A rare moth has been spotted for the first time in West Sussex by wildlife surveyor Michael Blencowe.
The ringed border moth was found in a light trap on Graffham Down in the South Downs National Park.
This species was first recorded in mainland UK in Somerset in 2009 and has since appeared in three locations in East Sussex.
Mr Blencowe said the find was exciting because it had “the double benefit of being rare and attractive.”
The moth was caught using a trap made of a bucket and a bright light, as part of a survey.
Mr Blencowe, from Henfield, West Sussex, said: “We had about 500 moths in the trap, including some really impressive hawk moths.
“I recognised (the ringed border) when I turned it over as a very rare moth, but I didn’t know how rare.”
The moth, which originates from forests across Europe where its caterpillars feed on poplar trees, likely arrived in the UK via the Channel Islands and is thought to be spreading due to warmer weather.
“It’s indicative of climate change” said Mr Blencowe.
“Moths and butterflies are good indicators of changes in their environment.”
Bob Foreman, from the Sussex Wildlife Trust, said: “This is one of the larger moths, so they tend to get spotted more easily when they’re around.
“It’s a significant spot.
“It’s a delicate moth. I suspect it’s breeding, because of the condition it’s in.”
Tony Davis, a senior ecologist for Butterfly Conservation, expects more sightings.
He said: “This is a migrant which has been turning up with increasing frequency.
“Migrant moth species are seen here when we have had southerly winds.
“This is relatively scarce, but increasing in frequency.”
Blencowe plans to survey Graffham Down again in 2025 to determine if the moth has established itself in the area.
——————————————————————————
At Natural World Fund, we are passionate about rewilding the UK to stop the decline in our wildlife.
Donate now and join in the solution!
