The RSPB encourages
the public to give moths a home in their gardens this summer by planting food
for moths and their caterpillars.
Morwenna Alldis,
spokesperson for the RSPB South West said: “In our UK gardens
and green spaces we have recorded a staggering 2,400 different species of moth
to date. And yet these furry flutterers are often overshadowed by their flashy
cousins, the butterflies, who paint our summers with a rainbow of colour. But
let’s not forget that moths have eye-catching markings too – a jersey tiger
moth, cinnabar or elephant hawk-moth can out-bedazzle any painted
lady.
“Similar to
butterflies, moths undergo several stages of metamorphosis before reaching
adulthood. They start life as caterpillars, which then pupate in a silken
cocoon, before poking-out a feathery antenna to read the air for the first time.
In fact, moth’s antennae help them to sense smell and navigate their flight.
Most of our UK moths fly at night, whereas butterflies are daytime lovers. And
when a moth lands it typically keeps its wings open, unlike butterflies who tend
to close their wings when resting.
“Here at the RSPB we
think it’s time to start showing our garden moths some love. Moths are vital
pollinators for some of our wild flowers and trees. Perhaps a harsh truth to
stomach, but moths are vital links in nature’s food chain too. They are also an
important food source for bats and birds. At this time of year moth caterpillars
are fed to many of our garden bird chicks including blue tits, great tits and
robins. By following our simple planting top tips, you too can help give moths a
home in your own garden.”
Plant Food for
Moths
Morwenna explains:
“Moths need to drink nectar for energy, so grow nectar-rich plants which flower
throughout spring, summer and autumn. If you have the space, create a
moth-friendly border around your garden. If space is limited, simply plant the
below in amongst your other flowers or in pots scattered around your garden.
For
night-flying moths in summer plant:
·
Nicotiana
alata - grow in the flower
bed
·
Jasmine - a climber to grow
up a trellis
·
Honeysuckle - a climber to grow
up a trellis or into a tree
·
Hemp-agrimony - a perennial plant
about 1m tall, with soft, lilac heads of flowers, that will form a bigger and
bigger clump each year
·
Sweet
rocket - a beautiful plant
for the flower border you can grow from seed each year.
For night-flying
moths in autumn try:
· Ivy
·
Michaelmas
daisy
·
Sedum
spectabile
Feed Your
Caterpillars
Morwenna continues:
“As well as providing sustenance for adult moths it’s vital to give young,
soon-to-be moths something to munch whilst in their caterpillar phase. Butterfly
Conservation advises that whilst some moth caterpillars will eat a variety of
plants, most species rely on just a few specific types, if not only one. So the
best method to ensure you’re keeping every caterpillar happy is to grow a
variety of plants – the greener your garden the better.
“Native plants are
preferable (although the caterpillars of the elephant hawk-moth delight on
fuchsias); especially native trees such as birch, oak and willow, which are a
favourite dinner for moth caterpillars. To get a better idea of what native
plants you should choose, look around you local area and mimic what already
grows there naturally.
“Planting a native
hedge that includes a variety of species, is also an excellent way to nourish
caterpillars, as well as providing safe highways and byways for our small garden
mammals to move. It’s also really beneficial to leave an area of your garden
un-mown so that some of your native grasses and weeds can thrive to feed the
caterpillars, including: dandelions, docks, brambles, nettles and
bedstraws.
If You Build It They
Will Come – Enjoy Spotting Your Garden Moths
Morwenna says:
“You’ve spent a few hours in the garden adding some nectar giving and
caterpillar munchable plants and your garden is now a veritable moth Eden – next
step is to take time out to enjoy the benefits of your work and spot the moths
and caterpillars that now call your garden home. Take a night time stroll around
your garden and let your torch reveal your garden moths enjoying a sip or two of
nectar from your flowers. If you have an outside light, turn it on and see what
moths are attracted to it – always have your moth guide to hand. Or set-up an
overnight moth trap – an exciting activity, that always thrills children and
adults alike and opens your eyes to the tremendous variety of wildlife that we
share our homes with.”
To find out how you
can give even more nature a home in your garden and create your own personalised
plan based on your location, visit: www.rspb.org.uk/plan
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment