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: 4th May 2024
Weather:
Its been over a month have passed since the last session, and I wasn't really surprised by that to be fair! Its a quiet time of year to see moths and other invertebrates, and the weather has been so cold, wet and windy, that it has not been worth the effort quite frankly!
It does appear to have perked up a little in the past few days, with some actual sunshine, some actual warmth... and most importantly the wind has mostly disappeared. I went for a run earlier this morning, and it was a little dull and overcast, but after lunchtime the sun has come out, and its been a lovely afternoon. I've made the most of it by doing some tidying up in the garden.
The forcast futher up mentions estimated temps of 12C this evening, some patchy cloud cover, and just a light breeze coming mostly from the South.
Its probably the best we can get at this time of year, so I felt it was worth digging the moth trap out for a session tonight.
Oh and for something different, I chose to film myself setting up the trap tonight... enjoy
(apologies for the lack of sound, youtube bitched and moaned about the copyright even though I purposely chose something that was confirmed as royalty free, and I couldn't be bothered to find a different source...)
Anyway...
Lights on, pots at the ready... Here. We. Go!
Results: 11 moths of 6 species
Summary of Results:
Ah ok. So even though the weather has perked up a little over recent weeks, moth numbers still appear to be thin on the ground. I did manage to see some actual moths though, so could've been worse I guess!
It did appear to be a night of Geometridae, with 3 Pugs and a Carpet!
Double-striped Pug - Gymnoscelis rufifasciata
Brindled Pug - Eupithecia abbreviata
Foxglove Pug - Eupithecia pulchellata
Garden Carpet - Xanthorhoe fluctuata
You can all these are closely related, as all 4 look so similar. They are all found in the Larentiinae, which is a sub-family of the larger *Geometridae' family (source)
All 4 species seen tonight are common and widespread, so nothing new here. But, as already mentioned, it is better than nothing. Hopefully it will herald more species appearing over the coming weeks. It is at least beginning to get warmer...
The trap was switched off at 1pm, just purely down to lack of activity. I did think about filming another video, but it would've been dark once I turned the light off. Besides, it will just be a complete reverse of the first one, so wouldn't actually achieve anything lol
All that is left is to type my meagre records up, and look forward to the next trapping session... which will hopefully be next weekend as long as the weather is suitable
What will happen next time? 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.