MOTH TRAPPING
Because most moth species only fly at night they are seriously overlooked. Moths have a far greater diversity than their showy cousins the butterflies and are every bit as beautiful. Fortunately most night flying moths are attracted to light. This behavioural trait is legendary. This allows us to easily catch, survey and identify these enigmatic insects with the use of a light trap. Moth traps are available to buy ready made for the purpose but I chose to make my own.
The trap I use the most is fitted with a UV (ultra violet) low energy bulb. The type used in night clubs to make your white shirt shine purple. Because this bulb gives off very little white light it does not disturb the neighbours sleep and make my garden look like a floodlit stadium. It is also cheap to run and reasonably effective at luring moths. See fig 1 below.
The other trap has a MV (mercury vapour) bulb, this is the bulb of choice for the dedicated moth enthusiast. It gives off an intense light and is very effective at luring moths, sometimes from quite a distance. I only use this when the weather conditions are good for trapping and I have the time in the morning to deal with a large catch. It is also the trap used when on field trips. Both traps use the same bottom half, which is only a receptical containing old egg cartons to provide the catch with resting places. See fig 2 below.
Below is the basic plans for my home made moth trap. This trap has work successfully for a number of years and is the trap I have taken to France several times. The bulb fitted is a compact UV lamp, part no. L31AF ES available from Maplin electronics.(Maplin website). Recently I have changed to a more powerful version of this bulb which you can get from BLT Direct. Because they are used outside both these traps are plugged into a circuit breaker for safety, which is to be highly recommended.
Skinner. 
Waring.
Both the above books can by purchased from Amazon.(Amazon UK)
Please see my links page for moth and butterfly identification sites. For mothing equipment try.(Anglian Lepidopterist Supplies)
Link to patch list with links to details and photos
Contact the Webmaster Top of page
Last updated 24.4.2007
James Payne 2007
The other trap has a MV (mercury vapour) bulb, this is the bulb of choice for the dedicated moth enthusiast. It gives off an intense light and is very effective at luring moths, sometimes from quite a distance. I only use this when the weather conditions are good for trapping and I have the time in the morning to deal with a large catch. It is also the trap used when on field trips. Both traps use the same bottom half, which is only a receptical containing old egg cartons to provide the catch with resting places. See fig 2 below.
 Fig 1. |
 Fig 2. |
Below is the basic plans for my home made moth trap. This trap has work successfully for a number of years and is the trap I have taken to France several times. The bulb fitted is a compact UV lamp, part no. L31AF ES available from Maplin electronics.(Maplin website). Recently I have changed to a more powerful version of this bulb which you can get from BLT Direct. Because they are used outside both these traps are plugged into a circuit breaker for safety, which is to be highly recommended.
In addition to the traps the only other equipment required are some pots to keep any specimens in and as there are something like 900 species of large 'macro' moths in the UK, a good field guide is required if you want to put names to your catch, most of us do. Moths awaiting identification are best kept in clear plastic pots in the fridge. The lower temperature reduces their activity levels and they will last several days like this until ready for release. There are 2 superb identification guides available for macro moths, the long time standard 'The Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles' by Bernard Skinner and an excellent new guide by Waring, Townsend and Lewington 'Field guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland. Both of these guides cover the macro moths only. The small or micro moths are best left to the serious enthusiast as there are around 2000 different species in the UK. You may also notice a net present, mostly used for butterflies but can be useful as some moths are reluctant to enter the trap. For trapping away from home a small generator is required. I use a Wolf 950 a cheap 2 stroke generator, but if you can justify the cost the Honda generators are the preferred choice.
Skinner. Waring.
Both the above books can by purchased from Amazon.(Amazon UK)
Please see my links page for moth and butterfly identification sites. For mothing equipment try.(Anglian Lepidopterist Supplies)
My garden list for macro moths currently stands at over 200 species. The patch has had over 300 species recorded in it. Please see my list pages for a comprehensive list of the species that have occured.
The patch moth list provides links to photos of many of the species trapped in the area.
The patch moth list provides links to photos of many of the species trapped in the area.
Link to patch list with links to details and photos
Contact the Webmaster Top of page
Last updated 24.4.2007