Delight as species of moth are discovered

Two species of moths have been spotted at a Dumfriesshire nature reserve for the first time in decades.

- STUART GILLESPIE

A recent moth trapping session at National Trust for Scotland's Grey Mare's Tail nature reserve discovered both the anomalous and autumnal rustic species, which hadn't been recorded at the site since 1993.

Seasonal ranger and moth specialist, Ishbel Hayes, also found four new species not previously recorded at the reserve - including the broad-bordered yellow underwing, flounced rustic, pale eggar and mouse moth.

Ishbel, whose role is supported by the People's Postcode Lottery, said: "Moths are often thought of as the brown and boring cousins of butterflies, and despite our high numbers at the tail this year, sadly, they are dwindling in numbers in general.

"There was a 30 per cent drop in the abundance of the insects over the last 50 years, with two thirds of common species found to be in decline.