Changes in macro-moth abundance on the Writtle College estate, 1968-1993
Figure 2. Number of Common Wainscot Mythimna pallens recorded each year
; 19CP 19TO 1971 1972 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1984 1985 198S 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
5fear
Figure 3. Number of Lunar Underwing Omphaloscelis lunosa recorded each year
Discussion
The total number of macro-moth species recorded over the 23 year monitoring period was 345.
More than 350 species could be recorded from broad-leaved woodland and scrub, which are some
of the most species-rich habitats in lowland Britain (Waring 1994), while in suburban gardens over
250 species may be identified. Thus, the College estate, which is predominantly agricultural with
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Essex Naturalist (New Series) 18 (2001)