28 July 2025
This week a moth survey was carried out at our Crosscanonby Carr Nature Reserve by enthusiast Rob Pickett, who is part of the Cumbria Moth Verification Team. The results were fascinating, in total 82 different species were recorded, many of these had never been recorded at the site before.
The rarest species recorded in terms of county records was Willow Ermine, there are only 4 records in the database. As the name suggests, the larvae feed on species of willow. Willow Ermine moths are recognised by their white or greyish wings adorned with numerous small black spots, though there are several similar more common species of Ermine moth so extra care must be taken when identifying.
The most common species was the Dingy Footman, of which 175 were recorded. Robert explained that this is a remarkable finding, “The Dingy Footman have been spreading north. Until 2016 there had only been 5 records in the Cumberland vice-county and now it is one of the most abundant moths, at least along the coast.” With its rounded yellow tinged forewings, this moth is often compared to a pumpkin seed and like most of the Footman moths, it’s larvae feed on lichens.
Moths are a vital part of the UK’s biodiversity, they pollinate plants and are an extremely important food source for many birds, bats and other wildlife, therefore it is important that data like this is collected and moths across the UK continue to be monitored.
