RARE moths have been successfully bred at the butterfly house in Moss Bank Park -- the first time in the British Isles this year.

The endangered Madagascan Moon Moths were mated at Animal World and should help keep the species going.

But the huge moths, which have a 20cm wingspan, have an incredibly short life of just one week.

Experts say it is amazing that they have been bred in captivity.

Because of the short life span it is difficult to have a male and female together at any one time.

Children and visitors can go along to the butterfly house to see the stunningly beautiful creatures.

They can see for themselves the amazing life story of the moths as they grow from eggs to caterpillars to cocoons before the adult moth emerges for just seven days.

The lavae eat sweet chestnut while the adults' favourite dish is a nice eucalyptus leaf.

The pair, which have laid 110 eggs, were themselves hatched from cocoons imported from Madagascar.

Bolton Council cabinet member for culture, Cllr John Byrne, trumpeted the success as a coup for Bolton.

He said: "This is an example of the dedication and commitment that goes into caring for the animals and butterflies at Animal World.

"It is also an ideal opportunity for people to see rare species of animals within a safe and supervised environment."

The successful breeding forms part of the world-wide efforts to save the species from the threat of extinction.