Moth Night causes a flutter
Outgoing Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Billy Ashe, was firmly in support of the event which was free of charge and open to everyone.
Speaking ahead of the events held at a number of open spaces across the borough last week, Cllr Ashe said: “Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is committed to protecting and promoting the biodiversity in the Borough and what better way than through unique events such as Moth Night.
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Hide Ad“We have some fantastic open spaces in the borough, and a wide range of wildlife,” said Cllr Ashe who pointed out that Moth Night participants had the opportunity to get involved in a moth hunt, help set up moth traps, and learn more about marvellous moths.
Entomologist Adam Mantell, who led the moth night activities, said: “Many people appreciate butterflies and are aware of the threats faced by our native butterfly species.
“However, perhaps due to their nocturnal habits, many people are unaware of how threatened some of our 1,400 species of moths are.
“Although some are not as showy as butterflies, this year’s moth night is all about the stunningly beautiful Hawkmoths that would not look out of place in a tropical rainforest!
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Hide Ad“These free Moth Night events in Mid and East Antrim are an ideal way of raising the profile of these under-appreciated creatures,” said Adam.
Moth Night is an Atropos and Butterfly Conservation initiative.
All moths recorded at these public events will be fed back to Moth Night and the data will help moth conservation across the UK and Ireland.