Insects are arthropods: hey have a hard exoskeleton, a three-part body (head, thorax, and abdomen), three pairs of jointed legs, compound eyes, and two antennae.
In the UK we have about 27,000 species of insects and these include:
- beetles
- bees
- butterfiles & moths
- mayflies
- marsh fritillary
- flies
- wasps
- dragonflies
- grasshoppers
A wide variety of insects can be found due to the various habitats surrounding the lakes. Perhaps the more conspicuous are our vivid butterflies and dragonflies.
The ponds in the area known as the Arboretum at Burrator host 14 species of dragon- and damselfly including the emerald damselfly, beautiful demoiselle and the southern hawker.
Another sites good for butterflies is Lopwell Dam, where the meadow is managed for butterflies including the red admiral and the brimstone.
Management at Fernworthy Reservoir gave the first sightings of the nationally rare marsh fritillary in several years and management practices are being put into place for the benefit of the small pearl-bordered fritillary at Wimbleball Lake.
Other butterflies you may see include:
- marbled white
- green veined white
- meadow brown
- orange tip
- gatekeeper
- speckled wood
South West Lakes Trust is currently working towards updating the species lists for the sites within its management. If you are interested in helping, please visit our Wildlife Recording page.