A SPECIES of instinct thought to be extinct in Britain for almost a decade has been spotted.
The discovery was made at the Cors Goch Nature Reserve on Anglesey in Wales.
A rare species of caddisfly believed to be extinct in the UK was recently spotted in North Wales (stock image)[/caption]
The limnephilus pati, a species of caddisfly, was thought to have been extinct in Britain since 2016.
However, it was found during a wildlife survey in north Wales last month.
It has also been recorded at Market Weston Fen in Suffolk and on South Uist on Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.
This makes Anglesey one of only three places where the species exists in Britain.
Caddisflies
There are approximately 200 species of Caddisflies currently in the UK.
The insects look similar to moths, with hairy wings and survive by being masters of disguise.
Surveyors has been using light traps to look for another species of caddisfly, the limnephilus taricus.
Instead, the pros found the limnephilus patis, which is an even rarer type.
The larvae of this species are aquatic, living among dense vegetation in wetlands.
Meanwhile, the adults are known to fly from spring until early August.
Habitats
The habitats where they are found are some of the most diverse in Britain.
However, theses areas are at risk from drying out and the impacts of “agricultural intensification”, according to Natural Resources Wales.
The survey was conducted by Natur am Byth, an agency focused on saving threatened species in Wales, as well as RSPB and North Wales Wildlife Trust.
“It was a delight to find it at Cors Goch along with a number of other species that indicate clean water and a rich habitat,” said Clare Sampson, Natur am Byth project manager for RSPB.
“Discoveries like this prove that there are always exciting finds in nature, and they can be found right on your doorstep,” she said.
More on caddisflies
Most caddisfly larvae live underwater, using silk to build cases from materials like stones, sand, or leaves for protection.
Adult caddisflies are often nocturnal and can be seen flying in swarms over water at dusk.
They are attracted to light and can be found on vegetation near the water’s edge.
The adult lifespan is relatively short, lasting only a few weeks to a couple of months, while the larval stage can last up to two years.
The expert added that the discovery also shows why consistent surveying is “such an important element of conservation work”.
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