Heathland Invertebrates
The Heath tiger beetle (Cicindela sylvatica) and heath bee-fly (Bombylius minor) are just two of over 5,000 invertebrates to be found on Dorset Heaths.
The smallest butterfly, the silver-studded blue (Plebeius argus) and the largest moth to be found in the UK, the Emperor Hawk Moth (Saturnia pavonia), can be found on Dorset Heaths. They are two of 55 species of moth and butterfly caterpillar that has heather as its food plant.
Dorset ponds are also home to our largest native spider, the raft spider (Dolomedes fimbriatus). Raft spiders will eat small fish and tadpoles as well as insects as large as damselflies.
Invertebrates are at the bottom of the food chain and support some of the UK's most endangered species. Dartford warblers (Slyvia undata) are insectivores and rely on heather and gorse to provide habitat for them and their food.
If you would like to find out more about the heath and its wildlife please contact:-
Name: Urban Heaths Partnership - Project Office
Email: urbanheaths@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Tel: 01202 642 787
Full details for Urban Heaths Partnership - Project Office
