Toadflax brocade moth  (Calophasia lunula)

As this moth is at the northern extreme of its range in the UK, it seems that climatic factors are the major reason that its distribution here is so restricted. In periods of poor weather, the range often decreases. In addition to this, the remaining coastal shingle habitat is under pressure from development and coastal defence work (1).

The Roadflax Brocade has been targeted as a priority for conservation action under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP). The Species Action Plan produced as part of this process aims to maintain the existing populations of the species. Some of the occupied sites occur within Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), one of which is a candidate Special Area for Conservation (SAC), a site designation stemming from the EC Habitats Directive (1).