Rare Emerald moths discovered in Kent

Caterpillars signal new colony of rare moth

July 2010: Scientists surveying wildlife at Kingsdown, near Deal, Kent, are overjoyed to have discover Sussex Emerald caterpillars, evidence that this rare moth is breeding on a second site. The Sussex Emerald is an incredibly unusual and very scarce moth, previously only known to live alongside Dungeness's nuclear power stations.

SECOND SITE: The Sussex Emerald moth

The pretty green Sussex Emerald moth was first recorded at Beachy Head, East Sussex, in 1902. It first became established in this country in 1950 at Dungeness, Kent, where it still occurs to this day. The species has been studied for many years in Kent and is known to be fussy in its requirements, needing free-draining vegetated shingle habitats supporting the favoured caterpillar foodplant, Wild Carrot.

The new site at Kingsdown, near Deal, Kent, was discovered following up sightings of the moth in the area last summer. This small site is a haven for other scarce species including the Bright Wave moth and the Small Blue butterfly.

Mark Parsons, Head of Moth Conservation at Butterfly Conservation said: ‘While this is clearly marvellous news, this species' future is still far from secure in this country. This delicate moth faces threats to its survival on a regular basis, and the proposed expansion of Lydd Airport could have an indirect impact on this species' main breeding site at Dungeness through nitrogen deposition. Although the Sussex Emerald has now been resident for more than 60 generations we need to remain vigilant to secure its continued survival.'