New Species of Moth Discovered in Wales Thanks to Community Science

In an extraordinary case of community science, a new species of clearwing moth, Carmenta brachyclados, was identified in South Wales, United Kingdom.

This species, native to Guyana, was accidentally transported indoors through plant material and later discovered by chance.

The finding highlights how everyday citizens, social media, and scientific collaboration can contribute to biodiversity research.

Discovery of the Moth

The story began when Daisy T. Cadet spotted a small insect flying near a window in her home in Port Talbot, South Wales, in early February 2024.

A similar dead specimen was also found on the windowsill. Unsure of what she had discovered, she posted a photo on Instagram.

A UK lepidopterist, Graeme Davis, recognized that the moth did not belong to any known species recorded in the country and forwarded the post to experts.

This led to further investigation involving the Natural History Museum in London.

Tracing the Origin

A key breakthrough occurred when Daisy and her mother, photographer Ashleigh Cadet, recalled that Ashleigh had recently returned from a trip to Guyana.

A search of her belongings revealed a boot bag with dried plant fragments and pupal remains.

Further DNA analysis confirmed that the moth species was new to science, and its larvae had likely developed inside the seedpods of Mora excelsa, a large tree found in Guyana.

Scientific Confirmation

Researchers analyzed the moth’s DNA and compared it with known species within the Carmenta genus, which includes other clearwing moths from the Americas.

The results confirmed that this was a new species.

Additional studies on its physical characteristics and habitat linked it to seed-boring moths that use tree pods for development.

Significance of the Discovery

This finding marks the first time a species in the Carmenta genus has been recorded in the UK, albeit accidentally. It also underscores the importance of community science and social media in modern biodiversity research.

The case demonstrates how unexpected discoveries can contribute valuable data to the scientific community.

Conclusion

The discovery of Carmenta brachyclados showcases the power of observation, curiosity, and scientific collaboration.

Thanks to the combined efforts of a keen observer, social media, and expert researchers, a new species has been officially documented.

This case is a reminder that the natural world still holds many surprises, sometimes appearing in the most unexpected places.

Original Source and Author Credits:

This article is based on research published by Mark J. Sterling, Daisy T. Cadet, Jordan Beasley, and David C. Lees. The full study can be accessed at Nota Lepidopterologica

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