Moth trapping is a great was to learn about moths, identify them and release them back in to the wild unharmed.
Why not join us for a late night experience with Derbyshire Moths.
As most Moth species are largely nocturnal in their habits, we seldom come into contact with Moths, except perhaps at the kitchen window, in our car headlights, whilst gardening, or by way of the small little brown “Clothes Moths” usually found in the house.
The best way to learn more about these fascinating insects is through the use of a Moth Trap. By using a special Mercury Vapour Light Bulb or Actinic Light Bulb orTube, coupled with a square wooden box and some egg trays, Moths are attracted to the ultraviolet light and fall into the Trap-Box where they remain roosting until the next morning. Once the Moths have been trapped they can be photographed and identified to species before being released safely and unharmed back into the garden.
Moth Trapping is a fascinating and very addictive hobby and has become an increasingly popular hobby. An awful lot of interesting information is now being gathered about the distribution and habits of Moths in the UK. Some species are in rapid decline, whilst others that were once rare, have now re-colonised areas and are on the increase. Moths also migrate and it is only by the use of Moth Traps that this phenomenon has been discovered. It is only through people trapping Moths and sending in their records to local Butterfly and Moth Societies, that this evidence in the increase and decline of species is being recognised.
In Britain there are approximately 2,500 species of Moths and Butterflies that have been recorded and all but around 50 are Moths. To acquire a thorough knowledge of all the species requires time, enthusiasm and dedication, however don’t be put off, above all the aim is to have fun and many species can be trapped in ones own garden! There are several good books on Moth identification and no end of information on the Internet.
Most Moths are on the wing in their adult form, between March and October. The most productive period is between May to late August. It is interesting to discover that different species fly at different times of the year so species on the wing in April to May are not seen again until the following year.
Moths are very often colourful and attractive insects and are not the boring and dull brown things that most people would imagine. Wait until you catch an Elephant Hawkmoth, then you will realise what I mean!
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