Discover the Amazing Moths Found at Whitlingham

You may not be aware, but we have an incredible variety of moths here at Whitlingham Country Park.

Our regular volunteer, Keith, is great at keeping track of them, and has -- so far -- documented 141 different species to date! Many of them are absolutely stunning to look at, as you'll soon see by reading on...

But how do we know which moths are on site?

Keith and other regular volunteers regularly set up our special moth trap over night in a secluded area, and then it is checked the next day to see what is inside. It is worth mentioning, the moths are completely unharmed by this.

Whitlingham's moth trap

They are simply attracted by the light and then they find a spot to rest in there. They are attracted in for a short stay, then expertly identified and gently replaced back into the park.

Which species have been found?

Five NEW species added to our list recently are:

• Mullein

• Muslin

• Lychnis

• Brindled Pug

• Lunar Marbled Brown

As you can see, they often have intriguing and creative names. These five are pictured below, along with various other quirky and colourful species from the Whitlingham list. They come in all shapes, sizes, colours and patterns. Amazing! Just hover over, or click, the images to identify the species.

Muslin Moth

Brimstone Moth

Eyed Hawk Moth

Rustic Moth

Common Footman Moth

Canary Shouldered Thorn Moth

Centre Barred Sallow Moth

Yellow Tail Moth

Box Tree Moth

August Thorn Moth

Rosy Footman Moth and Willow Ermine Moth

Green Oak Tortrix Moth

Heart and Dart Moth

Peppered Moth

Variegated Golden Tortrix Moth

Ruby Tiger Moth

Blood Vein Moth

Treble Bar Moth

White Satin Moth

Willow Beauty Moth

Black Arches Moth

Straw Underwing Moth

Tree-Lichen Beauty Moth

Lesser Swallow Prominent Moth

Lime Speck Pug Moth

Dusky Thorn Moth

Spectacle Moth

White Point Moth

Beaded Chestnut Moths

Lesser Swallow Prominent Moth

Merveille Du Jour Moth

Netted Tortrix Moth

December Moth

Sandy Carpet Moth

Spindle Ermine Moth

Olive Tree Moth

Brindled Pug Moth

Mullein Moth

Lychnis Moth

Lunar Marbled Brown Moth

If you want to see the full set, take a look at Keith's Flickr page for more wonderful images and even more weird and wonderful names too.

And what's so interesting about moths?

Here are three astonishing moth facts for you:

1. Moths are considered better pollinators than bees!

2. There are four species of aquatic moth in the UK. Wow!

3. Some moths even disguise themselves as bird poo to avoid being eaten!

Facts courtesy of: Butterfly Conservation Check out their site to find out more incredible moth facts.

🦋Don't forget, if you spot wildlife of any size during your visit, you can add it to our wildlife sightings blackboard at the Flint Barn Cafe. We really appreciate your input. Happy exploring!