Nature

The biggest worry is how the changes in weather will affect the habitats in which species live. Less snow in winter, warmer temperatures in summer and more winter rain will affect wildlife across the board.

Sea level rises will reduce land area in some countries, which will instantly affect vegetation currently used for homes and food by animals.

Automesris banus moth by Yuri Cortez

All forms of life are going to be under threat as habitats change and the climate alters. Plants, insects and fish are going to have to adapt.

In an effort to find out how Manx wildlife has been affected the Government has launched a new initiative.

A recording scheme, run by butterfly conservation, hopes to assess the distribution of moths around the Island.

Syssphinx moth by Yuri Cortez

Moths are crucial for the survival of many bat, bird and mammal species as they are an important part of the food chain. There are over 2,500 species of moth in the UK which is a great many more than the 56 species of butterfly we have. They can be found all over the UK in varying numbers.

Contrary to popular belief moths aren't just restricted to activity during the night, and they're not always drab in colour either. Some moths are day flying and they can come in a great variety of shapes and colours.

Over the past 20 years or so the number of moth species in the UK has risen due to new species coming into the country from overseas. The total number of moths however has dramatically decreased, with many species becoming extinct.

Xylophanes chiron moth by Yuri Cortez

As part of a country wide initiative, the Isle of Man Department of Agriculture is running a workshop day to promote moth recording on the Island.  The event will coincide with on online survey of garden moths across Britain.

Members of public are invited to attend a moth day workshop at Knockaloe on Saturday June 20.  There will also be an evening talk by Zoe Randle called “The Magic of Moths”. 

Dr Richard Selman from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry says the Isle of man has a wide range of moth species, many of them very beautiful.

"Steve Palmer from Butterfly Conservation and a County Recorder for Lancashire, has been invited to provide this course.  No experience is required but booking is essential for the day course."