The Fisher's Estuarine Moth (Gortyna borelii) is one of the UK's rarest and most localised species of moth. I spent the evening of 23 September assisting with the official surveying of Fisher's Estuarine Moth in northeast Essex, which was successful with eight individuals seen (fairly equal proportion of males and females). Like a large version of Frosted Orange, in the UK this species is only naturally found in northeast Essex, but there is a smaller introduced population in Kent. They seem to be doing quite well in Essex, but one of their most important sites is at risk of flooding. Their flight period is September and October, and it is a fairly widespread species in Europe but still very local, as it is limited by the range of its foodplant.
A superb moth and a new species for me. With many thanks to Zoe Ringwood, who has been studying the species for the past sixteen years, for organising and coordinating the survey.
Happy moth-ing,
Max.
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