Moorland
Guides
Coccinella hieroglyphica
Hieroglyphic Lady Beetle, Hieroglyphic Ladybird, Hieroglyphic Ladybug
Coccinella hieroglyphica is a Palearctic lady beetle species associated with heath and moorland habitats, particularly on Ericaceae plants. It is distributed across northern Europe, extending beyond the Arctic Circle, through Russia and Siberia to East Asia. The species is aphidophagous, with populations showing considerable annual fluctuation. Adults are active from May through October and overwinter in coarse woody debris beneath pines and birches.
Colias palaeno
Moorland Clouded Yellow, Palaeno Sulphur, Pale Arctic Clouded Yellow
Colias palaeno is a Holarctic butterfly species in the family Pieridae, occurring across northern Eurasia and North America. It inhabits moorlands, bogs, and open coniferous forests, with southern populations restricted to high alpine zones above 1,500 meters. The species has experienced significant declines in parts of its European range, particularly in Bavaria, where larval survival depends critically on microclimatic conditions associated with Sphagnum moss. It is univoltine, with adults flying from June to August.
Neophilaenus lineatus
lined spittlebug
Neophilaenus lineatus, commonly known as the lined spittlebug, is a species of spittlebug in the family Aphrophoridae. It has a broad distribution spanning Europe, northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. Studies indicate a two-year life cycle with subterranean root-feeding nymphs, unlike the annual cycle of some related species. The species shows sensitivity to temperature gradients, with developmental timing varying by altitude.
Prolita sexpunctella
six-spot groundling, long-horned flat-back, groundling
Prolita sexpunctella is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 13–17 mm, found across Europe and North America. Adults are active during May and June and are diurnal. The species is notable for its distinctive wing pattern featuring five white fasciae on dark reddish-brown forewings. Larvae are leaf-tiers that feed on specific host plants including heather and mountain avens.
Sympetrum danae
Black Darter, Black Meadowhawk
Sympetrum danae is a small dragonfly with a northern Holarctic distribution, found in northern Europe, Asia, and North America. It is Britain's smallest resident dragonfly at 29–34 mm long. The species is strongly associated with acidic bog habitats and is active from mid-June to mid-November, with peak activity in late summer. Mature males are entirely black, making this the only Sympetrum species lacking red coloration in males.