Insect Life

MARBLED WHITE BUTTERFLY

Marbled White

Despite its name, the Marbled White is more closely related to the subfamily known as the 'browns' than the 'whites'. This butterfly is unmistakable, its black and white markings distinguishing it from all other species found in the British Isles.

These butterflies are found commonly over the proposed development area.

The butterfly is found in unimproved grassland where the grass may grow up to 0.5m tall. The largest colonies are found on downland but even small strips of grassland, such as a road verge, field margins, woodland clearings and disused railway lines can contain smaller colonies.

Butterfly Conservation Priority: Low

WHITE ADMIRAL BUTTERFLY

White Admiral

Found exclusively in woodland, the White Admiral (Limenitis Camilla) is a stunning butterfly with a delicate gliding flight. Unlike its sun-loving peers, this black and white beauty prefers shady spots to relax in.

Butterfly Conservation Priority: High

Section 41 species of principal importance under the NERC Act in England

Listed on Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016

UK BAP status: Priority Species

PURPLE HAIRSTREAK

Purple Hairstreak

The Purple Hairstreak is a small butterfly that flies in the summer between the end of June and early September. It is very rarely seen as it spends most of its time perched on leaves at the top of oak trees. Very occasionally, it does come down to ground level, but it is best spotted with binoculars: males can sometimes be seen chasing each other in the treetops.

Found in oak woodland and on solitary oak trees in parks or along hedgerows.

Butterfly Conservation Priority: Low

STAG BEETLE

Stag beetle

Stag beetles are one of the most spectacular insects in the UK. The male’s large jaws look just like the antlers of a stag. They spend most of their life underground as larvae, only emerging for a few weeks in the summer to find a mate and reproduce.

Stag Beetles live in woodland edges, hedgerows, traditional orchards, parks and gardens throughout Western Europe including Britain – but not Ireland. Stag Beetles are relatively widespread in southern England and live in the Severn Valley and coastal areas of the southwest. Elsewhere in Britain they are extremely rare or even extinct.

Conservation Priority: Stag Beetles are legally protected from sale in the UK. They are also classed as a ‘priority species’, listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

These magnificent beetles are Red listed in many European countries and have undergone a decline across Europe.

ELEPHANT HAWK MOTH

Elephant Hawk Moth

The Elephant Hawk-Moth is a medium-sized hawk-moth, on the wing from May to early August and active at dusk. It is commonly found in parks and gardens, as well as woodland edges, rough grassland and sand dunes.

The caterpillars are seen from July to September and are very characteristic: greyish-green or brown, with two enormous, black eyespots towards the head. When disturbed, they swell up to show these spots and scare off predators. The caterpillars feed on willowherbs, fuchsia and bedstraw, and the adults feed on nectar. The caterpillars overwinter as chrysalides, hidden among low vegetation or in the soil.

Conservation Priority: Low

The Claydons Solar Action Group are asking for your assistance in helping us make a record of wildlife found in the area for the next year or two

If you walk, run, or cycle within the 2,100 acres site we are asking if you could be on the lookout for many of the protected species found there: record and email us with information mentioned below, so that we can add them to our own records. If you can not name the species send the image in any way and we will try to identify it. Please try and make the shots as clear as possible for identification.

  • Take a photograph

  • Make a note of the species (male or female if known)

  • Make a note of the date and time

  • Please indicate where you spotted it

  • Email it to us

    wildlife@claydonssolaractiongroup.co.uk

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