Sharing the results from my latest Moth Trap Session. I have written posts about setting up a moth trap and on collecting the results if you want some more background info on how and why I use a Moth Trap
Date: 20th June 2024
Weather:
Its been a couple of weeks weeks since the last session. The poor weather of the last 6-8 weeks seems to have picked up this week, which is really useful as I am on Holiday this week, woohoo!
As part of that week off, we have been to various nature reserves in the local area (a quick summary can be seen HERE). I've been busy at home as well, using the time away from work to catch up on other chores.
Buddleia in full bloom
But don't you worry! I've had one eye on the weather all week, and tonight looks to be one of the best of the whole week. Its been warm and humid for the last 4 days, there has been no rain although we do keep getting warnings for thunderstorms. The wind has finally died away to a very slight breeze, and there appears to be some cloud cover to help keep the night time temps from dropping too quickly...
Red Valerian also in flower
There are also plenty of flowers open which will attract the moths (its not just bees by the way, loads of different species of insects, including moths, flies and wasps pollinate flowers). I will be checking these later on after dark to see what species are feeding. I fully expect to see various Noctuid species on the Buddleia, and Silver Y's whizzing around the Valerian
In short, I'm very optimistic for tonight's session!!
Right then, enough waffle...
Lights on, pots at the ready... Here. We. Go!
Results: 53 moths of 22 species
TABLE
Summary of Results:
Well, the conditions gave me cause to be optimistic, and seeing the white sheet with plenty of small flies on was also a good sign, as it shows there is very little wind about, and thus more likely I will see some moths...
...despite this, it was still slow going out there tonight.
I did manage to see some moths nectaring on the flows as I predicted earlier.
There were no Silver Y's to be seen, but this yellow/green Brimstone Moth was pictured feeding on the Red Valarian
On the Buddleia there were at least 10 Large Yellow Underwings feeding on the purple flowers
There was also a Yellow Shell, but as I tried to take a photo he flew over to the overside of the garden and landed on the fence... that'll do, I will take his picture anyway haha
Other than that though, there was a handful of different species attracted to the light trap itself. It was slow going, but by the time I turned the trap off at 1AM*, I had enough species to have made the session worthwhile
*I would have kept it going for longer, but I need to be up early in the morning as we are heading out to another local Nature Reserve... I do need to try to be sensible!
Below are some of the more notable records
Barred Yellow
Green Pug
Shears Moth
Green Oak Tortrix
I have seen literally hundreds of these out an out in various reserves over the past week, it was only fair that I get to see some of these at home too!
And of course I've got to end on the Elephant Hawkmoth, one of my fave species to see, and mostly as they are the complete opposite of 'brown and boring' that many people assume moths to be.
So, in conclusion, this session has been long overdue... I've struggled to catch many at all in recent weeks, and this session is a very positive step in the right direction, not just in volume of moths (53) but in actual species too at 22.
I can go to bed happy now!
In fact I deffo do need to go to bed, Its currently 1:30AM, and My alarm is going to go off at 7:30AM!! 😄
What will happen in the next session? Will it be busy and chaotic? Will it be quieter? Will I find something new to record?
Well, once again, there is only one way to find out!
Notes on Pictures: Since I started moth trapping 5 years ago, I have been slowly building up collection of Library Images. The idea being that once I have taken a picture of a particular species of Moth, I don't need another picture of the same species a year later. It’s a waste of time and energy. I only take pictures of new species, or of moths that are difficult to ID, so I can get the records verified.
While in my care, all individuals are looked after, and after Photographs have been taken, they are all released safely outside.
All names confirmed and checked via Wikispieces
Further Research from UK Moths and NatureSpot
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unless otherwise stated.Check out my website for more of my work.