October Moths

I’ve been a bit lax with the moth trap lately. We’ve had visitors, we’ve been away and the weather has been too wet for it to go out so I did virtually no trapping during September.

There was a break in the weather last night though and we were home and had time this morning to go through the trap so out it went for the first of October. There was nothing too exciting in it this morning but more than I was expecting. 9 different species and 44 moths in total.

• 1 x Dark Sword Grass
• 21 x Lunar Underwing
• 4 x Setaceous Hebrew Character
• 9 x Black Rustic
• 2 x Feathered Ranunculus
• 1 x Silver Y
• 2 x Red-line Quaker
• 3 x Beaded Chestnut
• 1 x Dark Arches

But, as promised to Trudie ages ago, here are a couple of photos of the trap itself – In oure spare room rather than in situ in the garden!

As you can see it is quite a simple affair. A medium-sized plastic box with a lid. A circular hole has been cut into the lid into which a funnel is placed and a round Actinic light is placed around the top of the funnel. The moths are attracted to the light, enter the box via the funnel and many of them don’t get back out.

I’m then able to identify them in the morning when most of them are asleep and just sit there on egg boxes allowing you to get a really good look at them. I then let them go at dusk. The books below are essential for identifying them, I find the Waring and Townsend one the best – If buying from Amazon then use the link below as I get some commission then which helps keep this site running! (Thanks).

Of course, if building your own moth trap then be extra careful with the electrics as it is going to be outside in all weather. I bought mine for not a lot more that the raw materials would cost. Take a look here for advice on buying a moth trap.

Tags: Moth Trapping