PRESS RELEASE

23rd May 2008

Magnificent Moths in Cheshire

Fluttering moths are a common sight around bright lights but in the popularity stakes of nature they’re frequently overshadowed by their more colourful counterparts – the butterfly. This month Cheshire Wildlife Trust is rooting for the unsung beauties to get the recognition they deserve ahead of National Moth Night on 7 June.

Moths are very diverse, with around 2,500 British species, compared to only 60 butterflies. Many have beautiful markings and fascinating names, including the intricately-patterned ‘Clouded Border’, the ‘Elephant Hawk’ and the ‘Canary-shouldered Thorn’ with its array of colours and vibrant yellow head, moth spotters will be surprised at the variation flying around their homes. A few, such as the spectacular Garden Tiger, are more easily seen as they fly in the daytime.

In order to attract these magnificent moths, Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s wildlife gardening officer Sue Tatman, recommends appealing to the their love of light by hanging an illuminated white sheet in the garden or searching for moths with a torch around their favourite plants. Flowers which are most strongly scented at night such as evening primrose, night-scented stocks and honeysuckle are especially attractive to moths. Sugary solutions, nectar and alcohol will also tempt the sweet tooth of moths so spotters can get a closer look at the creature.

Sue Tatman adds: “Spotting moths is a fun and educational activity for all the family and National Moth Night is the perfect time to start keeping an eye open for the fascinating flying insects, which will be around all summer.”

Eight things you didn’t know about moths:

• Of the 2500 moth species in the UK, many rival the beauty of the butterfly with their colours and patterns. In fact, butterflies actually developed from the wider moth species.
• Like butterflies, moths undertake the amazing transformation from caterpillar to cocoon and then to flight. Inside the pupa, some species can take up to a year to develop from larvae into a moth.
• Whilst some species of moth can only fly short distances, others manage to travel considerably further. A number make the epic journey to migrate from North Africa to Britain.
• Most adult moths live for only a few days or weeks, however some can hibernate through the winter and survive for months.
• Although most moths are attracted to nature’s sweet sap and feed on nectar, some have such a short lifespan that they never eat at all.
• For many years moths have been seen as unwelcome intruders that cause damage to clothing. In fact, it is the larvae of only 6 species of moth that enjoy eating textiles.
• Moths have suffered as a result of man’s influence on the environment. Many moths are now in decline due to the use of agricultural chemicals and the effects of climate change.
• As an integral part of Cheshire’s ecosystem, moths not only act as pollinators for plants, they are also important prey for an array of other animals including birds and bats.
  

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