Dishley Pool Willows Targeted by Strange Striped Pest

Lunar Hornet Moth

WILLOW trees at a Charnwood beauty spot are under attack – from a miniature master of disguise.

Lunar Hornet Moths have been setting up home in trees by the lake at Dishley Pool, Loughborough, where they have been laying their eggs beneath the bark. When these eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the wood, feeding on the core of the tree.

The Lunar Hornet Moth, as the name suggests, is a clear winged moth that has evolved to look like a hornet in order to avoid being eaten by birds and other predators.

Charnwood Borough Council’s Wildlife Officer Mark Graham said the wood-munching moths are one of several ‘mimic’ species and said it was an ideal opportunity for bug enthusiasts to see the unusual creature in action.

He added: “This moth is not a common insect and sightings are unusual. Fortunately, there is no threat to the wider tree population within the Borough.

“For anyone who would like to catch a glimpse of the moths, July will be the ideal time as the fully grown adults will be emerging from their host trees, presenting a fascinating insight into these unusual insects.”

Lunar Hornet Moths boast a wingspan of up to 42mm, but don’t sting and are unlikely to be interested in anyone’s picnic.

Councillor Hilary Fryer, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Cleansing and Open Spaces, said: “This presents an ideal opportunity for insect lovers to catch a glimpse of this unusual visitor while enjoying one of Charnwood’s naturally beautiful locations.

“We take enormous pride in our public spaces in Charnwood and it is fantastic that we employ experts like Mark whose eagle eyes helped spot this opportunity.”

Dishley Pool is a small lake at the North West edge of Loughborough and an important site for wildlife.

Supporting several species of Dragonfly and Damselfly and a variety of waterfowl, it is open to members of the public for walks, fishing and leisure.

This latest species to be confirmed at the site, despite being a pest to the willow trees, is a welcome addition to the area and offers further natural intrigue for visitors to the lake.