BunyipCo: National Moth Week

What is National Moth Week you say. Well the idea comes from the US where it was started as a sort of "moth and insect appreciation" scheme to introduce the public to the world of moths during the summer. After a couple of years, it took on an international scope with countries on several continents "celebrating" nocturnal insects. Even in our winter, we find a variety of moths on any given night. Nights without a moon are most effective.

"Mothing" as it has been called, is a fairly simple activity. On needs a source of light. Strong electric bulb will do but a Mercury Vapour Light or the lights used to attract insect to commercial insect traps are also very effective. The large local hardware stores sell these lights.

Not every light sheet will look like this! This was a recent "evening with moths" experienced by Michael Braby and his friends.

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR A LOCAL MOTHING NIGHT

In the meantime, this is what you might see if you put a light and sheet in a natural area.

Click for enlarged view. Also see http://www.leapfrogoz.com.au/LeapFrogOz/Moth_Identification.html

for more Queensland moths