Moth Research at Moulton College and The University of Northampton

When you think about conserving species in the countryside, you often think only of high profile mammals that capture the public imagination. Yet is that right? Surely conservation should embrace the conservation of all species to fully recognise their role within natural systems?

Moths of the Order Lepidoptera are a widespread insect group, and with around 2,500 species they are considered to be one of the most diverse animal taxonomic groups in existence. Pivotally moths are considered by scientists to be a reliable indicator of ecosystem health. Some innovative research by Moulton College and University of Northampton PhD researcher Emma Coulthard has attempted to shed some light on the life of moths, and how land managers best conserve them in fragmented lowland landscapes.

One part of the study has examined whether moths pollinate hedgerow plants and it is these findings that will be presented at the Global Conference on Entomology in Malaysia (click www.gce2013.com for more details). Emma showed that nearly three-quarters of visitations to bramble flowers were from moths at night, indicating that they offer a true ecosystem service.This would explain why large numbers of species of moth can be supported in what would seem to be sub-optimal habitats.

So when you think about conservation, don't just think about otters, mink or red squirrels - consider the plight of the humble moth, a much ignored insect group.