Compsotropha strophiella

Attracted to UV light.

comments (5)

Christine Young

Lion

I love how you have so many of the UV-attracted moths with natural backgrounds. How do you do it? Most of mine are just on a sheet or against dirty siding. I would love such natural backgrounds instead. Posted 2 years ago
1. Ernst
  
  Lion
  
  I am an absolute beginner at mothing but find it to be most enjoyable as you never know what you get. Also I started to keep notes on temperature and other conditions which seem to dictate what will show up. When the temperature is more cool the moth are more likely to land on the sheet and are less inclined to be nervous. Warmer temperatures seem to make them more aware when I try to put a small plastic jar over them and trap them. Only a net will help in that situation.
  All moth i catch I put in the fridge over night . (My wife got used to it and stopped complaining)
  The next day I collect some leaves ,branches or flowers and place the cooled moth onto them to take photos. Some need a bit of warming up to look normal and can hang on . In most cases there is enough time to do it befor they wake up fully and fly away.I did find however that moth species which were active at lower temperatures are unlikely cool down enough to give you time to take photos.In that case I put them in the freezing compartment for around a minute and quickly try to take my photos. Very rarely do I have a moth ending up dead. Moth who fly at much warmer temperatures cool down better and give enough time.But don’t put them in the freezer. Size of the moth also makes a difference. One minute in the freezer is way too long for tiny moth.
  Posted 2 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    I agree -- Mothing is so fun because it's like a treasure hunt. I tend to like the bycatch as much as the moths. It's hard to force myself to go to bed because I just want to stay up and see what else will come.
    
    Good idea about cooling them down in the fridge! I often do that for microscopy, but hadn't considered it for moths. I might try it this summer for some of the more unsettled individuals. They do get so active when it's hot that I'm lucky just to get a shot. Plus, the non-sheet background is a nice, natural touch.
    
    My husband has also stopped complaining about vials and bugs in the fridge and freezer, lol. He got a little tray for me to keep specimens in and is cool with it as long as I don't sprawl beyond that designated space. ;P My kids are still grossed out by it, though.
    
    Posted 2 years ago, modified 2 years ago
  2. 1. Ernst
      
      Lion
      
      The kids will grow up and get used to it. Maybe will follow in mum’s footsteps. Posted 2 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        *Fingers crossed* Posted 2 years ago