A RARE immigrant moth has been seen in Herefordshire for only the fourth time since records began.

Butterfly and moth enthusiast Robin Hemming was not expecting to see a striped hawkmoth when he held a moth trapping event for Herefordshire Wildlife Trust as part of its Bromyard Downs project.

But when he opened the final trap box at around 5am he was 'shocked and surprised' to discover the rare species, which is likely to have migrated from Spain or North Africa.

Mr Hemming, who lives in Bodenham, said: "That's the most northern one there has been in this country. There were virtually none last year and very few before that.

"It was quite a shock. I was very, very surprised and quite elated. About 20 have been recorded this spring in the UK mostly along the South and East coasts.

"Sadly the people who attended the event didn't see the moth as it arrived in the moth trap in the drizzle and mist that we had just before dawn.

"It was generally a poor night for moths but to say I was gobsmacked by the find is an understatement."

Mr Hemming runs events with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and during the moth trapping event he laid out three boxes with bright lights on, which the moths are attracted to.

He said this is the fourth recording of the striped hawkmoth in Herefordshire since records began, more than 100 years ago.

Around 54 species were listed on the evening and Mr Hemming took the moth with him to Pembrokeshire the following day and released it there.

Anyone interested in finding out more about moths and butterflies from Mr Hemming can contact Herefordshire Wildlife Trust.

All photos: Robin Hemming.