The status and conservation of the netted carpet Eustroma reticulatum (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), a threatened moth species in Britain

Hatcher, P.E.; Alexander, K.N.A.

The status and conservation of the netted carpet Eustroma reticulatum (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), a threatened moth species in Britain

Resource type

Journal article

Creator (person)

Hatcher, P.E.

Alexander, K.N.A.

Date published

1994

Abstract

The netted carpet Eustroma reticulatum is a vulnerable British moth, dependent as a larva on touch-me-not balsam Impatiens noli-tangere which is itself rare as a native plant in the British Isles. We review the status of the moth in Great Britain: it has been recorded from the Lake District since 1856 and sporadically from North Wales, but has had several periods of very low abundance when it was suspected of being extinct. The results of a survey in 1990 of Lake District sites for this month and a survey in 1991 of potential North Wales sites are presented and compared with Lake District surveys in 1955 and 1980/81. Although the moth increased in numbers between 1955 and 1980, the number of sites in which it now occurs has fallen by 56%-to below 1955 levels. The moth is present in one North Wales site. Threats to colonies and management requirements of moth and foodplant are discussed. Trial management is being carried out by the National Trust in the Lake District.