March 2024

Fiery Clearwing moth – Aspect Ecology secures one of the first development licences to translocate this rare protected species

Fiery Clearwing Pyropteron chrysidiformis is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The rare moth is typically associated with coastal habitats in Kent but appears to be expanding in range, and was unexpectedly identified at a farmland site Aspect Ecology is advising on situated on the edge of Sittingbourne being developed by Barratt David Wilson Homes for new housing. Searches of dock plants which form the moth’s foodplant found characteristic eggs, confirming presence of the species. In order to safeguard the moth, working with invertebrate specialist Sean Clancy, Aspect Ecology submitted a licence application to Natural England to allow translocation of the species, from areas affected by construction works, to retained habitats elsewhere on site.

The moth larvae overwinter in the roots of their dock foodplants, and following the successful acquisition of a protected species licence, Aspect Ecology has overseen the careful removal of dock plants from areas recorded to support the moth, followed by transport and replanting to a prepared receptor area. This will be managed to maintain suitable habitat for Fiery Clearwing moth, together with a second habitat area to be sown with dock seeds, which will lead to a net conservation gain for the species. We are looking forward to monitoring the area in the summer, and for the next 3 years, to check how the moths have established within their new home.

Follow Aspect Ecology on LinkedIn for all our latest news LinkedIn Page