Trapping moths at night

Natural history book seller NHBS Ltd also sells moth traps similar to the Robinson-type trap my friend Rob built way-back-when (2006, actually). I’ve sited his homemade trap in my garden in the hope of seeing a few creatures of the night in the morning. Of course, this process is one of scientific observation and interest, we’re not trapping them to kill them, once caught and observed they are released back into the wild of the back garden. Meanwhile, the NHBS blog – The Hoopoe – has a few tips on setting up and using a trap, which I’ve cribbed and adapted below. Buff Ermine moth Site your trap in a garden with lots of nectar-rich native plants, preferably species that open their flowers at night and on which moths like to feed: night-scented stock, evening primrose, honeysuckle, nicotinia. In September and October ivy blossom can provide an abundant source of nectar for many species of moth. Opt for a brighter mercury vapour bulb rather than an actinic type lamp if you can as this will attract more moths, although the bright mercury bulb might annoy neighbours that overlook your garden and it also needs protecting from the rain as it glows hot and could shatter. Your mileage may vary, Rob caught a lot of moths with his actinic lamp. However, NHBS suggest that you might trap 500-1000 moths with a mercury-bulb trap. Cloudy, warm, and moonless nights are best, Don’t set your trap on a cold, clear night, especially after a warm spell, as ther...
Source: David Bradley Sciencebase - Songs, Snaps, Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Moths Sciencebase Source Type: blogs