Invertebrates
An amazing 700 species of invertebrates have been recorded in UK reedbeds, 64 of which are dependent on reeds for at least part of their lifecycle (Fojt and Foster 1992). Important invertebrate communities are found in all stages of reedbed development (Kirby 1992).
Moths
There are eleven species of moth that are dependent on reeds and many more that are associated with reedbed plants. Four species are of sufficient conservation interest to be listed in the Red Data Book. (Shirt 1987)
- Reed leopard moth, (East Anglia and Dorset)
- Flame wainscot, (East Anglia)
- White-mantled wainscot, (Suffolk)
- Fennķs wainscot, Norfolk Broads & Walberswick
Other species associated with reedbeds include the large wainscot and the fen wainscot
Butterflies
Although not dependent on reeds, the British race of the swallowtail butterfly feeds on milk parsley, a rare plant associated with reedfen. Swallowtail butterflies are restricted to the Norfolk Broads.
Other invertebrates
Other reedbed insects include the reed beetle, a gall-forming midge, gall-forming flies, and small flies such as non-biting midges and the plum aphid (Fojt & Foster, 1992, Hawke & JosČ, 1996).
Species of conservation importance include a rove beetle, a diving beetle and a nationally scarce ground beetle (Fojt & Foster, 1992)
As well as terrestrial invertebrates many aquatic invertebrates, including some rare species can be found in the shallow waters amongst reed (Kirby 1992, Hawke & JosČ 1996). Also found in is the water louse, a crustacean which feeds on reed litter and other detritus.
References:
Fojt, W. & Foster A. (1992) Reedbeds, their wildlife and requirements A. Botanical and invertebrate aspects of reedbeds, their ecological requirements and conservation significance. In D Ward (ed), Reedbeds for Wildlife pp49-56. RSPB/University of Bristol.
Kirby, P (1992) Habitat Management for Invertebrates: A Practical Handbook. RSPB
Shirt, D.B. (1987) British Red Data Book. 2.Insects Peterborough. Nature Conservancy Council
Hawke, C.J. & JosČ, P.V. (1996) Reedbed Management for Commercial & Wildlife Interests. RSPB
