Hackney Main Marsh.Click on the photo to enlarge it.

A SURVEY OF THEINVERTEBRATES OFHACKNEY MARSHES,

2007

by Neil AndersonNovember 2007

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CONTENTS

Introduction...............................................................4

Habitat Survey Map of Hackney Marshes................5

Methods....................................................................6

Species Lists:

Birds................................................................9

Mammals.........................................................9

Insects............................................................10

Spiders...........................................................17

Molluscs........................................................19

Isopods..........................................................19

Amphipoda (Sandhoppers)............................20

General Comments.................................................21

Management Suggestions.......................................23

The tidal Old River Lea forms the eastboundary of Hackney Main Marsh.

Click on the photo to enlarge it.

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A SURVEY OF THE INVERTEBRATESOF HACKNEY MARSHES, 2007

by Neil Anderson

INTRODUCTION

Hackney Marshes comprise an extensive area (circa 170 hectares) of open, green land whichconstitutes the largest open space in the London Borough of Hackney. It forms part of the LeaValley regional park.

This area is dominated by amenity sports turf which is much used by the local community,particularly at weekends. The sports area does not support a wide diversity of invertebrates butcan contain important numbers of a limited number of species, such as earthworm species andthe larvae of such insects as crane flies (Tipulidae). This limited array of invertebrates doprovide an important food resource for good numbers of birds, such as wintering gulls, CarrionCrows, Magpies, Starlings and a few pairs of Mistle Thrushes. Woodpigeons also use this areafor feeding on seeds.

Surrounding the football pitches are some valuable (for people and wildlife) corridors thatallow a diverse range of fauna and flora to flourish.

The tidal Old River Lea borders the eastern side of theMain Marsh and has a thriving fish population with itsattendant avian predators, which indicate a healthyriverine ecosystem. Cormorants, Grey Herons andKingfishers were regularly observed fishing here and aLittle Egret was seen on one occasion. Outside the mainbreeding season there were small numbers of duck suchas Mallard, Teal, Gadwall and Tufted Duck, feeding onseeds, aquatic vegetation and invertebrates. MuteSwans, Canada and Greylag Geese, Coots and Moorhensalso eke out a living here. Grey Wagtails were observedfeeding on insects at the water’s edge.

Running along side the western perimeter is the Lea Navigation Canal – popular with boaters,walkers, cyclists and anglers. This supported a much smaller range of birds, but did havefloating vegetation which provides suitable habitat for species such as the Red-eyed Damselfly,Erythromma najas. Common Frogs were also observed here.

Within the boundaries formed by these waterways is a diverse mosaic of secondary woodland,scrub and neutral grassland habitats, which were the basis for this survey. One or two visits eachmonth were made between March to September (inclusive) during suitable weather conditionsi.e. settled, not too windy, dry with at least intermittent sunshine – which wasn’t always easywith the wettest Summer on record following the sunniest, hottest recorded April. This extremeweather certainly had an impact on invertebrate numbers, particularly the prolonged wet periods

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HACKNEY MARSHES: SURVEY OF HABITATS

VIEWENLARGED

MAP

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METHODS

This invertebrate survey used four methods for detecting the species using the survey area:

1 Direct observation – particularly for conspicuous mobile insects such as butterflies,dragonflies and bumble bees.

2 Turning over dead wood and other debris – revealing taxa such as woodlice and molluscs aswell as certain spiders and beetles.

3 Beating Tray – this was used for systematically beating the foliage of shrubs, lower branchesof trees, and stout herbaceous plants.

4 Sweep Net – for sweeping invertebrate denizens of grass/herb communities.

The following taxa were identified and recorded – all species of the following groups:Odonata, Orthoptera, butterflies and macro-moths (as well as a few distinctive micro-moths), shieldbugs and their allies, Coccinellidae, social Hymenoptera and Isopoda, as wellas a good range (but not exhaustive) of Coleoptera, Syrphidae, spiders, molluscs, and a fewdistinctive species of other groups.

The survey was conducted by dividing the site into six agreed habitat areas, which are codedfrom numbers 1 to 6 in the invertebrate list below; the presence in each zone is indicated by a+ symbol. The six zones are as follows:

1 A linear walk of over 1 km along the Old River Lea, from the bridge across to East Marshnorth to Friends’ Bridge, bordered by the water to the East and a tarmac path to the West. Earlyin the season, the river-edge mud was much exposed; but as the season progressed, it wasswamped by the vigorous, alien annual Himalayan Balsam, Impatiens glandulifera, which thenformed a near monoculture. An attractive if not particularly welcome plant – few if anyinvertebrates seemed to feed on its leaves, although the nectar-rich flowers were relished bysome bees. Another dominant alien along the river, in slightly drier areas, is the RussianComfrey, Symphytum x uplandicum, which is similarly used by invertebrates primarily as anectar source.

The walk is principally through secondary woodland, in which poplar, Populus, and willow,Salix, species are dominant, although a wide variety of other native and exotic trees are alsopresent. Shrubs include Elder, Sambucus nigra and some Prunus species.

The ground flora isn’t particularly diverse and indicates a nutrient-rich soil. In the Spring, thearea looks attractive with the massed umbels of Cow Parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris. Though notthe most productive of plants for insects, it supported populations of two Notable species ofbeetle – the longhorn beetle, Phyoecia cylindrica (one of two species of longhorn beetle in theUK that use non-woody plants); and the leaf beetle, Chrysolina oricalcia.

Nettles, Urtica dioica, are a dominant part of the field layer and support a wide range of fauna,including: snails; larvae of vanessid butterflies and various moths, such as Mother of Pearl andAngle Shades; aphids, which support aphidophagous insects, such as some hoverfly larvae andladybirds; weevils, such as Phyllobius pomaceus; various bugs, such as Heterotoma planicornisand Calocoris stysi; not to mention a hunting ground for spiders. The Nursery Web Spider,Pisaura mirabilis, was seen in some numbers basking on these ubiquitous plants.

Survey Zone 2.Click on the photo to enlarge it.

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Other widespread herbs included: Goosegrass [or Common Cleavers], Galium aparine;Burdock, Arctium minus; and Hogweed, Heracleum sphondylium.

Dead wood piles are another useful micro-habitat in this zone, providing shelter and/or food foranimals as diverse as woodlice, earthworms, molluscs and spiders. The biggest surprise turningover some wood in the wettest areas were numbers of the introduced Australian amphipod,Arcitalitrus dorrenei, which is the only UK terrestrial species. Known mainly in parts ofsouth-west England, it has been recorded in the London area in places such as Kew Gardens.

2 This zone runs parallel to Zone 1 to the West of thetarmac path. The habitat is similar to the drier parts ofZone 1, though with a slightly more diverse flora, andincorporates the areas known as North and EastWoods. To the inside of this zone are some smallmini-meadows with saplings, which hold variousgrassland species otherwise absent from this zone,such as Roesel’s Bush-cricket, Metrioptera roeselii,and Bishop’s Mitre, Aelia acuminata.

A range of shrubs can be found growing here, including: Spindle, Euonymus europaeus; Gorse,Ulex europaeus; Holly, Ilex aquifolium; and Apple, Malus, species.

A variety of herbs were flowering in sunny edges, including: White Dead-nettle, Lamiumalbum; Black Horehound, Ballota nigra; Cut-leaved Cranesbill, Geranium dissectum; andCommon Mallow, Malva sylvestris.

The woodlands of Zones 1 and 2 provide breeding habitat for a range of breeding birds, suchas Sparrowhawk, Stock Dove, Green and Great-spotted Woodpecker, three species of tit, andBlackcap.

3 Meadow – this area is situated at the northern end of the site, between Friends’ and CowBridges, and with electricity pylons within the area fenced off for security. This contains a mixof meadow grasses, such as: Cocksfoot, Dactylis glomerata; bents, Agrostis spp.; and less-welcome False Oat Grass, Arrhenatherum elatius. A wide selection of forbs [non-woody plantsother than grasses, sedges and rushes] include: Black Knapweed, Centaurea nigra; Ox-eyeDaisy, Leucanthemum vulgare; Wild Carrot, Daucus carota; Salad Burnet, Sanguisorba minor;Field Scabious, Knautia arvensis; and Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Lotus corniculatus.

Given its sheltered and sunny position, this is one of the richest areas for insect life, with a goodmix of grasshoppers, bush-crickets, mirid bugs, flower-visiting butterflies, hoverflies and bees.A few ant-hills are present, which are also appreciated by the local Green Woodpeckers.

The meadow is managed by an annual mow.

4 Scrub belt behind meadow (Zone 3), comprising a variety of native shrubs including:Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna; Blackthorn, Prunus spinosa; Wild Cherry, P. avium; Hazel,Corylus avellana; Field Maple, Acer campestre; and Elder, Sambucus nigra. This scrub ispretty dense, providing cover for birds, small mammals and invertebrates. At the southern baseis some low scrub, such as Bramble, Rubus fruticosus agg. † and some coarse grass/herbvegetation.

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5 NUFU Wood * – an interesting mosaic of rough grassland with ant-hills; scrub – includinga good quantity of Gorse and some Broom, Cytisus scoparius; saplings; and some maturingOaks, Quercus robur, some Silver Birch, Betula pendula and Aspen, Populus tremula.

The young Oaks support a small number of Purple Hairstreaks. The Gorse also supports someinteresting insects, including weevils such as Exapion ulicis, and the handsome GorseShieldbug, Piezodorus lituratus. It is a testimony to the ability of these specialist insects todisperse that they can colonise such isolated bushes.

In the tussocky grassland can be found the Wasp Spider, Argiope bruennichi – a recent arrivalwhich specialises in capturing orthopterans in its low, distinctive web. The Long-wingedConehead, Conocephalus discolor, is another fairly recent colonist.

The sheltered nature of NUFU combined with its openness to sunshine makes it popular withinsects, such as nectaring butterflies, as well as hunting/basking dragonflies.

6 Old car park – the most artificial of the zones, with much tarmac remaining, a line of youngLondon Planes, Acer x hispanica, and some regularly-strimmed sward. To the back is a solidbelt of trees and shrubs, including some large Buddleja davidii and plentiful Brambles – thelatter appreciated by the human gatherers as much as the wildlife! Both species provide muchnectar to a wide range of pollinating insects.

Around the edges are various ruderal weeds that thrive in brownfield-type locations, such as:Hoary Mustard, Hirschfeldia incana; Guernsey Fleabane, Conyza sumatrensis; and BarrenBrome, Anisantha sterilis.

The extra warmth provided by the hard surface allows species that favour a well-drainedhabitat, such as Field Grasshoppers, Chorthippus brunneus, to thrive.

* NUFU = National Urban Forestry Unit: NUFU put money into the planting of trees. The ideato was to have somewhere in the London area to show people what could be done on reclaimedsites such as coal tips.

Mute SwanGreylag GooseCanada GooseGadwallTealMallardTufted DuckCormorantLittle EgretGrey HeronSparrowhawkKestrelMoorhenCootBlack-headed GullCommon GullLesser Black-backed GullHerring GullCommon TernStock DoveWoodpigeonFeral PigeonSwiftKingfisherGreen WoodpeckerGreat Spotted WoodpeckerMeadow PipitGrey Wagtail

WrenDunnockRobinBlackbirdSong ThrushRedwingMistle ThrushReed WarblerBlackcapLesser WhitethroatCommon WhitethroatChiffchaffWillow WarblerGoldcrestLong-tailed TitBlue TitGreat TitJayMagpieJackdawCarrion CrowStarlingHouse SparrowChaffinchGreenfinchGoldfinchLinnetReed Bunting

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SPECIES LISTS

BIRDS

Whilst conducting the invertebrate survey, all birds seen on the site were recorded. Belowfollows the list of species found using the site.

MAMMALS

Three species of mammal were observed during visits – all widespread species. Longworthtrapping would give an indication of small mammals utilising the site such, as mice, voles andshrews. Work with a bat-detector would give an insight to the species of bat using the site forforaging, breeding or roosting.

FoxBrown RatGrey Squirrel

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INSECTS

Odonata (Dragonflies/Damselflies)

Zygoptera (Damselflies)

Calopterygidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Calopteryx splendens Banded Demoiselle + +

Coenagrionidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Enallagma cyathigerum Common Blue Damselfly + + + +Ischnura elegans Blue-tailed Damselfly + +Erythromma najas * Red-eyed Damselfly

Anisoptera (Dragonflies)

Aeshnidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Aeshna cyanea Southern Hawker + +A. mixta Migrant Hawker + +Anax imperator Emperor + +

Libellulidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Orthetrum cancellatum Black-tailed Skimmer + + + +Sympetrum striolatum Common Darter + + + + +S. sanguineum Ruddy Darter + +

Orthoptera (Grasshoppers/Bush-crickets)

Acrididae (Grasshoppers)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Chorthippus brunneus Field Grasshopper +C. parallelus Meadow Grasshopper + + +C. albomarginatus Lesser Marsh Grasshopper +

Tettigoniidae (Bush-crickets)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Leptophyes punctatissima Speckled Bush-cricket + + + +Meconema meridionale Southern Oak Bush-cricket + + + +Conocephalus discolor Long-winged Conehead + + +Metrioptera roeselii Roesel’s Bush-cricket + + + + +

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Dermaptera (Earwigs)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Forficula auricularia Common Earwig + + + + + +

Hemiptera (True Bugs)

Only the shieldbugs and their allies were comprehensively recorded for this order plus a fewselect bugs from other families.

Acanthosomatidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Acanthosoma haemorroidale Hawthorn Shieldbug +Cyphostethus tristriatus Juniper Shieldbug +

Scutelleridae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Eurygaster testudinaria Tortoise Bug +

Cydnidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Tritomegas bicolor Pied Shieldbug +

Pentatomidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Aelia acuminata Bishop’s Mitre + + + +Eysacoris fabricii Woundwort Bug + +Palomena prasina Common Green Shieldbug + + + +Dolycoris baccarum Sloe Bug + + +Piezodorus lituratus Gorse Shieldbug +Eurydema oleracea Brassica Bug + +

Coreidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Coreus marginatus Dock Bug + + +

Rhopalidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Rhopalus subrufus +

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Miridae (Mirid/Capsid/Grass Bugs)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Deraeocoris ruber + +Miris striatus + +Calocoris stysi + +Lysocoris pabulinus +Heterotoma planicornis +

Lepidoptera (Butterflies/Moths)

Pieridae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Pieris rapae Small White + + + +P. napi Green-veined White + +P. brassicae Large White + + +Anthocharis cardamines Orange Tip +Gonepteryx rhamni Brimstone + +

Nymphalidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Vanessa atalanta Red Admiral + + +V. cadui Painted Lady +Aglais urticae Small Tortoiseshell + +Inachis io Peacock + + + +Polygonia c-album Comma + +

Satyridae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Parage aegeria Speckled Wood + + + +Pyronia tithonus Gatekeeper +Maniola jurtina Meadow Brown + + + + + +Coenonympha pamphilus ** Small Heath

Lycaenidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Neozephyrus quercus Purple Hairstreak +Lycaena phlaeas Small Copper +Polyommatus icarus Common Blue + +Celastrina argiolus Holly Blue + + +

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Hesperiidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Thymelicus sylvestris Small Skipper + + + +T. lineola Essex Skipper + +Ochlodes venata Large Skipper + +

Hepialidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Hepialus lupulinus Common Swift +

Zygaenidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Zygaeana lonicerae Narrow-bordered + + 5-spot Burnet

Geometridae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Idaea aversata Riband Wave +Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell + +

Notodontidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Orgyia antiqua Vapourer + +

Arctiidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Tyria jacobaeae Cinnabar +

Noctuidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades +Hypena proboscidalis Snout +Callistege mi Mother Shipton +Euclidia glyphica Burnet Companion + + +

Incurvariidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Nemophora degeerella +

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Pyralidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Eurrhypara hortulata Small Magpie +Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl + + +Myelois circumvoluta +

Pterophoridae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Pterophorus pentadactyla +Emmelina monodactyla +

Gracillariidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Cameraria ohridella Horse Chestnut Leaf-miner +

Diptera

Syrphidae (Hoverflies)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Syrphus ribesii +Epistrophe eligans + +Episyrphus balteatus Marmalade Fly + + +Dasysyrphus albostriatus +Sphaerophoria scripta +Volucella zonaria + +V. inanis +V. pellucens +Eristalis tenax + +E. interruptus + + +E. arbustorum + +Myathropa florea + +

Bombyliidae (Beeflies)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Bombylius major +

Hymenoptera (Bees, Ants, Wasps)

Formicidae (Ants)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Lasius niger + + +L. brunneus +L. flavus + +Myrmica ruginodis +

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Vespidae (Social Wasps)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Vespula vulgaris Common Wasp + + + + +

Anthophoridae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Anthophora plumipes + +

Apidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Apis mellifera Honey Bee + + + + + +Bombus terrestris Buff-tailed Bumble Bee + + + + + +B. lucorum White-tailed Bumble Bee +B. hortorum Garden Bumble Bee + +B. pascuorum Common Carder Bee + + + + + +

Coleoptera (Beetles)

Carabidae (Ground Beetles)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Paranchus albipes +Demetrias atricapillus + +Nebria brevicollis +Pterostichus madidus +

Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Tachyporus hypnorum + + +

Cantharidae (Soldier Beetles)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Cantharis rustica +C. fusca + + +Rhagonycha fulva + + + +

Melyridae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Malachius bipustulatus + +

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Coccinellidae (Ladybirds)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Subcoccinella 24-punctata 24-spot Ladybird + + + + +Exochomus quadripustulatus Pine Ladybird + +Tytthaspis 16-guttata 16-spot Ladybird +Adalia bipunctata 2-spot Ladybird + + + + +A. 10-punctata 10-spot Ladybird + + +Coccinella 7-punctata 7-spot Ladybird + + + + + +Harmonia axyridis Harlequin Ladybird + + + + + +Propylea 14-punctata 14-spot Ladybird + + + +Halyzia 16-guttata Orange Ladybird + + +Psyllobora 22-punctata 22-spot Ladybird + + + + +

Oedemeridae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Oedemera nobilis + + + + +O. lurida + + + +

Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Isomira murina +

Scarabaeidae (Scarabs/Chafers)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Cetonia aurata Rose Chafer +

Lucanidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Dorcus parallelipipedus Lesser Stag Beetle +

Cerambycidae (Longhorns)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Grammoptera ruficornis + +Phytoecia cylindrica + +Strangalia melanura +Pseudovadonia livida + +

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Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Chrysolina oricalcia +Crepidodera aurea + +Cassida vibex +C. rustica +Podagrica fuscicornis +

Curculionidae (Weevils)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Rhynchites aequalis +Phyllobius argentatus + +P. pomaceus +Dorytoma longimanus +Curculio glandium +Hypera rumicis +Sitona striatella +S. lineatus +Cutorhynchus pollinarius +

Apionidae (Weevils)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Exapion ulicis + +Apion frumentarium + +

SPIDERS

Dictynidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Dictyna arundinacea +

Dysderidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Dysdera crocata Woodlouse-eating Spider +

Clubionidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Clubiona reclusa + + +C. terrestris +

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Thomisidae (Crab Spiders)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Xysticus cristatus + + + +Misumena vatia + +

Philodromidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Philodromus cespitum + + + +P. dispar +Tibellus oblongus + +

Salticidae (Jumping Spiders)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Salticus scenicus Zebra Spider +

Lycosidae (Wolf Spiders)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Trochosa ruricola +Pardosa amentata + + +P. pullata + + +

Pisauridae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Pisaura mirabilis Nursery Web Spider + + + +

Theridiidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Theridion sisyphium +T. varians +T. pictum + +Enoplognatha ovata + +

Tetragnathidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Metallina segmentata + +Tetragnatha extensa + + + +T. montana + +

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Araneidae (Orb-web Spiders)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Larinioides cornutus +Araniella cucurbitina agg. † + + + +Gibbaranea gibbosaAgalenatea redii +[Mangora acalypha TO BE CONFIRMED + ]Araneus diadematus Garden Orb-web Spider + + + + +Argiope bruennichi Wasp Spider +

Linyphiidae (Money Spiders)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Linyphia hortensis +L. triangularis + + +Neriene peltata +Gongylidium rufipes + +

MOLLUSCS

Arionidae (Round-backed Slugs)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Arion ater Large Black/Red Slug + +A. hortensis Garden Slug +A. subrufus Dusky Slug +

Agriolimacidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Deroceras reticulatum Field Slug + +

Milacidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Tandonia budapestensis Budapest Slug +

Zonitidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Vitrea crystallina +Aegopinella nitidula +

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Helicidae (Snails)

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Monacha cantiana Kentish Snail + + + + + +Cepaea nemoralis Brown-lipped Snail + + + +C. hortensis White-lipped Snail +Helix aspersa Garden Snail + +

ISOPODS (Woodlice)

Trichoniscidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Trichoniscus pusillus Common Pygmy Woodlouse +

Oniscidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Oniscus asellus Common Shiny Woodlouse +

Philoscidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Philoscia muscorum Common Striped Woodlouse + +

Porcellionidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Porcellio scaber Common Rough Woodlouse +

Armadillidiidae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Armidillidium vulgare Common Pill Woodlouse + +

AMPHIPODA (Sandhoppers)

Talitridae

Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6Arcitalitrus dorrieni +

† agg. = aggregate microspecies* Red-eyed Damselfly – small numbers recorded on adjacent Lea Navigation channel** Small Heath recorded flying low from grass of Friends’ Wood to the sports turf and briefly settling.

Southern Oak Bush-crickets:female (top) and male (above)Click on a photo to enlarge it.

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GENERAL COMMENTS

A total of seven species of Odonata was recorded and these were widespread species. Probablythe most important species is the Banded Demoiselle, Calopteryx splendens, which breeds inthe Old River Lea and is found in good numbers in adjacent areas. This species mainly breedsin slow moving rivers.

The meadow areas with adjacent scrub provide a good feeding area and shelter for the darterand hawker species recorded, which may have originated locally but, being very mobile, mayhave come from farther afield.

Meadow Grasshopper was the only widespread grasshopper on site and was numerous in themeadows. The other two species were found only in low numbers but, given the wet Summer,may prove to be more numerous in better seasons, as Orthoptera are generally sun-loving insects.

Two formerly-rare bush-crickets – both Notable species: Roesel’s Bush-cricket and Long-winged Conehead – have undergone a dynamic expansion in the last 15 years or so and arepresent in good numbers in the grassland areas. Both are now widespread in the London areain suitable habitat.

Probably the most surprising discovery of this survey was a large, previously-unrecorded, colonyof the recently-naturalised Southern Oak Bush-cricket, Meconema meridionale, on HackneyMarshes. This species was first recorded in the UK in the early Autumn of 2001 at ThamesDitton, Surrey and also nearby in Carshalton. Since the initial sightings, further colonies of thisspecies have been found in the London area. Last year Roger Hawkins and I identified a colonyon Wandsworth Common during a London Natural History Society field trip.

This species has been expanding its range on the nearcontinent but, being flightless, will not have arrived herewithout assistance. It is likely that this species has hitched onvehicles from the continent and has since successfullycolonised. From July onwards, I regularly caught circa  50from beating the foliage of a wide range of deciduous trees andshrubs; no species specificity was shown and it occurred ontiny saplings as well as mature trees/shrubs. Given the numberfound from a relatively small number of beatings, I wouldextrapolate that the population must have been in thousands atthe site, so must have been present for at least a few years. Itis probably the largest known colony in the UK. It is notthought that this species poses a threat to native species, but itwill be fascinating to follow its status over the coming years.

I photographed the species and sent the evidence to Dr Peter Sutton at the Orthoptera RecordingScheme, and the record was duly published in British Wildlife (2007) Vol 19 (1) p 55.

Hackney Marshes supports a diverse array of shieldbugs, including the aforementioned GorseShieldbug, in good numbers in NUFU Wood. The declining Pied Shieldbug, Tritomegasbicolor, was a nice find on White Dead-nettle, Lamium album. Perhaps the most notable findwas a final instar Tortoise Bug, Eurygaster testudinaria, in a meadow area. This is anotherspecies that has been spreading northwards in recent years and a new arrival in Middlesex.

Small Copper on Ragwort.Click on the photo to enlarge it.

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A total of 21 butterfly species using the site was impressive. 2007 wasn’t a classic year forinsect migration, but Red Admirals, Vanessa atalanta, and small numbers of Painted Lady, V.cardui, were still recorded. I suspect in a “good” year, Clouded Yellows, Colias croceus, wouldalso occur – possibly breeding.

I was pleased to find a couple of Purple Hairstreaks, Neozephyrus quercus, around the Oaks inNUFU wood, which suggests a small colony that was unrecorded in the 2004 survey, althoughit could easily have been overlooked.

It was rewarding to find singletons of twodeclining London species, the Small Heath,Ceonympha pamphilus, and Small Copper,Lycaena phlaeas. Hopefully this indicates thata small population of both these species issurviving at the site. Future monitoring willassess the status of these species. Both speciesare partial to nectaring at Ragwort, Seneciojacobaea, a plant useful to many invertebrates.Given that there is no stock grazing the site,some of this plant should be left.

Brimstones, Gonepteryx rhamni, were seen in small numbers during the Spring, but thesebutterflies can travel some distance away from breeding areas, so it was satisfying to find proofof breeding on Hackney Marshes when a late instar larva was discovered on a leaf of AlderBuckthorn, Frangula alnus.

A reasonable number of day-flying moths were recorded, but some dedicated moth trappingwould be required to get a real idea of the moth fauna of the site, of which I barely scratchedthe surface with casual observations.

The number and variety of hoverflies seen was disappointing, but this was not a reflection ofthe site, as it has generally been a poor year for them in London due to the effects of theweather. It was good to see a small number of our largest hoverfly – a Notable species,Volucella zonaria – which particularly liked the flowers of Giant Hogweed, Heracleummantegazzianum. A Rose Chafer, Cetonia aurata, was also observed on this notorious, exoticumbellifer. Interestingly, the authors of the previous invertebrate survey (2004) commentedthat it was the first time they had seen this attractive beetle in the UK, though it isn’t supposedto be that rare; yet this specimen seen during my survey was also the first I had seen inthe country!

As mentioned before, two Notable beetle species were discovered – Phytoecia cylindrica andChrysolina oricalcia – that are dependent on Cow Parsley, which is abundant in the woods.Lesser Stag Beetle, Dorcus parallelipipedus, is a beneficiary of the policy to leave log piles onsite, as the larvae of this beetle feed on the decaying timber.

Ten species of ladybird were recorded. A relatively new arrival to the UK is the HarlequinLadybird, Harmonia axyridis, which was first discovered in Essex in 2004. This is a CentralAsian species that was introduced into Europe and the US as a biological control for aphids. Inthe US, at least, it has gone on to be a pest in causing a decline in native species of ladybird andinvading homes in large numbers in the Autumn.

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Harmonia axyridis has multiplied at a dramatic rate since its initial arrival in the UK and wasthe most numerous ladybird recorded during the survey and recorded on every visit. It remainsto be seen whether this aggressive competitor will have an adverse effect on our native species.

Good numbers of two grassland species – the 16-spot Ladybird, Tytthaspis 16-punctata, and24-spot Ladybird, Subcoccinella 24-punctata – were located within the grass sward. With a wetSummer, both mildew-feeding species – the 22-spot Ladybird, Thea 22-punctata, and theincreasing Orange Ladybird, Halyzia 16-guttata – seem to be prospering too.

Whilst observing bumble bees, I was surprised not to find any Red-tailed Bumble Bees,Bombus lapidarius, during the survey. This is a widespread species which is supposed to be oneof the “common” six species; though I did note that I generally saw few of this species thisseason – perhaps a victim of the extreme weather?

Amongst the spiders recorded, the most notable – and one of the most distinctive – was theWasp Spider, which was found in the tussocky grassland in NUFU Wood. This species isbasically of Mediterranean origin and was first found on the south coast around 1940. Duringthe last decade, it has been making leaps in its distribution as it spreads North, probably due towarming temperatures. It has been established in the London area for around five years nowand is becoming widespread in suitable grassland.

MANAGEMENT SUGGESTIONS

In the woods, to continue leaving dead timber – log piles are best situated in partial shade.Where possible, this is best left in situ; but, where this is not feasible, it can be left in piles tosupport a diverse fauna. Standing dead trees should be allowed where there are not public safetyconcern,s as these can support a separate suite of dead-wood fauna to that on the ground.

A number of small scalloped grasslands are present to the football-pitch side of the easternwoods, some of which contain new saplings. It would be beneficial to maintain some areas asgrass/herb communities, as a good variety of grassland invertebrates were discovered in them.Perhaps a narrow strip of unmown grassland can be left on the sports-field side of the wood.Sheltered, sunny, edge habitats often support a greater diversity of invertebrates than deeper inthe wood. The central ride (either side of the tarmac path) should be kept fairly open, withgrass/herb communities leading to brambles, and other low bushes leading into mature trees.

The North Meadow has a diverse flora, but there are a few problems arising. One or two plantsof flowering Greek Dock, Rumex cristatus, were seen here and need to be removed (hand wipewith glyphosate) or they will seed through this area and form extensive stands, which isundesirable here.

In parts there is a dominance of the coarse False Oat Grass, Arrhenatherum elatius,responding to excess nutrients, which will out-compete more desirable herbs and grasses.Perhaps areas dominated by this species can be annually cut in late Spring at a height of 15cmand all cuttings removed.

For the remainder of the meadow, I would suggest cutting about 50% of the area in Year 1 andthen cutting the other 50% in Year 2, so that there is always an area of long grass and seedheads,which provides a refuge for invertebrates to complete life cycles – as well as shelter for small

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mammals and feeding opportunities for birds. It is important that all cuttings are removed fromthe area, to reduce fertility and prevent certain nutrient-hungry, aggressive species fromdominating the meadow – which will result in a loss of floral diversity, which in turn will resultin a poorer invertebrate community.

The scrub area behind North Meadow will need to be controlled to maintain a more open areaof coarse grass/herbs at the front, which is a refuge for species from the meadow as well assupporting a few other species. Brambles are very useful but must not be allowed to totallydominate this area, so some periodic control will be necessary.

NUFU Wood is a superb mosaic habitat that will lose its diversity if a closed canopy develops.As saplings mature, I would recommend selective thinning to maintain an open character andallow plenty of sunshine to this area. The Gorse bushes should be managed by selective pruningto maintain a varied age structure and prevent bushes becoming overmature. At present, theseare supporting some interesting insects. Again, the tussocky nature of this site along withant-hills, dead seed-heads etc, all contribute to the diversity of this area.

The old car park has some productive scrub to the back which should be retained. Themanicured area below the London Planes is fairly sterile for wildlife. This could be leftunstrimmed to allow a ruderal community to develop and more invertebrates to colonise. Ifpossible, it would be good to get some tarmac loosely drilled and allow it to revert to apotentially interesting brownfield community.

Regular monitoring of species will allow changes in status to be evaluated. We are living inrapidly changing times, when new insects are arriving – either naturally or indirectly throughhuman activity – and some are colonising rapidly. Conversely, some familiar species arebecoming much scarcer, so our fauna and flora are in a dynamic phase, some of which is fuelledby subtle climatic changes.

Contact DetailsTo comment on this report or to add further records:

Visit: www.hackneyenvironment.org.uk/HM and follow the link “Submitting Records”Email: HMUG@km551818.demon.co.ukPhone: 07758 326530

Neil Anderson, BSc (Hons) Plant Biology52 Beechwood Avenue, Greenford, Middlesex, UB6 9UBmembers@anders42.freeserve.co.uk

FootnoteIt is hoped to rediscover two spider species of the genus Xysticus, for which field identificationwas not sufficient for the records to be accepted, and to carry out microscopic identification. Ifconfirmed, the records will be added to the list under Thomisidae (Crab Spiders). 29/01/2008

HMUG wish to thankTeam Hackney and Hackney Parks Department

for funding this survey.