News
New species of moth recorded in Killarney National Park
A new moth not previously recorded in Ireland was confirmed this week from Killarney National Park by amateur moth enthusiast Stephen Cotter.
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The moth is named Scoparia Ancipitella or 'Northern Grey and it is very small and is a light grey mottled colour: Perfect for camouflaging against tree trunks during the day.
Stephen roams the quieter parts of the National Park at unearthly hours of the morning and night to catch a glimpse of these rare and beautiful species
Speaking about his new recording, Stephen remarked, “People may not appreciate the incredible moth diversity we have in Ireland. We have over 1500 different species and new species are being recorded every year by a small but dedicated network of so called moth-ers!. Some of the new species recorded are related to weather and winds, some due to transportation of plants and foodstuffs, some like this moth are probably always present but in low numbers and simply not recognised.”
The caterpillars of this moth feed on Lichens and mosses. “People think that caterpillars only eat leaves but in reality, they feed on a huge range of items including plants, mosses, fungi, rotting leaves and wood; even the hides and feathers of dead creatures! Moths are in this way incredibly important in the recycling of nutrients. And, of course, everything wants to eat them, they can be thought of as the “plankton of the forest”, and in this way support a huge diversity of creatures.” Earlier this year, Stephen recorded a rare ‘White Prominent Leucodonta’ - thought to be extinct in Ireland. Stephen has recorded over 400 different species in Killarney National Park and Kerry County.
The fact that enthusiasts and Conservation Rangers are still finding new species is a sign of the richness of our moth fauna. Killarney National Park is an astounding area of rich biodiversity and this is further evidence of that.
Wallace Arnold coach drivers return to Killarney
A group of 26 former coach drivers, wives, and friends from the Wallace Arnold tour company returned to Killarney over a recent weekend.
The group travelled from Holyhead to Dublin in a restored Wallace Arnold coach, staying at the Killarney Towers Hotel for three nights.
During the visit, the group drove the vintage coach to local landmarks, including Kate Kearney’s Cottage and Muckross House, before returning to town ahead of the Kerry versus Donegal match. The itinerary also included a trip around the Ring of Kerry.
The trip allowed the former drivers to reconnect and reminisce about their years touring Ireland. Organiser Bob Adams said that the vintage coach drew attention from local residents along the route.
The group noted the absence of several former colleagues who could not travel due to health reasons, including veteran driver Hilton Caldwell who is well known in Killarney.
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