Beyond Compare

 

The Clifden Nonpareil is undoubtedly one of the most impressive British moth species, even its name means 'beyond compare'. I saw my first a couple of years ago, although the past few years have without doubt been a significant bumper year for this moth and one which is surely representative of range expansion and re-colonisation. Like a wide number of insect species this moth appears to be becoming more established and common in the UK. This moth is a large impressive species which feeds on poplars, in particular Aspen in the UK. There are a number of Aspen stands locally, of considerable age including veteran trees which support features of value like sap runs, which this moth likes. It is hard to tell if records of this moth locally comprises of immigrants or whether an established population occurs, or both. Time will tell. With the flight season starting soon it will be interesting to see what 2023 brings.