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Moths and butteries enjoying a comeback


EXPERTS are all aflutter. After the long hot summer of 2020, the last 15 months are being hailed as the best period for 25 years for butterflies in the UK. Many species not seen in healthy numbers since records started in 1929 have been making an extraor- dinary comeback, many emerging unusually early and confirming their reputation as weather oppor- tunists.


The Cinnabar, actually a moth (Tyria jacobaeae), but often mis- taken for a butterfly, is one species relishing the summer sunshine and has been spotted by many nature watchers in the Maidstone area this year.


Cinnabar numbers have de-


clined dramatically over the last 50 years, perhaps because it feeds on ragwort, the tall, yellow flowering plant which is poisonous to live- stock, particularly horses. By law, landowners must remove it if it is


The Cinnabar moth Picture: Richard Burkmar/Kent Wildlife Trust


likely to infect neighbouring prop- erty.


The Cinnabar starts life as a yel- low and black caterpillar. The bold colours warn predators that they are poisonous, as indeed they are, absorbing the poison from the rag- wort.


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Slate black in colour, with two


red stripes on the forewings, the hindwings are red and bordered with black. One observer said: “This little guy has been visiting our garden regularly. I have never seen a but- terfly like this. It is so bright and beautiful.”


Butterfly expert Beth Hannant- McCausland said the moth will have evolved its striking colours to ward off predators.


The Langley resident said: “In- sects with red or orange colouring is nature’s way of deterring preda- tors – it sets off an alarm response. “People are talking about this lit-


tle moth because they are probably seeing it for the first time. “Its distribution is really quite widespread, but it must be thriving in this area because its food source must also be doing well. The two always go hand in hand.”


News Have fun at


bowls club LEEDS Village Short Mat Bowls Club is looking for new members. It will be up and running in the


village hall on Monday and Thurs- day afternoons. Membership is £20 and a charge of £2 is payable per session. The club attracts members from


all over Maidstone and new mem- bers can borrow bowls to begin with. Flat-soled shoes or socks are worn to protect flooring.


Call Shiela on 01622 630711 or email shiela.wicks@btinternet.com.


Village sign


THE village sign in Leeds has been restored and installed on a new oak post in Upper Street, according to the parish council's minutes. The minutes also record that an-


other traffic census is being carried out on the B2163.


Tea at church


A CREAM tea is being held at St Peter and St Paul's church in Head- corn next month. All are welcome to the event between 2.30 and 5pm on August 8.


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