Watchtree Wildlife
Invertebrates
Over 98% of all animals are invertebrates, animals without
an internal backbone like humans, fish and birds which are all classed as
vertebrates. Many invertebrates have a fluid-filled, hydrostatic skeleton, like
the jelly fish or worm. Others have a hard outer shell, like insects and
crustaceans. Despite outnumbering vertebrates many fold, only a small
proportion have been surveyed when compared to the more noticeable and easily
recorded vertebrates. Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera or lace wing
Over a dozen species of butterfly have been recorded at
Watchtree of which some will be passage or migratory species. Resident species
include; Dingy Skipper, Wall, Small White, Large White, Orange Tip and Small
Tortoiseshell… Watchtree's Dingy Skipper population is particularly
interesting as this species is now becoming very localised having declined
significantly over recent years. The reserves former airfield, now broken and
cracked, together with light scrub provides the ideal habitat for this warmth
loving butterfly. Passage and non-resident species include; Clouded Yellow,
Painted Lady, Comma and Red Admiral Yellow Tail Ghost Moth, Garden Tiger, Drinker Moth and Dark
Arches are but a select few of the Moths discovered at Watchtree. To learn more about butterflies and moths click on the link
below: 
Dingy Skipper (Liz Still) Butterflies
Moths