Saxons are invading!
Published 12 Aug 2012 09:20
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THE Kingdom's first-ever Saxon moth was recorded in July during a survey at Devilla Forest, Kincardine.
A moth-trapping event in July last year resulted in a catch of 34 different species, but this year's event saw an increase to 60 species, which included the Saxon.
Jenny Ventham, Forestry Commission Scotland's community ranger, said, "To have increased the number of moth species by nearly 100 per cent in one year is in itself amazing.
"But to find the Saxon moth among them, for the first time in Fife, is just fantastic.
"It goes to show that the hard work we have been putting in to improve wildlife habitats in the forest is really paying off and the forest is becoming much more biodiverse.
"Devilla is an amazing forest and every season brings something new to see."
The Saxon moth is a moorland species with distinctive grey and black markings.
It winters as a caterpillar, sleeping in a silk-lined chamber beneath the soil surface, then pupates in the spring to become a moth.
Duncan Davidson, from Butterfly Conservation, added, "I think it's fantastic that the Saxon moth has been found in Devilla Forest.
"It is a particularly attractive creature and it is a welcome addition to Fife's species list.
"Moths and butterflies are important indicators of all sorts of things, including air quality, habitat, health and climate change, and the discovery of the Saxon in Devilla Forest indicates that the forest is in great shape," Mr Davidson added.
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