MOTHS and the varieties that can be found across East Lothian were discussed at a meeting of East Lothian Antiquarian and Field Naturalists’ Society.

Dr Katty Baird, an entomologist from North Berwick, gave a talk on the wonderful world of moths, which, along with butterflies, form the family Lepidoptera.

There are thousands more species of moths than butterflies. They have many benefits, including being nocturnal pollinators and as a food for many species.

A spokesperson for the group said: “Katty spoke of ways in which moths may be caught for study and the wonderful variety of moths that she has found over the years in East Lothian.

“Katty related her work to that of Lady Alice Balfour, the first vice-president of the society, who lived with her brother Lord Arthur Balfour at Whittingehame Hall.

“Over, a period of 69 years, Lady Alice gathered over 8,000 specimens.

“The collection was gifted to the society and it is currently kept at the National Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street.

“A paper on the 'Butterflies and Moths of East Lothian' was published in the Society Transactions.

“Katty spoke of changes to the moth population over the years. There have been various impacts, including housebuilding and other development, changes in agricultural practices, climate change.

“Some species remain the same as in the days of Lady Alice, some species have disappeared and new species have moved in.

“Identification has become easier with the advent of the internet.”

John Hunt thanked Dr Baird for her presentation at Haddington’s Holy Trinity Church.