Netted mountain moth  (Macaria carbonaria)

The habitats of this moth are threatened by overgrazing and unsuitable management including neglect (4). Unless controlled burning takes place every few years, the bearberry is swamped by heather (5).

The Netted Mountain Moth is a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The Species Action Plan aims to maintain all current populations of this moth. Some of the sites supporting this species are nature reserves or Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), and so the species receives a level of protection in these areas. Further surveys and regular monitoring are required to accurately determine and keep track of the status and range of the species. Detailed research into the ecology of this moth is also required in order to guide conservation action (3).