A wetland nature reserve in Suffolk is celebrating the success of one of UK's rarest and exotic moths.The nationally scarce marsh carpet moth, which is dependant on one specific plant, has been thriving at Lakenheath Fen this summer.
A wetland nature reserve in Suffolk is celebrating the success of one of UK's rarest and exotic moths.
The nationally scarce marsh carpet moth, which is dependent on one specific plant, has been thriving
at Lakenheath Fen this summer.
Officials from the RSPB reserve have spotted more than 70 marsh carpet caterpillars over the course of late July and early August, which feed specifically on common meadow rue.
The plant is one of around 100 wetland species that have recently appeared at Lakenheath Fen after its conversion from carrot fields over the last 10 years.
Norman Sills, site manager, said the common meadow
rue seeds had remained dormant in the peat soil
for years, but germinated after new excavations.
He added that the RSPB was "confident" that the marsh carpet moth was now established at the reserve.
"It is only found in about three or four counties in the UK and despite being nocturnal, it has an amazing colour and pattern.
"The moth is difficult to find, but its larvae is easy to find on the common meadow rue," he said.
The news is the latest success for Lakenheath Fen, which had its first booming bittern this spring, and sightings of marsh harriers, water voles and otters.
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