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
I know, I know.... I only trapped a couple of nights ago.. Ordinarily I wouldn't normally trap 2 sessions so close together, and I also don't like to do it on a night before work.
But I've got to be honest, I really enjoyed the last session. It was the first time since last July that I had done any Moth Trapping, and even though I only saw 1 tiny little moth, I was buzzin' afterwards. Last night I checked the weather forecast and realised that conditions were expected to be better this time around, and due to working from home today, I knew I would have a bit more time in the morning to go through the trap and tidy it away.
Would I get better results tonight? There was only one to find out...
Date: 12th March 2022
Weather:
Highs of 12C, definitely feeling warmer. Some of the first spring flowers are opening around the garden which is a sign that Spring has finally started. Last time there was clear skies which meant it turned chilly overnight, tonight however has some cloud forecast, which helps keeps the temperatures more consistent. Another improvement was also much lighter wind conditions. Moths don't mind flying in cold or rain, but they really hate wind!
Results: 2 moths of 2 species
Summary of Results:
As you can already see, I did do better this time. Dusk fell around 6pm, and after I checked the trap I went and sat back inside. In the summer I will stand and watch, but its too cold at this time of year.
Early Grey - Xylocampa areola
After 8pm, I popped outside to have a look spotted this little chap sat on the tree stump next to the trap... huzzah! its an Early Grey, I quickly potted him before he flew away. Thats a good start, I knew conditions were better tonight!
I had a quick peep inside the trap but there was nothing else, so I took my prize back inside.
At 11pm I decided to have another peek before heading to bed, I took the lid of, and took the egg cartons out one by one... Lo and behold I found another!
Common Quaker - Orthosia cerasi
This species are very common this time of year, and I expected to find both of these in the next couple few weeks. Although common, they are still lovely to see.
On that note, I'd best go inside and head up to bed. I will leave the trap on overnight, and check it at first light tomorrow.
And in the morning I found....
....an empty trap!
Oh well, looks like nothing else appeared overnight, or maybe they all flew away before I woke up.
To be fair, I woke up at 6am and already the sun was coming up. Ideally I should check it while it still dark, I'll make a note to check the sunrise time for future reference lol
But still seeing 2 different species was nice, and that takes me up to a grand total of 3 for the year.... yeah I know super impressive haha!
Bonus pictures for this week:
What I really wanted was to get a nice picture of both of them together, but I had forgotten our awkward they can be. The Common Quaker (brown moth) was so tired it look like it had fallen asleep, and the Early Grey was wide awake and whizzing all over the place
Finally, both in an interesting position, I would have liked both to be in focus, but I was running out of time so that'll do!
A quick look at the weather forecast shows potentially good conditions next week with fine, dry and warm weather on the way, so I guess I'll see you then.
Notes on Pictures: Since I started moth trapping 4 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
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