How could I survey moths on my farm?

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How could I survey moths on my farm?

farm-advice 10 Jan 2006, 9:34 AM

Could someone please tell me where I could buy a Moth trap – and which is best? Also, is there a book that covers british moths?

Anon

Re: How could I survey moths on my farm?

farm-advice 10 Jan 2006, 10:51 AM
The best place for moth trapping equipment is Anglia Lepidopterist Supplies (type this in on an Internet search engine). They stock the full range of moth trapping gear, from the smaller 'Heath' traps to the larger, more powerful 'Robinson' type. Heath traps often attract less overall numbers of moths (good for a novice like me, who has to go to work !), whereas at peak times, numbers attracted to the Robinson traps can be truly stunning. The guys at ALS will give you more advice.
 
As to literature, the 'bible' for many years was 'Moths of the British Isles' by Bernard Skinner, though this has been recently 'over-taken' (purely a personal view !) by 'Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland' by Waring, Townsend and Lewington. The illustrations in this book are incredible, and have made 'mothing' more accessible to the likes of me. There are more specialist books on the micro-moths, though if you are anything like me, it is enough of a challenge to identify the macros initially.
 
Matt Willmott (RDS Warks)

Re: How could I survey moths on my farm?

alauda26 10 Jan 2006, 11:32 AM
I think Alana Ecology are also pretty good in the breadth of equipment they can sell.  Check their website to see loads of different moth traps - which one is best for you will probably depend on where and how often you want to use it etc. http://www.alanaecology.com

Re: How could I survey moths on my farm?

Mothman01 17 Jan 2006, 8:56 AM

With reference to surveying moths, there may be a few factors that you may need to consider. 

1)Are you planning to trap in your garden or over the whole farm? This will impact on the number of traps required. 2) Are the trap/s being left overnight and the catch examined in the morning or are you remaining with the trap ? The latter is unlikely but it does happen. 3)Is the use of bright light likely to annoy any neighbours or motorists?  4) Are the traps going to be used in remote locations?

If the trap/s are being left overnight and the catch examined the next morning the two two traps that I would recomend are the Robinson and the simple Skinner traps. The latter is not as effective at retaining moths for long periods but will attract them in the same quantity as the Robinson and is considerably cheaper. Point 4 will have a significant impact on the type of trap you can use. Only the Heath traps can be used with a 12v battery, with any degree of effectiveness. The other, larger traps require mains electricty or a generator. Leaving a generator running overnight may raise the issue of noise and certainly leaves them vulnerable to theft.