A rare species of moth has been spotted on the Llŷn Peninsula for the very first time.

The Bog Grass Moth (Crambus silvella) was spotted at the Cors Geirch nature reserve between Nefyn and Pwllheli, during a survey of invertebrate species by conservationists.

Natural Resources Wales says the discovery is a sign of the thriving habitat being maintained there.

19 Bog Grass Moths were recorded at the site after three moth traps were set up as part of an initiative that aims to protect some of North Wales' most at risk species.

They were identified by two local lepidopterists, Steve Palin and Charles Aron, who said: "The beauty of trapping moths is you just never know what’s going to turn up! But finding the Bog Grass Moth, an incredibly scarce moth, was a special surprise."

"It’s a significant addition to our knowledge of the region’s winged insects and demonstrates the value of targeted moth recording in these specialist fen habitats, where there is clearly still much to discover."

In just one night, 446 moths spanning 91 different species were collected from the fen as part of the Natur am Byth Llŷn and Ynys Môn survey at Cors Geirch.

Several rare species at the site, including the Six Spotted Crane Fly (Idiocera sexguttata) and the Black Nightrunner Ground Beetle (Chlaenius tristis), rely on the fen’s alkaline rainwater to survive.

It also allows wet sedges to grow which is the only food source for the Bog Grass Moth’s larvae.

Clare Simpson, project manager for RSPB Cymru, added: "Along with Natural Resources Wales staff, local contractors and volunteers, Natur am Byth has been opening up the delicate, wet, calcium-rich flushes that are home to these rare invertebrate species."

"While many fens suffered over the hot, dry summer, not only did we find healthy numbers of the Black Night-runner and Six-spotted Cranefly at Cors Geirch this year, but we also discovered this wonderful and rare species of moth."

"At least 80 per cent of UK peatlands have been lost or damaged, meaning rare species that depend on specific habitats like this struggle to survive."

"But with careful management, these important fen sites can be managed and maintained so that future generations can continue to make new discoveries."