University of Northampton student rediscovers moth species unseen locally for over 80 years
Jamie Waller's summer research uncovered the Hollyhock Seed Moth at Delapré Abbey
A University of Northampton student has rediscovered a rare moth species that hasn’t been recorded in Northamptonshire for more than 80 years.
Jamie Waller, a final-year Biological Sciences student, spotted the elusive Hollyhock Seed Moth during a summer research project at Delapré Abbey, a heritage site in Northampton. Her study aimed to ethically trap and release moths to identify the insect community, record species present, and assess environmental impacts like temperature, weather, and season.
Over 13 weeks, Jamie identified between 1,300 and 1,500 individual moths using photographs, field guides, and an artificial intelligence identification app. When she logged the data with the Northamptonshire Moth Group, her findings were verified by a local moth recorder, and she realised she had made a historic discovery – the Hollyhock Seed Moth hadn’t been documented in the area since 1940, with only three previous local records dating back to 1906.
“In my research, I committed to photographing every moth I captured to ensure my identifications were as accurate as possible,” Jamie said.
“When I submitted the Hollyhock, an alert popped up to say this species isn’t very often found, and that it might not belong in the area. After speaking with a county moth recorder, my findings were verified, and we were both excited at the news.”
Jamie, who moved to Northampton from Colorado, USA when she was eight years old, has always pursued science as a passion. She transferred to the University of Northampton after studying at another Welsh university due to the course’s flexibility in environmental fieldwork.
Sharing her research experience with her mother, who is also a Biological Sciences graduate, was especially meaningful. Jamie hopes to follow in her mother’s footsteps by working with children in education.
Beyond her dissertation, Jamie’s research emphasises the ecological importance of moths as nocturnal pollinators, which are often overlooked compared to butterflies. Her findings contribute valuable biodiversity data for Northamptonshire and mark her name in local environmental history.
“Moths are often forgotten because people tend to focus on butterflies, but they’re really important pollinators, especially for flowers that open at night,” Jamie said.
“Since beginning this research, I didn’t really appreciate how diverse and beautiful moths are – some of them rival butterflies!
“It feels great to have contributed something to my local town in a field I’m passionate about, and in an area which is so often underappreciated. Through my studies, I’ve discovered a new passion, and I look forward to continuing moth-sighting as a hobby.”
Richard Clinton, Chief Executive of the Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, praised Jamie’s work:
“We have been happy to support Jamie’s research and are delighted with her discovery. At Delapré Abbey, our gardens are more than a beautiful setting—they are a living landscape with a vital role to play in supporting biodiversity.
“We are deeply committed to protecting and enhancing habitats for wildlife, from pollinators to native plant species, ensuring the gardens continue to thrive for future generations while contributing positively to the wider natural environment.”