A huge
upsurge in interest in the moths that visit or live in our
garden has come about in the last ten years or so, as people
have begun to realise how beautiful many moths are, and how
many species we can see in our gardens. Compared with 60
or so species of butterfly in Britain, the number of moths is
huge – around 2,500 species. A well-managed organic
garden could expect visits from several hundred of these;
indeed at least 300 species have a preference for garden
habitats. Some moths will visit for nectar and others
may lay their eggs on the leaves of trees, shrubs and
wildflowers that may be around or in our gardens, which means
that we can play an important part in their conservation.
As you
might expect, the environment in and immediately around the
garden is particularly important if you hope to see a good
variety of moths in your area. Although they are winged
insects and some species will fly long distances (some are
migrants in much the same way as a red admiral or painted lady
butterfly) many more have a narrow range and may live out
their whole life cycle around a locality that provides them
with their larval food plants. Having the right plants
available is crucial to their survival.
For
many people their first encounter with the moth family is as a
child, when caterpillars can be fascinating and fun! The
brown hairy ‘woolly bear’ that many of us know, is the
caterpillar of the garden tiger, a brightly coloured moth
which is common and well distributed throughout the country
with the exception of Shetland. This species has
mottled brown and cream forewings, perfect for camouflage, and
bright scarlet under wings with dark spots. Many moth species
have brightly coloured under wings, which helps in their
identification. The caterpillars of the garden tiger feed on
nettles and docks as well as some other herbaceous plants, so
allowing these plants a bit of space can encourage these
wonderful moths. The ‘tigers’ are an attractive group and the
scarlet tiger, a day-flying species often mistaken for a
butterfly, has bright red under wings making it highly visible
in flight. In good years it may appear in gardens so look out
for it in June and July when the male patrols his territory.
There
are a great many beautiful species of these insects in a huge
variety of colours and shapes. Many are well camouflaged and
some, such as the marbled green, which lays its eggs on
lichens growing on tree bark, resemble the environment in
which they live. Other green moths, including the scarce
silver lines and the lime hawk moth, are coloured to blend
into a background of leaves, allowing them to roost safely.
More species, including the pink elephant hawk moth are brightly
coloured, or some are shining white like the swallowtail moth
or white ermine. These fascinating insects come in all
shapes, sizes and colours, as do their caterpillars.
So how
can we encourage more of these beautiful insects into our
gardens or provide a habitat for those that are around us?
Obviously what we grow is crucial as, like butterflies, moths
use specific larval food plants. However, moths can be much
more adventurous and adaptable in their tastes and there are
many species that use a wide range of herbaceous plants for
their caterpillars. ‘Weedy’ plants such as nettles, docks and
grasses are used by many species, so a wild patch in the
garden will be extremely beneficial to caterpillars. Other
very useful plants are native trees and shrubs, which means
that a mixed native hedge is a moth magnet especially if a
goat willow is included. Many moth larvae feed on willow
including two aptly named species - the sallow and the centre
barred sallow - plus the puss moth, the eyed hawk moth and the
white satin moth. Other species feed on the leaves of
hawthorn, blackthorn, dogwood and spindle. The native birches
are also food for a variety of moths including the lesser
swallow prominent, scalloped hook tip and the gorgeous green
large emerald. Poplars and aspen support a range of species
including the figure of eighty, named after the characters on
its wings.
Providing nectar for moths is also an important
consideration. Not all adult moths feed, but those that do
prefer nectar from night scented plants. Evening primrose,
night scented stock, red and white campion and honeysuckle are
good nectar providers for moths, and tobacco plants can
sometimes attract even large migrant moths such as the massive
convolvulus hawk moth. Buddleia is equally as good for moths
as it is for butterflies. A range of easy to grow wildflowers
and cottage garden plants plus a Buddleia will go a long way
to providing food for these insects.
The
third consideration after providing food plants and nectar is
how to manage your garden in the months when the moths are
hibernating, usually as pupae or, with some species, as
caterpillars. We have already seen how a wilder patch of
garden, where nettles, docks and long grass grow, can benefit
moths by providing food for some caterpillars, but areas such
as this can also be left well alone to protect the wildlife
using them. This will ensure that larvae and pupae are
relatively undisturbed at all stages of their life cycle. A
wilder area can be enhanced with more wildflowers – campions,
foxgloves, mullein or dead nettle - to benefit yet more
species and other invertebrates also. Leaving herbaceous
borders untouched during the winter months will also benefit
moths.
It is
inevitable that as you discover this group of insects you will
want to find out more about them and possibly watch them in
your garden. Not all moths come to an outside light, but
leaving on a light at dusk will attract a small range of
species. A bright lamp on an old white sheet on the lawn will
give you an opportunity to see moths in more detail, as they
will generally alight on the pale cloth. If you really want
to get involved, your own moth trap - a contraption that
attracts the insects to a special bulb under which they
shelter in safety – could be the next step. Contact your
local wildlife trust to find out if there are any
moth-watching events in your area. You will also meet the
local moth experts this way – identification of moths can be
very difficult!
Any
gardener worth his salt is going to be a little bit concerned
about encouraging too many moths into a productive fruit and
vegetable garden. Aren’t these insects going to lay their
eggs and the caterpillars eat precious crops? If you do have
concerns about this it is worth remembering that moths and
their caterpillars provide a huge amount of natural food for a
great range of garden wildlife. A vast number of caterpillars
of moths and other insects are fed to young birds in the
spring and about one quarter of a hedgehog’s diet is composed
of caterpillars. Bats also rely on moths for food. By
encouraging these insects you will be enriching your whole
garden ecosystem and encouraging natural predators.
For
more information on moths The
Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain by Paul Waring,
Martin Townsend and Richard Lewington
published by
British Wildlife Publishing
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