Find out the answers to all this seasons topical wildlife questions. If you have a question then why not contact WildCall on 01273 494777 or email WildCall
Qu: I was very excited to see the frogs return to my pond this year. Despite seeing the frog spawn the spawn appeared to vanish, what happened to it?
A: The WildCall service has had many reports from members of the public reporting similar events in their gardens.
The reasons for spawn failure can be linked to a number of factors. Firstly it could simply be that the spawn was not fertilised, this often results in the spawn turning cloudy in colour and sinking to the bottom of the pond. Alternatively the spawn may have succumbed to the cold weather, depending on when your spawn was laid?
It is also worth remembering that spawn and tadpoles are extremely vulnerable to predation so it could have simply been the case that your spawn became a tasty meal for fish, newts, grass snakes or sometimes even birds.
Do remember that even if you do not have a successful batch of spawn in your pond this year amphibians will still be utilising your garden & pond for food & shelter in order to return next year. So keep the areas amphibian friendly and fingers you will see a more successful season in your pond next year.
Qu: What are the differences between single and double flowers and which is better for wildlife?
A: Single flowers are those with only one ring or whorl of petals. Double flowers are those with more than one whorl of petals. The majority of wildflowers are single flowers and include species such as oxeye daisy and primroses. Single flowers are generally much better for garden wildlife as the nectar and pollen is much easier for insects such as bees and butterflies to access. Double flowers are often sterile and therefore do not produce the same quantity of food and are therefore largely ignored by wildlife. For more information about insect friendly plants contact WildCall on 01273 494777.
Qu: What is the difference between a grasshopper and a cricket?
A: The simplest way and if your quick enough is to look at their antennae. Crickets have hair like antennae that are much longer than the body. The grasshopper tends to have shorter stout antennae. Another difference between the two is that to make the characteristic calls the grasshopper rubs its hind leg across their forewing but crickets rub their wings together. As a result of the difference the cricket’s song is often higher pitched than those of the grasshoppers.
Qu: I have recently seen a creature in my garden that looks like an insect but hovers like a humming bird what do you think it is?
A: This is an insect that suffers from mistaken identity on a regular basis. The insect you have spotted in your garden is a hummingbird hawkmoth. It is so named as it can be easily mistaken for a hummingbird as it hovers, probing flowers for nectar with its long proboscis.
The Hummingbird hawk moth is a day flying moth and is often just seen as a brown blur however it is also a species of moth that can often be heard. This is because their wings beat so fast they make an audible hum as the move from flower to flower. The flowers that hummingbird hawkmoths are often seen probing for nectar in gardens are Buddleia and Fuchsia.
The hummingbird hawk moth is a species that is widespread throughout much of Europe and spreads north in to the UK each year and can often be seen between the months of May and September. Adult moths have often found it hard to survive our winters in the UK however due to the milder winters we have been experiencing the hummingbird hawkmoth has found it possible to over winter in some areas in the UK. This year the hummingbird hawkmoth were spotted on the wing as early as February in East Sussex.
Copyright Sussex Wildlife Trust May 2008
WildCall Factsheet disclaimer: All information contained within Sussex Wildlife Trust WildCall factsheets is to the best of our knowledge true and accurate at the time of printing. The Sussex Wildlife Trust will not accept any responsibility or liability for any losses or damage resulting from following the advice given.