Kildare Wildlife Watch: Moths are very important invertebrates

Find out more about our native environment

There are over 1,500 moth species in Ireland, and over the next week it may be your last opportunity to identify the clouded border moth, which is in flight from mid July to September each year.

The clouded border moth is one of Ireland’s 570 macro moths. Did you know moths are divided by size, some being macro (or larger), while the remaining moths are described as micro (or smaller).

All moths are insects with patterned wings that are made up of thousands of tiny scales. The clouded border moth has white wings marked with black blotches around the margins.

You can identify the male and female clouded border moth, as the male will typically have more black blotches at the wing margins, but unfortunately this is not always the case. Often, for those beginning their journey in moth identification, it can be difficult to identify between the male and female.

The clouded border moth can be found in woodlands, heathland and fens with it’s habitat dependent on the availability of its chosen food plants including poplars, hazel and willow species.

The caterpillars are also often observed at this time of year feeding on the leaves of their food plant. They are green in colour with a brown head and up to five yellow bands around the body.

By winter the caterpillars will have gone underground where they will pupate for the winter before emerging as the delicate adult moth next year. The clouded border is a nocturnal moth and is often attracted to light in porches.

While moths can have a bad reputation, from the few species that have a taste for our clothes, they are actually very important invertebrates in our communities. Moths are themselves prey for many birds and mammals supporting the food chain.

When you think of pollinators you might first think of bumblebees or butterflies, but don’t forget moths, many of which are night-flyers. They continue the work of bumblebees and butterflies, pollinating our food crops while they are at rest!

If you would like help identifying a wildlife observation in your community you can contact me on bogs@ipcc.ie.

- Nuala Madigan from the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan