Butterflies & Moths 2020

Noted on the new thread, I only hope this coming year is a bit more fruitful for seeing moths than last year.

"Hi Haze et al,
I'm surprised you can catch moths in January (although noted you are in France) My interest in getting a moth trap of my own for the garden has been nudged, especially as it sounds like it may not be just a summer pastime. What would be the season for moth-catching in Dorset would you say? Any thoughts on a good all-weather one for the garden? (I have had a look at the Safari one on NHBS)
thanks
RussT"

I've just copied this from the 2019 thread so we can discuss it on here.

I can't really recommend a bought trap, as mine is home-made from an Ikea linen basket with a UV bulb inside. It was originally supplied by OPIE & is an "official" type of trap. I've changed the light source over the years but it works well with over 600 species from the garden. It's not waterproof but I have an old garden table that I put over it in case of showers. There are a few details at the start of the 2015 thread here https://community.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/f/all-creatures/111255/my-moths#pifragment-4285=3 with various other photos from time to time. Th bulb I use now is a Sylvania 20W https://internationallamps.co.uk/product/blacklight-bl368-uv-20w-e27-light-bulb/

I have friends who moth-trap near Poole who would be able to help you I'm sure. They have a Blog-spot here http://twoowlsbirding.blogspot.com/ which is more about birding but they are retiring soon. You could get in touch via the contact numbers. 

That's great, thank you so much!
RussT

A few more of my recent moths

Pale-brindled Beauty 24 jan

Spring Usher 26 jan

Waved Umber 29 jan

Common Quaker 29 jan

& one on the rope, way out of season as it doesn't normally arrive until April, Radfords flame 30 jan

Super stuff H, not started here yet but will soon as nights warm up a tad more ... promise!

A good collection given the time of year. I suppose there be a very few about here as some nights are already just about holding 7+ C

I've a rule of thumb, that if it's above, 7°C in the evening it's worth putting the trap out. It's drizzly & 13°C at the moment & I've got 3 moths on the wine rope, one of which flew off as soon as the camera got close, & one which I haven't had yet this year. I did a light trap last night so won't bother tonight.

Gosh

Gosh doesn't time fly! A flutterby from a few days ago,

It just wouldn't sit still, but I kept trying

Good to see the sun too!