Locals urged to join Butterfly Conservation’s ‘tiger’ hunt

CAITHNESS householders are being urged to venture into their gardens after dark this weekend to search for ‘tigers’.

The garden tiger moth is one of the UK’s most stunning insects with orange, black, brown and white wings, a furry orange and black body and white antennae. But it is in trouble with the species undergoing a decline in numbers.

By counting these moths as part of the garden tiger survey, the public can play a vitally important role in providing Butterfly Conservation scientists with data that could help safeguard these moths for the future.

The garden tiger flies at night and is readily attracted to outdoor lights.

Once a very common visitor to gardens throughout the UK, sightings are now not often reported in southern Scotland and most of England and Wales – although it is still widespread over large parts of the Highlands.

Alex Hogg, community engagement officer, said: "The garden tiger is a magnificent beast, which was once a very common visitor to gardens throughout the UK. Sadly, it seems that the loss of local wildlife habitats and perhaps changes in gardening practice means that it is now an uncommon sight in the central belt, southern Scotland and most of England and Wales."

Tom Prescott, species conservation officer, added: "Fortunately, the garden tiger is still widespread over large parts of the Highlands. Perhaps it should be renamed the Highland Tiger?"

Those successful in their ‘tiger’ safari can send sightings via a quick link at www.butterfly-conservation.org/scottishtigersurvey

* Have you seen this moth in your garden? Let us know by commenting below.