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Key Findings

Common moths are declining

The total number of moths recorded in Rothamsted trap samples has declined by a third since 1968.

The Rothamsted light-trap network is one of the longest-running and most wide-ranging insect population research projects ever conducted.

Analysis of this data set, carried out by Rothamsted Research and Butterfly Conservation, has generated national population trends for hundreds of common moths for the first time ever.

Population trends were generated for 337 species. Two thirds (226 species) show decreasing population trends over the 35 year study.

Although the majority of trends are negative, 46 species have more than doubled their population levels (i.e. increased by at least 100%).

More species have declined in southern Britain than in northern Britain, with south-east England particularly badly affected.

The widespread declines will have knock-on effects on the birds, bats and mammals, which depend on them for food.

Implications

Habitat loss is a prime suspect in driving down numbers of many common moth species.

Pesticide use and light pollution are also thought to be a contributing factor. Climate change also affects moth distribution and abundance. Warming temperatures have been implicated in the only case of moth population decline that has been investigated in detail - that of the Garden Tiger.

Moths are threatened

62 moth species became extinct in Britain during the twentieth century.

Many more species are considered now to be nationally threatened or scarce.

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan was revised in 2007 and now lists 81 moths as national priorities for conservation. Survey work, ecological research and habitat management over the past few years has benefited many of these priority moths. A further 71 species are listed for research only. More information about UK BAP Priority moths can be found here.

Moth declines are having a huge impact on biodiversity in the UK.

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