Enoplognatha Comb Footed Spider

Enoplognatha  Comb Footed Spider

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Potato Capsid - Closterotomus norwegicus

Potato Capsid - Closterotomus norwegicus

Length 6-8 mm

Description 

Key ID Points

Whilst blotches on pronotom are distinct it is a feature present on other Taxa

Darker markings on the top of scutellum vary or may not be present

Second Antennal segment Length is aproximately equal to the combined length of the Third and Fourth segments

Tibial spines are shorter than the width of the tibia

Phenology

 It is Adult: May-October.

Habitat

Meadows & hedges - Nettles Clovers , Compositae notably Ragwort

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A Mirid Nymph - Liocoris tripustulatus

Liocoris tripustulatus Miridae

Nymph

This is the striped Nymph form of this species an eartly stage 1 Nymph still not showing developing wing books . When Adult it looks like below . The Nymph is aprox 3 - 4 mm and the adult Length 4-5 mm. It is prolifically abundant on hedgerow  vegetation this time of year especially Nettles 

It can be very variable in colour form and tends to be darker with more intense marking on the Cuneus Post Spring Hibernation less vivid specimens are seen through out the year

• Head width Aprox  1/2 Pronotum width, 
• Length of second  antennal segment GREATER than  head width.
• Spines on the Tibia are Short and Dark

Green Ground Colour

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Information Site meeting Cromwell Bottom LNR

A  site meeting was held led and attended By Hugh Firman ( Conservation Officer ) and Robin Dalton ( Countryside Officer) . I am sure ALL concerned thank them both for giving up their restricted time at the end  of a working day and for an effective and courteous lead . It was also attended by CBWG and FEET (Freshwater Environment Ecology Trust) and others interested in the protection of the reserve It principally dealt with future Site work in each of the key ecological zones on Tag Loop and Brookfoot Loops .( NOT North Loop which as yet  currently is not on the Authorities Schedule as a LNR )

1.Meadows  ( a) depth of Cut (b) Frequency of Cut (c) Timing of Cut (d) Pre & Post monitoring  (e) Seed Bank and floristic Mosaics

FEET -  As always we will work responsibly with the Authority to provide solutions and indeed as part of our own remit work closely with farmers when advising on Environmental Stewardships and enhancing Wildlife Biodiversity arrangements which often reciprocate  . If that is a limiting factor and I really don’t think it is , ie depth of Cut , One Cut between mean generational periods  (Lepidoptera) Then  (i) All Stakeholder Groups (FEET included)  must work harder to gain resource  input  (2) The Authority must adequately fund Countryside services to be able to do that work

Post and pre Season monitoring is essential in deriving local best Practice interventions .

This years Burnet Moth  counts are unpredicably nationally down , and this correlates with a reduction of in number of Birds Foot Trefoil areas at the junction of Tag Loop Meadows a small a qualitive survey one of a number of potential factors. Birds Foot trefoil is the Yellow Plant that is the larvale food plant for Narroe 5 and 6- Spotted Burnets MothColonies that normally are abundant on the reserve in July

The anticipated question , “ how do we know that it is not ..” we know national Burnet Numbers , We have chronological Met Data , what we don’t have is the Intervention monitoring , ie who did what & when.

FEET Position This years post meadow cut fauna reflects a possible strategy change in a number of respects Boosting Discrete stands of Bird Foot trefoil. Alterring the depth of the cut to allow a lepidoptera to survive or over winter  as larvae in root systems and obtaining this years single  cut toward the end of July between mean generational periods . Undertaking of Moth Survey recording prior to cutting 

Seed banking

Re North Loop – Floristic Planning – FEET generally hold seed for projects like this . Large quantities of seed will be needed post Nov 2014 for  floristic zoning on North Loop  –  in the interests of outcome seeding should be though through in terms of local soil aspect , hill slope hydrology and placement in so far as what might constitute a suitable micro habitat., mosaic or niche  FEET will assist Authority on general advise to make this a succesful intervention 

2.Willow Carr

Desire Lines and Public access . The intention to circum-navigate the Lagoon or to abridge   Areas between  Canal / River by multiple bund like access points needs to be addressed in order to provide quiet breeding areas impacted less by human contact  for Waterfowl and other Birds 

FEET Position  solution is a simple one a small guide fence line abridging the front of lagoon  and along the edge of the Willow Car as pointed out  vegetation will grow back and naturally limit access and also protect any one from visual impairment straying into water of down inacessible slopes .  Tree Removal  in the Carr. We would advocate leaving the Willow alone as most of the important ecology in the Carr is generated through leaf litter (Fungi and Specific Plants )    This Carr has had the alleged top soil 300 mm by the CEGB removed probably when the local authority skimmed off the best of the fly ash for building the by pass .  The ground is the  naturally uneven and the Carr adopts and holds good moisture layers and humidity levels within and across seasonal rainfalls factors that are important to entomology fungi and other classesof flora and fauna . Its our view that the action of direct sunlight on the fly ash  will simply negate the positive effect of leaf litter or the important role of damp woodland  provided by the   Shrub and Tree layers 

3. Lagoon . Lagoon management has been good with a great deal of hard work by many individuals  

FEET Position   FEET acknowledge the enthusiasm and dedication to have Lagoon filled by the alternate Group. In principle we would like nothing more than to see A body of freshwater created Freshwater is the life blood of all natural diversity  but In Practice the Geology / hydrology/ & Intervention on the site make this an expensive and difficult project and with the nature of proximal water table and absence of underlying Geophysics or Ground  study a project which could potentially not meet the objective of water retention. Additionally, adding a Volume of water in a Flood Plain control Area is an implication that might preclude this project. If it can be done and someone is willing to pay to do it that would be fantastic !!

4. Tag Cut Pond Scrape  Again the emphasis is on Intervention monitoring . The Solution of a Ram Pump or natural Hillslope gradient to top up the depleted pond scrape  in principle is a good solution in our opinion we would make no assumption without measuring and monitorring would not assume creating a dammed area at that proximity to mine run off (including significant iron contect etc) would promote the freshwater ecology indeed it may have the opposite effect with Westerly Proximities of the Tag with good flow rate having better water quality measures than the Easterly section currently being developed . The adjacent Hillspope is sufficient to provide a Hydrostaic Flow or supply to the Scrape without necessarily damming it . As stated at the Site meeting it will not introduce new Species of Dragonfly which have not been traditionally found and depend on specific Water Parameters (DO, Temp , and other factors)  With Larvae of many species Eg Hoverfly taking in some cases up to 3 years to complete cycles the effect of interventions can be delayed emphasis is on Intervention monitoring .FEET Position Assist in monitorring water quality and intervention impact but not at cost to the Trust 

5. Other

Mammal Survey As a Stakeholder Group it would have been nice have been briefed on the Objective, Methodology , Skill Base and purpoise of this work , which incidentally only became apparent when conveyed by a local dog walker who's dog had picked one up !! FEET have recently appointed a port folio for Mammal Welfare Member , and Environmental Law Port folio 

Benches Feedback  -  

FEET Position  We would much prefer the Use of large Stone such as is found near the Tree Sparrow Area and Bird feeding area . (i) It is not man made and less visually intrusion (ii)  It is permanentand not open to destruction or theft  (iii) Ameniable to cleaning etc Re Newt Corner there is no major need to extend by any significant amount hard surfacing of the pathway  to the proximity of the lagoon edge 

In General The Calderdale Reserve continues to throw up New and Interesting Records for Yorkshire . and is a reflection of the hard work interest that many have given to the reserve.   

Member ship Local FEET at Cromwell is now open  

A Lygid - Ground Bug Scolopostethus thomsoni

Scolopostethus thomsoni

Family: Lygaeidae

Adults - All year

Length 3.5-4.0 mm

Key ID Characteristics

A Lygid which is short dark and hairless in form

The Pronotal sides have a large pale spot mid centre

Legs in the Genus have a one large and several small spines beneath the front femur.

Wings This species is normally Brachyopterous - Partly winged which have few hairs spread over it However infrequent fully-winged forms occur. 

Antennal Character - The apexes aof the 3nd 3rd and 4th segments are darkened but not a wholly reliable ID characteristic 

Similar Species

S. affinis, S. decoratus

Habitat Usually abundant on Nettle Urtica dioeca

Phenology   New generation are complete from late July onwards.with Adults overwintering

Edit

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A Grassland Mirid - Capsus ater

A Grassland Mirid  - Capsus ater

Phenology : Adult June-September

Length 5-6 mm

Description  

It is a grassland species associated with Gramineae. It differs from other Capsid   bug in its feeding habit  , and feeds lower  down on the stems, as opposed to the  flower spikes and developing grains which is the usual feeding area 

Key Identification Factors 

• A Black Capsid Bug oval in form with black forewings 

• The 2nd antennal segment is swollen at its distal end  The widest extent of the 2 nd Anttennal segment is more than  twice as broad as its  narrowest point

• Adult  head and pronotum   may vary in colour from rusty brown to black ish

Nymphs   are purple-brown.

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Hairy Tare Vicia hirsuita

Hairy Tare Vicia hirsuita

Description 

Short to medium hairy plant. Leaves with 4 to 10 pairs of oblong leaflets. Flowers, whitish with a pale lilac tinge, small 2 to 4 mm with 1 to 8 in a short raceme. Pod black, 6 to 11 mm 2 seeded and hairy, usually black.

Similar Species 

Smooth Tare is similar, but the two species can be separated with care. Smooth Tare flowers are larger and more purple in colour. See the marked diagram below for a comparison of the two species.

Habitat 

Dry grassy places, rough grassland, roadside verges. At the grassy area at the entrance to reserve from Anglers Car Park and throughout

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A mirid bug -Dicyphus epilobii

Dicyphus epilobii - A Mirid bug

Length 4 - 5 mm

Phenology  July - October

Description There are 4 general ID Characteristics

1.  Basal Antennal Segment is Red in colour
2. Antennal Segment number 3 is greater to or equal the width  of the head accross te eyes
3.  Spots on the Corium and Cuneus
4. A long Tibial length

Host plant Specimens are found on Willowherb - Onograceae  Hoary Willow and Broad-Leaved Willowherb

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A leafhopper Populicerus populi.

Cicadellid Populicerus populi.(Idiocerus populi).

Cicadellid Populicerus populi.(Idiocerus populi).

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Polymerus nigrita - A Mirid Bug

Polymerus nigrita   Miridae

Length 4.5 mm

Adult: June-September

Description Polymerus species are medium-sized bugs which are predominantly black or black and yellow in colour. The upper surface is covered in scale-like golden or silver hairs and the tibiae bear strong black spines.
In P. unifasciatus the pronotum, scutellum and corium are entirely dark and there are orange markings on the cuneus. The tibiae have broad pale bands.

Fairly common on bedstraws (Galium sp) in a variety of habitats across much of the UK.

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Plagiognathus arbustorum - A Mirid Bug

Plagiognathus arbustorum Mirid

Adult: July-October

Length ~4 mm

Description Ground colour varies from pale olive-green to almost black, the head and front of the pronotum are usually dark, as are the 1st and 2nd antennal segments. The dark margins of the hind femora are a very useful identification feature; these are present in late instar nymphs also. The spines on the hind tibiae are equal to or longer than the tibial width and generally arise from black spots. The pronotum and forewings are covered in dark hairs.

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Malthinus seriepunctatus A Soldier Beetle

Malthinus seriepunctatus  A Soldier Beetle

Malthinus seriepunctatus is one of the smallest of the Cantharidae group, measuring around 4-5mm in length. There are about 40 species of Soldier Beetles UK and most are frequent visitors to thistles and umbelliferous flowers.

Mathinus Key Aid

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Neolygus viridis A Mirid Bug

Neolygus viridis A  Mirid Bug

Adult: June-September

Length ~6 mm

Adult: June-September

Length ~6 mm

Key Identification Points

• This bug is a green bug with an oval body , but to a lesser extent than the similar  Apolygus.

• The legs possess  brown tibial spines arising  from black spots

• The Antennal 2nd  segment is longer than the width of the pronotum at the base.

• N. viridis is differniatiated from other Neolygus sp by the presence of extensive dark markings resembling a mushroom  on the clavus and corium, 

• The species has a similiarity woth  Orthops campestris, which is smaller antennae. which is much shorter The 2nd antennal segment has a  darkening  at the tip.

Distributiom   Commonly found  throughout the UK and is  found  on a range of deciduous trees, in particular lime. Tillaia sp

Similar Species   Compare: N. contaminatus, N. populi

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2335 Slender Brindle Apamea scolopacina

2335 Slender Brindle Apamea scolopacina

Wingspan     32 - 36 mm.

Description

A rather attractive species which does not tend to vary as much as its congeners.
Frequenting woodland habitats, it flies in July and August, and is locally distributed in the southern half of Britain, but absent further north.

The larval foodplants are a range of woodland grasses, including wood millet (Milium effusum) and wood-rushes (Luzula spp.).

Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus

Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus

Description

Tufted grass to 100 cm, softly greyish hairy throughout, the inflorescence often with a purplish pink tinge, especially when young.

Similar Species

Similar to Holcus mollis but that species has more or less hairless stems whereas Holcus lanatus has downy stems. The node hairs of Holcus lanatus are not as long as those of Holcus mollis. The two species do hybridise to give Holcus x hybridus.

Habitat

In all types of grassland, roadside verges and waste ground.

Phenology

May to July.

Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa subsp. cespitosa

 Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa subsp. cespitosa

Description 

Large, densely tufted plant to 120 cm tall. Leaves to 5mm wide with strong parallel ridges and furrows on the upper side. Panicles with whorled spreading branches.

Habitat

Wet or marshy ground, wet woodland, and heavy soils.

Birch Shieldbug Elasmostethus interstinctus

Birch Shieldbug Elasmostethus interstinctus 

This is the Birch SB - It has a white discoid parasitic fly egg attached whixh is likely the Tachnid Phasia hemiptera a known parasite of shieldbugs. Shoulders are rounded and less angular than the closely related Hawthorn SB

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Aphrodes makarovi A froghopper Nymph

Aphrodes makarovi A froghopper Nymph

Aphrodes makarovi Nymph

Adult: June to October

Length 5.5-7.5 mm

Family: Cicadellidae

Aphrodes species generally have a sharply pointed vertex which always has a median keel. They can be very variable with distinct forms occuring in different habitats. Females in particular are often difficult to identify.

The host plants are a range of common species, including dandelions, thistles and nettles, and it occurs widely across the UK, but particularly in the south.

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