STAFF at a butterfly sanctuary are keeping a close eye on a VIP visitor.
An unusual species of moth has just been captured for the first time in Bolton.
The Red Sword Grass Moth was spotted by staff at Animal World after becoming caught in the centre's moth trap.
Although the moth is a common visitor to other areas of Britain, it is the first time one has been traced in the Bolton area.
Mark Lightowler, supervisor at Animal World, said the moth is likely to have hatched in June or July this year. He is unable to tell which sex it is but if it is female he hopes it will now breed at the butterfly house after it comes out of hibernation in the spring.
The moth, whose scientific name is Xylena Vetusta, lives in marshland and is usually found in the Yorkshire area.
It was last recorded locally in 1909 when it was spotted in Oldham.
Animal World, managed by the council's commercial services department, is home to about 700 species of butterflies and moths.
The centre is now open Mondays to Thursdays and at weekends between 10am and 3.30pm, and on Fridays from 10am to 2.30pm during the winter period
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