A RARE moth caterpillar has been found in an area of Darlington that has been developed as a grassland and wildflower meadow.

The chamomile shark moth caterpillar was found by one of the Durham Wildlife Trust team working in South Park, only the seventh recorded in County Durham since 2000 and the first larva to be found in the county since 1977.

The caterpillar was found on a pollinator identification day organised by the Trust as part of the project.

Dave Wainwright, of Butterfly Conservation, identified it.

The site is one included in a project for which the Trust and Darlington Borough Council last year received £22,000 from SITA Trust to create five hectares of species-rich wildflower meadow around Darlington.

Traditional wildflower meadows have been disappearing from our countryside at an alarming rate, 97% have been lost since the end of the Second World War.

The project has resulted in a series of colourful wildflower meadows springing up around the town this summer.

Vivien Kent, Durham Wildlife Trust conservation officer, who is leading the project, said: “There have been large swathes of colour across the town, providing much needed food for bees, butterflies and other insects and enriching the environment for the people of Darlington.

"I think people have really appreciated the sight.

“The discovery of the rare moth caterpillar just goes to show that these kind of species can thrive if you just give them the chance.”

The main species used on the meadows were Agrostemma githago - Corncockle; Anthemis arvensis - Corn Chamomile; Centaurea cyanus - Cornflower; Chrysanthemum segetum - Corn Marigold; Papaver rhoeas - Corn Poppy.

Other meadows were created at West Park, Cockerbeck, Lakeside, Rockwell Park and Wylam Avenue.