Darley & Nutwood supports a good variety of butterflies and moths; this list is based on the observations of local enthusiasts. Alan Jones has carried out a transect study of butterflies on the nature reserve each year since 2009, and his records form the basis of the butterfly records. Felicity Jackson has sent us her records of butterfly and moth sightings over several years. In September 2013, an evening moth watch session was arranged with the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Entomological Society (DaNES), coming up with several new moth species. The two Management Plans for the LNR also record some species. Our aim is to compile a permanent record for the nature reserve, and to provide a readily accessible reference source, together with links to other sites which will give you more information about each species.
Alan Jones’ detailed butterfly transect records show that the fluctuations in annual total butterfly numbers tend to mirror records of average temperature.
One of the species we would like to encourage to the reserve is the White-letter Hairstreak butterfly, which is nationally threatened as a result of Dutch elm disease. In 2012 a total of 14 disease resistant elms were planted on the reserve in the hope of attracting this butterfly. If you see one, or indeed any unusual butterfly or moth on the nature reserve, do let us know. Or if you would like to contribute to the species lists in any other way, please get in touch via this website.
by Dr Keith Dodd