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SITES
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West Site, Billingham, UK Insects At the time of the field survey on 2nd August 2000 the most numerous butterfly present was Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) which is to be expected in this predominantly rough grassland habitat, although the dominant grasses on this site are not those particularly favoured by this butterfly. Meadow Browns prefer fine-leaved grasses and in particular meadow grass (Poa spp), bents (Agrostis spp.) and rye-grasses (Lolium spp.) (Thomas & Lewington 1991). About 15-20 insects were recorded spread across the site but most were concentrated in the areas where the thistles were in flower. Between 7-10 Small White Butterflies (Pieris rapae) and up to half a dozen Small Tortoiseshells (Aglais urticae) were also recorded. The latter were concentrated around the nettle patches and it is almost certain that these butterflies were breeding on the site. Other insects recorded in the grassland areas included Two-spot Ladybird
(Adalia bipunctata), Seven-spot Ladybird (Coccinella 7- punctata) and
the soldier beetle, Rhagonycha fulva all of which were mainly associated
with yarrow. Further surveys of Lepidoptera were undertaken in July/August 2003 and are listed here. |
