Highland Branch has discovered a species of moth never previously seen in Scotland. As reported in Butterfly Conservation's magazine "Butterfly" Issue 114 Autumn 2013, Blomer's Rivulet was unexpectedly found by Branch members on a day trip. The Branch stumbled upon the moth, which is classed as nationally scarce in England and Wales, at Lochaline after missing a ferry over to the nearby island of Mull.
Branch member Margaret Currie from Culbokie said: " The ferry had already stopped for lunch so some of us were wandering about in the nearby vicinity looking for moths and butterflies. We spotted a moth low down in a hazel tree. We had no idea what it was and fortunately we took a photo. This has now been verified as Blomer's Rivulet, a new moth for Scotland."
Blomer's Rivulet, named after 18th century naturalist Charles Blomer, occurs sporadically throughout England and Wales in deciduous woodland habitats and is on the wing from June to July. The caterpillars feed on Wych Elm. Paul Kirkland, Director, Butterfly Conservation Scotland said: "This is a very exciting find, and it shows that there are corners of the country where new moth colonies can still be discovered. The news will spur on our moth recorders to explore other parts of Scotland."