Our own ever vigilant Tidy Towns Citizen Scientist – is thrilled to report that the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly was recorded on the Cloonlarge Loop today(7 June 2022) The record was submitted to National Biodiversity Data Centre.

This butterfly is legally protected under Annex II of the European Union Habitats and Species Directive.  According to the Red List of Irish Butterflies  published by National Parks and Wildlife Service in 2010, the Marsh Fritillary is categorised as ‘Vulnerable’, which means  it is considered at risk of extinction.

It is vitally important that we continue our good work protecting this habitat.

Kilteevan Tidy Towns celebrated National Biodiversity Week today by hosting an event for the community -Walk and Talk with Michael Bell of Nature Learn. Michael’s daughter Molly accompanied us and kindly shared her knowledge also.

Michael set two Moth Attractors on the Loop last night. As we walked the Loop, birds, butterflies, bee’s wildflowers and trees were noted. When the Moth traps were opened we got the opportunity to see and touch some amazing creatures that co-exist with us.

WOW! What a surprise.  There were flying beetles in there too. As most of our moths are hiding away during the day so we rarely get to see them.  Moths are important pollinators too.

All records are submitted to the National Biodiversity Data Centre and all moths were released. We have shared  just a few photos  and have labelled three photos for you.

What lovely relaxing morning in the Great Outdoors! Thank you Nature Learn for a wonderful experience. We look forward to further learning later this Summer when we can develop our own expertise further in identifying and recording species.

Kilteevan Tidy Towns would like to acknowledge the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in hosting this event.