Moths in caves

[hannahb]

Whilst trying (unsuccessfully) not to be scared at the start of the traverse to the Chapter House pitch in Yordas Pot yesterday, I watched a beautiful moth on the cave wall. I think it was a Tissue moth, overwintering. It circled round and round and then went underneath a small flake and stayed there.

Does anyone know about them? Or other moths that shelter in caves? It was well out of the daylight.

 

[Bob Mehew]

for a start try https://bcra.org.uk/cavelife/yorkshire/insecta.html and the related BCRA Cave Biology SIG.

 

[hannahb]

Thanks Bob

 

[Brains]

Over the years I have seen several Herald moths hibernating underground, as well as the Tissue moths.

 

[jasonbirder]

Tissue Moths do frequently roost/hibernate in caves
https://alexhyde.photoshelter.com/image/I0000dxwNT88vCYw

Herald Moths are another well known (and more brightly coloured one) that is common in Caves
https://hoehlentier.de/en/herald-moth/
I remeber finding hundreds of these in Brightgate Cave a few years ago

 

[langcliffe]

The walls of the first 100 metres of Scoska Cave are covered with them to the extent that you have to be careful where you put your hands. See pages 30-34 of the report of a seminar where  Dave Hodgson gave a talk on them:

https://www.slnnr.org.uk/media/22659/Malham%20Research%20Seminar%202007.pdf