How many species of moth can you name? More than 2400 different species have been recorded in the UK but I could only identify a few without resorting to an ID book. Or at least, that was the case before we visited a Bug Blitz event at Neptune Wood, part of the Earth Trust estate, near Little Wittenham.
Bug Blitz was a 10 hour biological survey, open to everyone, which aimed to record as many invertebrate species as possible. We visited to take part in a ‘Morning of moths’ session.
The moths were captured in traps set the previous night in Neptune Wood, an area of mixed woodland planted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. The moths are attracted to the bright light of the trap, and are caught safely and humanely inside it. They are released again after studying.
We were there bright and early, in fact so early that the stands were still being set up when we arrived at 8am. Strangely enough there weren’t too many other visitors at that time on a Sunday morning!
Our reason for arriving so early was to view the catch before the day heated up as this would unsettle the moths. We’d timed it well as the moth experts were just taking out the trays from the first trap. It was rather strange to see cardboard egg trays being used but their rough surface evidently gives moths a good grip to latch on to.
The experts estimated there were around 150 different moths in the first trap. I would not have had a clue about most of these so it was fantastic having such knowledgable people on hand to identify and tell us about the moths. It was amazing to see so many different species which are usually only active at night.
Although a few of the moths flew away when the trays were taken out most stayed in situ. Thus allowed us to see them up close and study for as long as we wished.
Being an amateur it was the large and colourful moths that excited me, particularly the hawk moths. These are relatively common locally so most of the experts were more interested in checking out the smaller species.
Whilst I could have stayed for hours the kids had wandered off by this point. Fortunately they found a stand where they could make clay animals so we now have a large variety drying out on our parcel shelf. We decided to head for home shortly afterwards; probably a good decision otherwise there wouldn’t have been much clay left for the other visitors to use!
It was well worth the early morning start; we all learnt something new. If you ever get the opportunity to see the opening of a moth trap I can highly recommend it.
More info:
- Most people know Earth Trust as the home of Wittenham Clumps, a hill in a rather flat part of Oxfordshire. However it also incorporates several areas of woodland, farmland (open for lambing days) and an arboretum. The nature reserve and Wittenham Clumps are open every day and are free to visit. Find out more here.
- If you’d like to find out more about moths, check out this website. If you’re looking for a book we use the ‘Field Guide to the moths of Great Britain and Ireland’. It’s expensive but well worth the money (the illustrator was at the moth event; surprised my other half didn’t ask him to autograph his book).
We are constructing a moth trap. I am amazed by how many moths were caught. I hope we are as lucky. Beautiful photos.
Thanks Cheryl. We’ve thought about making a moth trap too, particularly after seeing the cost of purchasing a ready made one. I look forward to hearing about yours.
Enjoyed reading this, and the pics are good. It is amazing at the no. of little creatures around. After seeing that there are 2400 species of moths in the UK, I checked out India and it is said there are about 10,000! My target is to spot and id at least 20.
Thanks Arathi. Wow, 10,000 – it is pretty incredible to think of this hidden world of moths.
We’re really pleased you enjoyed the day! You’ve got some great photos, if it’s not too much trouble, and you’re happy for us to use them (with credit to you of course), would it be OK to email some of them to us? I can let you know which email address to use.
Thanks very much Lucy, we had a great time. I’ve emailed you separately with the photos.
Oh wow, how beautiful are some of those moths. I had know idea there were so many species and how amazing to find so many kinds in one place. #letkidsbekids
Thanks Debra. I was surprised at the huge number too!
I’ve never really taken to moths; but reading this post certainly puts them in a new light (no pun intended!). There are some beautiful colours shown; and some odd shapes too! Sounds like an interesting way to get to know part of nature 🙂 #letkidsbekids
Thanks Nick. I think almost everyone likes butterflies but moths are (were) just that little bit harder to like!
I had no idea there were so many different moths or that they could be quite colourful. Sounds like a great thing to visit and see.
Thanks for linking #letKidsBeKids
Thanks Karen. I agree, I hardly ever see non-brown moths flying around our bathroom light!
How totally fascinating! A great way to spend a morning.
Thank you, it was!
I feel so weird now cuz I just knew moth as moth and not their specific species. Nice to read a post where you will learn. Thanks for sharing this info and they are really beautiful =) #LetKidsBeKids
Thanks Merlinda. There were so many moths I’d never heard of!
It is easy to forget how beautiful moths are when we see their colourful butterflies cousins hogging all the daylight. Lovely photos of lovely creatures.
Thanks Rosie. Butterflies definitely get all the attention but I certainly see moths in a different light now (literally!).
That looks really interesting, my two would love it, I had no idea there were so many different types of moths around. #letkidsbekids
Me too! An amazing number isn’t there?
Thank you. It is a staggering number isn’t it, so many more than butterflies.
Wow, I didn’t know there were so many species of moth! I also didn’t realise they came in such a range of beautiful colours, they are certainly eye catching.
They do look quite nice but I don’t think I could get too close, I’m terrified of moths and butterflies!
Thanks Lauren, it’s surprising how many people are scared of them!
What a lovely activity and I think moths are such beautiful things to look at-so delicate and intricate too.
Thanks Iona, it was lovely to be able to see them so close up for once.
Wow who knew that there were so many species of Moth in this country. I had no idea! What a great activity to get the kids involved in in terms of learning something new. And great photos even if you didn’t have your best camera! #countrykids
I never knew there was so many species of moth. The ones they caught in the trap are really pretty and colourful, what a great experience to be part of. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
Thanks Fiona. I’ve always wanted to do moth trapping so great to finally get round to it.
Wow, such a huge selection of moths – some of them are so pretty too! 🙂
Thanks Emma!
Some of those moths are really beautiful! Sounds like a great day out!
Thanks Rachel. It was definitely an interesting one, I learnt lots.
I quite fancied this but thought Monkey might still be a bit young, we’ve been on a few of their pre-schooler forest school excursions there. Great setting.
Thanks Mary. We were the only family there during the moth trapping session but there were plenty of kids of all ages arriving as we left so I’m sure it would have been ok.