Current status
The scarce merveille du jour is associated with large pedunculate and sessile oak trees (Quercus robur and Q. petraea). It is thought that the egg is laid and larvae feed in the tree canopy. Emergence from the pupa may be delayed for several years, giving rise to apparent large fluctuations in population size. The ecology of this species is poorly known and the link with large oak trees not fully understood.
This moth is found only in semi-natural ancient woodland with mature oaks within 80 km of the coast. Current strongholds are in Wiltshire, Hampshire and West Sussex, with colonies in East Sussex, Kent, Cornwall and Devon, but it has probably disappeared from Suffolk and Essex. Current population trends may be static, and there may be undiscovered populations in Devon and Cornwall. This moth is widely distributed in Europe as far north as Sweden.
In Great Britain this species is classified as Rare.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Clearance of oak woodlands.
Woodland management leading to the non-replacement of mature oak trees.
Current action
The New Forest is a candidate SAC, Ham Street is a NNR.
The Cornish site is monitored regularly in conjunction with FE and further surveys have been conducted in suitable woodlands.
Objectives for this species
Maintain the range of the scarce merveille du jour.
Proposed action
Monitoring only. It is likely that the scarce merveille du jour may benefit from the action plans for other species of lowland oakwoods, including the light crimson underwing
Catocala promissa and the dark crimson underwing
Catocala sponsa. The requirements of the species should be considered in the implementation of the
lowland wood pastures and parklands action plan.
Local implementation
The following LBAPs are working on Moma alpium:
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume IV: Invertebrates (March 1999, Tranche 2, Vol IV, p416)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species