Rare moth spotted in West Sussex for first time

A rare moth has been spotted for the first time in West Sussex.

Michael Blencowe, a professional wildlife surveyor, discovered a ringed border moth in a light trap on Graffham Down in the South Downs National Park.

The species was first seen in mainland UK in Somerset in 2009. It has since been found in three East Sussex locations.

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."

Found in forests across Europe, where its caterpillars feed on poplar trees, the ringed border has come to the UK via the Channel Islands and has been seen in Brede, Ticehurst and Rye.

It 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, senior ecologist for Butterfly Conservation, also believes more examples will be found.

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."

Mr Blencowe said he plans to survey Graffham Down in 2025 to see if the ringed border has established itself in the area.

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