While working in Oxfordshire, I have fallen into the nightly ritual of setting a moth trap, each morning bringing a familiar sense of anticipation as I check its contents. Today proved particularly rewarding with the capture of my first Clifden Nonpareil (Catocala fraxini), a species that has long topped my wish list. With an exceptional number of records reported this year, the prospect of encountering one felt tantalisingly close, but the reality exceeded expectations. The moth’s vivid blue hindwings and intricate patterning made for a striking sight, and the record stands as a memorable highlight of my moth-trapping efforts.
This year, IRecord has reported an impressive number of sightings of the Clifden Nonpareil in the UK
My first Clifden Nonpareil
The Clifden Nonpareil is among the largest and most striking moths recorded in the UK. Its name, derived from French, translates as “beyond compare,” an apt description for such a spectacular species. Long thought to have become extinct in Britain by the 1960s, recent records indicate a remarkable resurgence, with the species now confirmed as breeding in parts of southern Britain.
With a wingspan approaching 12 cm, the Clifden Nonpareil is unmistakable. When at rest, it appears sombre, but in flight it reveals a vivid blue band across its black hindwings, earning it the alternative name of Blue Underwing. For many moth enthusiasts, encountering this species represents a truly prized and memorable record.