Striped lychnis moth larval surveys
Over the past few years we have been surveying road verges and field edges to determine the presence and distribution of the striped lychnis moth (Shargacucullia lychnitis) in and around the Basingstoke area.
Adult striped lychnis moths are on the wing from June to July but are difficult to see as they are rarely attracted to light. Therefore we survey for the presence of the larvae on their food plant, dark mullein (Verbascum nigrum). .
Dark mullein has a restricted range in Britain as it is confined to disturbed calcareous soils and mainly found on areas of waste ground, field margins, fallow land and road verges. The larvae usually occur on plants which are in relatively open situations and high numbers of larvae can be found on isolated clumps of the food plant. The larvae mainly feed on the flowering spikes of the plant, including the seed heads and can be seen from mid July through to the end of August.
The striped lychnis moth is a nationally scarce species of moth. It's range has declined by over 50% in the last 25 years.
The principal threat to the striped lychnis moth is the loss of a constant supply of dark mullein food plant (through verge cutting or crushing by vehicles and machinery) during the larval development stage of July to August. On the other hand, the lack of occasional disturbance caused by cutting the full width of verges may lead to a decrease in numbers of dark mullein plants as the sward becomes closed and new plants are unable to establish.
Our surveys have revealed that there are striped lychnis present in the area and with a wider distribution than previously recorded. This information has been used to help ensure verge cutting management is carried out sympathetically.
We are working closely with Hampshire County Council, and together have entered some sensitive verges, into their ' Road Verges for Ecological Importance' scheme. In the past, some of these verges were cut in August/ September before the dark mullein had chance to set seed. These verges will now recieve an early cut in April to keep the scrub in check, but will allow the dark mullein to grow up and set seed later in the year, providing plenty of food for the striped lychnis larvae.
We are aiming to carry out further surveys for striped lychnis moth larvae in the following years. For more information or to find out how you can get involved, please contact Sarah Lynes on 01256 381103 or email sarahl@hwt.org.uk
