THE RARE ROSY MARSH MOTH IN CUMBRIA
Thought to be extinct in England since the 1850's, the Rosy Marsh Moth was rediscovered in August 2005 by Rob Petley-Jones at his Roudsea NNR, when he trapped 4 males and three females. This was a very exciting find and rich reward for Rob's huge enthusiasm for the county's moths.

Five known sites had existed in west Wales since the 1960's. However, the currently held expert opinion is that this moth has probably always been present on the Roudsea and Holker Mosses but that afforestation has confined it to small areas that have been overlooked.It is a moth that comes to light very late in the night, when most moth trappers have packed up!

The distinctive larva can be found after dark in late March and early April by searching its foodplant, Bog Myrtle. This is a common species on many of the raised mires in South Cumbria. The adult flies in August.

Several raised mires in South Cumbria are in process of restoration by removing planted trees and blocking drains to raise water levels. In the coming years keen attention will be paid to places like Meathop, Foulshaw and Nicholls Mosses in the hope that the moth species exists there as well.

 

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BEAUTIFUL DEMOISELLE
BEE ISSUES
CHICK FLICKS
DAFFODILS (wild)
DOWNY EMERALD DRAGONFLY
FUND RAISING
HEDGEHOGS
LADY'S SLIPPER ORCHID
LICHENS
MONTH BY MONTH
NATTERJACK TOAD
PIED FLYCATCHER et al
REED WARBLERS et al
SISKIN et al
SWALLOWS et al
TERNS
TREE PIPITS
TREE SPARROWS
WAXCAP FUNGI