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Insects The Harlequin Ladybird has recently been found in Lynwood Gardens. This is an invasive species from Asia that endangers our native ladybirds. Monotoring continues. Due to the deciling populations of Bumble Bees in the UK, Friends of Lynwood Gardens are monotoring the Bumble Bee population on site as part of a national survey. The insect population in Lynwood Gardens has mushroomed since the establishment of the wildflower meadows. By providing a source of nectar, food plants and mature trees the wood has drawn in a huge number of insect species from surrounding areas as well as the few we have introduced ourselves. As well as the introduced pond species (Skaters, Crickets, Boatmen and assorted larvae) we have released grasshoppers and a Yellow Meadow Ant colony into Lynwood. Butterflies and Moths are everywhere, numbers have increased from 7 species in 2003 to 18 species in 2006 (including the common and Holly Blues, Orange Tip, Peacock and Comma) and we have still to monitor the night flying moths! In total, insect species have increased by over 50% from 51 species in 2003 to 110 species in 2006. We recommend trying to catch a glimpse of some of the butterflies or the dragonflies “hawking” through the woods in the hot summer afternoons.
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