Updated 01 Jun 2011

Moths caught at Bear Mead

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Moths caught at Bear Mead

Robinson moth trap

Trapping Moths

A 600 watt 230volt generator was used, driving a Mercury vapour lamp in a Robinson Moth Trap. The trap was placed in position and turned on at 2100 hours on 27 May 2011, located in the centre of a young oak plantation with foot-high grass. Weather was overcast, cool and windy, but no rain. The generator ran out of fuel around 0200 hours, and was found empty in the morning. The catch of moths was taken to BioBlitz HQ at Corfe Mullen village Hall, and moths identified by Bob Steedman on 28 May. The low catch was attributed to the cold and time of year. **Photo copyright of Bob Steedman 2011
600 watt Generator

01.Common Swift.
Korscheltellus lupulina
02. ---
Celypha lacunna
03. Cinnabar**.
Tyria jacobaeae
04. Clouded border**.
Lomaspillis marginata

06. White Ermine.
Spilosoma lubricipeda

07. Heart and Dart.**
Agrotis exclamationis

08. Light brown apple.**
Epiphyas postvittana

09. Marbled minor**.
Oligia strigilis

10. Middle-barred minor.
Oligia fasciuncula

11. ---**
Nematopogon swammerdamella

12. ---
Psuedargyrotoza conwagana
13. Shoulder-striped
wainscot**.
Mythimna comma

14. Timothy tortrix**
Aphelia paleana

15. Treble lines**
Charanyca trigrammica

    Hints and Tips.
  1. The majority of adult moths are nectar feeders, so site your trap in areas full of native plants. Make your garden into a wildlife haven and you’ll hopefully see a big increase in moth numbers. You may have to accept increased damage to your plants as you should avoid the use of pesticides.
  2. Improve the attractiveness of your garden by using plants that release their strongest scent during the evening, such as nicotinia and night-scented stock or honeysuckle.
  3. Cold, clear nights (especially following a period of milder weather) will reduce the numbers of moths available for trapping. Cloudy, warm nights are best, especially as it tends to be darker on cloudy nights and so less light pollution will be competing with the trap light.
  4. Avoid trapping on bright nights with a full moon or near other sources of light, e.g. street lamps.
  5. Avoid windy or wet nights as moths are less inclined to fly and to avoid damage to the trap.
  6. If air masses are moving up from the South, southern coastal areas of the UK may see increased numbers of migrants being blown over from the continent.
  7. Peak mothing months are July and August. However, moths may be seen in substantial numbers at other times of the year, especially in rural areas.
    [From NHBS]

Compiled, formatted, hyperlinked, encoded, and copyright © 2011, John Palmer, All Rights Reserved.