Conservationists found the rare Bog Grass Moth at Cors Geirch National Nature Reserve on the Llŷn Peninsula, the first record of the species in that area. Experts described the discovery as a “special surprise” and said it adds to knowledge of the region’s insects, showing that targeted surveys of fen habitats can reveal species not previously recorded there.

In one night, moth traps collected 446 moths from 91 species, including 19 Bog Grass Moths. The moth’s larvae feed only on wet sedges, which grow in the reserve’s fen habitat; other uncommon insects recorded included the Six Spotted Crane Fly and Black Nightrunner Ground Beetle. Conservationists said about 80% of UK peatlands have been lost or damaged, threatening species that depend on these habitats, while healthy peat stores carbon.