Habitat-typical and provincial priority species of macro moths in Flanders
Following on from the previously published Red List of macro moths, we compiled a list of macro moths that are typical of the European habitat types of the Habitat Directive, but also of regionally important biotopes. Using this list, we identified which species of macro moths and which biotopes can be considered a priority in the various Flemish provinces. This information is policy-relevant because it provides guidance for habitat management, the prioritization of restoration measures, and the underpinning of European reporting obligations.
In Flanders, dry and wet heathland (78 species), forests (55 species), (semi-)natural grasslands (54 species), coastal dunes (40 species), and marshes (34 species) are particularly rich in habitat-typical species. Habitat-typical species can be used to evaluate the quality of habitats under the European Habitats Directive: the more habitat-typical species, the higher the quality of the habitat.
In terms of macro-moths that are important to the province, Antwerp takes the crown with 138 species. It is followed by Limburg with 115 species, West Flanders with 97 species, Flemish Brabant with 88 species, and East Flanders with 64 species. In Antwerp and Limburg, dry and wet heathlands and nutrient-poor grasslands are particularly important for macro moths. In Flemish Brabant and East Flanders, these are mainly forests and scrublands, and in West Flanders, dune biotopes. Provincial priority species are a useful tool for steering species policy at the provincial level.
Image above: light knot grass, a species typical of European habitat type 4010 (moist to wet heathland) (photo: Dirk Maes)