Rare moth found in Buncrana 15.08.07

A relatively rare moth has been discovered in Buncrana as part of the Inishowen Moth Survey. The 'Old Lady Moth' was found feeding on the nectar of the Buddlea flower at Swan's Park. The survey is being undertaken by George McDermott, Carl King and Dermot McLaughlin as part of ongoing national research into the prevalence, distribution and rarity of moths across the country.

Environmentalist Dermot, who is also a local councillor, told InishowenNews.com that the survey in Buncrana in the early hours of Sunday went well, despite the inclement weather. "There were three traps laid and even though the weather wasn't good, a few people with an interest in the project showed up," he said. "An 'Old Lady Moth', which would be rare enough for these parts was found during the survey."

This type, also called the 'Granny Moth' can be found in southern hemisphere locations such as Australia. This summer's poor weather hasn't been conducive to the local moth survey as the creatures and their habits are more visible in dry conditions. However, recent research in the Gleneely area revealed 21 different species within a total of 95 moths while a separate Gleneely survey revealed 38 different species within a total of 90 moths. If you have an interest in moths and butterflies, Bob Aldwell, an expert on the subject from the Dublin Naturalists Field Club,will give a talk next Wednesday, August 22nd, at Dunree Military Museum starting at 7.30pm. For Dunree Museum contact details, click here

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