Comments on: Buying a Moth Trap

By: David Tomlinson

David Tomlinson — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:56:45 +0000

I don’t want to labour the point, but my previous post was a bit terse. I’d hate to influence anyone’s purchasing unjustifiably, so I want to clarify. First, I have not made a direct comparison in my garden between the two types of trap. I don’t believe it is possible to do that on scientific grounds, because if a high wattage MV trap is running concurrently, it will interfere with the trapping capacity of a 22W actinic and comparison on different nights would be invalid for different and obvious reasons, so the only fair comparison would be to run them on different nights over a long period and analyse the results statistically. I haven’t done that. One point of note is that I have had a lot of singletons and these are the more interesting species. So I reason that, if a 125W MV trap picks up single specimens of a number of species and catches a lot more moths overall, then the likelyhood of a 22W actinic capturing representatives of all the species present in the locality is small. Hence, I conclude that the larger light source is better. Local light pollution is definitely a problem in residential areas and will swamp the smaller light source, which is why the actinic does better “out in the country”, where there is less light pollution. My website shows the range of species that I trap – see http://www.davidtomlinsonphotos.co.uk and also has a section on trapping and photographing moths, which might be helpful in choosing a trap and working with it.

By: David Tomlinson

David Tomlinson — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 22:39:03 +0000

I have both a 22W 12V actinic and a 125W mains MV trap (both from Paul Batty). The latter catches ten times as many moths as the former, so if you are looking for a garden trap (i.e. can be mains-driven), it’s a no brainer – 125W MV every time. The comment above suggesting that 50 moths is a good haul – that would be a very bad haul for a 125W MV. At the moment I’m getting 120-150 per night, and it doesn’t take that long to ID them, even if you’re a beginner – half of them are Yellow Underwings and Dark Arches when the numbers are at their peak. The only practical virtue I find with my 22W actinic is that I can take it and run it from the car in isolated places where there is no light pollution; in my garden it’s pretty useless.

By: Dave Bond

Dave Bond — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:39:36 +0000

great post alan

I got given paul’s details by one of the lancashire mothers group a week or so back when attending a moth breakfast in Leigh’s fantastic Pennington flash site.

Have been looking at lots of kit and the cost which can be excessive for a beginner and don’t fancy getting killed by the missus so looking for low cost beginners piece of kit.

Sent paul an email yesterday and got a response this morning. Am thinking of buying the 22w eco trap he has recommended below but will take a look at your link above – great that you can get kit from him a lot cheaper than some of the regular suppliers – can’t wait to have something up and running and sitting out with my id book looking confused – great post – cheers.

http://www.pwbelg.clara.net/mercury/eco20heath/index.html

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 07:49:09 +0000

Hi David,
Glad you like the blog… It makes it all worthwhile.

I had a look at the large Robinson Traps whilst at the North Wales Moth Recorders’ Meeting at the weekend. The do look good, but at a ridiculous price of almost Â£300 its just too much to pay for a plastic tub and some electrical equipment, so I’ll think I’ll stick with my little ‘Gladiator Trap’ for now.

A couple of people I spoke to also said that they get better catches with the actinic lights than the large MV lamps, maybe not always so many moths, but just as large a range of species.

It certainly does the business for me. I wouldn’t mind a portable one now as well though.

Al.

By: David Tomlinson

David Tomlinson — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:35:46 +0000

Congratulations on your blog. It is admirable to do something useful and pleasurable. I am delighted to see the references to Paul Batty. I have one of his traps (funnel design with a Hawk bulb arrangement). It is well-designed and well-made, electrically safe and it works, pulling in more moths than a normal Skinner trap and the design makes for easy handling of trapped moths for photography and ID prior to release. In addition to all these attributes, Paul’s traps are less than half the price of the other commercial outlets.

By: Barbara Storey

Barbara Storey — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:11:35 +0000

Alan

Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I can honestly say your website was a god send when I started the hunt for moth traps a few nights ago – taking advantage of my husband being away on a few days on business. All the different traps seemed a bit confusing but I am now off to order my Gladiator from Paul Batty – 22 kW and we will take it from there. It sounds as though this is a good piece of equipment for a beginner to start with. I know this is not the time of year for moth collecting but I am sure I will not be able to stop my husband setting it up on Christmas Day night to see what he has caught. It sounds like you are having fun with yours and I will certainly share your site with my husband ( Mike)once he has had his Christmas surprise. There is so much interesting and helpful information there. I am feeling rather pleased myself that I have come up with a rather original present this year, which will help with relaxation after the hectic work lives we lead. Mike is a zoologist originally and we are very keen bird watchers but he has always had a great fascination for moths.

Thank you again.

Barbara

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:32:02 +0000

Oh, and I forgot to mention that if you do a search for ‘Moth’ on this site or click on the ‘Moth Tag (https://www.alananna.co.uk/blog/tag/moths/) you’ll find various posts with lists and photos of the moths we have caught in our 22W Gladiator Moth Trap.

Al.

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:25:57 +0000

In reply to Barbara Storey.

Hi Barabra,
I’m still a beginner myself, but have been doing well with the 22W Gladiator trap. I started at th wrong time of the year really, but we did get 50 moths in in one night. Things are a little quieter now, but as a beginner then it is probably best not to get too many moths each night as it takes hours to identify / photograph them all.

I guess it will depend on your situation, how many other lights there are around, suitable habitats etc. but the 22W has been fine for me. The 40W should of course attract more moths and from a greater distance so if funds (and the neighbours) allow I guess that would be the better choice, but your husband will be happy with the 22W I’m sure. I am.

Al.

By: Barbara Storey

Barbara Storey — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:08:20 +0000

On the strength of your website comment,I have just spoken to Paul Batty as I would like to buy my husband a beginners moth trap for Xmas. I am not sure whether to go for Paul’s 22W or 40W modael. I would be interested to know how you are getting on with the Gladiator model that you bought. Is the funnel design good enough for starting off with? Thanks

By: Alan

Alan — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:07:16 +0000

Cool, my moth trap is on its way, just had this from Paul

Received your cheque, thanks. I have built your equipment and just need to pack it tonight and will despatch tomorrow. It should be with you mid to late week, incl. spare tube 🙂

Would be very interested to hear if you manage to trap the Rosy Marsh.