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Moths in decline

Today Butterfly Conservation released it’s ‘The State of Britain’s Larger Moths 2021‘ report, it has found that Britain’s larger moth species have decreased in abundance by 33% over the past 50 years.

Elephant Hawkmoth Deilephila elpenor

It’s thought that the climate crisis and land use is changing the species compositions, distributions and abundance of moths in the UK. Some species are expanding, and increasing, but overall the number of moths on the wing is decreasing massively.

This isn’t good news as moths provide essentials services within the ecosystem, from pollination to being a food source for other species such as birds and bats.

Buff-tip Phalera bucephala

Here at Wild Intrigue we LOVE moths, and work with landowners to survey and support practical conservation to help towards positive change, but what hit home from the report most for us was the fact that some ‘common’ species have declined so much, that they are now a forgotten part of our landscapes.

Moth recording at Racy Ghyll, Matterdale.

Species like the Garden Tiger Moth, that were once a common sight for everyone, has declined to become a rare treat, and something that isn’t in our day to day lives. Have you seen a Wooly Bear? Or a Tiger in your garden or local green space recently?

We love introducing you all to moths on our ‘Moths & Muffins Mornings’, I mean, what’s not to love about these spectacular beasts.

Garden Tiger Arctia caja

🦋 Join us on a Moths & Muffin Mornings
🦋 And visit Butterfly Conservation to find out how you can support their incredibly important work.

– Cain

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