Moth Night causes a flutter

Local moth hunters had their nets at the ready for the first Moth Night in the Peoples Park.

Outgoing Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Billy Ashe, was firmly in support of the event which was free of charge and open to everyone.

Speaking ahead of the events held at a number of open spaces across the borough last week, Cllr Ashe said: “Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is committed to protecting and promoting the biodiversity in the Borough and what better way than through unique events such as Moth Night.

“We have some fantastic open spaces in the borough, and a wide range of wildlife,” said Cllr Ashe who pointed out that Moth Night participants had the opportunity to get involved in a moth hunt, help set up moth traps, and learn more about marvellous moths.

Ballymena Primary School children were invited to open and unveil the findings of a moth trap in the Peoples Park, Ballymena, on the morning of f Moth Night - an annual celebration of moths and moth recording. (Submitted Picture).

Entomologist Adam Mantell, who led the moth night activities, said: “Many people appreciate butterflies and are aware of the threats faced by our native butterfly species.

“However, perhaps due to their nocturnal habits, many people are unaware of how threatened some of our 1,400 species of moths are.

“Although some are not as showy as butterflies, this year’s moth night is all about the stunningly beautiful Hawkmoths that would not look out of place in a tropical rainforest!

“These free Moth Night events in Mid and East Antrim are an ideal way of raising the profile of these under-appreciated creatures,” said Adam.

The five spot burnet moth. (Submitted Picture).

Moth Night is an Atropos and Butterfly Conservation initiative.

All moths recorded at these public events will be fed back to Moth Night and the data will help moth conservation across the UK and Ireland.