There has never been a book of Scottish moths. This book covers the larger species traditionally known as macromoths. All those with at least one acceptable Scottish record in the wild are included, currently totalling 577 species. Unproven claims and adventives are listed. Comprehensive references are given. Wherever possible, images show actual Scottish examples. Some historic specimens are illustrated for the first time.
Resident species and regular migrants receive a full account including a distribution map and a flight histogram, based on records in Butterfly Conservation’s National Moth Recording Scheme. Abundance trends are shown. As far as possible these data are complete to the end of 2022 and include significant records from 2023. The maps show distribution increases for these seven years since the UK Atlas.
The effects of climate change have been particularly apparent in Scotland, resulting in dramatic range extensions and species gains, counterbalanced by declines. The wider European and even global significance of various Scottish species is discussed.
"At first glance this book might appear to be simply an atlas of Scottish macro-moths and, indeed, like a typical atlas each species is dedicated half a page with a photo and a map alongside some brief text. To call this simply an atlas, however, would be an injustice and there is much here beyond ‘dots on maps’. [...] This is the first book dedicated to Scottish moths and the author’s combined experiences have clearly contributed greatly, with much of the information collated here for the first time. The authors have taken care to use their words wisely and, rather than repeating information found in field guides and other publications, the accounts focus on the Scottish habits of each moth. [...] For anyone with an interest in the moths of Scotland, this book would be a worthwhile investment. Even beyond those moth enthusiasts who live in Scotland, this book should appeal to those who visit regularly from other parts of Britain and Ireland, providing interesting information and deepening the appreciation for those moths seen north of the border."
– David Hill, British Wildlife 36(5), April 2025
"This is the first book specifically on Scottish moths. [...] The [author profiles] clearly explain why the two authors, given at least 50 years of combined experience, are so well placed to produce such a volume, not least Roy's particular interest in species' ecology and Mark's talent for collating and presenting data [...] As a well and truly ensconced southerner who only occasionally ventures north, this is an invaluable book that should help avoid potential recording blunders. However, this book is far more than that, being an incredibly useful and thoughtfully laid out snapshot of the state of Scotland's moth fauna [...] Quite simply, recommended"
– Mark Parsons, Atropos 73, July 2024