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Friends of
BEDFONT LAKES COUNTRY PARK |
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INVERTEBRATES The habitats at Bedfont Lakes attract many species of butterflies from spring through to autumn. 25 species of butterfly have been recorded including Brimstone, Red Admiral, Clouded Yellow, Peacock, Speckled Wood, and Essex Skipper. The large lakes at Bedfont, the reedbeds, and wet woodland, provide habitats for some much localised habitat specific moths. The Goat Moth caterpillar feeds on deciduous trees, particularly willow, for up to 5 years then pupates into adult moths flying in June and July. Our colony is one of only two known in the whole of London. Many larvae of the Wainscot family of moths feed specifically on Common Reed and as a result we have found a dozen species of Wainscots at Bedfont Lakes. The lakes are also host to a range of dragonfly species that can be seen in the summer time as they hunt, fight, display, and lay eggs. These include Brown Hawker, Emperor, Black-tailed Skimmer, and Common Darter. The smaller related damselflies include; Common Blue, Red-eyed, Blue-tailed, and Azure. Around the Country Park there are large piles of rotting logs and tree stumps. These provide a perfect habitat for, amongst other species, beetles, most notably the Stag Beetle. This is Britain’s largest beetle and its numbers are falling across the whole of Europe. The males have large mouthparts that look like a stag’s antlers and they can measure up to 7.5cms in length. During the summer months Stag Beetles can be seen flying late in the afternoon and into the evening. They are completely harmless.
One rare insect resident of Bedfont Lakes Country Park is the wasp spider. This colourful insect was first recorded in this country in 1922. It is thought to have originated in continental Europe. Until recently it was found almost exclusively around the South Coast but now it seems to be spreading Northwards. Four female wasp spiders have been seen in the park recently. Click on the picture below for a larger view.
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