Have you spotted a tiger in your garden yet?
If not, keep your eyes peeled – Jersey tiger moths are out in numbers according to Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count.
Sightings of this striking day-flying moth are causing a flutter of excitement thanks to the species’ exotic appearance and newcomer status in much of the UK.
As the Big Butterfly Count reaches its mid-way point, Jersey tigers appear to be doing well; citizen scientists have already recorded 5,300 of these beautiful insects, compared with a total of 3,496 for the whole of last summer’s Count.
When measured as an average per count, the increase is a whopping 78%.
It is thought this summer’s record-breaking warm and relatively dry conditions have helped them spread their wings in abundance and settle in parts of the UK where they have may never have occurred before.
A decade ago, the Jersey tiger was largely restricted to the Channel Islands and the south coast of England.
It occurred throughout London and had also established a toehold in south-east Wales.
Today, these stunning moths are frequently spotted across southern England and are continuing to spread through East Anglia and into the Midlands.
These striking moths have been photographed in Cardiff, Birmingham, Cambridgeshire and Essex during this year’s Big Butterfly Count, and more than 20,000 people have visited the Jersey tiger moth species page on Butterfly Conservation’s website in July.
These ‘roarsome’ moths are easily recognisable thanks to their black and white tiger stripe forewings and vibrant red-orange or yellow hindwings adorned with bold black spots.
Jersey tiger moths are one of three day-flying moths included in this year’s Big Butterfly Count and they fly during the day and night.
Participants have until 10 August to get out for the Count and spot these stunning moths, as well as butterflies and other day-flying moths, to help Butterfly Conservation’s work.
Jersey Tiger moths are resident in the UK but are also believed to migrate from continental Europe.
Whilst their striking looks have caught the public attention, sightings in unexpected places tell an important story about climate change.
‘Butterfly and moth numbers fluctuate naturally each year depending on the weather, and this summer’s warm, sunny conditions have created a much more favourable environment than last year’s cool, wet season, which saw numbers recorded during Big Butterfly Count plunge to record lows.
‘It’s certainly uplifting to see more butterflies and moths this summer, but one good year can’t undo the long-term decline many species are facing.
‘Over the past five decades, population peaks during good years have grown smaller, while the crashes or troughs during bad years have become deeper.
‘Although adult butterflies and moths benefit from the warm weather, drought conditions, which are now affecting much of the UK, are a serious threat to their caterpillars, which depend on healthy, growing plants to survive.
‘The increase we’re seeing in Jersey Tiger moth sightings is a striking example of how climate change is reshaping the distribution of wildlife.
‘While it’s a delight to spot such a vibrant moth in gardens, parks and green spaces, it’s also a reminder of how rising temperatures are altering our natural environment.
‘This is why the Big Butterfly Count matters. The more people who take part, the more we can learn about how species are adapting, or struggling, in the face of climate change and extreme weather.’
DR RICHARD FOX
Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation
Data collected by members of the public during the Big Butterfly Count directly informs national conservation strategies, helping protect not just butterflies and moths but also the wider ecosystems they support.
Citizen scientists pounced on the opportunity to record their sightings on launch day (18 July), demonstrating growing understanding and public concern for butterflies and moths under threat.
More than 17,000 people got out in the fresh air and spent 15 minutes doing their bit by counting and logging what they saw on the day the Count began.
Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count is fun, free and easy. All you need is 15 minutes in a sunny spot and a keen eye for movement amongst any grasses and plants.
You don’t need any special equipment or knowledge of butterflies to help, either; from children enjoying their summer break to adults enjoying afternoon tea in the garden, everyone can get involved.
Simply download the free Big Butterfly Count app, grab yourself a cuppa and breathe some fresh air while logging what you see.
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