A Little About Moths
It is grey and cold again (March has struck back today), I’m working nights and have a lot on over the next few days so no getting out and about. However I did do some moth trapping last night.
A Little About Moths
I thought I would take this opportunity to try and spark an interest for those of you who have never looked closely at moths (after all it fits well with my recent theme about encouraging people to take an interest in wildlife). I thought I would share a few photos of the moths I have trapped (and released unharmed) over the years.
Not Grey and Boring
I think all too often moths are seen as dull versions of butterflies and that simply is not true, I hope the photos here will go some way to really dispel that myth, and show some of my readers that moths can be really colourful and amazing to see. And what’s more they are quite easy to see if you know what to do.
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| Early Thorn – Milton Keynes |
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| Small Quaker – Milton Keynes |
Catching Moths
The above Two moths were caught last night (18-03-2014), in my humble Milton Keynes garden (as are pretty much all my moths). So even when you think there will be little about you may be wrong (last night I had 30 moths in my trap). I use a simple light trap (I bought mine but you could make one, or in the height of the season, mid summer, just use a bright torch and a white sheet!), but sugaring or wine rope can be used (a Google search should tell you how to do those as I have never actually done it!). Read my guide on How to Trap Moths for more information.
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| Pink-Barred Sallow – Milton Keynes |
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| Burnished Brass – Milton Keynes |
Autumn Colour
The above two were trapped in Autumn of 2013 (autumnal moths often have more yellow I have noticed, I guess due to leaf colour changes), but look how striking they are, in many ways more beautiful than butterflies (certainly less gaudy than some). But if it is bright and gaudy you are looking for, then how about these:
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| Elephant Hawkmoth – Milton Keynes |
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| Blood Vein – Milton Keynes |
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| Buff Tip – Milton Keynes |
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| Magpie Moth – Milton Keynes |
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| Scarce Silver-Lines – Milton Keynes |
Where to go Next
Many local wildlife groups or parks trusts will hold trapping events that people can come and view, and I would highly recommend this as there are amazing sites out there, you just need to look.
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7 Comments
Amy Lyons
your photographs are absolutely incredible! i'd love it if youd check out my blog and comment back http://amyelizabethfashion.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/vintage-bomber-ootd.html xx
NatureFootstep
wow, lots of great shots of moths. I recognise 3 of them 🙂
AshleyBeolens
Thank you 🙂 I love photographing Moths, when I finally move I will be adding some Bark to my moth photo studio to change up the images a little 🙂
Karen
Wow!! Some real beauties there. Love the details.
AshleyBeolens
It's amazing what you can fins in an ordinary, suburban, garden 🙂
Jonathan
Moths are just amazing! I couldn't believe how colourful they were when I first went moth trapping a couple of years ago. I don't associate the UK with colourful animals, but the moths were stunning. (I'll just dig out the post… here it is: http://inwhichi.weebly.com/-write/moth-trapping)
Lauren
I've never really looked at moths close up but they're fascinating and accessible for everyone to spot. Beautiful photos as always.