Howdy! This is my first forum topic on here, apologies for any slip-ups. I’ve been meaning to solicit some feedback and advice pertaining to moth trapping. I’ve never done it previously, don’t have any specialized equipment, nor do I have many opportunities to go far at night. I’ve had a lifelong love for nature, particularly Lepidopterans, and the bulk of them have been daytime observations of resting moths. I would like to increase the catalogue of moths I can see! Potentially I can take this information to set up a moth trap in my backyard.
Thus the following are my questions:
Is there any method of trapping that is particularly effective in your experience?
Is there any materials that could be accessible for me, with a low barrier for entry?
I live in an urban area, so I’m concerned if nearby lights would be a greater draw for them than any potential traps I can set up. Is there any method that could attract moths against light pollution?
What is your experience moth trapping in the city and what did you find particularly effective?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I’m not a moth trapper but I know a few people who are. If you need to do it at low cost, pin up a white sheet against the wall and set the strongest lamp you have next to it. It will be competing with lights in the vicinity but you should get something. Have some pots ready to catch them in for identification.
Proper moth traps start at around £125 in UK but that might not get you everything you need - battery and other electrical bits might be extras. See the NHBS website.
A problem with moth trapping in a city is you can attract unwanted attention or annoy your neighbours, especially if you are leaving it on all night. Low-power ultra-violet traps can be best where the site is not secure.
Is there any method of trapping that is particularly effective in your experience?
White sheet strung across an alleyway or tied to a fence/building. UV light hung on line a little in front of it so it reflects of and shines through the sheet.
Is there any materials that could be accessible for me, with a low barrier for entry?
White sheet, macrolens adapter for your phone, UV lights. The whole kit if you don’t have it already can be had for around 50$. Maybe a camping chair, friends, and a cold drink if you want.
I live in an urban area, so I’m concerned if nearby lights would be a greater draw for them than any potential traps I can set up. Is there any method that could attract moths against light pollution?
This is harder to answer without knowing your local area. I’m lucky that there’s an alley that runs along my house and blocks most of the light.
What is your experience moth trapping in the city and what did you find particularly effective?
I live in one of the largest urban areas in the east coast and I have over 150 mostly moth observations after a few summers. You also get a ton of other stuff, in my case mostly trichoptera, chironomidae, and beetles.
Since the city IS a giant moth trap, the only way to separate your attraction from the many sources of light pollution, is to use UV/blacklights and just see what shows up! Choose a spot with a wooded area nearby if you can. Honestly, the experiment itself is good; data is data!
Personally, I’ve not bothered. I’ve discovered certain spots around where I live, which have very “attractive” lights. When conditions are favourable, I walk/drive to each spot and spend a bit of time observing. Its nothing like remote mothing with a proper set-up, but it’s effective. You’d be surprised at the visitors to my local gas station hahaha
In March, I went down to Central America and light trapped there for the first time and you’re right it absolutely doesn’t compare. This summer has been particularly slow, I’m not sure if its the contrast with Central America/insect apocalypse/both
