Written by Peter Martin
Image above: Barberry Moth
A 2023 report by Sussex University showed that moths are more efficient pollinators at
night than day flying pollinators such as bees. Like many insects, moths have seen a decline in numbers, so we need to help them as much as possible.
Moths have flown under the radar in terms of the attention they receive e.g. in comparison to butterflies. We have 2500 species of moth of which 150 are day flying – and many of these are in decline. Britain has approximately 60 species of butterfly. Anything we can do to help moths (and all insects) can only be a good thing for many reasons, e.g. caterpillars of moths are a main food supply for many of our small bird
species, and bats eat moths. Our gardens are a place we can directly help with this problem.
In my Tetbury garden I have noted 382 species of moth in the 3 years 2022-2024. One species I have had visit is the Barberry Carpet (Pareulype berberata) which is a Red
Data Book, and therefore protected, species. I had a single record in 2023 (see red square in Gloucestershire distribution map) and 2 records in August 2024. Decline has mostly been caused by removal of Wild Barberry from our hedgerows. The reason for this action is that the bushes can act as a host plant for a fungus called stem rust and
unfortunately the fungus also attacks arable crops, hence farmers eradicated the Barberry bushes from their hedgerows. Fortunately, most arable crops are now resistant to this fungus, having been bred for this. Having said that, whilst I would encourage folk to plant these bushes in their garden, if your land borders an arable farmer’s field, then it would be best not to. We can help this species by planting Barberry (Berberis), such as Berberis turcomanica or Berberis ottawensis.
Planting tips: Berberis shrubs like the sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Check with the garden centre whether the Berberis is deciduous or evergreen. Plant deciduous from October to April, evergreen Oct/Nov or Mar/Apr.
Incidentally, the name carpet moth is not because the moths feed on carpets but
because of the pattern on the wings. A second rare species, found at St Mary’s
church in Tetbury in August 2024, is the Orpine or Grey Ermine moth (Yponomeuta sedella). There are only a total of 7 records for Gloucestershire and none from 2023. This was seen near the planted Orpine (Hylotelephium telephium, also known as Sedum telephium) in the churchyard. Again, planting this in your garden will help this rare Orpine Ermine moth and no doubt other species as well. Best to plant in Apr/May, in
well-drained soil and in the full sun.
Image above: Orpine Moth
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