The Friends of
Prince of Wales Park
Invertebrates
This is the largest of all animal groups but many are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Visible invertebrates in the park include:
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insects: flies, beetles, bees and wasps, butterflies and moths;
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spiders (arachnids);
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arthropods such as woodlice and centipedes;
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slugs and snails (molluscs);
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worms (annelids).
All have a vital role in pollinating plants, decomposing organic matter and as prey to other invertebrates, birds, amphibians and mammals. The common shiny woodlouse, pictured above, is usually found under logs or in leaf litter.
Insects that have been seen on the heath include Soldier Beetles, Nursery Spiders, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Ladybirds and Bees. It is just the place for children to have a “bug hunt” in the summer. Sit quietly on a bench by the heathland and listen, you will be able to hear and see many insects around you.
We once discovered a Leopard (also known as a tiger) slug at the top of the park. These are unusual in that they eat other slugs, just the sort you need in your garden!
In the summer, Damselflies and Dragonflies can be seen at the bottom of the park, attracted by the water and boggy areas.
 Comma butterly |  Nursery spider |  Grasshopper |
|---|---|---|
 Soldier beetle |  Green hairstreak |  Leopard slug |
Butterflies and Moths
The park has been monitored by Butterfly Conservation and Bradford Urban Wildlife group for several years. Butterflies are attracted by the large area of bilberry and heather as well as the bracken and oaks.
Bilberry is the food plant of the Green Hairstreak butterfly (pictured above) which was recorded here for several years. Please look out for this elusive butterfly between April and June. Female Emperor moths have also been recorded on the Bilberry.
Heather attracts butterflies for its nectar. Small Copper, Holly Blue, Peacocks, Small Tortoiseshells, Comma and Red Admirals have all been recorded. Several species of brown butterflies use grasses for food including Ringlet, Meadow Brown and the common Speckled Wood. The Purple Hairstreaks favour oak but are very elusive, spending most of their time at the top of the oak trees.
During May there are many Long Horned Moths. These are micro moths that shine silver in the sun. Old Lady moths can be found during the day in dark secluded places. The caterpillars of moths and butterflies are an important food for birds and their young.
Yellow barred longhorn
Purple hairstreak
