Public urged to look out for exotic Jersey Tiger Moths after bug's resurgence
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation said the day-flying moths appear to be doing well as people record butterflies they see for its annual butterfly count.
The initiative, which takes place over three weeks in summer and is currently under way until August 10, gets members of the public to spend 15 minutes recording those they see in their garden, parks or countryside.
This year, the charity is urging people to take part in what it describes as a 'nationwide rescue mission' for the UK's ailing butterfly species.
As the count reached its mid-way point, Butterfly Conservation said people have recorded seeing 5,300 Jersey Tiger moths, compared with a total of 3,496 for the whole of last summer's count.
This marks a 78% rise from 2024 when measured as an average per county, with the increase attributed to the warm, dry conditions, which likely helped the species settle in parts of the UK they usually would not.
The moths are recognisable by their black and white tiger stripe forewings and vibrant red-orange or yellow hindwings adorned with bold black spots.
Butterfly Conservation said the Jersey Tiger was largely restricted to the Channel Islands, the south coast of England, London and south-east Wales just a decade ago. But now they are frequently spotted across southern England and are continuing to spread through East Anglia and into the Midlands, with the charity saying they have been photographed this year in Cardiff, Birmingham, Cambridgeshire and Essex.
It comes in the wake of last year's record low numbers which were partly down to the wet spring and cool summer but conservationists warned they come on top of long-term declines in the UK.
More than 80% of butterfly species have declined since the 1970s, with experts warning they have been hit by damage to their habitats, climate change and the use of pesticides.
Butterfly Conservation said that while the looks of Jersey Tiger moths have caught the public's attention this year, sightings in unexpected places also tell an important story about climate change.
Dr Richard Fox, the charity's head of science, said: 'Butterfly and moth numbers fluctuate naturally each year depending on the weather, and this summer's warm, sunny conditions have created a much more favourable environment than last year's cool, wet season, which saw numbers recorded during Big Butterfly Count plunge to record lows.
'It's certainly uplifting to see more butterflies and moths this summer, but one good year can't undo the long-term decline many species are facing.'
Dr Fox said populations peaks during good years have grown smaller over the past five years, while bad years have seen low numbers dip further.
He added that the increase in Jersey Tiger moth sightings is an example of how climate change 'is reshaping the distribution of wildlife."
Data collected by members of the public during the Big Butterfly Count directly informs national conservation strategies, helping protect not just butterflies and moths, but the wider ecosystems they support.
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The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Perthshire man helps with elusive butterfly conservation
Returning to his role, he has been assisting with a wider conservation project to find Pearl-Bordered Fritillaries (PBFs) butterflies in support of Butterfly Conservation. The project aims to halve the number of threatened butterfly and moth species in the UK, improve the condition of 100 important landscapes for these insects and transform 100,000 wild spaces to make them more appealing to butterflies, moths and people. Read More: PBFs have been identified as one of 27 priority species in the Trust's 'Plan for Nature'. The butterfly surveys have been made possible thanks to Mr Todd's role as seasonal ranger with the Trust supported by funds raised by players of People's Postcode Lottery. Alongside his other duties such as patrolling sites, leading events and visitor engagement, he has relished the opportunity to support nature conservation at some of his old haunts. Mr Todd, National Trust for Scotland seasonal ranger in Perthshire, said: 'It's been fantastic to return to my role at the Trust and such a privilege to be able to support nature conservation at some of my favourite places in Perthshire. I have fond memories of exploring sites across the region as a kid and it is a huge honour to return and lend my support to help protect their biodiversity. 'The annual surveys have been carried out at the Trust's places in Perthshire, such as Killiecrankie and Craigower Hill and I've identified some new sites for Pearl-Bordered Fritillaries in Linn of Tummel too. "These butterflies are quite scarce and hard to correctly identify which makes the surveys quite challenging, but rewarding, nonetheless. These sites provide the ideal habitats for the butterflies, who like well-drained areas with a mosaic of vegetation and deciduous woodlands where there is an abundance of warm bracken stands for shelter and open meadows with native dog violets; the preferred food plant for the PBFs' caterpillars. A butterfly (Image: National Trust for Scotland) 'In total we were able to spot 10 PBFs, and the surveys also uncovered a marked increase in Spotted Wood butterflies too. Whilst these numbers were higher than our previous surveys, sadly, the national population trend has seen a downwards pattern. By carrying out the surveys earlier in the year during the main flight season for the butterfly species we have been able to capture data to support Butterfly Conservation's project that helps them monitor trends and informs us on any conservation action needed. 'It is thanks to the continued generosity of our members and supporters, including players of People's Postcode Lottery, that we're able to continue our vital work to care for and protect Scotland's natural heritage at these special places for everyone to enjoy, now and into the future.' Players of People's Postcode Lottery have supported the conservation charity's Love Our Nature project since 2022 which benefited from £900k last year. Further funding will support nature conservation work across a variety of different habitats including coastal and marine areas, peatlands, wetlands, woodland, and the eight National Nature Reserves cared for by the Trust. Head of charities at People's Postcode Lottery, Laura Chow, said: 'Players of People's Postcode Lottery will be thrilled to know that they are contributing to the vital work of the National Trust for Scotland and its partners to protect the rare insects at some of our country's most spectacular locations. "By protecting and enhancing the biodiversity of these important habitats, we are helping to ensure the longevity of these species for future generations.'
ITV News
4 days ago
- ITV News
Public urged to look out for exotic Jersey Tiger Moths after bug's resurgence
The public is being encouraged to look out for the exotic-looking species of Jersey Tiger moths that have been surging in numbers. Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation said the day-flying moths appear to be doing well as people record butterflies they see for its annual butterfly count. The initiative, which takes place over three weeks in summer and is currently under way until August 10, gets members of the public to spend 15 minutes recording those they see in their garden, parks or countryside. This year, the charity is urging people to take part in what it describes as a 'nationwide rescue mission' for the UK's ailing butterfly species. As the count reached its mid-way point, Butterfly Conservation said people have recorded seeing 5,300 Jersey Tiger moths, compared with a total of 3,496 for the whole of last summer's count. This marks a 78% rise from 2024 when measured as an average per county, with the increase attributed to the warm, dry conditions, which likely helped the species settle in parts of the UK they usually would not. The moths are recognisable by their black and white tiger stripe forewings and vibrant red-orange or yellow hindwings adorned with bold black spots. Butterfly Conservation said the Jersey Tiger was largely restricted to the Channel Islands, the south coast of England, London and south-east Wales just a decade ago. But now they are frequently spotted across southern England and are continuing to spread through East Anglia and into the Midlands, with the charity saying they have been photographed this year in Cardiff, Birmingham, Cambridgeshire and Essex. It comes in the wake of last year's record low numbers which were partly down to the wet spring and cool summer but conservationists warned they come on top of long-term declines in the UK. More than 80% of butterfly species have declined since the 1970s, with experts warning they have been hit by damage to their habitats, climate change and the use of pesticides. Butterfly Conservation said that while the looks of Jersey Tiger moths have caught the public's attention this year, sightings in unexpected places also tell an important story about climate change. Dr Richard Fox, the charity's head of science, said: 'Butterfly and moth numbers fluctuate naturally each year depending on the weather, and this summer's warm, sunny conditions have created a much more favourable environment than last year's cool, wet season, which saw numbers recorded during Big Butterfly Count plunge to record lows. 'It's certainly uplifting to see more butterflies and moths this summer, but one good year can't undo the long-term decline many species are facing.' Dr Fox said populations peaks during good years have grown smaller over the past five years, while bad years have seen low numbers dip further. He added that the increase in Jersey Tiger moth sightings is an example of how climate change 'is reshaping the distribution of wildlife." Data collected by members of the public during the Big Butterfly Count directly informs national conservation strategies, helping protect not just butterflies and moths, but the wider ecosystems they support.
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Public urged to look out for exotic Jersey Tiger moths in parks and gardens
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation said the day-flying moths appear to be doing well as people record butterflies they see for its annual butterfly count. The initiative, which takes place over three weeks in summer and is currently under way until August 10, gets members of the public to spend 15 minutes recording those they see in their garden, parks or countryside. This year, the charity is urging people to take part in what it describes it as a 'nationwide rescue mission' for the UK's ailing butterfly species. A Jersey Tiger spotted in a garden (Mark Parsons/Butterfly Conservation/PA) As the count reached its mid-way point, Butterfly Conservation said people have recorded seeing 5,300 Jersey Tiger moths, compared with a total of 3,496 for the whole of last summer's count. This marks a 78% rise from 2024 when measured as an average per county, with the increase attributed to the warm, dry conditions, which likely helped the species spread their wings in abundance and settle in parts of the UK they usually would not. The moths are recognisable by their black and white tiger stripe forewings and vibrant red-orange or yellow hindwings adorned with bold black spots. Butterfly Conservation said the Jersey Tiger was largely restricted to the Channel Islands, the south coast of England, London and south-east Wales just a decade ago. But now they are frequently spotted across southern England and are continuing to spread through East Anglia and into the Midlands, with the charity saying they have been photographed this year in Cardiff, Birmingham, Cambridgeshire and Essex. Children taking part in The Big Butterfly Count (Butterfly Conservation/PA) It comes in the wake of last year's record low numbers which were partly down to the wet spring and cool summer but conservationists warned they come on top of long-term declines in the UK. More than 80% of butterfly species have declined since the 1970s, with experts warning they have been hit by damage to their habitats, climate change and the use of pesticides. Butterfly Conservation said that while the looks of Jersey Tiger moths have caught the public's attention this year, sightings in unexpected places also tell an important story about climate change. Dr Richard Fox, the charity's head of science, said: 'Butterfly and moth numbers fluctuate naturally each year depending on the weather, and this summer's warm, sunny conditions have created a much more favourable environment than last year's cool, wet season, which saw numbers recorded during Big Butterfly Count plunge to record lows. 'It's certainly uplifting to see more butterflies and moths this summer, but one good year can't undo the long-term decline many species are facing.' A Common Blue butterfly (Butterfly Conservation/PA) Dr Fox said populations peaks during good years have grown smaller over the past five years, while bad years have seen low numbers dip further. He added that the increase in Jersey Tiger moth sightings is an example of how climate change 'is reshaping the distribution of wildlife'. 'While it's a delight to spot such a vibrant moth in gardens, parks and green spaces, it's also a reminder of how rising temperatures are altering our natural environment,' he said. 'This is why the Big Butterfly Count matters. The more people who take part, the more we can learn about how species are adapting, or struggling, in the face of climate change and extreme weather.' Data collected by members of the public during the Big Butterfly Count directly informs national conservation strategies, helping protect not just butterflies and moths, but the wider ecosystems they support.
