A remarkable discovery has been made in Wales, as a new moth species was found thousands of miles away from its natural habitat in South America. The two clearwing moths are believed to have unknowingly travelled inside a photographer’s boot bag as larvae, covering a distance of 4,500 miles from a tropical jungle in Guyana to Port Talbot.
The incredible find occurred when 22-year-old ecologist Daisy Cadet and her mother Ashleigh, a professional photographer, spotted the creatures on a windowsill in February. Despite the moths being motionless due to the cold environment, the discovery sparked curiosity and excitement.
After sharing images of the moths on Instagram, it was soon realised that these were not known UK species. The photos eventually reached experts at the Natural History Museum, who confirmed through DNA analysis that the moths were not only non-UK species but were also previously undocumented in scientific records.
Further investigation led to the discovery of delicate cocoon remains inside the photographer’s boot bag, still intact despite the long journey. The moths, named Carmenta brachyclados, have unique features such as transparent wings with black veins and black tips, and an iridescent blue-striped body.
Researchers suspect that the larvae survived the extensive travel inside the boot bag, potentially aided by a seed pod from the jungle plant Mora excelsa found in the bag. The humid and warm conditions within the bag may have facilitated the moths’ survival and development into adulthood during the harsh Welsh winter.
Mark Sterling, a scientific associate at the Natural History Museum, highlighted the exceptional nature of this event, considering the challenges in rearing clearwing moths. The discovery has raised awareness about biodiversity and the urgent need for action to protect our planet amidst climate change.
The findings have been published in the journal Nota Lepidopterologica, marking a significant milestone in understanding and preserving the intricate ecosystems that surround us. This discovery serves as a poignant reminder of the wonders of nature and the importance of conservation efforts in safeguarding our environment for future generations.