Giant moth discovered in Ramsbottom back garden (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Giant moth discovered in Ramsbottom back garden

3:30pm Thursday 25th October 2012 in News

A GIANT foot-long moth usually found in far east countries like the Philippines and Borneo has been found in Ramsbottom.

The Giant Atlas moth was discovered in the garden of the Blackmore family, and has now taken up residence at Animal World, in Moss Bank Park, Bolton.

Since moving the moth has also laid eggs, which have hatched into caterpillars. Mark Lightowler, manager of Animal World, said: “The moth was found in the backyard of a house in Ramsbottom.

“It must have escaped from a private collection. The family contacted Animal World and I could not believe they had found a Giant Atlas moth in their backyard. Things like this just don’t happen.

“It is just amazing and I am staggered that it has laid eggs too.”

The moth was brought to Animal World in a large container on the advice of Mr Lightowler in mid-August and two weeks ago the caterpillars hatched and now each measure five inches.

Mr Lightowler added: “Often when people see a Giant Atlas moth they don’t believe they are real because of their size. This moth would just not be able to survive in the wild and for it to have remained alive is amazing.”

Visitors are invited to see the new attraction to the butterfly house.

Animal World Conservation Project, which saved the popular attraction from closure, is manned by volunteers who help feed and clean the animals as well as undertake general maintenance jobs.