A RARE BREED of moth has been relocated after a large number were found on a Newport development site.

The Small Ranunculus moths were found on Durham Road in the St Julian's area of Newport and were relocated by reserve manager at Natural Resouces Wales Kevin Dupe.

Mr Dupe deemed the move necessary as the species are being monitored to ensure they maintain an increase by the Biodiversity and Education Team at Newport City Council

Mr Dupe has been working alongside Newport City Council's biodiversity and education officer Natalie Waller to find a reserve near Harlequin Roundabout where these caterpillars can now evolve into the rare moth.

More than 85 caterpillars were found on the development site.

Mr Dupe said: “This new site is great and Newport City Council will now manage the site sympathetically for the Small Ranuculus.”

Durham Road is currently under development by housing association Linc Cymru.

Assistant project manager Graham Jones attended the site with Mr Dupe after being alerted to the possibility of the moths being on the site at Durham Road by Newport City Council.

Mr Jones said: “The site contains a large amount of prickly lettuce, a plant the moths feed on and so it was highlighted that there was a strong possibility the caterpillars would be here.

"I worked with Kevin to ensure he could get on site and create a smooth changeover for the moths to their new home.

"We are pleased that they have now been rehomed and that their population can keep on increasing.”