Low Moor and Oakenshaw Wildlife

Last night I caught a Heath Rustic moth at Caldene fields my fifth record to date.  The Yorkshire status of this moth is: Scarce and thinly distributed or restricted resident.

All my records of the species are from late August to early September when the moth emerges.  It’s main food plant is Heather and I suspect the species may breed in nearby Raw nook Nr which is a lowland heather habitat where the moth is more likely to be found.

On Saturday the 4th of August I did a butterfly survey at Raw Nook NR and Caldene fields.  Only 6 species were recorded which is worryingly poor.

1. Small White at RN=16.  CFs =4
2. Large White at RN= 3.
3. Speckled Wood at RN= 11.  CFs =3
4. Holly Blue at RN= 2.  Cfs=1
5. Gatekeeper at RN=1.  Cfs=4
6. Ringlet at RN=2

The only good news was the increase of the Holly Blue numbers with one noted egg laging on Holly at CFs.  In addition the numbers of Small White’s have increased but very low numbers of Gatekeeper and Ringlet and no sightings of the once common Peacock or Small Tortoiseshell.

Holly Blue feeding on heather at RN nr

Moths on the other hand ‘ appear ‘ to be fairing better as I am regularly recording new species like the The Campion Sideridis rivularis 6/8/2018 at CFs.

The Campion Sideridis rivularis 

One interesting point is 3 recent new moths are predominantly southern species and unusual in the northern parts of Britain.  They are now moving north probably accelerated by the recent southerly wind from southern Europe and the heatwave.

On the 19th of July I found a Isophrictis striatella mico moth at Caldene fields. The moth is only about 6mm in length and was nearly overlooked.

It is predominantly a southern species but is gradually moving north and at present is rare in west Yorkshire.  I contacted Yorkshire Moths for a second opinion who confirmed the sighting.  So great news for our area!

Updates: No reports of any Red Kites seen in and around our area at present.

Small and Large White butterflies are doing really well at the moment but some other butterflies numbers like the Small Copper and Peacock are well down at present.  A female Southern and Brown Hawker dragonflies were at Caldene Fields on 26/7.  They were possibly looking for water to lay their eggs as the pond at Raw Nook NR has completely dried up due to a lack of rain and is causing many problems for local wildlife.

A juvenile Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff were at the top end of Caldene fields on 26/7 suggesting that they have moved from their breeding area to gain weight before migrating in the autumn.