As can be easily understood, a large number of insects live in the Torbiere Reserve. They form the basis of the food chains that regulate the entire ecosystem. Some, which we see as bothersome flies or even mosquitoes, are fundamental sources of food for birds and fish. Keep in mind that in spring, nearly all chicks born in the Reserve feed on insects, and the same is true of the females, which need a lot of protein when producing eggs.
The drop in insects in recent years is one of the causes of the serious decrease in birds throughout Europe. With respect to aquatic life, it should be mentioned that there is a complex and fascinating network of relationships between the various aquatic invertebrates, starting with plankton, and that this network is the link between plants and animals. Unfortunately, the network is strongly conditioned by the presence of toxins in the water, so it is increasingly necessary to control the quality of the water that reaches the Reserve.
Some of the flashiest insects found in the peat bogs are undoubtedly the dragonflies, with more than 30 species. For enthusiasts, the Reserve has published a field guide (available at the Visitors’ Centre and the office) for help in identifying these striking insects.
A dragonfly in the Zygoptera suborder, a springtime species that flies slowly.
These dragonflies in the Zygoptera suborder are widespread throughout Italy and can be observed in their active state from April to October.
Protected by the Habitat Directive (Annexes II and IV). This dragonfly is extinct in the Reserve.
These live on the pond surface. They have long thin legs with very thick water-repellent down at the ends that prevents them from sinking due to the surface tension of the water.
They are a vast, diverse family of insects in the order Diptera including more than 6000 species.
A small butterfly with a wingspan between 25 and 28 mm pertaining to the Lycaenidae family. The larvae feed on legumes.
A small butterfly with a wingspan between 28 and 33 mm pertaining to the Hesperiidae family. The larvae feed on various grasses.
A large butterfly with a wingspan between 50 and 63 mm pertaining to the Nymphalidae family. The species is bound to damp environments since it lays its eggs on willow and poppy trees.
One of the largest European butterflies with a wingspan between 55 and 80 mm, the scarce swallowtail pertains to the Papilionidae family. The larvae feed on various trees and bushes in the Rosaceae family, such as hawthorn, species in the Prunus genus, and apple and pear trees.
A medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan between 37 and 55 mm pertaining to the Pieridae family. The larvae feed on various legumes.
This is a diurnal moth in the Erebidae family. It is important for conservation and is protected by the Habitat Directive (Annex II).
A small beetle between 5.5 and 8.5 mm long. This species is contained in the regional black list of invasive species (Regional Government Decree no. 2658 of 16 December 2019).
A large species of mantis up to 9 centimetres long native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is also present as an invasive species in North America.
A dragonfly in the Anisoptera suborder, it is one of the easiest species to spot.
A dragonfly in the Anisoptera suborder. Since the last century, they have been found in the Reserve and are still present in large numbers.
Backswimmers are typically aquatic insects, even though they use the store of air that enwraps their bodies to breath, using their long rear legs as oars.
A species of Coleoptera capable of swimming in the water using the hairs on its legs, it is also a fearful aquatic predator, both as a larva and as an adult.