Numerous recent sightings of a moth that became extinct in the UK in the 1960s suggest that it has recolonised and is now breeding across southern Britain.
The Clifden Nonpareil, whose name means ‘beyond compare’, is one of the largest and most spectacular moths native to our shores.
With a wingspan that can reach almost 12cm and a bright blue stripe across its black hindwings (which gives rise to an alternative name of the Blue Underwing), this species has long been regarded as a holy grail among moth enthusiasts.
Immigrant moths from continental Europe appear to have re-established breeding colonies of this impressive insect in recent years, in south coast counties of England.
Another exciting migrant species being recorded this autumn is the Convolvulus Hawk-moth. This species has an unusually long proboscis (tongue) which allows it to feed on tubular flowers like tobacco plants.
People are being asked to be on the lookout for both the Convolvulus Hawk-moth and the Clifden Nonpareil in order to help scientists learn more about their increasing numbers in the UK.
Richard Fox, Associate Director of Recording and Research at Butterfly Conservation said:
“The Clifden Nonpareil is a fantastic addition to our wildlife, and it is great to know that it is resident again in the UK, after an absence of 40 years or so. Its caterpillars feed unnoticed up in the canopies of Aspen and poplar trees, so the adult moths are the best indication of how widely-established this species now is.
Article continues below this advertisement “This year, the Clifden Nonpareil is turning up all over southern Britain, in the Midlands, East Anglia and Wales, in Ceredigion and Monmouthshire, as well as in south coast counties. There’s never been a better chance of a thrilling encounter with this impressive insect.”
Experts would love to hear of any moth sightings, so submit these to www.mothnight.info and keep an eye on where the Clifden Nonpareils have been spotted so far at www.atropos.info/flightarrivals.
Wow, makes all the self sacrifice of turning the stat down, and wearing thick Jerseys indoors, having low energy light bulbs groping around the house in semi-gloom, getting soaked cycling to work, leaving the car behind, and balancing my morning Cuppa straight under the udder of a cow to ‘save’ plastic ALMOST worth it.
Now if only we can find a T-Rex, instead of some bug I find regularly in my sock drawer I could die happy.
You are a waste of space, crawl back into your flat earth sock