clouded border (Lomaspilis marginata). Oak-trees on the farm could account for the presence of the
oak hook-tip (Drepana binaria), scarce silverlines (Bena prasinana) and common emerald
(Hemithea aestivaria). The common white wave (Caberia pusaria), flounced rustic (Luperina
testacea), coxcomb prominent (Ptilodon capucina) and buff-tip (Phalera bucephala) fly in the
vicinity of a variety of trees and shrubs. The common footman (Eilema lurideola) may benefit from
the lichens growing on the trees, the adults sustaining themselves on thistle flowers in the open areas at
night Clouded drabs (Orthosia incerta) raised on oak and willow will fly as imagines to willow
catkins in spring. The lobster moth (Stauropus fagi), which seems to be rather a local species of
beech, oak and hazel, has been recorded on the farm, though there is no evidence of breeding. The
leopard moth Zeuzera pyrina which feeds in the stems and branches of living shrubs and trees, occurs
on the reserve although it has become a very local species elsewhere in this part of Essex.
There are a number of lepidoptera recorded at the farm which are familiar as hedgerow species.
Among these are polyphagous moths such as the Hebrew character (Orthosia gothica) and angle
shades (Phlogophora meticulosa), but there are others which are more specific to hedgerow shrubs
such as hawthorn and blackthorn which abound at New House. There is, for instance, the brimstone
moth (Opisthograptis luteolata), a very common species here; the magpie (Abraxas grossulariata),
the Chinese character (Cilix glaucata) and the yellow-tail (Euproctis similis). Wild privet is
available for privet hawk-moths (Sphinx ligustri), and dog-rose for the barred yellow (Cidaria
fulvata). The blood-vein (Timandra griseata) probably breeds among sorrels and docks in the shelter
of hedges and along damp field margins. Hedgerow butterflies include the familiar orange-tip
(Anthocharis cardamines), its larvae dependent on plants of the Cruciferae such as garlic
mustard.
The meadow area is without doubt an important refuge for many of the moths and butterflies. Soils
here alternate between light, sandy substrate, giving rise to dry grassland containing campions,
trefoils, tormentil, speedwells, knapweed, with some bracken invasion, and damp heavy clays with a
moisture-loving flora such as horsetails, willow-herbs, angelica and lady's smock. Great hairy willow-
herb and rosebay willow-herb provide food for elephant hawk-moth caterpillars (Deilephila elpenor),
whose numbers have increased in recent years. On sunny days the common blue (Polyommatus
icarus), small copper (Lycaena phlaeas) and wall (Lasiommata megera) butterflies can be seen
visiting flowers. Walking through the tall grass and herbs in June and July usually disturbs numbers of
silver-ground carpet moths (Xanthorhoe montanata) and silver Ys (Autographa gamma). To the
mercury-vapour lamp at night fly moths whose larvae feed on grasses, such as the smoky wainscot
(Mythimna impura), dark arches (Apamea monoglypha), minor moths (Oligia and Mesoligia
species), and from the wetter areas the drinker (Philudoria potatoria) and common wainscot
(Mythimna pallens).
There are many other moths recorded which are typical of open, grassy areas. Probably feeding on
a range of herbaceous plants would be the larvae of the flame shoulder (Ochropleura plecta), dark-
barred twin-spot carpet (Xanthorhoe ferrugata), garden tiger (Arctia caja) and lesser yellow
Underwing (Noctua comes). Buff ermines (Spilosoma luteum), frequently seen, may originate from
docks and plantains in damp, lush vegetation by the stream and farm reservoirs. Square-spot rustic
larvae (Xestia xanthographa) are also dock and plantain feeders, and the adults, in common with
many other moths, visit flowers such as thistle and ragwort at night. Flowers themselves may be eaten
by caterpillars of the lime-speck pug (Eupithecia centaureata) which would find plenty of yarrow,
field scabious and knapweed available in the meadow. Autumn ivy flowers provide a valuable source
of food for adults of the beaded chestnut moth (Agrochola lychnidis). The common carpet (Epirrhoe
alternata) arrives at light often enough to suggest that it breeds in the vicinity, probably in patches of
goosegrass. The day-flying latticed heath (Semiothisa clathrata) is probably attracted by clovers and
trefoils. Bracken growing in the drier soils provides food for larvae of the brown silver-
lines (Petrophora chlorosata).
The meadow 'reserve', created and maintained by the farmer, is a fine example of how valuable a
relatively small piece of uncultivated land on an otherwise largely arable farm can be to indigenous
and visiting wildlife. In managing the grassland strip for plant diversity, the farmer has ensured a
species-rich insect life which does not appear to threaten his crops. He has been rewarded by a long list
of macrolepidoptera on his land, some of which are thought to be uncommon or local in the county
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