Glow-worms Lampyris noctiluca L (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) in Essex
Individuals were recorded in less abundance on other linear habitats such as roadside verges and
disused railway lines. Very few glowing females were observed within the proximity of aquatic
habitats or in damp grassland areas. Although some of the sites in the survey comprised arable
areas and improved grassland, there were no glowing females detected in these habitat types.
Fig. 4. Percentage of L. noctiluca females in different habitats
Lighting
Table 3 illustrates the number of females which were recorded under different lighting conditions.
Approximately 78% of females were observed at unlit sites, therefore L. noctiluca was most abundant
in totally dark conditions. Lower abundance was evident at sites with house and vehicle lights.
Only six females were seen displaying at sites with streetlights.
Table 3. L. noctiluca females observed under different lighting conditions
Lighting No females %
No lights 398 78.5
House lights only 61 12.0
House and vehicle lights 30 5.9
Vehicle lights only 12 2.4
Street lights only 6 1.2
_____________________Totals_______507________100
Management of sites
At the majority of the sites where L. noctiluca individuals were observed during the survey, the
grassland is unmanaged with only infrequent mowing. These tall grassland habitats include woodland
rides, where mowing or scrub clearance is only occasionally conducted. At the only site which is
grazed by livestock that was visited during the survey (Hatfield Forest), L. noctihica individuals
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Essex Naturalist (New Series) 19 (2002)