A Rare Moth Unveiled

A rare moth has unveiled itself from deep within the woodlands of Bowhill Estate.

The rare Cloaked Pug  (Eupithecia abietaria) was one of 34 species found by local moth enthusiast Malcolm Lindsay while running a National Moth Night event in conjunction with Buccleuch Ranger Service in the grounds of Bowhill House.

The Cloaked Pug was thought to have died out in the UK in the early 20th century.  However in recent years a very few records of the species have been noted in large coniferous woodlands across the UK.  This is only the second Borders record (the first was in 1981). 

The diversity of the woodlands species found on Bowhill Estate ensures there is a huge array of wildlife to be found. In this case the presence of trees such as Norway spruce and other non-native conifers have helped ensure the existence of this important species.

Moths are much over-looked due to their nocturnal habits but are vitally important in the pollination of many plants and trees. The data gathered during this event is part of a longer-term project to catalogue the species of moths and other wildlife found within Bowhill Country Estate.