One of the UK’s rarest and most spectacular moths has been spotted in a Gloucestershire garden – the first time it has been seen in the county for eight years, wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation (BC) has revealed.
The Oleander Hawk-moth was recorded in the Cotswolds on 30th August by Jean Booth, who found it near to her tobacco flowers – a known foodplant of the giant moth.
It is usually seen between August and October and can be identified by the swirling cream and pinkish-brown markings on its green coloured forewing. A white band across the front end of its abdomen is also distinctive.
BC Gloucestershire Branch member Mrs Booth from Gretton near Winchcombe, said: “When I saw this great big moth by the plants I knew it was a Hawk-moth, but it wasn’t one I’d seen before so I had to go and check my books.
“When I realised it was an Oleander, all I could think was ‘Wow’ - it was so big and had the most beautiful markings. I’ve only been recording moths for just over a year and still can’t believe this rare migrant made its way to my garden.”
There are very few recent sightings of the Oleander Hawk-moth in the UK as it breeds abroad in very warm, open places. If it does make its way over here, it is often to southern England and the most reported in any one year was in 1953, when a total of 13 were seen.
BC Gloucestershire Branch has only ever received five records of the moth being seen in the county, with the last in 2006.
The wildlife charity’s Head of Moth Conservation, Mark Parsons, says it is a wonderful find: “This large and striking moth is rarely encountered in this country and is not seen every year. This individual probably originates from North Africa, which has perfect breeding conditions for this species. Jean is extremely lucky to see one of these magnificent moths, as most recorders never see one during a lifetime of recording.”