A RARE Convolvulus hawk-moth caterpillar has been found at The Christopher Cadbury Wetland Reserve in Upton Warren, writes Tanya Hewitt.
Staff from Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, which owns and manages the site, were delighted with the discovery of the rare larva – one of the few young sightings of the rare UK breed in the county.
The trust’s Eleanor Reast said: “Whilst it is uncertain if the larva will cope with autumn weather, this is an exciting find and demonstrates the value of habitats like nature reserves.”
She thanked volunteer reserve warden Paul Moseley who spotted and reported the caterpillar, along with local moth experts Tony Simpson and Oliver Wadsworth who confirmed the record.
Adult moths arrive in small numbers in late summer, but larvae are more common on the south coast and much fewer seen inland.
Conditions are currently too harsh for the hawk-moths to hide out in the UK but the changing climate could alter their migratory habits over time.
The find emphasises the importance of recording wildlife sightings and people can visit worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-sightings for more and to submit their own.
