A rare moth has been recorded on the John Muir Trust’s Strathaird estate on Skye for the first time in 30 years.Wild Land ranger Lester Standen saw the argent and sable moth in a stable on the estate. The last sighting of the species was recorded before 1980, and may have been as long ago as 1961.
Mr Standen said: “Seeing scarce species like these moths shows you how important it is to cut down on grazing in sensitive areas.
“Existing populations of these insects can only be maintained if we protect their habitats.”
The argent and sable moth is classified as “nationally scarce” in the United Kingdom. It occurs throughout the Hebrides and the far north-west of Scotland.
It is a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, and is also listed on the Scottish Biodiversity list, as well as the Skye and Lochalsh Local Biodiversity Action plan.
The moth breeds in woodland with birch regrowth and in open moorland and bogs, particularly those at higher altitudes or in coastal areas. Larvae feed on birches and bog myrtle.
John Muir Trust biodiversity officer Liz Auty said: “This species is probably under recorded so we would like to hear of any other sightings.
“The work our rangers do is extremely important because species are being monitored that wouldn’t be observed otherwise. It shows very clearly the range of wildlife that will benefit from reducing deer numbers on our estates.”
John Muir Trust’s Wild Land project aims to monitor wildlife and habitat on trust estates so accurate species records can be built up. Members of the public are invited to contribute their sightings to the project.
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