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, to give it its full name, is a beautiful bird - sleek, handsome, well-groomed, elegant, silky (Bombyx, after which it takes its scientific name, is the silk moth). It is also a rare visitor to Britain.A native of higher latitudes, it only visits us when

in number since the arrival of the harlequin, while seven-spot populations have remained stable. And it's not just native ladybirds at risk: harlequins also eat moth eggs and lacewings. What else do they eat?The problem with harlequin ladybirds is that

and shelter for insects.Many bat species eat moths, so grow nectar-rich plants, including honeysuckle, night-scented stock and evening primrose, to attract them. Crane flies are also an important food source. (This pleases me. I have loads of crane flies in my

an important role in the lifecycle of bumblebees. Many species of bumblebee nest in old mouse holes. It's thought that they’re attracted by the smell, and the strong whiff of mouse could even deter wax moths from finding and laying eggs inside the nest. So I

warning of ‘conservation concern’. These types of decline have already been seen in more obvious (and more newsworthy) insects, such as bumblebees, butterflies and moths.One thing is clear to me though - as the industrialisation of agriculture continues

, and the foliage could support a variety of moths. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility that it would eventually be colonised by mistletoe. The native crab apple species is Malus sylvestris, but there are plenty of non-natives and cultivars available

), aided by 13-year-old. The 11-year-old swept up and the 3-year-old ate biscuits.And you'll be pleased to know that no wildlife was inconvenienced by the tree's removal. I knocked a Jersey tiger moth from the small cherry tree as I entered the garden area

, froghoppers, moths, butterflies and bees. (The frogs I rescued and brought in.) I’m determined to make sure my garden provides the perfect home for wildlife over winter, and if I have to compromise a little on aesthetics, so be it. I've already made

for butterflies and moths) are allowed to flourish. Nothing is sprayed, clipped or dug over, the land returns to its wild self.Of course, this reclaimed 'wild' land, which is often littered and graffitied, can become a prime location for antisocial behaviour

get up earlier than usual just to watch them forage on red clover, alliums, poppies and viper's bugloss before setting off for work.The only slight problem was that I found a wax moth in the nest when I moved it, but that's a blog for another day.