Amateur naturalist finds previously-unknown moth

The "micro" moth, whose wingspan is 6mm (0.24 inches), was discovered in Hembury Woods in Devon by local naturalist Bob Heckford who noticed tell-tale signs of "mines" dug through the leaves of oak saplings.

The new species has not been found anywhere else in the world and has been named Ectoedemia heckfordi after Mr Heckford.

One of the specimens has been acknowledged as the "type" for the species, against which future finds will be compared. Because of the discovery's importance a specimen has been sent to the Natural History Museum.

The amateur naturalist has found other micro-moth species which were previously unknown in the UK. In 2006 , on National Trust land in south Devon, he turned up an oil beetle which was thought to be extinct in the British Isles.

Mr Heckford said: "For most of my life I've had a passion for the natural world and been privileged enough to have beautiful wild places on my doorstep.

"Discoveries, however great or small, are deeply rewarding and vital to our understanding of an ever-changing world.

"Hembury Woods holds a rich seam of natural treasures, and I'm sure that there are yet more wonders to be uncovered."

The woods, near Buckfastleigh, are full of wildlife, with the River Dart running through dense oak woodland.