Surveying Invertebrates

Red tailed bumble bee photo by Elaine Edwards 1/4
Common darter dragonfly photo by Peter Den 2/4
Privet hawkmoth photo by Anabelle Clipper 3/4
Hummingbird hawkmoth photo by Dave Martin 4/4
Invertebrates are so numerous and diverse that nobody can fail to notice them: from bees and flies buzzing around garden flowers, to flying ants in late summer and the scuttling of house spiders across the lounge carpet in autumn! All are members of the huge group of small creatures without backbones that are collectively known as invertebrates.

In this section we have concentrated on surveying just two groups of invertebrates, butterflies and moths. Read on to discover how you can play apart in helping to conserve these beautiful insects.


Butterflies

Butterflies are familiar, popular and colourful invertebrates that can be found in almost every habitat. They brighten our spring and summer days but are very sensitive to minor changes in habitat and climatic conditions.

Unfortunately a number of once common species such as the small tortoiseshell and wall brown are declining. However, other species such as the speckled wood are faring much better and are expanding their populations.


Moths

Moths are excellent indicators of the health of the environment as they are very sensitive to climatic conditions. They play a very important role in plant pollination as well as being an important food source for a range of creatures such as bats and birds.

Although some species are expanding their range, many moth populations are showing signs of serious decline. To better understand the reasons for these changes it is important to monitor the status and distribution of moths so that appropriate measures can be taken to conserve these colourful and fascinating insects.

It has never been easier to start surveying moths; the range of equipment on sale is extensive and reasonably affordable, there is a wealth of useful information on the internet, and modern identification guides are first class.


Why not start a simple survey today?

Or perhaps you can contribute your records to one of several national surveys.

Big Butterfly Count

Moths Count

Equipment

A keen pair of eyes and ears are your essential tools since most invertebrates surveying will entail active searching. Some basic equipment to enable you to catch, inspect and identify the creature you find will also be useful.

 

Some useful tools for carrying out a general invertebrate survey:

  • Magnifying glass
  • Small paintbrush
  • Plastic tray
  • White sheet
  • Sweep net
  • Pond net
  • Digital camera
  • Head torch
  • Temporary storage jars
  • Identification guide

Some useful tools for carrying out a butterfly survey:

The good news is that there is no specialist equipment needed for butterfly surveying, but you might find the following of use:
  • A notebook
  • Pencil
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Magnifying glass (to look at eggs and caterpillars)

Accessorise your mothing – some useful equipment…

Surveying moths is great fun and need not be confined to night. Some macro species are day-flying and adults can be found visiting nectar sources, looking for prospective mates or egg laying on warm spring and summer days.
  • A good field guide will greatly assist in identification of your captured moths.
  • A head-mounted LED lamp to enable hands-free nocturnal rambling.
  • A notebook to record your findings together with details of weather conditions.
  • A digital camera to create a pictorial record an provide assistance with identification.
  • Some small glass or plastic jars to temporarily store your finds to allow later identification or examination by an expert.

Download invertebrate survey forms here.


Generic Survey Form (Survey Form W)

Microsoft Excel spreadsheet
Microsoft Word document PDF

Butterfly Transect (Survey Form H)

Microsoft Excel spreadsheet
Microsoft Word document PDF

Garden Butterfly Tick-list (Survey Form I)

Microsoft Excel spreadsheet
Microsoft Word document PDF

Please remember to send your completed survey forms to Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS) – make your records count!

Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service
Environment Transport and Development
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
Norfolk
NR1 2SG

Email : [email protected]
Website: NBIS

Having trouble sorting out the weevils from the chafer?

Upload your photograph here or email the photograph to [email protected].

 

Need more help with identification…?

Visit the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society website which has excellent identification guides for bees, butterflies, dragonflies, grasshoppers, crickets and woodlice.

You will also find information on local wildlife events and hints and tips on surveying.

 

Take part in a national survey

Here are some you might want to participate in:

Dragonfly Atlas Project - the Norfolk branch of the British Dragonfly Society wants your dragonfly records. If you see any dragonflies whilst surveying water bodies you can assist them with the Dragonfly Atlas Project.

Butterflies for the New Millennium Project - this is an enjoyable and simple way to get involved in butterfly conservation, and there are still many areas for which information is sparse or absent.

A National Moth Night survey is run jointly by Atropos and Butterfly Conservation. Every year a date is chosen during which members of the public are encouraged to record the moths they see. The survey takes place at different times each year and provides important information on the status of moths countrywide.

Moths Count – This is great fun, does not require any expertise or special equipment and is open to everyone. All you need to do is record any of the main target species you see in your house or garden and complete a simple web-based form.