Fantastic news! The AWT have recorded a brand-new species for Alderney: the Dark Crimson Underwing!
This is a beautiful species of moth, with its name coming from the red patterning on their hindwings which are flashed to startle any potential predators. Their forewings also have an interesting pattern, made up of a variety of brown and cream shades, and they can reach a wingspan of up to 70 mm. Their Latin name is Catocala sponsa, with ‘Catocala’ meaning ‘beautiful below’ and ‘sponsa’ coming from the words for ‘bride’ and ‘fiancé’.