With very limited recorded sightings in the last 100 years, the rare Crimson Speckled has made some thrilling appearances this autumn.

Reports from across the South of England have been springing up as an unexpected, yet well-received, influx of sightings.

The increase in numbers, along with other immigrant moth species, is due to the long-lasting weather pattern with low pressure over the North Atlantic causing a strong, warm airstream to flow to the UK from North Africa and the Canary Islands for several weeks.

Currently, there have been 32 recorded sightings in the Dungeness area (Kent) and over 20 found in Suffolk. County Moth Recorders are looking to carry out a national assessment in the coming months to confirm the full picture of the Crimson Speckled’s recent distribution.

This distinctive moth was only recorded 135 times in Britain and Ireland in the whole of the 20th century. As a well-documented species, records suggest the Crimson Speckled appeared more frequently in the 19th century with at least 270 examples recorded. The frequency of this species has, therefore, fluctuated, with peak arrival years to date being 1982 and 2011.

Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, was also treated to a visit from the Crimson Speckled. He stated, “I was incredibly fortunate to have two Crimson Speckleds in my garden on the night of 27 October – an absolute dream come true. Nationally, it is easily the largest ever recorded arrival of this species, and many other scarce and common migrant moths have also had an amazing year.” 

This immigrant species has a wide distribution, occurring as far as the African and Asian tropics. However, the more likely sources of the individuals that arrive here are the Mediterranean and North Africa and they are thought to arrive in the warmer air during British summer and autumn. Whilst in Europe this species enjoys dry open places, and most UK sightings this autumn have been from coastal counties, particularly in the south. However, there have been sightings in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. 

If you’re lucky enough to have bagged a sighting yourself, we’d love to hear about it. Our National Moth Recording Scheme welcomes everyone to record and submit sightings of any moth species from anywhere in the UK, Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands.