Invertebrates

Netted Mountain Moth (Macaria carbonaria)

In the UK, the netted mountain moth has a scattered distribution in the central and eastern Highlands, although it may be under-recorded because of the remoteness of the moorland and mountainside habitats it occupies. However, the name Mountain does not reflect its ecology, as the majority of its populations occur at moderate or intermediate altitudes. This day-flying moth can be found where its larval food plant, alpine Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), is present. The larval period coincides with the time when young shoots, their only source of food, are available. The larvae feed at night and rest during the day on the underside of leaves, dropping to the ground if disturbed. Adults are often seen flying in large numbers in sunshine. This species is single-brooded and overwinters as pupa in a cocoon on the ground amongst mosses, lichens and plant debris. The netted mountain moth may be threatened by uncontrolled burning and over-grazing by sheep and deer. Light grazing and small-scale muirburn may, however, be desirable to give alpine bearberry a competitive advantage over heather and may improve the declining populations of a number of Lepidoptera.

Life cycle

How to survey

This species can be difficult to survey due to its speed and short flight period. Populations on lower and more sheltered sites emerge several weeks before those on higher and more exposed ground. A net is an essential tool when surveying for this species. The majority of records are from traditional sites near Newtonmore, but it is probably far more widespread in suitable habitat.