A beginner's guide to spotting and trapping moths

A beginner's guide to spotting and trapping moths

Garden tiger moth ©Margaret Holland

Whether you're an experienced moth enthusiast or simply curious about these incredible insects, spotting and trapping moths is an exciting activity that anyone can enjoy!

Moths are often regarded as bothersome creatures, however they play an important role in the ecosystem from pollinating plants to supporting the food chain, these little creatures quietly make a big impact. As well as this, they come in a huge array of colours, shapes, textures, and sizes!

Moths that can be spotted in London

Moth trapping

Moth trapping isn't harmful it is simply a way of attracting moths so you can view these incredible insects up close!

Here are a couple of ways that you can trap moths!

Make a light trap: Grab a white sheet and a trusty torch. Hang the sheet on your washing line, turn off surrounding lights, switch on the torch, and patiently await the fascinating fluttering guests to arrive!

Transform your bathroom into a moth trap: Turn on the lights in your bathroom and open a window. Close the doors and wait an hour, on warm nights you should have some visitors you can inspect! Remember to catch and release these marvellous moths later on, ensuring their safe return to the night skies!

 

An illustration of how to watch moths

Moth spotting

If you have made your moth trap or simply want to find out what is fluttering around your bedroom at night, you can use this spotter to help identify what moth's you have seen!

An illustrated spotter sheet guide to Moth Identification. Text reads, Moth Identification, the first line of moths is day flying moths, including hummingbird hawk moth, six-spot burnet , Silver Y , Cinnabar, Mint, the second line is night fliers, including, large yellow underwing, heart and day, scalloped oak, angle shades an poplar hawkmoth.

We do hope this guide is helpful to you on your journey of moth discovery. Happy moth-ing!