A rare moth has been spotted and photographed in a local nature reserve.
The scarce forester moth was seen and filmed at the Benfield Hill Local Nature Reserve by local resident and photographer Neil Jenkins a few weeks ago.
The Benfield Wildlife and Conservation Group (BWCG) said that it was thrilled to announce the discovery of the nationally rare moth at the site, just north of the A27 Brighton bypass.
And the moth has now been formally identified by experts as the scarce forester moth (Jordanita globulariae) by experts.
Mr Jenkins was on the reserve taking photographs when he noticed the stunning iridescent green coloured moth.
He had been out looking for the annual return of the spectacular red and black day-flying Burnet moths when he made his amazing find.
He said: “I braved the sweltering heat on the hill to see if there were any about when I saw a flash of brilliant emerald in the sunshine land next to me and there was an insect I had never before seen but had certainly read about.
“I made sure I got some clear pictures and rushed home to confirm if I had indeed seen my first forester moth.”
Colin Pratt, of the Sussex Moth Group, said: “Nationally, this extremely local day-flying moth is restricted to a few dry calcareous grassland sites in southern England.
“Our eastern vice-county has always been the leading region for the scarce forester in the British Isles.
“It has varied in its range here since discovery during the 1840s but is currently almost completely restricted to the downs to the east of the River Adur.”
The confirmation of its presence suggests that the Benfield Hill Local Nature Reserve as a likely close-by satellite colony from the Devil’s Dyke, the best-known modern-day locality for the scarce forester.
The Benfield Wildlife and Conservation Group said: “Benfield Hill is the city’s first and oldest local nature reserve and is a unique example of a chalk grassland habitat.
“Already noted for its strong populations of dormice, adders and glow-worms, the find of the scarce forester moth underscores the hill’s importance for biodiversity in Brighton and Hove.”
Sally Wadsworth, who chairs the group, which looks after Benfield Hill Local Nature Reserve, said: “Neil is so observant and a great photographer. What a find!
“It is fantastic to be able to add another nationally scarce species to the list of wildlife thriving on the Designated Local Nature Reserve that Benfield Wildlife and Conservation Group look after.
“Benfield Hill Local Nature Reserve is such a special place.”
Mr Jenkins added: “It still feels unreal. I’d photographed a scarce forester on Benfield Hill. It truly is a testament to the incredible work done by Sally and all the team and volunteers at the Benfield Wildlife and Conservation Group and shows what a priceless treasure to Sussex and the UK the nature reserve truly is.”
