Owlthorpe Grasslands – total species list or 2010 and 2011 in alphabetical order for reference. 52 species are in this list.
Species accounts are from RECORDER 3.3 software, with some additional information.
Abax parallelepipedus a ground beetle Common
18-22mm long very broad dull black ground beetle. Lives under stones, loose bark, leaf litter etc, mostly in woodland but also in gardens and occasionally in other moist shady habitats. Common throughout Britain in suitable localities.
Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale Hawthorn Shieldbug Common
A common shieldbug in the south of England , becoming rarer in the north. Feeds on hawthorn, and occasionally on other fruiting shrubs and trees.
Acronicta psi Grey Dagger Common
The Grey Dagger is well distributed and often common in woodland, commons, gardens and heathland throughout England and Wales , widespread but less frequent over much of mainland Scotland to Sutherland and Caithness and in Ireland . There are two generations in southern England but only one from the midlands northwards with moths occurring from May until September and sometimes even later. The eggs overwinter and the caterpillars feed polyphagously on deciduous trees and shrubs including birch, oak, lime, elm, rowan, hawthorn, blackthorn and have been recorded on bracken, from June to October. They pupate in silken cocoons, usually behind a flake of bark but sometimes in rotten wood or earth.
Adalia bipunctata Two-spot Ladybird Common
4-5.5mm long very variable coloured ladybird. Commonest form red with 2 black spots. Most habitats. Often vast migrations from the continent. Feeds on aphids. Very common.
Aeshna grandis Brown Hawker Common
A large red-brown hawker dragonfly with strongly yellow tinted wings. Breeds in lakes, ponds, canals and slow moving rivers and shows a preference for open ground rather than woods. Often abundant in urban areas within its range and a frequent visitor to garden ponds. A widspread and frequent species throughout the lowlands of the south-east and midlands of England north to Lancashire and Yorkshire, but scarce further north and absent from Devon and Cornwall . In Wales it is restricted to the borders with Cheshire and the Montgomery Canal . There is a single, 19th century Scottish record from Dumfries-shire. In Europe it is widespread from France northwards to quite high latitudes in Scandinavia , but absent from much of the Mediterranaean area. It ranges eastwards to Siberia .
Aeshna mixta Migrant Hawker Local UK
A medium sized hawker dragonfly which breeds in ponds and lakes with well vegetated margins. It shows a preference for more mature, flooded sand, gravel and clay pits. It may also breed in canals, ditches and, occasionally, sluggish rivers and streams and can toerate mildly brackish conditions. It generally avoids acidic water bodies. In Britain it breeds from Cornwall and south Wales to the Humber It has increased its range and abundance in recent years and is spreading north and west. . The population may be increased in some years by massive influxes from the continent in late summer. In Europe it is common in south and central areas.Sheffield RDB
Agapanthia villosoviridescens a longhorn beetle Local UK
12-18mm long spectacular longhorn beetle, mottled black and yellow to give a greenish appearance. Conspicuously banded antennae. Southern and eastern in distribution and has apparently spread northwards in recent years. Formerly regarded as very rare. Larvae develop in the stems of hogweed, wild parsnip and possibly other species. Adults often on flowers.
Agapeta hamana a micro-moth Common
Yellow-coloured grass moth in lowland rough grassy places. Larva feeds on thistle roots.
Aglais urticae Small Tortoiseshell Common
A widespread and common butterfly, sometimes abundant throughout Britain , and is first seen in early spring after having hibernated from the previous autumn in houses, sheds and outbuildings. It flies until May and its offspring appear in late June and July and producing the autumn brood which flies from August to October and then hibernates. The eggs are laid in untidy batches beneath the leaves of stinging nettle and the young caterpillar spins a protective communal silken web and feeds on surrounding leaves. New webs are formed as areas are defoliated and are also used for basking in the sunshine and roosting. When almost fully grown it feeds seperately before suspending from a stem or nearby fence to pupate, though it is often parasitised by tachinid flies.
Agriotes acuminatus a click beetle Common
A common click beetle.
Agrochola circellaris Brick Common
A widespread and generally common moth throughout Britain , though rarer in Ireland , and chiefly a woodland moth. It flies from September to November, emerging earlier in northern Scotland , but cannot survive the winter as an adult. The eggs are laid in the buds of deciduous trees where they overwinter and the caterpillars feed in these at first, later on the flowers and leaves. Wych elm and poplars are most common. They rest for several weeks in underground cocoons before pupating.
Agrotis exclamationis Heart and Dart Common
The Heart and Dart is generally distributed and very common in England and Wales , but more thinly spread in Scotland and Ireland . Its caterpillars feed on a wide variety of wild and cultivated plants from late summer and overwinter fully grown in earthen cocoons. After hibernation in spring they remain in the cocoons and pupate, producing a single generation of moths from late May to Late July. Some caterpillars pupate in late summer and produce a small second brood in September.
Altica lythri a leaf beetle Common
5mm long bright metallic blue flea beetle feeding on Epilobium sp and other members of the Onagraceae, in particular Circaea lutetiana. Widely distributed and generally common.
Altica palustris a leaf beetle Common
<No species account available>
Amblyteles armatorius an ichneumon wasp Common
Large black and yellow ichneumon. Very common.
Anomoia purmunda a gall fly Local UK
A picture-winged fly whose larvae develop in the fruits of hawthorn Crataegus and sometimes other Rosaceae and Berberis. Local but widespread in South-east England , East Anglia , Yorkshire and the Midlands . Scarce elsewhere, but recorded from South Wales , Inverness , Devon and Hereford . Over 40 localities in Sorby area
Anthocharis cardamines Orange Tip Common
A common butterfly throughout much of Britain except northern Scotland . It has been in decline in northern England since the mid-1960's but this has now reversed and the butterfly is expanding beyond its previous range and is now more widespread than previously. Only the male has orange tips to the forewings, in the female the corresponding area is greenish-grey. It favours damp meadows and woodland fringes where the eggs are laid on crucifers, particularly hedge mustard, cuckoo flower, charlock and honesty. The caterpillar feeds on these throughout the summer, eating the seed pods rather than the foliage, and it is a noted cannibal. It overwinters as a triangular pupa which is attached to a stem by silk threads and a girdle round the centre to hold it in position. There is usually a single brood which flies from late April until June, although a second brood sometimes occurs in southern England .
Anthocoris nemoralis a flower bug or bloodsucking b Common
Very common and widely distributed: a predator, generally found on trees and shrubs. No particular habitat associations.
Anthocoris nemorum Common Flower Bug Common
Very common and widely distributed predatory bug in Britain . It is generally found on low vegetation, though it has no particular habitat associations. The adults hibernate under bark and amongst leaf litter, moving to a variety of plants, including sallows, in March or April. It is a predator which feeds on aphids, psyllids and other small invertebrates and occasionally on leaves. The white eggs are laid in leaves and hatch in late May or early June. There is one generation a year in northern Britain and two in the south, with adults found from June to September, according to area. Pairing occurs in autumn and most males die before the onset of winter, so it is mostly fertilized females which overwinter.
Aphantopus hyperantus Ringlet Common
Found in damp sheltered lanes and woodland rides and in the northerly and westerly parts of its distribution on open areas of damp grassland. The larva feeds on a variety of grasses. Throughout Britain , though absent in northern Scotland , apparently very scarce in the Midlands , north-west and north-east England , around London and in south-east Scotland . Localised in Sheffield SRDB
Aphrophora alni a froghopper Common
A large brown froghopper with variable white markings. Adults are found on a wide range of trees and shrubs and low vegetation throughout the summer. Nymphs feed in froth-lumps on a wide range of plants, usually very close to the ground. Widely distributed and generally common throughout Britain .
Apion frumentarium a seed weevil Common
3mm long blood red 'seed' weevil. Larvae develop in stem mines in the large species of Rumex (R. obtusifolius, R.crispus, R.hydrolapathi etc).
Apis mellifera Honey Bee Common
The common honey bee. It is a domesticated species, although occasional colonies may persist in the wild for a few years in hollow trees, etc. Under an ancient law it is classed as livestock, but the owner is the person on whose property the colony has settled, thus it is not illegal to eradicate a colony, merely unethical.
Araneus diadematus Garden Orb-web Spider Common
A widespread and very common large orb-web spider with a prominent cross of pale spots on the abdomen. It makes large (up to 40cm diameter) webs stretched between bushes, trees and posts in gardens and on woodland edges. When disturbed it vigourously oscillates itself and the web, by strong rythmical contractions of its legs and, if severely disturbed, it drops from the web on a silk thread and, after lying still for a few minutes, climbs back to its original position. The young spider has a globular yellow abdomen with a dark patch and, when newly hatched, it collects together in a closely-packed masses of spiderlings. If disturbed these scatter wildly but soon reassemble when the 'danger' is passed. After the first moult they seperate and become solitary.
Araneus quadratus an orb-weaver spider Common
A large web-spinning spider found on low bushes, heather and grass. Adults are found in late summer and autumn. Widespread and common.
Arge cyanocrocea a sawfly Local UK
<No species account available>
Arion ater Great Black Slug Common
Large slug, to 20 cm extended length, and very variable in colour. Commonly black, red, orange or grey or black with red fringe. Common in most habitats, including bogs and high moorland. A garden pest. Taxonomy in a mess and most big black Arion specimens are usually referred to this species. Confirmation of identification is possible only with dissection.
Arion ater rufus Red slug Common
used here to record Arion ater agg. slugs with a red or pale body and orange frill.
Arion subfuscus Dusky Slug Common
A dark brown medium-sized slug commonly found in a variety of habitats throughout Britain , though apparently scarce in East Anglia .
Athous haemorrhoidalis Common Brown Click Beetle Common
A medium-size (10-15mm) brown and black click beetle which occurs in all type of grassland, including woodland rides. The larvae are common wireworm pests which feed at grass roots. They live in loams and sands which are not too dry and may go deep into the soil.
Autographa gamma Silver Y Common
Mainly a migrant moth, most abundant in southern and eastern England but, reaching all the British Isles where it breeds to produce an autumn generation. Adults can be found from late January, when large swarms have been known from North Africa , but May is more typical. They sometimes return south for the winter but, although overwintering moths have also been recorded, the early stages cannot survive the cold and so die with the first frosts. The moths mostly feed during the day and at dusk. The caterpillars feed on low growing plants and can sometimes be a pest on cultivated crops and garden plants, especially kale and peas. Pupation takes place in loose cocoons among leaves.
Beris geniculata a soldier fly Common
A small, shining, green-black soldier fly which is widespread and common, perhaps more abundant in the north, and typically found around hedges, scrub or woodland edge. The larva is terrestrial, living in rotting vegetable matter. The flight period is from June until October and the adult is shining greenish-black, though the female is difficult to separate from the equally common B. chalybata, although that species usually flies earlier in the year.
Beris vallata a soldier fly Common
Small fly with a shiny black thorax and yellow abdomen. Adults are usually found in grassy places and the larvae are probably in rotting litter at the soil surface. Widespread and common.
Bibio leucopterus a St. Mark's fly Unknown
A small St Marks Fly
Bibio marci St Marks Fly Common
Large black fly found swarming in the lee of bushes in May and June. Larvae feed on the roots of grasses and are occasionally cereal pests. Widespread and common.
Biston betularia Peppered Moth Common
A moth that is found in a wide variety of habitats. Larvae on a wide variety of trees and plants. Common and generally distributed in England and Wales , widespread but local in mainland Scotland and the inner Hebrides.
Boettgerilla pallens Worm Slug Naturalised
A pale grey elongate slug which lives mainly underground. First recorded in Britain in 1972 but already quite widespread and likely to become more so.
Bombus hortorum Small Garden Bumble Bee Common
A large black, white and yellow bumble bee, abundant in most parts of Britain and commonly found in gardens. Usually nests on or just under the ground.
Bombus hypnorum European Bumblebee Naturalised
A bumblebee first recorded in GB in 2001, now widespread in southern England and continuing to spread. Open woodlands and gardens. New to Sheffield only in 2008
Bombus lapidarius Large Red Tailed Bumble Bee Common
A common bumblebee of gardens and hedgerows. It is mainly black with ared tail and the male has a broad yellow collar. The nests are often under stones. Only the young fertilized queen survives the winter, having hibernated in a protected place such as in a hole or under moss. She emerges in spring and starts up her own colony or may attempt to usurp the queen of an existing colony and take it over. Such attempts end in the death of one or both queens. She makes pots of wax and pollen into which the first eggs are laid and when these hatch provides them with honey whilst making storage cells for honey and more cells for further eggs. After about three weeks the first infertile females (workers) emerge and take over the nectar and pollen gathering and cell building, while the queen concentrates on egg laying. The larva is reared on pollen and nectar, which are carried on large pollen sacs on the back legs and in the stomach respectively. Early spring workers are often much smaller than those oflater broods when there are more copious levels of food available. The male, which is recognisable by his longer antennae, appear in summer and towards the end of summer male and female bumblebees fly out and mate. The male is not allowed to re-enter the nest after mating and soon dies. The fertilized queen starts searching for a safe place to hibernate and the workers and old queen die with the first frosts or spell of cold weather.
Bombus lucorum White-tailed Bumble Bee Common
A common black, white and yellow bumblebee found in gardens and hedgerows. It often breeds in old vole nests. Only the young fertilized queen survives the winter, having hibernated in a protected place such as in a hole or under moss. She emerges in spring and starts up her own colony, making pots of wax and pollen into which the first eggs are laid. When these hatch the queen provides them with honey whilst making storage cells for honey and more cells for further eggs. After about three weeks the first infertile females (workers) emerge and take over the nectar and pollen gathering and cell building, while the queen concentrates on egg laying. Eventually both female and male bees are produced as well as more workers and a large colony will support several hundred bees. Towards the end of summer male and female bumblebees fly out and mate. The male is not allowed to re-enter the nest after mating and soon dies. The fertilized queen starts searching for a safe place to hibernate and the workers and old queen die with the first frosts or spell of cold weather.
Bombus pascuorum Common Carder Bee Common
Widely distributed, common and often abundant bumblebee. The adult is a small, largely tawny insect with variable amounts of black. There are two forms occurring in the north and south, which overlap and interbreed in northern England and north Wales . On the continent it is extremely variable, ranging from dark forms in the north to foxy red, bright forms in southern Europe . The coat is thin and rather 'scruffy' looking. It is a surface-nesting bumblebee which constructs its nest in cavities such as old mouse runs and in tangles of vegetation. Its colonies are few in numbers of individuals. Only the young fertilized queen survives the winter, having hibernated in a protected place such as in a hole or under moss. She emerges in spring and starts up her own colony or may attempt to usurp the queen of an existing colony and take it over. Such attempts end in the death of one or both queens. She makes pots of wax and pollen into which the first eggs are laid and when these hatch provides them with honey whilst making storage cells for honey and more cells for further eggs. After about three weeks the first infertile females (workers) emerge and take over the nectar and pollen gathering and cell building, while the queen concentrates on egg laying. The larva is reared on pollen and nectar, which are carried on large pollen sacs on the back legs and in the stomach respectively. Early spring workers are often much smaller than those oflater broods when there are more copious levels of food available. The male, which is recognisable by his longer antennae, appear in summer and towards the end of summer male and female bumblebees fly out and mate. The male is not allowed to re-enter the nest after mating and soon dies. The fertilized queen starts searching for a safe place to hibernate and the workers and old queen die with the first frosts or spell of cold weather, though it is one of the latest surviving bees at the end of autumn.
Bombus pratorum Early Bumble Bee Common
A rather small black and yellow bumblebee with a red tail. On the wing quite early in the year and may be finished by the end of July. Sometimes there is a second brood later in the summer. The nest is often well above ground, in bird nests or nest boxes for example. Widely distributed and common.
Bombus terrestris Buff-tailed Bumble Bee Common
One of our commonest larger bumblebees and widespread and common north to the central lowlands of Scotland . It is black and golden in colour with a white or buff tail and nests below ground. Only the young fertilized queen survives the winter, having hibernated in a protected place such as in a hole or under moss. She emerges in spring and starts up her own colony or may attempt to usurp the queen of an existing colony and take it over. Such attempts end in the death of one or both queens. She makes pots of wax and pollen into which the first eggs are laid and when these hatch provides them with honey whilst making storage cells for honey and more cells for further eggs. After about three weeks the first infertile females (workers) emerge and take over the nectar and pollen gathering and cell building, while the queen concentrates on egg laying. The larva is reared on pollen and nectar, which are carried on large pollen sacs on the back legs and in the stomach respectively. Early spring workers are often much smaller than those of later broods when there are more copious levels of food available. The male, which is recognisable by his longer antennae, appear in summer and towards the end of summer male and female bumblebees fly out and mate. The male is not allowed to re-enter the nest after mating and soon dies. The fertilized queen starts searching for a safe place to hibernate and the workers and old queen die with the first frosts or spell of cold weather.
Bombylius major Dark-edged Bee Fly Common
An attractive early spring fly. The larvae are brood parasites in the nests of solitary bees and they are locally abundant where suitable areas for the nests of hosts coincide with woodlands, hedgerows or gardens rich in flowers. Adult flies feed on nectar using their long proboscis whilst hovering beside a flower.
Brachypterus urticae Nettle Pollen Beetle Common
2mm long black beetle feeding on pollen in nettle flowers. Very common.
Cabera pusaria Common White Wave Common
Generally distributed and common throughout Britain , except for the northern isles, in woodland and bushy places. In Southern England there are two broods a year, flying from May to August, but in northern England and in Scotland the single brood flies from May to July. The caterpillars can be found feeding on birch, sallow, alder, oak and other trees and shrubs.
Calameuta filiformis Reed Stem Borer Regionally Notable
A sawfly found in marshes, fens and damp woods. The larvae develop in Calamagrostis epigejos, small stems of Phragmites and various other grasses. It occurs in England south of the Humber-Severn line. Adults are on the wing from May to July.
Calameuta pallipes a sawfly Common
A sawfly widely distributed in England and Wales and occurring as far north as central Scotland . Adults can be found from May to July. Larvae have not been recorded so the foodplant is not known.
Callaspidia defonscolombei a small parasitic wasp Unknown
Common cynipid. Bivoltine, adults most numerous in early viii and late ix. Solitary parasite of Syrphidae (Diptera) and has been bred from Syrphus ribesii (L), S vitripennis Mg, Meligramma cincta (Fallen), Sphaerophoria scripta (L), Melanostoma scalare (Fab), Platycheirus manicatus (Mg) and Episyrphus balteatus (Degeer). It is attracted by the odour of the aphid prey of these syrphids.
Calocoris norvegicus a potato capsid Common
The potato capsid. A common and widely distributed species, polyphagous, and occasionally a pest of crop and garden plants. Found in a wide range of habitats.
Calocoris quadripunctatus a plantbug or grassbug Common
A widely distributed and common bug which lives on oak, both in woods and on isolated trees. The eggs are laid into the female flower buds, usually killing them, and hatch in the following spring. The yellow and red-brown nymphs mainly feed on the juices in unripe catkins and become adult in late May. The adults are attractive insects with a brown and yellow pattern. They are predators on aphids and insect larvae as well as feeding on young shoots and leaves.
Calvia quattuordecimguttata Cream-spot ladybird Common
5mm long red ladybird with white spots. Larvae aphidophagous. Locally common throughout Britain .
Cantharis cryptica a soldier beetle Common
7-8mm long red and red-brown soldier beetle. Adults commonly on flowers, the larvae among grass and low herbage. Very common in most habitats in Britain .
Cantharis decipiens a soldier beetle Common
7-10mm long grey and yellow-brown soldier beetle. Very common on flowers, especially umbellifers, in the early summer, the larvae developing among grass and low herbage. Carnivorous. Very common in grassy places, hedgerows etc., throughout Britain .
Cantharis nigra Small Black Sailor Beetle Common
A black or red and black soldier beetle 5 to 7mm. long. Adults are found on vegetation and flowers in early summer. Larvae develop in the soil and amongst litter.
Cantharis nigricans Large Grey Sailor Beetle Common
6-7mm long grey and black soldier beetle. Predatory. Adults most frequently on umbel flowers, larvae in grass litter, under stones etc. Very common in most habitats throughout Britain .
Cantharis rustica Large Black Sailor Beetle Common
12mm long black and red soldier beetle. Predatory, feeding on other insects, the adults frequenting umbelliferous flowers, the larvae developing on the ground among leaf litter and grass tussocks. Widespread and common.
Capsus ater Common Black Plantbug Common
A common and widely distributed plant bug which is found throughout Britain . It is a grass-feeder, found in a wide range of grassland types in woodland rides and clearings and in grassy patches in other habitats. It is a ready coloniser, quickly appearing in newly created grasslands. Unlike most capsid bugs it does not feed principally on the buds and flowers of its hosts but at the lower parts of the stem. The eggs are laid in batches of 3 to 30 in late June and July between the sheathing leaf base and the grass stem. Fertile eggs begin to develop at once, the yolk plug forming after two weeks, but development soon stops and the eggs enter diapause and overwinter. Winter frosts break the diapause and the eggs hatch in May and June. The purple-red larva completes its development in around four weeks, and reaches adulthood by early July, to be seen until mid August. There are two colour forms of the adult, entirely black or with the head, pronotum and part of the legs brown or red-brown.
Cepaea hortensis White-lipped Snail Common
A large banded snail, frequently with a yellow ground colour to the shell. Forms colonies in moist, sheltered waste places, particularly amongst dense herbage such as nettle beds but is also found on cliffs and sand-hills, particularly in Scotland . It is widespread and common throughout much of the British Isles . Favoured foodplants are nettle, ragwort and hogweed. It is active in the daytime in mild, damp weather but rests in sheltered positions attached to plants at other times. It is a favourite food of thrush species, and the shells are often found at anvils. The shell is rather thin and glossy, typically yellow with, usually, 5 brown bands of varying pattern and size, and in parts of Ireland an unbanded form lutea predominates. Breeding occurs from spring to autumn, and it lives for two or three years.
Cepaea nemoralis Brown-lipped Snail Common
A large banded snail, generally yellow in colour, with varying numbers of darker bands on the shell which make it favoured for studies of genetics. Very common in most lowland habitats including woodland, grassland and gardens. It forms well-marked colonies and is fond of areas with dead grasses, thistles and umbellifers. It is very variable in appearance and brown, pink and nearly red forms have also been recorded, the latter occurring more commonly in dense woodlands. It breeds in spring and summer and the eggs hatch in 2-3 weeks, reaching adulthood the following year.
Cephus cultratus a sawfly Local UK
A sawfly, the larvae of which are stem borers of common grasses. Common in southern England but much more scarce in the north.
Cercopis vulnerata Red & Black Froghopper Common
A very conspicuous red and black froghopper which is found in lush vegetation in damp ditches and on the edges of woods. The nymphs are subterranean, feeding on plant roots. It is generally common, though somewhat local, in the south of England and reaches its northern limit around the River Tees.
Chaetostomella cylindrica a gall fly Common
A picture winged fly, with yellowish body and wings boldly marked in yellow-brown. Larvae develop in the flowerheads of various thistles and related genera, especially Centaurea nigra. It is widely distributed in Britain , and very common in the south. Common in Sorby area.
Cheilosia albitarsis a hoverfly Common
A small black hoverfly with white tips to the legs. It is common throughout the British Isles in marshes, damp meadows and woodland clearings, often found on flowers of buttercups Ranunculus bulbosus or R. repens. On the wing from April to July but most common in the second half of May. Adults have been observed showing ovipositing behaviour on Ranunculus bulbosus and the larvae are thought to feed on the roots of this plant.
Cheilosia illustrata a hoverfly Common
A bee mimic hoverfly. The larvae of this genus are miners in the stems and roots of plants and it seems likely that this species is associated with large umbellifers such as hogweed on which the adults are typically seen. Adults locally common in mid summer.
Cheilosia pagana a hoverfly Common
A black hoverfly: widely distributed and generally common. Larvae develop in the root bases of Anthriscus sylvestris and probably some other umbelliferae.
Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet Common
A woodland species found locally throughout much of the British Isles , the larva feeding on Quercus, Sorbus acuparia and other deciduous trees.
Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet Common
Common and widespread in a wide range of rural and urban habitats in England and Wales , where it is double brooded with adults occurring from May through into November according to locality, while a single brooded race occurs in mountain and moorland areas of the north and west; it is absent from Shetland. The caterpillars feed on a great variety of plants including sallow, birch, privet, hawthorn, bilberry, bramble, rose, strawberry and dock. This highly variable species overwinters as larvae on the foodplants.
Chloromyia formosa a soldier fly Common
A soldier fly which is widespread and common throughout Britain , inhabiting woods, hedges, parks and gardens. The larva feeds in rotting vegetable matter in damp soil, rotting bark and leaf litter. The flight period is from May until August and the adult, which is a very common flower visitor, especially to umbels of hogweed in mid-summer, is quite conspicuous, with a shiny green thorax and either a brassy coloured (female) or blue-purple (male) abdomen and very hairy eyes.
Chorisops tibialis a soldier fly Common
Small metallic-green and yellow soldier fly. Larvae terrestrial, living in rotting vegetable matter. Adults usually found around hedges and scrub. Fairly common in the southern half of Britain , but scarce or absent from Yorkshire northwards.Scarce in Derbyshire.
Chorthippus brunneus Common Field Grasshopper Common
Variable coloured grasshopper, green, brown, sometimes purple. Occurs in a wide range of grasslands. Generally common over the whole of Britain and can be found in a variety of dry, grassy habitats, though it is seldom found in damp or lush areas. It is often seen sunning itself on walls, paths and bare ground on sunny days, including concreted and asphalted areas in the vicinity of buildings. When egg laying it has a preference for bare, dry and compact soil, often in ant hills. Eggs are laid beneath the soil and they pass the winter in this stage usually hatching during May and producing adults by late June and July which are then found up to the end of October and occasionally as late as early December. It is a very strong flier, particulary during hot weather, and makes short, rapid flights from one area to another. The call of an isolated male is a series of short, brisk chirps with a pause between each series but when two or more males are together they often chirp to each other, stimulating an immediate reply from other males in the vicinity. The female chirps regularly until mating but her call is more subdued. She replies to males, other females and even humans if the call is simulated by a series of short hisses or buzzes. There is no special courtship song but a male will make sharp ticking noises by stroking the hind legs when in the presence of a female. The nymph will attempt a reply to the chirps of adult males but usually no audible sound is given on such occasions.
Chorthippus parallelus Meadow Grasshopper Common
A medium-sized grasshopper with reduced wings, usually brown and/or green in colour. It is found in all types of moderately long grassland, particularly in moister areas. Very widely distributed and generally common.
Chrysopa perla a green lacewing Common
A common green lacewing, heavily marked with black, which is particularly frequent in the undergrowth of deciduous woods throughout Britain , preferring those in which the vegetation consists for the most part of hazel, hawthorn and other bushes. In addition it is sometimes found in coniferous woods and gardens. Eggs are laid singly or in well-spaced groups of 2-6 on the undersides of leaves and hatch in seven to nine days. Both larva and adult prey on aphids. The larva has a habit of curling up and dropping if disturbed and when fully grown it spins a cocoon of white silk and pupates in curled up leaves, crevices in bark, forks of branches or twigs, cracks and holes in wood and stone walls or in fallen pine cones.
Chrysoperla carnea a green lacewing Common
A green lacewing. It is found in a wide range of habitats, and is a common species in gardens. The larvae are active predators, and are usually found on the foliage of shrubs and trees. It is found throughout Britain as a resident, and may also occur as a migrant. It is generally common, but particularly abundant in the south.
Cicadella viridis Blue-green Leafhopper Common
A bright green and black leafhopper, 6 - 8.4mm long, found on grasses and rushes in marshy places. Widely distributed throughout Britain and generally common.
Coccinella septempunctata Seven-spot Ladybird Common
6.5-8mm long red ladybird with 7 black spots. Gardens, hedgerows etc. Larvae aphidophagous. Very common, often with vast immigrations from the continent.
Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet Common
Larvae feed on various species of bedstraw. Generally distributed and common.
Conops flavipes a bee-killing fly Common
Black and yellow, wasp-like fly with larvae parasitic on Bumblebees and wasps. Locally common in southern England , much scarcer in the north, but one of the most widespread species in the family.
Coremacera marginata a snail-killing fly Local UK
A snail-killing fly noticeable through having wings darkened by a reticulate pattern. It occurs in dry habitats, especially on calcareous soils. Larvae are parasitoids of various snails, especially Cochlicopa and Discus spp. Each larva requires two or three snails to complete development. In Sheffield local on good dry grassland habitats
Cychrus caraboides Snail Hunter Local UK
Large (15-19mm) dull black ground beetle with very narrow fore parts, specially adapted to feeding on snails in their shells. Adults live under stones, under loose bark and in litter, usually in woodland but often in other habitats, particularly moorland. Widespread and fairly common species.
Cylindroiulus punctatus Blunt-tailed Snake Millipede Common
A common and often abundant snake millipede.
Cynthia cardui Painted Lady Migrant
Migrant that is unable to over winter. Common some years, more or less absent in others. Gardens, waste ground etc. Larvae feed on thistle.
Dichetophora obliterata a snail-killing fly Local UK
Snail-killing fly recorded from calcareous grassland, wetland and coastal dunes. Scattered distribution though very local from Cornwall to Yorks .
Didea fasciata a hoverfly Notable/Nb
Black and orange hoverfly which in southern England occurs in both woodland and heathland habitats. In Scotland its ecology is apparently different. There it is found in alder scrub on lake shores. Larva predatory on aphids. Widespread in the southern half of Britain although very local and never abundant.
Dioctria atricapilla a robber fly Local UK
A black robber fly which is locally abundant in grassland and woodland edges in Southern England, the Midlands and Welsh borders but rare in Yorkshire and in the rest of Wales . The flight period is in June and July and the stout, black adult has strongly darkened wings and black legs and can be observed darting out from grass stems to catch its prey.
Dioctria rufipes a robber fly Local UK
A widespread but local robber fly, generally found in scrubland or woodland on light, sandy soils from Cornwall to Inverness , though much more localised in the north of its range. The predatory larva lives in woodland soil and the adult, which has orange fore- and mid-femora, can be found from May to July, hunting from grasses or the higher points in hedgerows. Favourite prey includes ichneumons and other hymenoptera. Localised in Derbyshire.
Discus rotundatus a discus snail Common
A small snail with a flattened, tightly-coiled shell 5 to 7mm in diameter. Common and widespread throughout the British Isles . It conceals itself amongst dead leaves, moss, herbage, rubbish or under logs and stones by day and feeds by night on fungi and decaying matter. The shell is almost discoidal with a slightly raised spire and 6 or 7 cylindrical whorls and yellowish-brown with the whorls marked with red blotches. In the variety turtoni the spire is neally flat, var. rufula has a brown or fawn shell without the red blotches and var. alba has an almost-white shell, tinged with green; this form sometimes forms its own colonies. Eggs are laid from February to the end of the year and hatch in ten to twelve days, gaining maturity in about one year.
Dolichovespula sylvestris Tree Wasp Common
Despite its name, the tree wasp often constructs underground (20% of nests), although usually near the surface in a pre-existing cavity. Ariel nests are found up to 830cm, usually in enclosed spaces such as bird boxes, hollow trees, cavity walls etc., although exposed nests have been found in situations where they are under cover (eg. in a porch). Widespread and common.
Dolycoris baccarum Hairy Shieldbug Common
A widely distributed shieldbug in Britain ,but extremely local in the north and common only in the south-east. Polyphagous, and generally in dry places, but otherwise not strongly associated with particular habitat types.
Dromius linearis a ground beetle Common
4.5-6mm long reddish brown ground beetle. Found in most types of habitat, often in leaf or reed litter, under bark, in moss etc. Very common throughout Britain .
Elasmostethus interstinctus Birch Shieldbug Common
The birch shieldbug. Common on birch throughout Britain .
Empis (Kritempis) livida a dance fly Common
Large, predatory fly typically seen visiting flowers in mid-summer. Common and widespread.
Ennomos alniaria Canary-shouldered Thorn Common
Inhabits woodland, fenland, gardens, commons and sand dunes. Larvae on a variety of trees such as birch, sallow, alder and lime. Generally distributed and not uncommon.
Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet Common
Generally distributed and common, double brooded in the south and flying in May and June and in August and September but only single brooded in northern England and Scotland , where the adults fly in June. The caterpillars feed on bedstraws, including cleavers, Galium aparine, and overwinter as pupae.
Epistrophe grossulariae a hoverfly Local UK
Large black and yellow hoverfly. Larvae predatory on aphids. Adults at umbels on the edge of woods or in nearby meadows. Widespread, but local and rarely abundant.
Episyrphus balteatus a hoverfly Common
An orange and black banded hoverfly, generally distributed and very common. In most years, numbers are greatly boosted by immigration from the continent. Larvae are The larvae are predatory on aphids.
Eristalis arbustorum a hoverfly Common
A moderately-sized brown and orange hoverfly. Larvae are of the rat-tailed maggot type, and develop in foul water, wet decaying vegetation, etc. Widely distributed and generally common.
Eristalis intricaria a hoverfly Common
A medium sized, bee mimic hoverfly found in a variety of habitats, but most typically seen hovering high up in woodland clearings, glades or edges, especially near marshy areas. Larvae are of the rat-tailed maggot type and have been found in drains and ponds rich in organic matter. Widespread and common.
Eristalis nemorum a hoverfly Common
A medium-sized brown and orange hoverfly. Larvae are of the rat-tailed maggot type, and live in water where decaying vegetation is present. Widely distributed and generally common.
Eristalis pertinax a hoverfly Common
A large brown and orange hoverfly. Larvae are of the rat-tailed maggot type, and live in foul water, decaying vegetation, etc. Widely distributed and generally common.
Eristalis tenax a hoverfly Common
A large brown and orange hoverfly. Larvae are of the rat-tailed maggot type, and develop in foul water, rotting vegetation, etc. Widely distributed and generally common.
Eupeodes latifasciatus a hoverfly Local UK
Hoverfly whose numbers fluctuate greatly. Sometimes a scarce species, in other years not uncommon. A species of open habitats with a preference for wet meadows. Larvae predatory on aphids. Widespread.
Eupeodes luniger a hoverfly Common
A black and yellow hoverfly, very common in open and wood edge habitats. Found on the wing from April to November. Larvae predatory on aphids.
Euthycera fumigata a snail-killing fly Local UK
Snail-killing fly found in damp places near permanent water. Biology unknown but likely to be aquatic or terrestrial snails or both. Local in GB but quite frequent in Derbyshire.
Eysarcoris fabricii Woundwort Shieldbug Common
Widely distributed and common in the southern half of England , this species has spread greatly in the present century. It is particularly associated with hedge woundwort, Stachys sylvatica but has been found on a number of other hosts in a wide range of habitat types.
Forficula auricularia Common Earwig Common
The common earwig, found under stones, in plant litter, etc, in most habitats, including gardens and arable. Sometimes a minor pest, particularly of garden flowers. Shows high degree of maternal care. Very common.
Gastrophysa viridula Green Dock Beetle Common
A metallic green leaf beetle feeding on Rumex (preferring the broader leaved species), found locally in wetlands and damp, unimproved meadows.
Gonepteryx rhamni Brimstone Common
The larvae feed on Frangula and Rhamnus, the butterfly frequenting many haunts, including woodland, wetland and chalk scrub. The distribution follows the combined distribution of its foodplants, both being very rare in Scotland .
Gortyna flavago Frosted Orange Common
<No species account available>
Gymnocheta viridis Tachinid Greenbottle Local UK
The Tachinid Greenbottle. Local in range of habitats including heaths, sunny woodland edges and rides, scrub and flowery grassland. Mainly in spring and early summer. Breeds in grass stem borer Noctuid moths
Haplophilus subterraneus a centipede Common
A long-bodied centipede found in soil and leaf litter. Often synanthropic in northern areas eg gardens and urban grasslands.
Harmonia axyridis Harlequin Ladybird Naturalised
Harlequin Ladybird,a recent colonist from Asia ,first recorded in Sheffiled in 2006.
Harpalus rufipes Strawberry Seed Beetle Common
10-17mm long black ground beetle with red legs and yellowish pubescence. Common in grassland, gardens, arable land, waste ground etc. Phytophagous, sometimes a pest of strawberries.
Helix aspersa Large Garden Snail Common
The common garden snail, found throughout much of lowland Great Britain but scarce or absent in the more base-poor regions. Can be a garden pest. Also found in a wide range of wild habitats. Apparently passable as human food.
Helophilus pendulus a hoverfly Common
A common and widespread hoverfly which occurs in Ireland and as far north as Shetland. The larva is a rat-tailed maggot with a long and telescopically extensible breathing tube which enables it to breathe whilst submerged in situations such as farmyard drains, very wet manure and very wet, old sawdust. The adult is a brightly-marked, black and yellowish hoverfly which may occur in numbers around muddy puddles, ditches and the shallow margins of ponds, but it is a notable wanderer and can be found well away from water. The flight period is between April and October.
Heterogaster urticae Nettle Groundbug Common
Confined to the southern half of Britain , this species is often very common within its range, though extremely local in the north. Feeds on stinging nettle Urtica dioica, usually in open places.
Hippodamia variegata Adonis Ladybird Notable/Nb
Red and black ladybird, predatory on aphids. Scarce and restricted mainly to dry sandy places, in particular to heathlands and the coast. Widespread scattered records around southern Britain . Rare in Sheffield SRDB
Hydriomena furcata July Highflyer Common
Very common and generally distributed in woodlands, commons, moorland, fenland and bushy places where the adults fly from late June until August. The eggs overwinter and the caterpillars feed on sallow, creeping Willow , heather, bilberry and hazel in May and June. They pupate in the seed-down of these trees.
Hydromya dorsalis a snail-killing fly Common
Snail-killing fly. Larvae are predators of aquatic snails. Adults found beside ponds and ditches in a wide variety of wetland habitats including quite acid conditions. Widespread and common.
Hypena proboscidalis Snout Common
The Snout is named because of its long palpi and is common and often abundant in woodland, commons, gardens, waste ground and other weedy places wherever nettles grow in Britain and Ireland . The adults fly in June and July and again in September in the south and in July and August further north. Caterpillars can be found on stinging nettle in July and early August, and again in October in the south, before overwintering and feeding again in April and May. Elsewhere a single generation lives from August until the June of the following year. Pupation takes place in a loosely-spun cocoon between two leaves.
Inachis io Peacock Common
A resident butterfly and probably also a partial migrant within Britain except for the far north, being a non-breeding visitor in parts of Scotland . However, it is very common and widespread in central and southern England and is found early in the year, sometimes in February, having overwintered from the previous autumn in outbuidings and hollow trees, but it does not reach sexual maturity until late April. The single generation emerges in late July and is a common sight in gardens, particularly on budlleja flowers. It feeds until late autumn, when suitable overwintering sites are found. The eggs are laid in untidy batches underneath leaves of stinging nettle and the caterpillar is at first communal and lives in a silken web on the foodplant, forming new webs as required and using their protection for roosting and moulting. When almost fully grown it feeds in small groups outside the web and roosts under a leaf, before suspending from nearby vegetation to pupate.
Ischnodemus sabuleti European Chinchbug Common
A very common groundbug in southern England and Wales , associated with grasses in marshy places, particularly with reed sweet grass Glyceria maxima, often in very large numbers. Occasionally found in drier places. Though much less common in the north, it is currently extending its range and has become much more common in recent years. Still uncommon and localised in Sheffield Lagria hirta a darkling beetle Regionally Notable
Ochre-brown and black bristly beetle. Locally common in sandy places in southern Britain , becoming more localised in the north and rare in Scotland .
Lasioglossum calceatum Slender Mining Bee Common
Small, ground nesting solitary bee usually nesting in steep banks. Widespread and common.
Lasius niger Small Black Ant Common
A small black ant found in bushy scrubland, gardens and wet places. Only occurs in grassland if there are stones or mounds of Lasius flavus available. The nest is usually constructed under stones or logs, but nests of other species may be invaded and colony size averages 5,500. Widely distributed, but apparently absent from some parts of Scotland . One of the commonest ants.
Leptogaster cylindrica a robber fly Common
A very slender, elongate little robber fly typically found in grassland. The larvae are found in sandy soil or meadows with dense vegetation. A fairly common species in southern and central England which reaches its northern limit in Lancashire and Yorkshire .
Leptopterna dolabrata a grassbug Common
A meadow bug which is common throughout Britain and feeds on grasses in a wide range of grassland types as well as in grassy places in woods and marshes. The feeding of both larva and adult leaves spotting on grass blades and deformation of flowers and grains. The eggs overwinter in the lower six inches of the stems of host grasses and partially develop before entering diapause and overwintering. They hatch in May and the larva is greenish-yellow or bluish-green with black markings. The adult appears from mid-June and occasionally survives until September. Eggs start to form in the last instar larva and egg-laying can commence very quickly after reaching adulthood and pairing. The adult male is macropterous but seldom flies far above the vegetation and, though some females are also macropterous, the majority are brachypterous. The adult has a strong stink gland fluid which deters predators but spiders frequently attack it. It is also sometimes parasitized by the fairy fly Enaesius agilis and by braconids.
Leptura maculata a longhorn beetle Common
Large black and yellow longhorn beetle. Larvae develop in dead wood, often in smallish branches. Adults most often seen on hawthorn or umbel flowers. Widespread and common in southern Britain , particularly along hedgerows and woodland rides. Much more localised in the north.
Leucozona lucorum a hoverfly Common
Distinctive hoverfly with a large creamy-yellow band at the base of its abdomen. A characteristic spring hoverfly in woodland glades and margins where the adults visit spring flowers. Larvae are predatory on aphids. Widespread and common in lowland Britain , more local in the uplands and extreme north.
Limax maximus Great Grey Slug Common
A large slug, up to 20 cm in length, which inhabits woods, hedgerows, wasteland and gardens, lying hidden during the day and emerging at night to feed on fungi and almost anything other than green leaves. It has a well developed sense of smell and is attracted to light when very hungry. Very variable is ground-colour and markings. It is usually yellowish- or ashy-grey with two or three longitudinal bands on each side, a rectangular shield, marbled or spotted with black, which can be lifted up and reflected in front when irritated, a whitish sole and colourless body-slime, which is not very sticky.
Lithobius forficatus Common Centipede Common
The most familiar and widely distributed centipede in the British Isles and often wanders into houses and outbuidings. It is found in a wide range of habitats from both rural and urban areas and has been found from the sea-shore to Scottish mountains 1,500 feet high, usually under stones and in decaying timber. It is large (9.5-13.5mm long) and uniformly brown.
Lithobius variegatus Striped Centipede Common
A centipede of banded brown colouration, found in woodlands.
Longitarsus jacobaeae a leaf beetle Common
2-3mm long yellow flea beetle feeding on common ragwort Senecio jacobaeae. Very common in northern England , mainly replaced by L. flavicornis in the south.
Lycaena phlaeas Small Copper Common
A common butterfly throughout Britain wherever its foodplant grows but it favours areas with light soils. The adult butterfly can be active in temperatures as low as 10oC and the male selects a basking spot for his territory, often on a stony path or bare soil, which he fiercly guards, seeing off other males who invade his 'patch' and pursuing any passing females. Ragwort is the favoured nectar-source, particularly in the autumn brood, and roosting takes place on dead seed heads of grasses. The eggs are laid very selectively on fresh growth of sorrels and sometimes docks and hatch after about one or one and a half weeks. The slug-like caterpillar feeds by day and rests at the base of the foodplant. At first it only eats the cuticle, in grooves from beneath the leaves, but later the whole leaf is eaten. There are two broods a year, flying between May and July and from August to October, and in the second generation the caterpillar overwinters close to the base of the foodplant. It pupates on the foodplant, attatched by strands of silk. This butterfly can suffer from its foodplants becoming over-run with grasses and needs plenty of bare and exposed areas to form suitable, discrete colonies.
Malachius bipustulatus Malachite Beetle Common
Metallic green malachite beetle with red tips to elytra. Common on flowers in grassy places over England and Wales . Rare in Scotland .
Maniola jurtina Meadow Brown Common
A very common to abundant butterfly throughout Britain , inhabiting almost any habitat and utilising even minimal areas of grassland to breed. It survives best in grasslands with a good mosaic of different turf heights and where scattered, mixed scrub is in proximity. It is never abundant on short-cropped sites and rarely common in swards dominated by tall, dense, coarse grasses. In poorer habitats it has more eye-spot markings which distract predators, as longer flights are often necessary to locate suitable breeding areas. The adult flies in temperatures of 13oC and above and, unlike most butterflies, it will fly in dull and sometimes rainy weather, even in the evening. The eggs are laid on shorter turf, females seemingly preferring the junction of areas of long and short grass, and hatch after two to three and a half weeks. The caterpillar will feed on any species of grass through the summer and autumn before overwintering, but early instars prefer fine grasses before moving on to coarser ones. It roosts by day at the base of the plant, ascending at night to feed, and curls up and falls to the ground when disturbed. When fully grown in spring it spins a silken pad on a grass stem and pupates. The adult then has a staggered emergence period from mid June to late summer and is often seen until late September. Bramble, thistles, ragworts and knapweeds are the favoured nectar plants. Roosting takes place in long grasses and on tall flower heads. The adults are often found carrying red mites.
Melanostoma mellinum a hoverfly Common
Small black and yellow hoverfly found in grassy places. One of the commonest hoverflies throughout Britain . The larvae are predatory on aphids.
Merodon equestris Greater Bulb-fly Common
A attractive bee mimic hoverfly with various colour forms. It is sometimes known as the 'Bulb Fly' because its larvae live within the bulbs of various plants, including Narcissus, and it can sometimes be a garden pest for this reason. Its wild hosts are not so well established, but bluebell is a probable host. Widespread and common.
Microchrysa cyaneiventris a soldier fly Common
A small, shining green and black soldier fly. Larvae breed in rotting vegetation including compost heaps. Widespread and common.
Microchrysa polita a soldier fly Common
A widespread and common soldier fly found in long grass, scrub, hedgerows, woodland edge and other lush vegetation. The larva lives in rotting vegetable matter and is often abundant in garden compost. The flight period is from March-September and the adult is rather small and metallic green.
Myathropa florea a hoverfly Common
A widespread and often common bee-mimic hoverfly in gardens, hedgerows and woodland edges. The larva is a rat-tailed maggot with a long and telescopically extensible breathing tube which enables it to breathe whilst submerged in water-filled cavities full of dead leaves, such as those which occur in dead stumps or between the root bases of trees. It pupates just above the surface of the wet wood detritus or the water, either buried in decaying wood or exposed. The adult varies considerably in the size and strength of its markings and is often seen visiting hogweed umbels and other flowers between May and October.
Myrmica scabrinodis a red ant Common
A small reddish ant which occurs throughout Britain but prefersshort-turf, alkaline grassland and boggy places. Tree stumps are also sometimes used for nests and each nest is constructed from a large number of small cells with thick, mud-plastered walls, relying less on the vegetation for support. This creates a strong, water-retaining nest which enables the ants to survive dry weather and live in hot, sunny places and is probably also easier to defend. Each nest usually contains two or three queens and mating flights occur during August. Most of its hunting occurs in short vegetation on or near the ground, and they also remove the flesh from the carcasses of dead birds and mammals. Unlike many ants, it keeps a large number of workers on the surface in winter and during cold weather, moving about but becoming extremely inactive when temperatures are below 8oC.
Mythimna ferrago Clay Common
The Clay is common over most of England , Wales and Ireland , Scotland to Argyll and the Inner Hebrides in the west and to Caithness in the east. It is found in most habitats but is less common near the coast than inland and most abundant in and near woodland and flies from late June to early August. The caterpillars feed mainly on grasses but also on other low growing plants such as chickweed, dandelion and plantain. They hibernate and feed rapidly in spring until fully grown by mid May when they pupate below the surface of the soil in silk and earth cocoons.
Nanogona polydesmoides a flat-backed millipede Common
A common millipede found throughout Britain and Ireland except, as yet, the Outer Hebrides and the Shetlands.
Nelima gothica a harvestman Local UK
A harvestman found in low vegetation and under logs or stones. Also occasionally in cellars and around buildings. Very local in scattered localities throughout Britain .
Nemastoma bimaculatum a harvestman Common
A small black harvestman with two white spots on the abdomen. Found in leaf and grass litter in many habitats. Very common.
Neoascia podagrica a hoverfly Common
A small black and yellow wasp-mimic hoverfly, common in a variety of habitats wherever there is lush vegetation. On the wing from April to October. Larvae have been found in wet decaying manure but are likely to be found in a range of decaying organic material.
Nephrotoma flavescens a cranefly Common
A widespread cranefly which occurs in dry, open grasslands where the larva feeds on roots and can be a serious pest on lawns and golf courses. The adult is yellow with black markings and flies from June until August.
Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing Common
The Large Yellow Underwing occurs commonly throughout the British Isles , though mostly in lowland habitats. The single generation flies from July to September and large numbers of immigrants sometimes swarm on the south coast. They roost by day on or close to the ground and when disturbed scuttle wildly on the ground. displaying the brightly-coloured hindwings. The caterpillars feed on a wide range of wild and cultivated herbs throughout the winter, spending a lot of time below ground, where they pupate in late spring.
Notostira elongata a grassbug Common
A common and widely distributed, though predominantly southern,grassbug which is found in a wide variety of grassy places on reasonably dry, neutral to calcareous soils. There are two generations a year and the adult females of the two generations differ both in size and colour so considerably that they were previously thought to be two species. A female of the summer generation is larger with longer antennae and wings than one of the autumn generation and is completely green. A female of the second generation is brown with a pinkish tint before hibernation but in the spring the abdomen becomes bright green. Only the adult female overwinters, having being fertilized the previous autumn, and lays batches of up to 15 yellowish-white eggs between stem and leaf blade from late April until June. These becoming paler and absorb water, swelling considerably, and the pale green larva is found in May and June.
Ochlodes venata Large Skipper Local UK
A very common butterfly in southern Britain but is more local in the very northernmost part of England and rare in Scotland , except the South West. It frequents rough grassland, wasteground and woodland rides with a preference for ungrazed south-facing slopes and can tolerate a high proportion of scrub, though it does not like more open, grazed turf. The eggs are laid singly under the blades of soft grasses, particularly bromes and yorkshire fog, Holcus lanatus, and hatch after two to three weeks. The caterpillar eats its egg shell on hatching before constructing a shelter by drawing together the edges of a grass blade with strands of silk. It leaves the shelter to feed by night and for short periods during the day, and hibernates within the shelter when almost full grown in autumn. In spring it re-commences feeding and later pupates in a tent of grass blades spun together with silk. The adult butterfly flies from mid-June to mid August but the temperature for flying has to be 15oC and above. Courtship is normally 3-4 metres up on scrub or trees and involves a great deal of communication with the antennae. Mowing or grazing is damaging to this species as it needs a continuity of tussocks and clumps of the larval foodplants. Although it is tolerant of scrub this could shade out its foodplant grasses if it becomes too dominant.
Oedemera lurida a thick-legged flower beetle Local UK
A dull metallic-green elongate beetle. The larvae develop in plant stems and the adults are usually found on flowers, particularly umbels and hawthorns. In the south it can be quite common but more unusual north of the Midlands .
Oligolophus tridens a harvestman Common
A common and widely distributed species throughout the British Isles . It appears to have a preference for the ground layer of woods, but it may also occur in the rank vegetation of marshes, hedgerows and gardens. It is dull brown and the femora are angular.
Ommatoiulus sabulosus Striped Millipede Common
One of the larger British millipedes: cylindrical, dark, and distinguished by two ginger stripes along the dorsal surface. Widespread and common in Britain , especially on dunes.
Omocestus viridulus Common Green Grasshopper Common
A medium-sized grasshopper, variably coloured but usually predominantly green. It is found in a wide range of grassland situations, and is generally common over the whole of Britain , though extremely local in some parts of the south-east.
Oniscus asellus Common Shiny Woodlouse Common
One of the commonest and most ubiquitous of British woodlice. It occurs in moist shady places in most habitats, including woodlands and gardens, where it is usually found under bark and in litter. It avoids drier habitats such as limestone turf and is one of the few woodlice that can tolerate acid soils. It is usually grey with irregular lighter patches but yellow and orange forms are common near the sea. The body is smooth and glossy in adults, rough in young animals.
Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth Common
Generally distributed and very common in a variety of habitats. In southern Britain it is multiple brooded but becomes single brooded in the north, the adults can be seen from April onwards flying mostly during dusk and the early part of the night. The caterpillars feed on hawthorn, blackthorn, rowan, plum and other trees throughout summer and overwinter as pupae.
Opomyza germinationis an opomyzid fly Common
Small fly with strongly marked wings. The larvae of this family are stem borers in grasses. Extremely abundant in grassy places throughout Britain north to Orkney. Larvae feed within the stems of many common grasses. There is a single generation per year. Adults emerge in June, lay eggs on the soil near host plants from September to November and third instar larvae overwinter.
Ourapteryx sambucaria Swallow-tailed Moth Common
Generally distributed and common in England , Wales and southern Scotland though it is local as far north as Ross-shire. It lives in woodlands, gardens and on commons and the single generation, which flies in July, is most active at dusk and in the early evening. The stick-like caterpillars feed on ivy and a variety of trees and shrubs from August through to June, except during winter when they overwinter on the foodplant.
Oxycera rara a soldier fly Local UK
Soldier fly. Scattered records from southern Britain . Larvae are aquatic, usually occurring in small flushes.
Pachygaster leachii a soldier fly Local UK
Small black soldier fly. Larvae under bark of oak and also at roots of Angelica. Adults mostly on foliage of trees and shrubs. Local, rare in the north.Regionally Notable for northern England . Rare in Sheffield .
Palloptera campta a picture-wing fly Common
A small, yellow fly with black spots on each wing and it flies from May to September in woodland clearings. The larvae feed inside the basal part of the stems of false oat-grass.
Palomena prasina Large Green Shieldbug Common
The green shieldbug. Widely distributed in England and Wales , and recorded from Scotland , but very much rarer in the north, and very local in parts of its range. It occurs in a wide range of habitats, but towards the edge of its range seems to be more confined to woodland.
Panorpa communis a scorpion fly Common
A scorpion-fly, of distinctive appearance with flexible red-tipped abdomen, elongate face and boldly black-marked wings. Larvae live in tunnels or cells in the soil. The adults are found in a wide range of habitats, typically amongst rank or scrubby vegetation in places such as hedgerows, wood margins, nettle beds and bramble thickets. Adults are both predacious and scavenging. It occurs on a wide range of soils, and is widely distributed and generally common throughout Britain .
Panorpa germanica a scorpion fly Common
A scorpion-fly, of distinctive appearance with flexible red-tipped abdomen, elongate face and boldly black-marked wings. The larvae live in tunnels or cells in the soil. The adults are found in a wide range of habitats, usually amongst rank or scrubby vegetation in such sites as woodland rides and edges, hedgerows, nettle beds and bramble patches. The adults are both predacious and scavenging. It occurs on a wide range of soils, and is widely distributed and common throughout Britain .
Paragus haemorrhous a hoverfly Local UK
An inconspicuous hoverfly which likes sparsely vegetated, sunny ground such as the margins of paths and landslips. The larvae are predatory on aphids. Localised in Derbyshire and Sheffield
Pararge aegeria Speckled Wood Common
A woodland species probably flying in more shadier conditions than any other British butterfly. The eggs are laid on a range of grasses, shaded grasses being preferred. Frequent in southern and western England and Wales , scarce in East Anglia , apart from Breckland, northern England , though more frequent in western Scotland and around the Moray Firth .
Paroligolophus agrestis a harvestman Common
This harvestman is widespread and it is probably the most abundant species in the British Isles . It may be found in woodland, parkland, grassland, sand-dunes, heaths, hedgerows and gardens. It has a silvery or grey abdomen with brown or reddish markings, the legs are comparatively short and the femora are rounded.
Perapion curtirostre a seed weevil Common
<No species account available>
Perizoma didymata Twin-spot Carpet Common
<No species account available>
Phasia obesa a tachinid fly Local UK
Parasitic fly. Host unknown. Widespread but scarce.Scarce in Derbyshire and Sheffield .
Pherbellia albocostata a snail-killing fly Common
A widely distributed and common snail-killing fly. Grasslands, scrub and woodland mainly in limestone areas in the Peak.
Philaenus spumarius Cuckoo-spit Insect Common
A small (5.3 - 6.9mm.) froghopper, very variably patterned in brown, black and white. Larvae develop in froth lumps on a wide range of plants. Found throughout Britain and generally abundant throughout the summer on a wide variety of trees and low plants.
Philonthus tenuicornis a rove beetle Local UK
an uncommon rove beetle
Philoscia muscorum Long-legged Woodlouse Common
A common woodlouse, found in a wide range of habitats, but preferring drier habitats than other common woodlice. Scree, limestone turf, under discarded wood, bricks and mortar.
Phragmatobia fuliginosa Ruby Tiger Common
A widespread and locally common moth in most habitats throughout the British Isles as far north as Orkney. Usually there is a single generation of moths in May and June and occasionally they fly in sunshine and run rapidly over herbage. The caterpillars feed on a wide range of herbaceous plants in summer and overwinter when full grown. After hibernation they do not feed but pupate in closely-spun silk cocoons amongst debris. Occasionally they do not overwinter but produce a small second brood in September.
Phyllobius roboretanus Small Green Nettle Weevil Common
3-5mm long bright green weevil living on foliage and catkins of common nettle Urtica dioica. Very common throughout Britain .
Phyllobius viridiaeris Green Nettle Weevil Local UK
4mm long bright green weevil feeding on nettles. Very common.
Phytocoris tiliae a plantbug or grassbug Common
A widely distributed and generally common plant bug throughout Britain , on the trunks and branches of a range of broadleaved trees. Largely predacious.
Phytomyza ilicis Holly Leaf Gall Fly Common
A very common and widespread small, grey, leaf mining-fly which has a single generation each year. The adult flies emerge towards the end of May and lay eggs near the base of the midrib on the underside of young holly leaves. The larvae mine the midribs before moving into the leaf-blades in autumn and cause very characteristic blotch mines in the upper surfaces. They pupate in the mine in March after preparing a thin triangular section of leaf to aid emergence. It is very common in all habitats and hardly a holly tree in the country will be found without it. The community of parasites and inquilines associated with the species are well studied.
Pieris brassicae Large White Common
A widely distributed and often common butterfly whose numbers vary greatly from year to year because of migration. The caterpillar feeds gregariously at first, chiefly on crucifers, and can be a pest on cabbages, though it will feed on nasturtium in gardens. When fully grown it pupates on the foodplant or crawls to a nearby fence or wall, sometimes entering outhouses. There are 2-3 broods a year from May until October and it overwinters as a pupa, though many are parasitised by braconid and chalcid wasps.
Pieris napi Green-veined White Common
A widespread and common butterfly throughout Britain , absent only from the extreme north. It shows much local variation, for example the Irish race has a very heavy suffusion of grey scaling and in Scotland and northern England the females have a more buff ground colour. It frequents a variety of habitats but is most common in open woodland and grassland. The eggs are laid singly on crucifers including rape, cuckoo-flower, hedge mustard and horse radish. The caterpillar feeds beneath the leaves before pupating on the foodplant or a nearby fence or post. It overwinters as a pupa and there are 2-3 broods a year from April until October.
Pieris rapae Small White Common
A widely distributed and generally common resident, reinforced in some years by immigrants from the continent. There are 2-3 broods a year flying from early spring through to autumn. The caterpillars feed chiefly on crucifers and can be a pest of cabbages, and the pupae overwinter.
Pimpla hypochondriaca an ichneumon wasp Common
Very common, especially in hedgerows, gardens and similar situations, and widely distributed in the British Isles north to Ross and Cromarty. Flight period: vi-x; bivoltine, overwintering as a prepupa. It attacks the naked or cocooned pupae of medium-sized to large Lepidoptera that pupate above ground, particularly on tall vegetation, bushes, fences, etc. Reared from: Zygaena sp (1)(Zygaenidae), ?Olethreutes lacunana (Denis and Schiffermuller)(1)(Tortricidae), Papilio machaon L (3)(Papilionidae), Pieris brassicae (L)(26), Pieris rapae (L)(3), Pieris sp (2) (Pieridae),Lycaena dispar batavus (Oberth641r)(20, from 1 survey of this host)(Lycaenidae), Eriogaster lanestris (L)(1), Malacosoma neustria (L)(6), Lasiocampa quercus (L)(1), Philudoria potatoria (L)(1) (Lasiocampidae), Saturnia pavonia (L)(1)(Saturniidae), Drepana binaria (Hufnagel)(2)(Drepanidae), Tethea ocularis (L)(1)(Thyatiridae), Abraxas grossulariata (L)(1), Ennomos autumnaria (Werneburg)(1), Biston betularia (L)(1), Peribatodes rhomboidaria (Denis and Sciffermuller)(2), Alcis jubata (Thunberg)(1)(Geometridae), Mimas tiliae (L)(1), Deilephila porcellus (L)(1)(Sphingidae), Cerura vinula (L)(1, failed to escape from the hard host cocoon)(Notodontidae), Orgyia recens (Hubner)(3), Orgyia antiqua
Pisaura mirabilis Tent Spider Common
A large (10-15mm) greyish or brownish hunting spider with a prominent yellow stripe along the carapace. Typically seen hunting on the ground or over low vegetation in gardens, woods and heaths. Very common and widespread.
Platycheirus albimanus a hoverfly Common
Small grey and black hoverfly. Hedgerows, woodland margins, gardens etc. The larvae are predatory on aphids. One of the commonest hoverflies and with a very long flight period.
Platycheirus angustatus a hoverfly Common
Small, narrow, black and yellow hoverfly. Damp grassland and marshes, sometimes drier grassland. Widespread in suitable localities, but possibly more abundant in the south.
Platycheirus clypeatus sens. str a hoverfly Common
Small black and yellow hoverfly. Damp grassland, marshes and bogs. The larvae are predatory on aphids. One of the commonest hoverflies in wet localities throughout Britain .
Platycheirus rosarum a hoverfly Local UK
Dark coloured hoverfly with a pair of yellow spots on the abdomen. The larvae are predatory on aphids. Wet meadows, well vegetated ditches and marshes. Widespread, but usually scarce, especially in the north.
Plusia festucae Gold Spot Common
A brightly coloured moth which is most common by streams and in marshland, fenland, damp woodland rides and clearings, river banks and boggy moorland but is well distributed throughout Britain and Ireland , including the off-shore islands. There are two broods in southern England and a single brood from the midlands northwards. The double brooded adults fly in June and July and in August and September while the single brood flies in July and August. They rest on Iris during the day and fly from dusk to feed from night-scented flowers whilst on the wing. Caterpillars have been recorded feeding on various sedges, yellow iris and water plantain. Those of the first brood feed quickly, but second generation and single-brooded individuals overwinter as small larvae at the bases of the foodplants and feed up in the spring, then pupate in transparent, strong cocoons in folded leaves.
Polygonia c-album Comma Common
The larva feeds on Urtica dioica, Humulus lupulus and Ulmus spp. The historical distribution of this species has fluctuated greatly though presently it occurs in the entire southern half of Britain .
Polyommatus icarus Common Blue Common
A common butterfly throughout Britain except in Shetland and occurs in colonies which vary in size depending on the suitability of the habitat. Commons, heaths and hillsides with low vegetation are its preferred habitats, though old disused quarries, railway cuttings and shingle coastlines are also popular. It is very colonial but wanders a great deal and new colonies are often formed within several kilometres of an exsisting population. The minimum active temperature for adult butterflies of the first brood is 14oC, with the later brood needing 16oC. Mating takes place on a sturdy stem of any low-growing plant and communal roosting often occurs on the flower or seed heads of various plants. The eggs are laid singly near the stalks of the larval foodplants which is usually bird's-foot trefoil, but occasionally black medick, clovers and other leguminous plants are used. The young caterpillar feeds only on the cuticle until half grown, when flowers and seed pods are also eaten, and the second brood overwinters when small in the base of the foodplant, resuming feeding in spring. Although generally a nocturnal feeder it has been observed feeding by day. The pupa is formed in a flimsy cocoon at the base of the foodplant, and is probably often buried by ants as both larva and pupa are attractive to them. There are two broods in the south, flying in May and June and from mid-August until October, whereas in northern England and Scotland there is a single brood in July and August. Because bird's-foot trefoil is a rapid coloniser of disturbed ground this butterfly can often benefit from grass cutting, although it is rarely found on uniformly short turf and requires a mixture of turf heights.
Porcellio scaber Common Rough Woodlouse Common
One of the commonest woodlice in Britain and prefers drier habitats, including sand dunes and acid heaths, though it is also common on tree trunks and walls and abundant on waste ground, in gardens and in grassland. It is usually grey, though an orange form speckled with black is frequent, particularly in the juvenile and female.
Propylea quattuordecimpunctata 14-spot Ladybird Common
3.5-5mm long black and yellow angular spotted ladybird. Larvae aphidophagous. Very common in most habitats, including gardens.
Psila merdaria a psilid fly Common
a large psilid fly found on low plants in damp places May to September. Larvae feed on the roots of plants.
Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata 22-spot Ladybird Common
A ladybird which is yellow with black spots. Widely distributed and generally common on low vegetation, but it does not occur in Scotland . Its colour pattern varies very little and both adult and larva feed on mildews. It can be found from April until August.
Pterostichus niger a ground beetle Common
15-20mm long predatory black ground beetle. Common in most habitats, including gardens and arable, although does not occur in very dry places. Adults live under stones, under bark, in tussocks etc.
Pyronia tithonus Gatekeeper Common
Common in southern Britain north to mid Yorkshire . Very rare north of that. Grassy places, including woodland rides etc. Larvae feed on coarse grasses.
Quercusia quercus Purple Hairstreak Local UK
Inhabits woodlands, the larva feeding on Quercus. Widely distributed in southern England becoming scarcer from the Midlands northwards. Widespread in Wales and very local in parts of Scotland .
Rhagio scolopaceus Common Downlooker Fly Common
A widespread and common 'downlooker fly' in wooded areas. The long, whitish larva lives in soil, rotting wood and ground litter (where it also pupates), feeding on the larvae of other insects. The adult, which flies from May until July, is a slim, yellow black banded, predatory fly with brown clouded wing markings and typically sits facing downwards on a tree trunk or similar perch, from where it makes short flights at passing prey.
Rhagio tringarius a snipe fly Common
Down-looker fly. Large, brownish predatory fly found amongst scrub and in damp places. Larvae live in soil. Widespread and common in suitable situations.
Rhagonycha fulva Common red soldier beetle Common
7-10mm long orange red soldier beetle with black tips to the wing cases. Adults very common on umbelliferous flowers in late July, predatory on other insects. Larvae predatory at base of grasses etc. Very common.
Rhagonycha limbata a soldier beetle Common
6mm long yellowish brown and black soldier beetle. Predatory, usually found on umbels and composite flowers. Larvae predatory, probably in soil or among grass roots. Very common throughout Britain .
Rhogogaster viridis a sawfly Common
A sawfly. Widespread and common.
Rhyzobius litura a ladybird Common
A small pale orange-brown ladybird, widespread and generally common low down on vegetation in a wide range of habitats.
Rilaena triangularis a harvestman Common
A small pale brown harvestman, common and widespread. Adult from spring to mid-summer.
Rivula sericealis Straw Dot Common
A moth of marshes, fenland, mosses and the damper parts of woodland, moorland, heathland and commons. Larva on Brachypodium. Southern half of Britain , local in western Scotland . Derbyshire Red Data Book species.
Sarcophaga sp. a flesh fly
A large grey and black flesh fly attracted to carrion
Scaeva pyrastri a hoverfly Common
A common hoverfly in the south but scarcer in the north and west and large numbers migrate to Britain from the continent. Eggs are laid among aphids on the underside of a leaf or on a plant stem and three or four days later the 2mm long white larva emerges and hunts its prey. It feeds by plunging its mouthparts into the body of an aphid and sucks out the juices, holding the prey away from the surface on which it is resting, whilst retaining its own hold with the hind part of the body. The larva has also been known to feed on caterpillars. After a few days the slug-like larva changes to green with a pale stripe down the middle of its body. When moving it uses its mouthparts to secure a hold, pulls up its hind parts and then stretches its head out for another grip, the whole movement being a series of rippling undulations. It is sightless and senses its prey by chemical means, swaying its head from side to side to locate nearby aphids. When fully grown the larva attaches itself to a leaf or stem by its mouthparts and shrinks to a brownish, pear-shaped pupa. After a further ten days the adult fly forces off a piece of the puparium and emerges to feed on pollen and nectar. The adult is a large black hoverfly with creamy or white bar-shaped markings on the abdomen, though there is a black form, unicolor, which lacks these cream/white markings.
Sciara hemeroboides Sciarid Fly Common
A Sciarid Fly. Adults fairly common on flowers in summer.
Scotopteryx chenopodiata Shaded Broad-bar Common
Adults in a wide range of habitats including sand dunes, downland, waste ground and grassy embankments where they can be found visiting flowers from dusk onwards. Larvae on vetches and clovers. Widespread and moderately common throughout Britain .
Sinodendron cylindricum Rhinoceros Beetle Common
Rhinoceros beetle. Larvae bore into firm dead timber of broadleaved trees in early stages of decay. Widespread but local. Occurs in most ancient woodlands but also common in secondary woods, old trees in hedges, etc.
Sitona lineatus Pea and Bean Weevil Common
4-5mm long brown weevil feeding on most species of leguminosae mainly in grassland. Common pest in gardens of peas and beans.
Sphaeridium scarabaeoides a scavenger water beetle Common
5-8mm long oval black beetle with red and yellow markings. Adults are attracted to very fresh (liquid) cow dung, wherein the larvae develop. Very common throughout Britain .
Sphaerophoria interrupta a hoverfly Local UK
A hoverfly found in grasslands and landslipped coastal cliffs. It is rarely seen in numbers although widely distributed. The larvae are predatory on aphids.
Sphaerophoria scripta a hoverfly Common
An elongate, yellow and black hoverfly which is widely distributed and generally common, often abundant and found most commonly on open grassland. In some years the resident population is boosted by migration from the continent. The larva feeds on aphids on herbaceous plants. The flight period is from May through to October and the adult is a common sight feeding from flowers or flying about and resting on leaves, often as mated pairs.
Stenodema laevigatum a grassbug Common
A common and widely distributed grassbug, found throughout most of Britain but becoming rare in the extreme north. It lives on grasses in a wide range of habitat types but shows a preference for damper and more luxuriant grasslands, including woodland clearings and river banks. Nymphs and adults feed on the sap and juices of a wide variety of grasses, particularly meadow foxtail, timothy, red fescue, bent and wavy hair-grass. They are especially fond of the flowerheads, piercing and sucking the buds and unripe grains. Adults appear in late July and August and feed readily, building up a fat body to last through the winter. After hibernation they mate and the eggs are laid from late May to early July in the developing flowerheads of the foodplants. The nymphs take about a month to mature, by which time the previous generation have virtually all died. Nymphs are greenish and develop a reddish dorsal stripe in the final instar while the newly-moulted adult id light yellow with thin red lines which soon fadeas the ground colour becomes browner. In the spring the females become bright green but the males remain brownish.
Strongylogaster multifasciata Bracken Sawfly Common
Usually associated with Bracken
Sympetrum striolatum Common Darter Common
A small, red, darter dragonfly which breeds in a wide range of still to slow flowing water bodies including ditches, ponds, lakes, peat pools, and, occasionally, slow flowing streams and rivers. It is a widespread species in Britain , but there is uncertainty over the status of S. nigrescens from which it may or may not be distinct. It appears that neither favour upland areas, but, if S. nigrescens is a distinct species, it replaces S. striolatum in Scotland . S. striolatum is widespread in Europe , except in the extreme north, and extends eastwards to Japan . It also occurs in northern Africa .
Syritta pipiens a hoverfly Common
Small hoverfly which is widespread and very common throughout Britain , though rarer in remote areas of Scotland . Occurs in urban areas, rough meadows, along hedgerows and in marshy situations. The larva develops in compost, manure, silage and other rotting organic matter. The adult is a small hoverfly with rather distinctive, swollen hind legs and is often seen at flowers. In flight it mimics a solitary wasp but its precision flying and hovering between jerky, darting flights makes it a typical hoverfly. The male is extremely territorial, darting and driving out any straying males and performing a courtship dance to females, which involves moving in an arc and flashing the silver markings on face, thorax and abdomen in the sunshine. The flight period extends from March to October, often with peaks in July and August.
Syrphus ribesii a hoverfly Common
A yellow and black banded hoverfly, widely distributed and generally common. Larvae are predators on aphids.
Syrphus torvus a hoverfly Common
A yellow and black banded hoverfly found in wooded areas throughout Britain . Its larvae are predators of aphids.
Tachina fera a tachinid fly Common
A large attractive parasitic fly. Hosts are caterpillars of Noctuid moths. Two adult flight periods May-June & August-early Oct. Fairly common.
Tachypodoiulus niger White-legged Snake Millipede Common
A very common snake millipede which is found in a wide variety of habitats, often synanthropic. It is brown-black to black in colour with white legs and a pointed 'tail', 20-50 mm long and has from 41 to 56 segments in adult form. It has a life cycle taking 21 months to complete with 8 moults. This is an active millipede which is found in woodland and open ground, often in calcareous soils. It feeds above ground, grazing on encrustations on walls and trunks, usually at night, and rests during the day under a stone or dead wood.
Tenthredopsis nassata a sawfly Common
A sawfly. Widespread and common.
Tephritis cometa a gall fly Local UK
An attractively patterned picture-winged fly which breeds in the flower head of creeping thistle, Cirsium arvense. Occurs mainly in south-east England . New to Derbyshire in 1999 only 3 known sites.New to Sheffield in 2003. Seems to be extending its range.
Tephritis formosa a gall fly Local UK
Picture winged fly with larvae in a swelling in the capitula of Sow Thistles Sonchus species. Rather a restricted distribution in the south-east of England north to Yorkshire. 15 sites in Sorby area
Tephritis neesii a gall fly Local UK
A picture winged fly whose larvae attack the flower head of Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum species. Occurs throughout the British Isles, but commonest in southern England. Common in Sorby area
Terellia ruficauda a gall fly Common
Picture winged fly. Larvae live in the flower heads of thistles (Cirsium arvense, C. palustre and C. pratense). Widespread and common in southern Britain, north to Yorkshire. 23 sites in Sorby area.
Tetanocera elata Common Slug-killing Fly Common
A widespread and very common snail-killing fly which is found in all types of terrestrial habitat, particularly on vegetation bordering ponds or streams and in marshes. The eggs are laid singly or in small batches and hatch after a few weeks. The larva is a specialist predator of slugs, attaching itself to the body of a passing slug and first feeding on its mucus before piercing the skin and killing it within 2 days. The adult is found from June to September.
Tetrix subulata Slender Ground Hopper Local RDB
A groundhopper, resembling a small grasshopper, which occurs as many colour varieties. Usually found in moist places such as water meadows, fens, stream margins and wet woodland rides. An active species which flies readily in warm weather. Found mainly south of the Wash-Severn line. Locally abundant although easily overlooked.Derbyshire RDB.Notts BAP species.
Thymelicus sylvestris Small Skipper Common
A common butterfly in much of England and Wales but does not occur in the extreme north-east of England nor in Scotland. It frequents rough grassland, especially where the sward is allowed to grow tall, and has a particular preference for long grass edges such as alongside paths and tracks. The eggs are laid in late summer on various soft grasses, particularly bromes and yorkshire fog, Holcus lanatus, where they are hidden in grass sheaths, hatch after three to four weeks and the caterpillar goes straight into hibernation. In spring it feeds nocturnally, resting by day in a shelter made by drawing together the sides of a grass blade, and when fully grown it spins several blades together for pupating, which lasts about 14 days. The adult butterfly flies from July to September, roosting communally on grass heads from late afternoon, sometimes in large numbers. The temperature for flying needs to be at least 15-16oC and much time is spent feeding at flowers, particularly thistles and knapweeds. This butterfly would suffer if coarse grasses such as Brachypodium were to supress its more favoured grasses and the cutting of corridors through long grassland might be beneficial to it.
Tipula lateralis a cranefly Common
A common and widespread cranefly which is found in both lowland and upland areas and occurs by streams, ponds and other water margins, including seepages in fields and on coastal cliffs. The female's ovipositor is noticably small and the larva is aquatic. There are usually two generations each year, one in spring which flies in April and May and one in autumn which flies in September. The adults avoid shaded situations.
Trichoniscus pusillus Common Soil Woodlouse Common
A widespread and common, small pink or reddish-brown woodlouse, mottled with white, which also occurs in a purple form. It is found throughout Britain and has been recorded up to 800m in the Scottish Highlands, and it occupies a wide range of habitats, including acid moorland. The parthenogenetic triploid form occurs in the north and west while the diploid bisexual form occurs in the south east. Because of its small size and retiring habits it is not often seen, though it can occur at densities of thousands per square metre in thick grass litter. It is very prone to desiccation, migrating into the soil in droughts or cold weather.
Trichoniscus pygmaeus Tiny White Woodlouse Common
A tiny off-white woodlouse found in a variety of habitats through much of Great Britain . Tends to occur deep in the soil, on calcareous rather than acidic sites.
Tryphon trochanteratus an ichneumon wasp Unknown
A parasitic wasp
Tyria jacobaeae Cinnabar Common
Widespread throughout much of England and Wales , rather local and mainly coastal in the southern half of Scotland . The larva feeds on Senecio, especially S.jacobaea.
Urophora cardui a gall fly Common
A picture-winged fly with wings very prominently marked with transverse black bands. Larvae develop in a gall on the stem of creeping thistle, Cirsium arvense. It is locally common in the southern counties of England and Wales , but much scarcer north of the Wash.New to Derbyshire in 2008, new to Sheffield in 2010.
Urophora jaceana a gall fly Common
A picture winged fly, with yellow and black body and wings prominently marked with black transverse bands. Larvae develop in galls in the flowerheads of knapweed, Centaurea nigra and probably C. debauxii. It is common throughout Britain .
Urophora stylata a gall fly Common
A picture-winged fly with a black and yellow body and dark brown stripes on the wings. The larvae live in a hard gall formed in the flower head of thistles (Cirsium vulgare, C. arvense and Carduus nutans). Widespread and fairly common in southern Britain north to Yorkshire.Common in Sorby area.
Vanessa atalanta Red Admiral Migrant
An immigrant butterfly from North Africa which reaches most of Britain in late spring. It will breed here and produces a home-grown generation in late summer which is seen into October but does not usually survive the winter. In the autumn generation, the adult is attracted to fallen fruit and budleja flowers. The eggs are laid on the upperside of stinging nettle leaves and the young caterpillar binds the edges of a leaf together with strands of silk and feeds within this tent. Several leaves are bound together to form a pupation tent and the caterpillar suspends itself before pupating inside.
Vespula vulgaris Common Wasp Common
Social wasp which typically forms large colonies underground. The nest is started in an existing cavity such as a mouse nest, in rockeries or in rubbish heaps, usually in a bank rather than on flat ground. Ariel nests occur, but are always in enclosed spaces such as cavity walls, attics or hollow trees. Widespread and common.
Volucella pellucens a hoverfly Common
A large black and white hoverfly, commonly to be found on bramble flowers or hovering in woodland glades. The larvae are scavengers in the nests of social wasps.
Xanthia icteritia Sallow Moth Common
Inhabits damp woodland, commons, marshy places, heathland, moorland etc. Young larvae feed on sallow catkins, later moving onto the leaves or, more frequently, to low plants. Widespread and generally common.
Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character Common
A moth. Larvae on common nettle and probably many other herbaceous plants. Most common in southern England, though reported from most parts of the British Isles.
Xylena exsoleta Sword-grass Notable/Nb
Moorland and open woodland, the larva on a variety of low growing plants. Local but widespread in Scotland, parts of southern Wales and northern England, elsewhere the species has seriously declined. Status should possibly be Na.
Xylota segnis a hoverfly Common
Orange and black hoverfly which resembles an Ichneumon wasp. Adults are characteristically seen running about, or sunbathing, on leaves in hedgerows and woodland - rarely at flowers. Wet, very rotten dead wood is the usual breeding site, but a variety of wet decomposing vegetable matter (eg. sawdust, decomposed silage) has been recorded. Widespread and usually common in or near woods.
Xyphosia miliaria a gall fly Common
A widespread and common picture-winged fly which occurs throughout the British Isles Its larva lives in the flower heads of marsh thistles, Cirsium palustre, creeping thistle, C. arvense, woolly thistle, C. eriophorum, and burdock, Arctium vulgare, causing a gall, and spins its cocoon from pappus hairs. There are two generations a year and the adult flies from May to July and from late July to September.
Yponomeuta evonymella Bird-cherry Ermine Local UK
This micromoth is one of the lesser ermine moths and this one feeds on Bird Cherry and, presumably, on other Prunus species. The adults fly in summer and the caterpillars feed and pupate gregariously in webs.
Zygaena filipendulae Six-spot Burnet Common
Typically found in dry grassy places such as woodland rides, downland, disused quarries and sandpits, railway cuttings, sand dunes and flowery meadows. Larvae on Lotus corniculatus, but also require tall grass stems on which to pupate. Widespread and moderately common in England and Wales , coastal in Scotland .
Zygaena lonicerae Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet Common
Typically found in grassy places such as open woodland, commons, marshes, downland, disused quarries and sandpits, railway cuttings, sand dunes and flowery meadows. Larvae on a variety of vetches and trefoils, but also require tall grass stems on which to pupate. Widespread and moderately common in England , in Wales apparently restricted to the south-east.
Derek Whiteley October 2011 |
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