Project Abstract

dontognophos dumetata Hibernica (Irish Annulet) is a moth which has only recently been added to the lists of fauna in the British Isles. It is a subspecies of a moth, previously known only to exist in Mediterranean regions. As far is currently known, its Irish distribution is limited to the Burren, in particular to the inland regions. I was present with the late Mr. Peter Forder when he discovered this moth in the Mullagh Mor region in August 1991. For this reason I have had an interest in this moth and its life cycle for some time. Through carrying out this project, I hoped to learn about this moth's behaviour and life cycle.

In the investigation of this moth and its life cycle, I reared several larvae in captivity. These I monitored on a regular basis, until they underwent metamorphosis to become the adult moth. These adults were then paired and fertile ova were successfully obtained for the first time in captivity. In the field, I noticed the distribution of the larva at a particular site and also how they competed with the larva of another insect for foodplant. Adults were obtained in the wild using light traps.

The adult flies for two weeks at the end of July, continuing into August. It has a slate grey colouring like that of the Burren rocks. The eggs are laid usually 1-2 nights after mating has taken place. They are laid in the soils and mosses surrounding the foodplant Rhamnus catharticus (Purging Buckthorn), and are usually inundated by the rising waters during the winter. The larva reaches a final length of approx. 25-30 mm. It then pupates in the mosses and soil at the end of June.

The mothe exhibits a preference of a prostrate variety of the foodplant, Rhamnus. This is more than likely due to the microclimate in this region of the habitat. Chemicals in the plant do not play a role, as chemical tests for differences between the two varieties proved negatibe. An investigation of the micro-climate on the various bushes is recommendable.