Targets

Each year a group of target species are selected for NMN, which are species we would like to learn more
about, either because they are rare, declining, or perhaps even increasing in some parts of the country.
Trying to find a specific species in your area can be also fun, even if you are not successful. Whilst we
hope that NMN might provide information about new sites for these species, it is also worthwhile recording
at sites where the species is known to occur (particularly if you are holding a public event). So, why not have
a look at the habitat requirements of this year’s target species, try to find suitable habitat in your area, and perhaps even investigate historical information to inform your search. You might just be surprised…..

For the first time in the history of National Moth Night we have also nominated a target habitat: Orchards.

National Moth Night is what you choose to make it, however, and there is no obligation to concentrate
on the targets. All data is important in building the bigger picture.

Targets:

Anania funebris is a new UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) Priority
Species and the first micro-moth to be targeted on National Moth Night & Day.
It is a highly attractive day-flying species, found in open woodland and grassland
(often on cliffs) in Britain and Ireland, where the larvae feed on Goldenrod
Solidago virgaurea.

Bordered Gothic Heliophobus reticulata was known until recently from several counties
in southern England (particularly in East Anglia and the South-east) but has declined dramatically and may now be extinct in Britain, although the reasons for this are not fully understood. It is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species and still occurs in the Republic of Ireland. Bordered Gothic is associated with calcareous habitats, particularly
chalk downland, quarries, limestone and chalk cliffs, and other disturbed ground, including brownfield sites.
The last known records in Britain are from Kent in 2001, Norfolk in 2003 and Dorset in 2005, but whether these were of resident or immigrant origin is not clear. Portland in Dorset was perhaps the best known site for the species, but it has not been seen there since 1998.

Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris tityus is a day-flying UK BAP Priority Species which mimics a bumblebee. It frequents unimproved grasslands, heathlands and bogs, particularly in the west of Britain and Ireland, but has declined greatly as a result of agricultural intensification. It may be seen nectaring at flowers, particularly in late morning and early afternoon, and may also be lured to Lilac flowers. Care needs to be taken with identification as it may be confused with the Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth. Click here for image

Orchards are a new UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitat and, despite their
wildlife importance, are generally under-recorded for moths. We are encouraging
recorders to investigate these habitats on National Moth Night and Day. Orchards
are home to a number of interesting moth species, including Pinion-spotted Pug Eupithecia insigniata and Red-belted Clearwing Synanthedon myopaeformis.
The latter species may be attracted using pheromone lures.