A TWO-year survey of moths in England’s protected woodlands has revealed the range of threatened species living in tree tops in South Lakeland.

The greatest diversity was found at Roudsea Wood & Mosses SSSI near Haverthwaite, where 348 different moth species were discovered.

The research by Natural England revealed that more than 1,000 different moth species were spotted nationally including nearly 100 of England’s rarest.

“Moths, by their nature, are elusive, so the findings of this comprehensive study into the diversity and distribution of moths in the country’s woodlands provides an important scientific record,” said Dr Tom Tew, chief scientist for Natural England.

“The findings also demonstrate how important these woodland habitats are for some of our most threatened species of moth, such as the dark crimson underwing and the triangle. Moths, like their daytime cousins butterflies, play an important role in England’s biodiversity and the pollination of plants and flowers. We have been given a rare glimpse of the habits of these night time beauties and this data will enhance future habitat protection.”

Mark Parsons, of Butterfly Conservation, said: “We have been extremely pleased to have worked alongside Natural England in revealing the importance of these SSSIs for their moth fauna. Woodlands, and their associated habitats, are known to support a wide range of species and appropriate management is key to the continued survival of many of these moths and other insects. Long term monitoring of moths show large scale losses since the late 1960’s so it is great to reveal just how important these sites are”.

The two-year project saw 180 sampling sessions taking place at 45 SSSIs around the country.

A large number of rare invertebrates are found at the site including the bog-bush cricket. The diverse moth population includes the barred tooth-stripe, square spotted clay and sword-grass. Scarce butterflies found include the high brown fritillary, small eggar and blotched emerald.