On Monday the 23/8 I did some survey work at the heather patch near the bridge at the top end of Raw Nook NR. I was netting to see if I could find any moths or other insects of interest.
![](http://www.lowmoorwildlife.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/0F0A0115.jpg)
I was on my hands and knees looking for a Mottled Grasshopper which I feel must be present on the site but as yet I have had no luck finding one!
However, I was suddenly aware of a large beetle (25mm to 28mm) moving towards my leg! I immediately jumped up as I thought it looked devilish big.
I had no idea what it was so I took some photo and did some research. It is a Devil’s coach horse beetle! a new species for the reserve. https://www.buglife.org.uk/bugs/bug-directory/devils-coach-horse/
Thankfully the pond at Raw Nook had a small amount of water in it…and it was like the old days!! with a female Southern Hawker egg laying, 3 Common Darter including a pair in the mating wheel and a stunning Emperor Dragonfly. Sadly though all the eggs will not survive as the pond will dry out and all will be lost.
Four Common Buzzards also drifted N over Caldene fields. This morning 3 juvenile Blackcaps were also at the fields and 13 Sand Martins were feeding over the Low Moor tip.
![](http://www.lowmoorwildlife.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/0F0A0127.jpg)
Talking of the autumn feel…starting to find more autumn moths like this lovely Sallow today at Caldene fields