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Mini-beasts
A
recent survey at RSPB Minsmere has revealed how important the famous
birdwatching site is for invertebrates. These are tiny creatures
without a backbone, also referred to as bugs and mini-beasts.
During
a survey in autumn 2004 of the Minsmere Scrape (establised in the
early 60's), freelance entomologist David Gibbs discovered an incredible
416 species of invertebrates.
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View
of a new mere at Minsmere which was established in 2003 (photo:
RSPB)
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A large
proportion of these, 60 species in total, were species that are
classified as rare or scarce.
Commenting
on his survey, David Gibbs described the results as: "Mind-boggling!
This is one of the best invertebrate sites in the country, and the
best wetland site that I've ever surveyed, by a long way."
Flies
The biggest surprise of this survey was the discovery of two
flies that have never been seen in Britain before. They are the
non-biting midge Fleuria lacustris, which occurs in central
and eastern Europe, and a shore-fly, thought to be Hyadina minima,
which is otherwise known only from Hungary and the former Czechoslovakia.
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Long-horned
General - stratiomys longicornis (photo: David Gibbs)
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RSPB
Invertebrate Ecologist, Mark Telfer said: "Few visitors to
Minsmere will be aware of their presence, but these invertebrates
are all playing their part in the web of life.
"They
draw in hundreds of hungry birds, culminating in the bird spectacle
that draws so many birdwatchers. These discoveries tell us what
a special place the Scrape is - something the birds have known all
along!"
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Dawn
at RSPB Minsmere - not the scrape that was surveyed, but
one of the meres at the Reserve
(photo:
RSPB)
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This
important survey looked at invertebrates living on the margins of
the saline lagoons that make up the Scrape, rather than in the water
itself.
Mark
Telfer added, "Discoveries like this at Minsmere are helping
to shape the way we manage these lagoons. Many of the birds that
live on our lagoons, including avocets, feed on invertebrates, so
by getting conditions right for these tiny creatures, we should
be benefiting the birds too."
Moths
Meanwhile,
regular monitoring of the moths found at Minsmere has produced a
third new invertebrate for Britain. The moth, which has been named
after the reserve, was discovered on 14th September 2004.
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Minsmere
Crimson Underwing
(photo: Jeff Higgott)
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The
Minsmere Crimson Underwing has red underwings that are only
visible when the wings are spread. When the moth is settled, with
its wings closed, the red is not visible. The moth is then very
well camouflaged, especially if perched on tree trunks. The one
trapped at Minsmere is likely to have come from the continent.
Robin
Harvey, Minsmere assistant wetland warden, explained the significance
of this discovery.
"This
is the first insect to be named after an RSPB nature reserve. The
new name recognises how important RSPB nature reserves are for all
wildlife, not just birds, as demonstrated by David Gibbs's survey."
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