A specimen of the ringed border moth was found in Graffham, after three sightings in East Sussex.
Michael Blencowe, a professional wildlife surveyor, discovered a ringed border moth in a light trap on Graffham Down in the South Downs National Park.
The species was first seen in mainland UK in Somerset in 2009. It has since been found in three East Sussex locations. Mr Blencowe said the find was exciting because it had "the double benefit of being rare and attractive."Mr Blencowe, from Henfield, West Sussex, said: "We had about 500 moths in the trap, including some really impressive hawk moths.
"I recognised when I turned it over as a very rare moth, but I didn't know how rare."Found in forests across Europe, where its caterpillars feed on poplar trees, the ringed border has come to the UK via the Channel Islands and has been seen in Brede, Ticehurst and Rye."It's indicative of climate change" said Mr Blencowe.
Mr Blencowe said he plans to survey Graffham Down in 2025 to see if the ringed border has established itself in the area.Wildlife rescue closes service amid daily 'misuse'Cotswold Water Park may be renamed over 'confusion'
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