We are particularly grateful to Richard Moyse and the Kent Field Club for their observations following visits in 2025. Some are observations close to or at the edge of Toll Wood and its small enclosed grassland meadow.
Detailed Species list (PDF) - updated August 2025
Cave spider - Meta menardi
In dene hole.
A large predator found in dark spaces that include railway tunnels, cellars, and excavations.
Spotted 8th March 2024.Tawny mining bee (male) - Andrena fulva
A sand bee, the male is less distinctive than the female. Inhabits short vegetation in light woodlands and dry grasslands. Widely distributed but low density of population.
Feeds on nectars of beech, blackthorn, garlic mustard, hawthorn, maples, sycamore and wayfaring-tree.
Once mated in Spring, the male dies.
Sarah Vaughan - 1st April 2024Common Furrow-bee - Lasioglossum calceatum (uncertain) Confirmation needed.
If correct, this is a female sweat bee.
Several species look alike.
Sarah Vaughan - 1st April 2024Wood ground-beetle - Carabus nemoralis
A common UK woodland predator - beneficial as it feeds on the agricultural pest, Deroceras reticulatum slug.
Not normally found underground, so may have fallen into our dene hole.
Spotted 8th March 2024.Greater Stag Beetle larva - Lucanus cervus
Dislodged when rotten wood was accidentally moved. Larva immediately returned to very rotten block of wood in a protected position.
Identification reported to People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and Kent and Medway Biological Records Centre (KMBRC).
Spotted 8th March 2024.Sixteen-spot Ladybird - Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata
Widely present in UK. Feeds on aphids, powdery mildew, mites and thrips. It has a distinctive dark line on the middle of its elytra, and its spots are often fused, with three fused spots often forming a line on either side of the ladybird.
Seven Spot Ladybird - Coccinella septempunctata
A carnivorous beetle, the commonest in Europe.
The species can secrete a fluid from joints in their legs which gives them a foul taste - if threatened, they can play dead and secrete the fluid.
Also found on our brambles.
Sarah Vaughan - 1st April 2024Peacock butterfly - Aglais io
Common sight across the UK. Often overwinters in buildings, preparatory to early breeding with up to three periods of egg-laying. Meadows, hedgerows.
The Peacock butterfly has a 50–55 mm wingspan, rusty red wings with striking eyespots, and a dark, camouflaged underside. Males are territorial, often intercepting females on their way to egg-laying sites.
Eggs (up to 400 per batch) are laid on nettles and hops on which larvae feed.
Caterpillars are black with spines and white spots, growing up to 42 mm before pupating in grey, brown, or green chrysalides. Adults drink nectar from many flowers, plus tree sap and rotting fruit.Small Tortoiseshell - Aglais urticae
Common UK butterfly, orange/black/yellow patterned, 50–56mm wingspan. Widespread in gardens, woodlands, grasslands. Caterpillars found on nettles; adults nectar on buddleia, thistles, etc. 2–3 broods per year, hibernates as an adult, highly mobile.
While it is described as "Least Concern" as a species, it has been declining in southern England; probably due to parasitic fly (Sturmia bella) and drought; partial recovery noted.
Image: Nicolas Weghaupt, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsGreen-brindled Crescent caterpillar - Allophyes oxyacanthae
Widespread and common. Eggs hatch in March. Larvae feed first in leaf buds, later on hawthorn, blackthorn, birch, wild cherry, and other fruit trees. Fully grown by May–June, then rest in a subterranean cocoon before pupating.
Moth: Autumn moth. Brown forewings with characteristic metallic green scales; distinct white crescent mark and black basal streak. Classified as common in surveys. Large, well-marked Noctuid; unmistakable due to crescent mark and green scaling.
This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands., CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia CommonsThe Orange-tip - Anthocharis cardamines.
Common, medium-sized butterfly. Typically seen in spring along meadow edges, gardens, hedgerows, roadside verges, and woodland margins. Males are easily recognised by their bright orange forewing tips, while females lack the orange and can be confused with other white butterflies such as the Green-veined White or Small White.
Both sexes have distinctive green marbling on the underwings, visible at rest. They are one of the first butterflies to emerge in spring, not overwintering as adults. Larval foodplants include Lady’s Smock, Honesty, Garlic Mustard, and other crucifers. Often seen feeding on dandelions, making them easier to spot than in flight.
Image: Bj.schoenmakers, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsSmall Heath- Coenonympha pamphilus
A small, widespread grassland butterfly. Wingspan ~26–34 mm. Usually rests with wings closed, showing orange forewing underside with a single black eyespot and cryptic grey-brown hindwing. Flies low with a weak flutter. Caterpillars feed on fine grasses (Festuca, Poa). Flies May–Sept, with multiple broods in warmer regions. Common but vulnerable to grassland loss.
Image: HTO, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsCommon Brimstone - Gonepteryx rhamni
One of the first butterflies seen in spring. Larvae feed exclusively on Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica, on calcareous soils) and Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus, on wet acidic soils). We have not yet identified Buckthorn in Toll Wood, which is the most likely food source for our chalkland conditions. Adults take nectar mainly from purple flowers such as thistles, buddleia, and knapweed, and may also feed on aphid honeydew. They hibernate in dense ivy, which provides shelter rather than food. Found in scrubby grassland and woodland.
Image: Adrian198cm, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsA longhorn moth - Nematopogon swammerdamella
The largest longhorn moth. A common woodland species.
The larvae feed on dead leaves.
Image: unrestricted commons license - Bj.schoenmakers (Creative Commons)Speckled Wood - Pararge aegeria
A common medium-sized butterfly with chocolate-brown wings marked by creamy-yellow patches and black eye-spots with white centres. The underside is mottled brown and cryptic. Prefers dappled woodland, rides, hedgerows, and gardens. Males are strongly territorial, spiralling upwards to chase rivals from sunny perches. Active in sunlit woodland glades, adults mostly feed on aphid honeydew, occasionally nectar or fruit.
Two to three broods from April to October. Overwinters as either caterpillar or pupa. Larvae feed on various grasses.
Image: oecophylla, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsElm Midget moth - Phyllonorycter tristrigella
Also "elm leaf miner". The larvae mines underside of elm leaves (esp. English elm elm suckers), long tubular blotch between veins. Commonly, two broods leading to adults in May and August. Common in the UK up to southern Scotland.
Image: Patrick Clement from West Midlands, England, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia CommonsEuropean Comma butterfly - Polygonia c-album
Common in the South East.
A generalist feeder as a butterfly.
However, the larvae prefer:
* In Toll Wood: the common nettle (Urtica dioica), and Wych elm (Ulmus glabra)
* Not in Toll Wood: Goat Willow (Salix caprea), Gooseberries (Ribes uva-crispa), and Downy birch (Betula pubescens).
Seen here at one corner of Toll Wood close to an elm.White-letter Hairstreak - Satyrium w-album
The larvae (three in total) were identified and recorded using fluorescing UV photography on an elm at the edge of Toll Wood. This identification by Richard Moyse/Kent Field Club is an important confirmation of a hitherto unknown population that is wholly dependent on elm species. Toll Wood has thirty mature (70+ years) elm and a total of over 100 elm.
This is a high-priority UK butterfly, classed as Vulnerable on the GB Red List (2022) and protected under multiple conservation laws (NERC Act 2006 (Section 41), Environment Act 2016, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981). Its fate is tied to elm trees, and Dutch elm disease caused a 96% population crash (1976–2016), making it one of the UK’s steepest butterfly declines.
Butterfly image: Ian Kirk from Broadstone, Dorset, UK, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Spindle Ermine caterpillar - Yponomeuta cagnagella
Abundant caterpillars are found on all Spindle in the wood, suspended in silk sacs.
In the spring, Spindle trees are covered by dense silk mats. The silk sacs from which these caterpillars were suspended are surprisingly strong.
All the leaves have been stripped (June 2023) but will recover in due course.
The moth is common in southern England.Hairy Dragonfly - Brachytron pratense
A species of hawker dragonfly, found in the meadow area of Toll Wood. One of the earliest dragonflies to emerge in Spring.
Possibly in transit as it is most closely associated with well-vegetated, unpolluted water bodies—like fens, grazing marshes, ponds, and ditches with plenty of reeds and sedges. Some local properties do have nature-friendly ponds. Teynham Levels and Luddenham Gut sit to our north.
Appearance: Medium-sized, dark brown/black body with blue and green markings. The “hairy” bit refers to the fine hairs along its thorax—visible up close.
Image: This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands., CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia CommonsCommon or European Earwig - Forficula auricularia
Shown here in defensive mode. Very widely present and common insect across Europe but seen as invasive elsewhere.
Brown, flattened body with pincer-like cerci (curved in males, straighter in females). An omnivore, feeding on feeds on plants, fruit, seedlings, and insects (including aphids and other pests). Nocturnal, it hides in damp places by day.
The name has nothing to do with our ears, but ancient superstition would suggest otherwise! Perhaps the name related to the ear-shape of their hind wings ... yes they can fly.
Image: Pudding4brains, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsGerman scorpionfly - Panorpa germanica
Common, mostly found in woodland and hedgerow habitats. They have elongated faces with a distinct beak-like rostrum and patterned, translucent wings. Males have a genital structure that looks a bit like a scorpion’s stinger, which gives scorpionflies their name (though it’s harmless).
These scavengers are important decomposers helping recycle nutrients by consuming dead or dying insects and decaying organic matter.
Image: ruebezahl, CCo, via Wikimedia Commons
Black-kneed capsid - Blepharidopterus angulatus
Common and widespread in Britain. Eggs laid July-October overwinter to emerge in spring. Adults June-October.
5-6mm long; slender, parallel-sided, blue-green body. Distinctive black patches on the knees, antennae, and behind the head.
Found in deciduous trees including birch, linden (lime), ash, hazel, elm, hornbeam and beech.
Useful predator of mites, mite eggs, aphids, and other soft-bodied arthropods. No real damage to plants.
Image: Bj.schoenmakers, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsDock bug - Coreus marginatus
Of medium size (13-15mm), feeds mainly on dock and sorrels in dense vegetation such as hedgerows.
Adults are speckled reddish-brown. Antennae have four segments - three red/orange and end one black. Young nymphs are spiny. Defends itself by emitting strong-smelling chemicals.
Image: Dorte Stokholm, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsHairy Shieldbug - Dolycoris baccarum
10-12mm long; purplish-brown with green ochre. White-banded antennae and abdomen edges. Dull brown in winter.
Common in hedgerows, woodland edges - mostly in southern counties. Adults overwinter. Eggs are brown, barrel-shaped on plants. Nymphs feed especially on Rosaceae (e.g. roses, apples, pears, plums, cherries) and Asteraceae (daisy family). Adults often feed on berries (e.g. honeysuckle, raspberries).
Image: Christian Kahle, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsHawthorn-carrot aphid - Dysaphis crataegi-group
A sap-sucking true bug - 'flat', greenish-grey and dusted with wax particles.
Overwinters as eggs on hawthorn. Nymphs hatch in spring, feeding on leaves and causing red, blister-like galls. Leaves curl upwards with aphids on the underside.
The winged forms (late spring) migrate to secondary hosts to form dense clusters (e.g. carrots, parsnips, parsley). As summer closes, the males and females migrate back to hawthorn. Can weaken trees.
Image: Bj.schoenmakers, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsOak catkin mirid bug - Harpocera thoracica
Common in British hedgerows and sunny, dry areas with oak trees.
Size ~6–6.8 mm (females slightly larger).
Black/dark brown to orange or pale brown; males usually darker. Partially hardened forewing tips black with white edges; legs yellow-brown; antennae brown.
Nymphs are reddish/pinkish-white, hairy, with thickened basal antennal segments.
Adults appear late April–June, living about a month (females slightly longer). Eggs for ~10 months; larval stage ~2 weeks before becoming nymphs. Feeding on oak buds, pollen, nectar, and sometimes small insects (notably aphids).
Image: Bj.schoenmakers, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsLeafhopper - Iassus ianio
A species associated with oaks.
A large true bug, widespread across Europe.
Colour varies between green and brown.
Distinguished from the rarer I. scutellaris by its three spines (not five) on the hind femur.
Image: Kulac, CC BY-SA 2.0 DE <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/de/deed.en>, via Wikimedia CommonsLeafhopper - Iassus scutellaris
A species associated with elm from which this example was beaten.
Known to be very rare in Britain.
Largely restricted to southern Britain. Also found in hedgerows of English elm.
Image: Richard Moyse (23rd August 2025).Common Nettle bug - Liocoris tripustulatus
All life-stages associated with nettles. Generally found on low vegetation.
Adults 4-5mm; adults present all year. Spring adults are darker and more vividly market; summer adults are paler.
Common throughout the UK.
Image: Bj.schoenmakers, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsCommon Green Shieldbug - Palomena prasina
Native, common-place, harmless sap-suckers found on plants and crops (apples, pears, hazelnuts).
12-13.5mm long. Bright green in spring/summer, turning bronze-brown before overwintering; emerging again April/May.
Potentially threatened by the arrival of the southern green shieldbug (Nezara viridula) - first seen 2003 in London
Image: WSDaun, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsRed-legged (Forest) Shieldbug - Pentatoma rufipes
Widespread and common across Britain.
Large brown shieldbug with orange/red legs. Hooked shoulders. Found in forests, woodlands, orchards, gardens and other well-wooded areas.
Eggs laid in August in crevices (bark) or on leaves. Overwinters as nymphs, a sap-feeder that feeds mainly on oak, also alder, hazel, apple, cherry and other deciduous trees.
Image: Bj.schoenmakers, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsHawthorn lacebug – Physatocheila dumetorum
Small brown lacebug. 2.5-3mm long.
Three keels reach the head; forewings slightly widened in the middle, dark mark at widest part.
Widely present in England and Wales. Typically found on lichen-covered trees, particularly hawthorn.
Image: Barry Walter, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia CommonsLime plant bug - Phytocoris tiliae
A difficult bug to identify as there are many similar true bugs. 6-7mm long; greyish-green with distinct black mottling on wings; ground colour varies from silver-grey to lime-green. Long hind femora and 1st antennal segment.
Primarily found on lime trees but also oaks, poplars, hazel, hawthorn, beech and ash. This bug predates on mites and small insects.
Widespread and frequent across Britain.
Image: Line Sabroe from Denmark, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia CommonsBright-spotted Groundbug - Rhyparachromus vulgaris
First recorded in the UK around 2010/11 and now very widespread. Not a major pest but can become a nuisance when entering homes in large numbers.
Feeds on seeds of plants such as nettles, strawberries, and elms. Overwinters in sheltered sites (under bark, woodpiles, houses with woodpiles).
Breeds in spring with the new generation appearing in late July.
Image: Bj.schoenmakers, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsINSECTS - TRUE FLIES Dotted Bee fly - Bombylius discolor
Found in gardens, meadows, grasslands, and woodland rides. Harmless. 8-12mm long (body, excluding proboscis). Hairy, bumblebee-like body, chestnut and black in colour. Female has a line of white spots on abdomen. Wings narrow, held out at rest, with dark spots. Distinctive long proboscis for feeding on nectar.
In flight March-June (most commonly in April).
Parasitic, laying eggs in nests of solitary mining bees (Andrena flaxipes, A. cineraria). The larvae prey on bee larvae. Adults feed on nectar.
Image: gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia CommonsDark-edged bee fly - Bombylius major
More common than the dotted bee-fly and widely distributed. Harmless. 6-12mm long body. Males smaller than females.
Furry golden-brown body, long thin legs, dark markings along wing edges, and a long rigid proboscis.
Distinctive hovering, darting flight and high-pitched buzz. Unusual flight (rotating around vertical axis).
Attracted to blue/violet flowers but a generalist pollinator.
Females flick sand-coated eggs into or near solitary bee/wasp burrows. Larvae are parasitic to host larvae. Emerges in spring.
Image: Bj.schoenmakers, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsCommon copperback hoverfly - ferdinandea cuprea
Widespread but rarely abundant. Recognised by its brassy abdomen, grey-striped thorax, and dark wing markings. Active from March to November, peaking June.
Prefers woodlands, wooded hedgerows, and sunny tree trunks, especially oak and ash. Often in stacked logs, glade edges and sap runs.
Adults visit a wide range of flowers including hawthorn, bramble, and dandelion. Larvae live in sap runs, decomposing roots, and tree humus cavities of oak (favoured) and ash.
Image: gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia CommonsYellow dung fly - Scathophaga stercoraria
One of the commonest and widespread flies. Attracted to all dung (esp. cattle) - an important ecological role in decomposition. 5-11mm long.
Adults prey mainly on small insects (esp. other flies), but will feed on nectar and dung. Larvae feed within dung. Multiple generations each year. Active March-November, peaking in summer.
Image: Bj.schoenmakers, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsGreenhouse millipede - oxidus gracilis
This millipede was found underground (dene hole), more commonly found in woodland leaf litter.
Sometimes referred to as glasshouse millipede where it is considered a pest.
Spotted 8th March 2024.
Image: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia CommonsLeopard Slug - Limax maximus
An Ancient Woodland indicator.
Found underground (dene-hole, now a bat hibernaculum).
Omnivorous.
Large when mature at two years when it can breed.
Spotted 8th March 2024.
.png)
