The rare Crimson Speckled Moth

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, 28 October 2022
The rare Crimson Speckled Moth
Crimson Speckled Moth © Bob Eade

By Bob Eade

Back in 2011, October 4th to be exact, I stumbled across a moth that I hadn't seen before. Unfortunately, I didn't realise the significance of the find until later or I would have taken many more photos of it.

The moth in question was the spectacular looking Crimson Speckled.

Ever since then I have wanted to see another of these beauties. Every time I walk past the spot where I found the moth I remember that day and hope for another sighting.

Well, this year due to weather patterns and a healthy population on the continent there seems to be a massive influx of them. Bearing in mind that this moth had its best year in 2011 since Victorian times according to Colin Pratt, the Sussex Moth Recorder, and during 2011 only five of these moths were found in Sussex that year, there have probably been double that number already this year.

Crimson Speckled Moth © Bob Eade
Crimson Speckled Moth © Bob Eade

On Saturday night a good friend actually caught two of these beauties in his moth trap, and my chance of seeing Crimson Speckled again came to fruition. Needless to say, I have put my moth trap out a bit more this week as well as walking in areas where I hope to find one, but so far no luck on that front.

Read more of Bob's wonderfully illustrated blogs here

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Comments

  • Steve Simnett:

    The one I found at Merrow was presented to the Surrey BC group last Saturday and then released back. Many appreciated seeing this splendid Moth.

    31 Oct 2022 18:14:00

  • Jessica Austen:

    My son found one in his moth trap night before last. We still have it as we didn’t want to release it in the storm. It’s very beautiful. I will take some more pictures before we release it..

    01 Nov 2022 22:24:00

  • Grace Tosh:

    I’ve just been lucky enough to find one today, unfortunately, it was dead! Very lucky to at least have seen one!

    06 Nov 2022 20:20:00

  • Ben Foster:

    I’ve just found one of these hitching a ride on the inside of my car window. I thought it looked unusual but didn’t realise that they were rare until I looked it up afterwards. I would have taken some pictures if I’d have known. Spotted on the south coast of Cornwall.

    11 Nov 2022 15:45:00

  • Elize Greeff:

    I found a crimson speckled moth in my garden this past summer. Never seen it before. I live in Kuilsrivier, a suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. I have one or two good photos.

    23 Jun 2024 06:49:00

  • Ellen Imrie:

    I have found one lying in a dish on the table this morning, unfortunately it was not alive anymore. It is the first time I see one. I took a few photos.
    Found it in Klipheuwel, Western Cape, South Africa.
    I hope to see a live one soon.

    13 Mar 2025 05:48:00

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