Current status
This moth is a coastal species which occurs along sandy shingle beaches and on sand hills. It has been recorded regularly since 1980 from just three areas of coast, in Suffolk, Essex and Kent, and may be declining at two of these. Sporadic records from other places suggest that the moth may sometimes be a windblown vagrant. The bright wave moth has also been recorded from Spain, North Africa, central and southern Europe and northern Iran. Little is known about its ecology.
The species is listed as rare in the GB Red List, but may be re-graded as Vulnerable.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Tidal erosion at the Essex sites.
Recreational pressures on upper beaches.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain viable populations within currently occupied areas.
Restore populations to the 1980 distribution, if biologically feasible, by 2010.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
No action proposed.
Site safeguard and management
Encourage appropriate management of all occupied sites, and of suitable sites within the moth’s dispersal range. (ACTION: NE)
Attempt to link up isolated colonies by suitable habitat management between them. (ACTION: NE)
Species management and protection
Following feasibility assessment and identification of suitable sites, seek to restore population to 1980 levels, using re-introductions if necessary. (ACTION: NE)
Advisory
Produce a leaflet on the current status and breeding requirements of the moth for site owners and managers. (ACTION: NE)
Future Research and Monitoring
Conduct research into the habitat requirements, population dynamics and dispersal abilities of the moth to aid conservation management. (ACTION: NE)
Encourage research on the status and distribution of this species on an international level and use the information gained towards its conservation in the UK (ACTION: NE, JNCC)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to JNCC or BRC so that it can be incorporated in national databases. (ACTION: NE)
Communications and Publicity
Promote opportunities for the appreciation and the conservation of the bright wave moth and its habitat. (ACTION: NE)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Local implementation
The following LBAPs are working on Idaea ochrata:
Publication details
Originally published in: Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report - Volume II: Action Plans (December 1995, Tranche 1, Vol 2, p145)