Rare Species Rediscovered in Hertfordshire: New County Records and Surprising Sightings
August 30, 2026
A biodiversity survey of Hertfordshire nature reserves in late June recorded several notable new county records, including Euides basilinea, a planthopper linked to reeds, marking the first Hertfordshire sighting.
The survey also uncovered Agyneta mollis, a tiny and nationally rare money spider.
The report closes with an invitation for readers to suggest stories related to Beds, Herts, or Bucks.
Jersey Tiger moths, historically associated with the Channel Islands, are being documented further north, and Hummingbird Hawk-moths are being seen more regularly in Hertfordshire.
Arboridia parvula, a leafhopper linked to Common Rockrose, was found in Hertfordshire for the first time since 1976.
Townsend notes that these findings help map species presence, distribution, and responses to environmental changes, informing management of nature reserves to support wildlife.
The leafhopper Zygina hyperici was recorded at Aldbury Nowers near Tring for the first time in the county since 1916.
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BBC News • Aug 30, 2026
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