Moth Trap: my "Really Userful" guide

 Making a moth trap is a pretty easy project

 

I think I've illustrated this in a few old posts.

But recently someone asked about making the one I use, so here is a slightly better write up.

Moths in Bognor

This is our first summer in our new house by the seaside!

 

We have been using our DIY moth trap to sample the local population of moths.

It was a slow start, but now looking very positive.

My 'Cardboard Box' Moth Trap

I was wondering whether the clear plastic/glass panels in a typical Skinner trap were really necessary.

 

This led to a few experiments, and then to the construction of a simple cardboard moth trap...

...which is probably the cheapest DIY moth trap design imaginable!

Moth Trap: mark II

Now that it has finally stopped raining, its time to get the moth trap out.

 

But wait, I've had a idea for a better design.

So here is my mark II.

A simple Moth Trap

There are thought to be over 2500 species of moth in the UK.

Inspired by a friends mercury vapour illuminated Skinner moth trap, I decided to knock up a quick & cheap imitation.

So my design mostly uses bits & pieces that I found in my garage.

The Moths are back!

It's that time of year again, when Emperor Moths emerge from their cocoons, and ours have been doing just that.

They appear to be about 10 days later than last year (just like the blue tits) but this weekend a female emerged first, followed by a bunch of guys and gals.

I think we have also found a way to hurry them along.

Our Emperor Moths Emerge

A couple of years ago, Lady B was given a few Emperor Moth eggs which she put into a tupperware container.

Once hatched, she fed the caterpillars each day, and safety stored the pupae away in the garage over winter.

We have just been through this cycle once again, and this week the moths started to emerge from their cocoons.