A tiny insect thought to be extinct in England for 73 years is making an incredible comeback after conservationists discovered more than 20 of the rare moths during a fresh search.
The Dover Twist moth, a miniscule species with a wingspan of just 16mm, vanished from the country after its last recorded sighting in 1952.
It was only known to survive on the remote Scottish island of Tiree.
READ MORE: ‘Tiny but ferocious’ beast weighs less than a teaspoon of water – and hunts lizards at night
- Advertisement -
But after Butterfly Conservation ecologist Rebecca Levey stunned experts by rediscovering the moth in Kent last year, wildlife experts have now confirmed the population is growing after finding more than 20 during a recent survey, as reported by Whats The Jam.
Kent Wildlife Trust shared the exciting update online on Monday (29 June), writing: “Good news for the Dover twist moth, once thought extinct in England!
“You may remember that last year, the ‘Dover tortix’ or ‘Tiree twist’ moth was rediscovered… after a 73-year absence.
“Well, we’re SO pleased to say that on a recent search for the twist, we found over 20 of the moths.
“This comeback speaks in part to the quality of the chalk grassland and biodiversity at Lydden Temple Ewell.
- Advertisement -
“But the truth is, we actually don’t really know WHY it’s made such a return.”
The conservation charity said it believes the moth relies on dyer’s greenweed along with a mixture of short and long grass and sheltered shrubby areas, all of which are found at the reserve.
It added that researchers are continuing to work with Butterfly Conservation to better understand the species and help it thrive.
- Advertisement -
The remarkable comeback follows one of Britain’s most extraordinary wildlife rediscoveries last year.
Rebecca Levey was surveying chalk grassland at Lydden Temple Ewell Nature Reserve in Kent with volunteers when she unexpectedly recognised the tiny cream-and-brown moth from photographs she had previously seen in a Butterfly Conservation article.
By the end of the first day, the team had discovered 13 moths, before returning two days later to find a total of 24.
Rebecca previously said: “I was absolutely blown away.
“It’s the kind of discovery you dream of making, but you never expect it to actually happen.
“With so many butterflies and moths in trouble across the UK, it’s fantastic to find this tiny little species bucking the trend.”
The Dover Twist only lives on chalk grassland, one of Britain’s most threatened habitats, making it particularly vulnerable to habitat loss.
After confirming the discovery, Kent County Moth Recorder Dave Shenton described it as “mind-blowing”, adding: “I couldn’t quite believe what I was seeing. Has it been hiding in plain sight here all these years?”
Scientists are now hoping the rediscovered population could provide vital clues to help secure the future of one of Britain’s rarest moths.
READ MORE: Three GIANT sharks cruise together off coast of British Isles
