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: 23rd May 2025
Weather:
My last trapping session was on the 3rd May, and it will be interesting to see how the season has progressed in the last 3 weeks. In the last post, I mentioned it has been unusually dry and warm, and that weather has unfortunately continued.
I mean, its nice to have dry settle weather, and its made it easier for me getting used to running to work and back, but it is definitely not normal for us in the UK, with the 'driest Spring recorded in the last 80 years'
We are desperate for rain, the farmers need it, and our gardens need it. This time of year should be full of lush, green vegetation, and instead the grass is yellowing, and the plants are wilting
Fortunately, checking the forecast means we are apparently due some actual rain tomorrow, which will be the first bit of significant rainfall in the past 6 weeks. It is due to arrive in the early hours of the morning. I'm not entirely sure when that will be though, so will need to pay attention to the conditions.
Factor that in with the days lengthening (and so the sun setting later and later) and there's not going to much time to actually run the session. At this point its nearly 9pm, and still light out
However, it has been 3 weeks since the last session, so I'm still hopeful of seeing some new faces this time :-)
Lights on, pots at the ready... Here. We. Go!
Results: 33 moths of 20 species
Summary of Results:
So... eventually, the dusk arrived at 9:30pm, and nightfall arrived at 10pm, and so I was eventually able to get the session underway. The temperature was already dropping sharply, but despite this, moths were quickly attracted to the trap and I saw plenty of activity early on
Common Marbled Carpet - Dysstroma truncata
There were 2 of these Common Marbled Carpets, along with other members of the Geometidae family: Garden Carpet, Yellow Shell, and a pair of Brimstones
All of these are super common of course, but still a welcome sight as most of them were the first records for this year. It was definately a night for to get my first sightings for lots of different species. I spotted a Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis) resting on the outside of the trap, and then when I took a quick look inside the trap itself, I found a Spectacle
Spectacle - Abrostola tripartita
This moth might look fairly dull and nondescript from a top view, but when you look at it head on, you can see 2 large black circles on the top of its thorax, which look like spectacles
Front view showing where the name comes from!
Spectacle - Abrostola tripartita
The night was passsing quickly, and I was still adding more names to the list... I could tell it was a good night with regards to the weather, as it resulted in several 'micro-moths' appearing.
These are generally smaller than the rest of the moth species, and often just 1cm in length. I find they are more likely to be affected by poor weather conditions (especially strong/blustery winds)
They were out in good numbers tonight, and all 4 of the below species were first records of each for this year:
Hedya nubiferana
Celypha lacunana
Chrysoteuchia culmella
Epinotia bilunana
Out of all of these, the best record was the Epinotia bilunana, as its a species I've only seen once before, and I think its pale, subtle markings make it look quite interesting and distinctive
I was having a blast while recording all of the various moths, and so it was such a shame when, at 12:10am, rain began to fall.
It was forecast, but still a little disappointing to for the session to have only lasted 2 hours!
I knew it was going to become much heavier as well, so I had no option but to turn the trap off, release all the moths I had caught, and bring everything inside. It had been a productive session with 20 species seen, and definitely worth the effort in running the session.
The rain lasted all night, and was much needed. In fact, as I finish up writing this report, it has just strted to rain again for a 2nd night straight which is a relief. The rain is not just good for the plants though, as other wildlife process rely on the weather too i.e. dry weather equals hard soil, and affects the emergence of the moths from their cocoons. And that means that in another couple of weeks I will hopefully be able to see even more new species
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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Rain is delightful, but not always timely. What a beautiful photo shoot you pulled off...some moths seem to be trailing a long lace dress.
Rain is very much needed at the moment, but yes, timing could have been better!
Yep, its one of the reasons I enjoy looking for moths, so many different species, and so many different sizes, shapes, colours and patterns to appreciate!
Hello dear friend! always im glad to see you here sharing your content and terrific photography work! Beautiful photos, even if the session was not long enough as you expected, you were able to collect information 😀
it certainly was not a wasted session like you say, still managed to get more records added.
I do wonder what else could have appeared if I'd managed a further couple of hours, but will hopefully get a 'full' session the next time :-)
You sure got a lot! My pick is Chrysoteuchia culmella because it’s so odd looking. But I like the patterns on the Celypha lacunana. Looking forward to the next batch…
excellent choice! I also like the patterning on the Celypha lacunana as well.
After 8 weeks of practically no rain, I'm relieved to report that we've now finally had 3 straight days of rain, with more on the way, which will help make the next batch bigger and better!
We're honored to have you here! We love your posts. By the way, thank you so much for delegating and trusting in the project.😃
You're very welcome :-)
To be honest, I thought I was already delegating, so have corrected that!
I see you've been working on this topic for a long time. Out of curiosity, have you noticed any changes in the morphology of moths between summer and winter?
There are many differences between Summer and Winter. Winter species are generally darker, browner and 'plainer' than the summer species, and of course there is much fewer adult moths active and flying during the winter
I've not noticed any changes in that respect, but I've only been doing this recording for 5 or 6 years, so not really enough time for me to notice any changes in trends.
When I talk to more experienced recorders (30 years+) they talk about the change in numbers (lots of species are in decline, just like other animals/ecosystems around the world). They also mention the seasons are changing and so the weather is happening earlier than usual. For example, our Winters are becoming milder, and our Springs seem to be starting earlier, so that certain species are appearing earlier in the year.
These changes are worrying, because the ecosystem is very finely balanced, and even small changes and affect that balance
Well, I imagine the same thing as diurnal butterflies: many populations are being affected by climate change. 6 years seems short, but it's a long time!
It is a fact that when we make a strong intention to do any work and give it time, the things that come after it start to become easier for us.