There are over 2500 species of moth found in Britain, and despite their troublesome reputation, only two of those species are regularly encountered eating clothes – and both are declining due to the increased use of synthetic fibres as opposed to natural materials such as wool. May is an exciting time of year to look for moths; it is the period in which numbers and variety really start to build up – particularly during the day. Not all moths fly at night, in fact a large proportion of the smaller moths are predominantly active during the day. One tiny moth that should be easy to find at this time of year is the stunning Micropterix calthella. With its yellow tufted head and golden wings streaked at the base with a purple sheen, this is a truly beautiful species. They can be found crawling around flower heads, often buttercups, eating pollen grains in the sun as is shown in the photograph.
My interest in the natural environment has led me to study conservation and ecology at college. I spend a lot of time studying and recording moths both in Bridford and further afield. I look forward to continuing my surveying alongside the Bridford wildlife wardens and to compiling further monthly write-ups on the moths around the parish.
Sam Gray
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