Spetchells they are recorded, during both regular work sessions and dedicated monitoring walks.  Moth trapping is occasionally carried by members and guest experts; members are invited to join these evening or overnight sessions.  Records of butterflies and moths are entered via the Butterfly Conservation Trust County Recorders or iRecord where appropriate.

SCIG compiles a regularly updated list of all flora and fauna recorded on the Spetchells; members can apply via the Secretary to have access to this.

Among the species encountered, the Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages) is one of rarest, and nationally has declined seriously in recent years.  This butterfly is normally found on outcrops of  limestone, and lives in discrete colonies with little interchange between them.  It flies between May and August.  Much of the conservation work carried out on the Spetchells is done to improve the habitat for this species in particular; removing invasive scrub, encouraging the spread of its larval food plant Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) etc.  It also requires areas of bare ground to bask on, so keeping the meadow areas open is vitally important.  This work also benefits many of the other species found here.

2 Dingy Skipper, left a female egg laying on Birds'-foot Trefoil.

For photos of some our wonderful butterflies and moths please go to Gallery