Mercury Vapor vs Actinic (1 Viewer)

[Steve Arlow]

Looked at the images on the supplied link, simply Wow. How long did it take to process all that lot.

The link to Chris Battys site shows the trap that I have borrowed off a friend. It works fine but but I believe the entance to box is to big and its me positioning the egg boxes inside that are letting the moths get out.

On the note of UV radiation from the bulb I have do tend to be out there a couple of hours with the trap before turning in for the night, the first night stayed out till 3am. Does anyone know if there is significant issues with UV radiation from the bulbs or is it a case of a couple of hours or so every few nights is nothing to worry about.

When I get the cash I will invest in a trap of my own.

cheers again all for the info

 

[Brian Stone]

The trap is currently on until the morning but usually off just before first light, and before I've risen from my pit, so could it be that with the light suddenly not there anymore they are flying/climbing out as dawn approaches.

Even if you are not attending the trap at dawn the light needs to be on until after dawn. Many moths are still active in dusk/dawn light and these will disturb others so you'll lose quite a few.

As Ken says though there really isn't any substitute for being there at dawn yourself as there will be further losses to birds and other wildlife once it's light.

 

[The Hairy Highlander]

Sorry, this is a bit of trivial aside, but I posted this link some years ago and it might amuse you. Just in case you are worried about not retaining enough moths!
Go to:
http://www.entomoafricana.org/engl/defaula.html
then click on 'photo gallery'
and then on 'collecting', then the 'night trap' link, then the top place...
and look at the photos - with not a Robinson or even a Skinner in sight!
Ken

That's INSANE!! Check the monstrous green thing with the streamers, it allmost looks fake, like a cardboard cut-out just pinned to the sheet!! :eek!:

 

[Oleander]

That's INSANE!! Check the monstrous green thing with the streamers, it allmost looks fake, like a cardboard cut-out just pinned to the sheet!! :eek!:

Scroll down on that page a little and see about 7 Death's-head Hawk-moths and an Oleander Hawk! Some more cool ones there too!