Moth Trapping & Catch Release

TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED

Organised by the Derbyshire Moth Group

Moths come in all shapes, sizes and colours and that is what makes them so amazing. You can get really tiny ones known as micros and the larger ones called macros. Macros are a lot easier to identify so it is best to start with them. There are over 2500 moths found in the British Isles so it is great hobby to have as there are always new finds.

Groups use moth traps to study moth populations, behaviour, distribution, and role in ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecological monitoring efforts.

A moth trap is not as sinister as it sounds as no moths are actually harmed in the trapping process. It is essentially a bright light with a bucket that the moths fall in. Then in the bucket you place egg boxes for them to rest and sleep on. The light is left on overnight in order to attract as many moths as possible. Then in the morning you come to the trap and open it up and see what you have. That is part of the joy; it is like opening presents at Christmas as you never know what you might have. The best weather for moth trapping tends to be cloudy as this means there is no moon. A slight breeze is needed so the pheromones of the moths get wafted around and finally quite warm in order to make the moths active.