An impressively beautiful and rare moth is believed to have set up residence right here in Dorset after sightings across the county in the past few years!
The Clifden Nonpareil (Catocala fraxini) is the largest and most magnificent of the underwing moths to be found in the UK, a group that sport vivid underwings which they reveal suddenly to ward off predators. The common name comes from the place: Clifden in Buckinghamshire, where it was first recorded but is often referred to as the Blue Underwing due to its beautiful colours. The caterpillar of this species feed primarily on Aspen (Populus tremulosa).
Dorset County Moth Recorder Les Hill explained that "As the name nonpareil states, it is peerless and has no equal. To record one in a lifetime is the fulfilment of an ambition; to record them every year in my garden is just remarkable”.
Earlier in 2015, chair of the Dorset Branch Nigel Spring stated that "At our mothing session at Alners Gorse on Saturday night (12 September), we were privileged (and extremely excited!) to catch the first Clifden Nonpareil recorded for the reserve!" He goes on to say that "It is now thought that there is probably a resident breeding population established in north Dorset."
Most likely to be seen in September, The Clifden Nonpareil was once a resident here in the UK during the 20th century only to lose its grip on our countryside, will they make a return?