Eustroma reticulatum

Ecology and Distribution
This moth has a wide but localised distribution across Europe but in the UK is only present in areas of Cumbria particularly the Lake District. Many of the colonies present in the Lake District are on National Trust land. The Netted Carpet Moth has recently been rediscovered in north Wales but the population is very small and isolated.

The larvae feed on touch-me-not (or yellow) balsam Impatiens noli-tangere, which itself is a nationally scarce species. This plant prefers damp, shady conditions such as wet-woodland habitats and can often be found near streams and lakes. It also requires some open ground and soil disturbance for successful germination.

Threats

• Loss of habitat through closing of the woodland canopy resulting in more shade and therefore loss of food plant.
• Road widening has caused a loss of habitat and alterations to hydrology of the areas have caused a decline in the food plant.
• Low population densities and natural fluctuations in population size are also cause for concern.
• The main threat to the foodplant is a lack of soil disturbance and fluctuations in population size caused by climatic factors.

Current Work

• A PhD student project has been put in place to research the foodplant ecology as it relates to conservation of the Netted Carpet Moth.
• Annual monitoring of a number of sites has been in place since 1990 as well as some habitat management trials which are proving very encouraging.
• A database of all touch-me-not balsam colonies has been created and is updated regularly.

Contacts

• John Hooson – The National Trust, Nature Conservation Adviser, Northwest Region
• Mark Parsons – Butterfly Conservation
• Dr. David Sheppard, English Nature, Peterborough Head Office