'Special surprise' as rare moth lands on Llŷn Peninsula

Could a rare species of moth be making itself at home in north Wales?

The Bog Grass Moth was discovered by conservationists doing a wildlife survey of Cors Geirch Nature Reserve.

The team said it was a "special surprise" to find the moth in Wales for what is believed to be the first time.

Exact populations of the Bog Grass Moth in the UK are not known, but they have only been recorded in very small numbers in parts of England, like Dorset.

After setting up moth traps, the group collected 446 moths made of 91 different species, with 19 of these being Bog Grass Moths.

Natural Resources Wales, whose job it is to take care of the environment in Wales, said the area was perfect for the rare moths.

This is because the flat wetland allowed wet sedges to grow - the only food source for the Bog Grass Moth larvae.

Sedges are grass-like plants that love growing in damp, muddy places like marshes and pond borders.

The conservationists also found other rare species including the Six Spotted Crane Fly and the Black Nightrunner Ground Beetle.

A group called Natur am Byth is looking after the special wetland to help look after rare wildlife in North Wales.

Clare Sampson, project manager for RSPB Cymru, said the work of staff, contractors and volunteers had helped to open up the wetland that is "home to these rare invertebrate species".

She added that these important places need to be looked after "so that future generations can continue to make new discoveries".