Flight periodicity and the vertical distribution of high-altitude moth migration over southern Britain


Autoria(s): Wood, Curtis Ron; Reynolds, D.R.; Wells, P.M.; Barlow, Janet Fraser; Woiwod, I.P.; Chapman, J.W.
Data(s)

15/09/2009

Resumo

The continuous operation of insect-monitoring radars in the UK has permitted, for the first time, the characterization of various phenomena associated with high-altitude migration of large insects over this part of northern Europe. Previous studies have taken a case-study approach, concentrating on a small number of nights of particular interest. Here, combining data from two radars, and from an extensive suction- and light-trapping network, we have undertaken a more systematic, longer-term study of diel flight periodicity and vertical distribution of macro-insects in the atmosphere. Firstly, we identify general features of insect abundance and stratification, occurring during the 24-hour cycle, which emerge from four years’ aggregated radar data for the summer months in southern Britain. These features include mass emigrations at dusk and to a lesser extent at dawn, and daytime concentrations associated with thermal convection. We then focus our attention on the well-defined layers of large nocturnal migrants that form in the early evening, usually at heights of 200–500 m above ground. We present evidence from both radar and trap data that these nocturnal layers are composed mainly of noctuid moths, with species such as Noctua pronuba, Autographa gamma, Agrotis exclamationis, A. segetum, Xestia c-nigrum and Phlogophora meticulosa predominating.

Formato

text

Identificador

http://centaur.reading.ac.uk/1573/1/Wood_etal_2009_BER.pdf

Wood, C. R. <http://centaur.reading.ac.uk/view/creators/90000621.html>, Reynolds, D.R., Wells, P.M., Barlow, J. F. <http://centaur.reading.ac.uk/view/creators/90000249.html>, Woiwod, I.P. and Chapman, J.W. (2009) Flight periodicity and the vertical distribution of high-altitude moth migration over southern Britain. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 99 (05). pp. 525-535. ISSN 0007-4853 doi: 10.1017/S0007485308006548 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0007485308006548>

Idioma(s)

en

Publicador

Cambridge University Press

Relação

http://centaur.reading.ac.uk/1573/

http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0007485308006548

doi:10.1017/S0007485308006548

http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0007485308006548

doi:10.1017/S0007485308006548

Palavras-Chave #590 Animals (Zoology) #550 Earth sciences
Tipo

Article

PeerReviewed

Direitos