Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

The use of hedgerows as flight paths by moths in intensive farmland landscapes

Coulthard, E., McCollin, D. and Littlemore, J. (2016) The use of hedgerows as flight paths by moths in intensive farmland landscapes. Journal of Insect Conservation. 20(2), 345–350. 1366-638X.

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McCollin_Duncan_SL_2016_The_use_of_hedgerows_as_flight_paths_by_moths_in_intensive_farmland_landscapes
McCollin_Duncan_SL_2016_The_use_of_hedgerows_as_flight_paths_by_moths_in_intensive_farmland_landscapes.pdf - Accepted Version
Information
Abstract:
Linear boundary features such as hedgerows are important habitats for invertebrates in agricultural landscapes. Such features can provide shelter, larval food plants and nectar resources. UK butterflies are known to rely on such features, however their use by moths is understudied. With moth species suffering from significant declines, research into their ecology is important. This research aimed to determine whether UK moth species are using hedgerows as flight paths in intensive farmland. The directional movements of moths were recorded along hedgerows at 1, 5 and 10 m from the hedgerow face. The majority of moths recorded within the study were observed at 1 m from the hedgerow (68 %), and of these individuals, 69% were moving parallel in relation to the hedge. At further distances, the proportion of parallel movements was reduced. These results suggest that hedgerows may be providing sheltered corridors for flying insects in farmland landscapes, as well as likely providing food plants and nectar resources, emphasising the importance of resource-based approaches to conservation for Lepidoptera.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Hedgerows, Lepidoptera, linear boundary features, moths, wildlife corridors
Creators:
Coulthard, E., McCollin, D. and Littlemore, J.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
Faculties > Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology > Environmental Science
Date:
2016
Date Type:
Publication
Page Range:
345–350
Journal or Publication Title:
Journal of Insect Conservation
Volume:
20
Number:
2
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1007/s10841-016-9864-z
ISSN:
1366-638X
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
Related URLs:
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