The MothsIreland dataset has been recently updated and now contains just over 1.2 million records, making it the largest dataset on Biodiversity Maps. MothsIreland is a group of experts who maintain one of Ireland’s largest datasets of species observations submitted to them by an extensive network of recorders spread across the country.
This dataset now contains a staggering 1,255,377 records, of 1,497 species ranging from 1840 to the present day. The compilation and management of this huge dataset is all done on a voluntary basis by the experts involved, and it has resulted in a huge step forward in the knowledge of moth distribution in Ireland. All the data and associated information can be viewed on the MothsIreland’s own website at http://www.mothsireland.com/. Publishing the dataset through Biodiversity Maps brings the added value that moth data can now be viewed in association with other species data, and it is freely available to be used in decision-making. The dataset can be viewed on Biodiversity Maps athttps://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/Dataset/143.
The National Biodiversity Data Centre also supports MothsIreland by ensuring any moth data submitted through Ireland’s Citizen Science Portal is provided to MothsIreland to add to its database. The Moths recording form on the Citizen Science portal can be found here: https://records.biodiversityireland.ie/record/moths#7/53.455/-8.016. The most commonly recorded moth species so far in 2022 is the ‘White Ermine’ with 428 sightings to date (cover photo; photo credit Oisín Duffy). Other moth species also recorded are the Elephant Hawk-Moth (pictured right), Angle Shades and Large Emerald.
