THE BIGGEST military training space in the UK hosts more than service personnel but is home to a wide array of often feared and perhaps, misunderstood creepy crawlies.
With the MOD owning more sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) than any other landowner in the UK, Salisbury Plain is celebrating some of the spookiest but vitally important species that call the training area home.
Senior ecologist with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Jenny Bennett, said: “The MOD is committed to supporting nature recovery at the local and national level, while at the same time enhancing military capability."
Bloody-Nosed Beetle
When threatened, this rare flightless beetle which is found in grassland and along hedgerows will secrete a blood-red liquid from its mouth.
Wasp Spider
Wasp spiders were first recorded in England in the 1920s, and are mainly found in the south of the country. The creepy-looking spiders have been known to scare even the hardiest of soldiers while out on the training estate. Who would want one in their sleeping bag?
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Devil’s Coach Horse Beetle
The Devil’s Coach Horse is known for being a ferocious predator, even capable of giving humans a painful bite, if provoked. They curl their abdomen a little like a scorpion when threatened.
Viper’s Bugloss
Providing a large amount of nectar for pollinators, it is widely believed to have got the name ‘Viper’ from its spotted stem, resembling a snake’s markings.
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Nightjar
The elusive Nightjar can be hard to spot in woodlands due to its camouflaged grey-brown colour that resembles tree bark and resemble feathered moths when flying at night.
Devil’s Bit Scabious
Devil’s Bit Scabious gets its peculiar name from the fact the roots look as though they have been bitten off, legend has it, by the devil.
Screech Owl
The eerie shrieks of a screech owl (barn owl) is perfect for a Halloween atmosphere. Help is given to these birds from the MOD Raptor and Owl Nest Box Project.
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Witches’ Butter
This horrible-looking black or yellow fungi can be found on the bases of certain trees as it feeds on dead wood. It is believed to have got its name from the legend that it would appear on a gate or door if a witch had cast a spell on the family living there.
Dog’s Vomit Slime Mould
This species of slime mould, also known as the less scary Scrambled Egg Slime, can be found on Salisbury Plain Training Area. It gets its name from its resemblance to dog’s vomit.
Mother Shipton Moth
Named after a 16th century witch, known for her prophecies, including predicting the Spanish Armada and Great Fire of London. The markings on each forewing resemble the face of the witch.
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