Dingy Mocha Cyclophora pendularia
The Dingy Mocha (Cyclophora pendularia) is a rare geometrid moth associated with sallow (Salix spp.) in wet heathland, valley bogs, and damp heathland edge habitats. It has declined significantly across Britain as wet heathland has been lost to drainage and development, and is now a scarce species with a restricted distribution in the south and east of England. Suffolk’s wet heathland remnants and valley mires – particularly within the Sandlings – provide potential habitat, and records from the county are of considerable note. Managing wet heathland and preventing the over-shading of sallow in appropriate conditions supports this specialist species. Image: © Ilia Ustyantsev, Flickr.
Find out more: iNaturalist, UK Moths
Suffolk’s Priority Moth Species
Key
Listed as a conservation priority in Suffolk’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
Closely associated with Suffolk’s landscape and natural identity.
Identified as a key priority for recovery under Suffolk’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Has a Species of the Month article attached.
