Clifden nonpareil
The rare Clifden nonpareil ‘catocala fraxini’ frequents aspen woodlands.
Thought to be an irregular rare migrant species from the continent, it is resident in parts of southern England, eastern England and the New Forest. They are attracted to lights at night.
Eggs overwinter. The larvae feed mainly on aspen.
Look out for these moths from August to October, for example they are often recorded in the Brockenhurst area, mainly in September, sometimes randomly seen resting on walls beneath lights.
The name Clifden nonpareil comes from the fact that it was first found in Clifden (now spelt Cliveden), Buckinghamshire. ‘Nonpareil’ is French for ‘without equal’.
Photos: Russell Wynn
