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The 20-year search for a vanishing custard-and-chocolate coloured moth
Yorkshire common was thought to be the only known site of dark bordered beauty moths in England – until now
TL;DR
- Dave Wainwright discovered a population of dark bordered beauty moths in Northumberland, 20 years after his first search.
- The dark bordered beauty moth, with lemon-yellow wings and a chestnut border, is one of England's rarest moths.
- The moth's only other known site in England, Strensall Common in Yorkshire, has experienced a severe population collapse.
- Habitat improvements at the Northumberland site, including lush vegetation and wildflowers, likely contributed to the moth's survival.
- Butterfly Conservation is involved in a nature recovery project and is planning a captive breeding program for the species.
- The discovery offers hope that the species is not as close to extinction as previously feared.