A rare species of moth, the six-belted clearwing, has been identified in a Telford park, marking the first recorded sighting of this insect in the town. Conservationists from the West Midlands Butterfly and Moth Society expressed their excitement following the discovery at Rough Park, a local nature reserve.
The find was made by the recently established Telford & Wrekin Butterfly and Moth Recording Group. The group employed a specialised technique, using pheromone lures designed to mimic the scent of female moths to attract males, which proved successful in locating the elusive species. Despite its rarity in the area, the six-belted clearwing is described as a tiny and easily overlooked insect, suggesting that it may have previously gone unnoticed.
The six-belted clearwing moth's life cycle is closely linked to the Bird's-foot trefoil plant, where it lays its eggs. This plant is prevalent across many of Telford's former brownfield sites, including Rough Park. This connection has led conservationists to believe that other populations of the moth could exist in similar habitats throughout the Telford area. They have already identified two additional sites that hold potential for further discoveries.
The West Midlands Butterfly and Moth Society noted that Telford is currently considered 'under-recorded' for moth sightings, meaning its insect biodiversity may be greater than current records suggest. However, the area is already recognised for supporting significant populations of regionally important butterflies and moths, such as the green hairstreak, dingy skipper, and six-spot burnet. The society is actively encouraging the proliferation of Bird's-foot trefoil, not only for the six-belted clearwing but also to support a wider range of butterfly and moth species.
This discovery underscores the ecological value of brownfield sites, which often provide crucial habitats for wildlife amidst urban development. Conservation efforts focused on these areas, and the promotion of native plants like Bird's-foot trefoil, are vital for maintaining and enhancing local biodiversity across the UK.