Hey @matthew_bonn! Welcome to the forum.
I’m by no means experienced in this, and others will be able to provide much better insights, but after some searching, I think I can give a reasonable response. I’ve just started using hyperlinks; you can click on them if you want to look more into what I mention, and I recommend it as I am just a guy who likes looking at bugs, lol.
Using your softbox is a clever idea, and it will work to attract some moths, but it has a few limitations because of how insect vision works. [1, 2]
How the Softbox Will Perform (I think?)
- The Wavelength Problem: Moths are primarily attracted to shorter wavelengths of light, specifically Ultraviolet (UV) and blue light (roughly 345–465 nm). Most standard photography continuous lighting bulbs or LEDs are balanced for daylight or warm studio tones, meaning they intentionally emit very little UV light to keep colors true. While the brightness will still “entrap” nearby passing moths, it won’t draw them in from afar like a specialized bulb. [1, 2, 3, 4]
- The Diffusion Effect: Softboxes are designed to scatter and soften light. For moth attracting, you actually want a point-source of light that cuts through the darkness over long distances. Highly diffused light might limit your effective attraction zone to your immediate backyard. [1, 2]
- The Landing Surface: This is good and will work. The fabric exterior of a zipped softbox is a textured substrate that moths will easily cling to. [1]
If you want to try this out tonight without buying new equipment, or if you want to modify your rig for maximum efficiency, you could try this. (Again, take what I say with a grain of salt, look into what I’m saying, and see what others may say; I just do this stuff for fun.)
1. Swap the Bulb
If your softbox uses a standard E26/E27 screw-in socket (common in continuous lighting kits), do not use your studio bulb. Instead, temporarily swap it out for a CFL Blacklight bulb or a 365nm UV LED bulb. This gives you the best of both worlds: the perfect insect-attracting wavelength inside a ready-made landing structure. [1, 2, 3, 4]
2. Try and remove the Diffusion Panel
Take off the front white translucent sheet. Leave the bulb exposed so its direct rays can radiate outward into the night sky. The silver reflective interior of the softbox acts like a giant flashlight, throwing a powerful directional beam into nearby trees. [1, 2, 3]
3. Protect Your Gear from Moisture (learned my lesson)
Be very careful leaving studio gear outside overnight. Dew and sudden rain can ruin photography electronics or shatter hot non-LED bulbs.
4. The Traditional “Photo Sheet” Alternative
Instead of risking your softbox outside, many entomologist-photographers simply hang a standard white bedsheet over a stand or clothesline and point a bright light or a UV flashlight directly at it. It gives you a flat, clean background that is much easier to shoot macro photos against!