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Everyone Run For The Hills Because Giant Moths Are Coming To The UK

Everyone Run For The Hills Because Giant Moths Are Coming To The UK

A conservation organisation has said the breeds are coming from mainland Europe and can be found near ivy due to the blossom

James Dawson

James Dawson

First there was the invasion of the giant spiders, now we have the migration of the monster moths...

Amateur entomologists and fashion wildcards in the United Kingdom are awaiting the mass arrival of huge moths from the continent, with conservationists asking the public to report back to them on any sightings that they make.

Let's face it, they look pretty scary...

Credit: Viral Hog

"After dark, the pollinator nightshift takes place and a myriad of moths come out to feed," said Richard Fox, head of recording at Butterfly Conservation.

"For this year's Moth Night, find some big patches of ivy flowers nearby and go back with a torch after the sun has set. It's a fantastic and easy way to see some of the beautiful moths that are on the wing in autumn."

The moths to spot are the silver-striped hawk moth, the hummingbird hawk moth and the giant convolvulus hawk moth - which is as big as a human hand and boasts a wingspan of more than 10cm.

Giant moths are coming to the UK
Giant moths are coming to the UK

Credit: butterfly-conservation.org

Moth Night is a project organised by Butterfly Conservation and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology designed to raise awareness of some of the most hated flying insect.

It began last night, 12 October, and will continue until 17 October, with people being encouraged to attract moths by leaving lights on and then record any specimens that come over to pay a visit. Just leave your clothes rails well out of sight, of course.

Don't let the word night put you off as well. Alongside the moth-themed evening events, there are also events organised up and down the country that are aimed at increasing interaction between humans and insects of all types.

Giant moths are coming to the UK
Giant moths are coming to the UK

Credit: butterfly-conservation.org

Richard doesn't want us just looking out for moths. He said: "A quick check of ivy blossom on a sunny autumn day will reveal bees, hoverflies, butterflies and other insects, all making the most of this seasonal bonanza of nectar.

Butterfly Conservation are liberal in the moths that they will accept in their records: from the humble garden favourite (the Elephant Hawk Moth, to give it its Sunday name) to the lesser seen Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth (a particular priority for conservationists) and the aforementioned mammoth, the giant convolvulus hawk moth.

If that isn't enough to get you out into the garden to check, we don't know what is. There's probably nothing on the telly anyway.

Featured Image Credit: butterfly-conservation.org

Topics: UK News, UK