Islanders are being asked to record any sighting of the unique Jersey tiger moth after a surge in numbers.
Typically found in the Channel Islands and the south of England, Jersey tiger moths are increasingly being seen further north.
And the Jersey Biodiversity Centre is hoping to get a clearer picture of the local population.
The centre said: “Due to the short-life cycles of Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) and close link with the environment, they are key indicator species. Their presence, or absence, lets us know whether we have a healthy, diverse ecosystem.
“They form a key part in the food-chain as both grazers of plants in their larval/caterpillar stage but also food source to small mammals, birds, bats, and predatory insects throughout their life cycle.”
The spokesperson for the Biodiversity Centre has said that the likely reason for the moths being seen further away from its usual home would be the shift in climate and weather. “It’s a trend we will continue to see in species with climate change”, they added. “This year’s early summer temperatures could be the cause of their success.”
While there is no current data for the prevalence of the species in Jersey, butterflies and moths are monitored as part of several citizen science schemes that the public can take part in. The spokesperson has added: “We will receive the Jersey counts from Butterfly Conservation for this years Big Butterfly Count and this will shed more light on our local populations.”
“We also ask that when people see wildlife, such as the Jersey Tiger moth, that they report their sightings to us, using the iRecord and iNaturalist apps. It’s always a good idea to submit a photo with the sighting as this helps experts verify the record, but sightings without photos are also of value. Once we receive the sightings, it allows us to make this data available to scientists and conservationists to understand what’s happening in our wider environment.”
Islanders can report their wildlife sightings HERE.