Mothing

[Oscar2006]

I thought I would introduce some of the equipment that I and other VC55 Moth-ers use on a regular basis.
Fourwings posted a couple of pictures a while back of "the gang" at a local nature reserve.
The first was of a 125W mercury vapour lamp over a white sheet - the group is spread around (drink to hand) waiting for moths to come to the light.
They are then caught/potted up and identified before being held in a holding box, prior to release at the end of the session.



For the second picture he posted we just chucked a 125W MV Robinson type trap out whilst we stayed in the warm drinking coffee.
This is the same trap pictured in daylight:


The trap I use in my garden is this self made "Skinner" type:


One other trap we occasionally use is the Actinic Robinson type - very useful for holidays and where light is a problem for neighbours/campers. Also attracts species that do not readily come to rthe MV lamp like "Old Lady" (no awkward jokes please!)


Any other DIY traps out there?

[eeyore]

mine in pieces in the workshop - after a lot of messing about I abandoned skinner for a robbinson type one which bears an unncanny resembalence to yours - although I am using a bog standard 150W household bulb

[Boddie]

Hi Oscar

You mentioned some friends that make the traps.

What is the likely cost of a Robinson?

[Fourwings]

Originally Posted by Oscar2006

I thought I would introduce some of the equipment that I and other VC55 Moth-ers use on a regular basis.

You forgot to mention, Fisn 'n chips, Chinese takeaways, and most importantly beer

On a more serious note though, excellent thread mate

[Fourwings]

Originally Posted by Boddie

Hi Oscar

You mentioned some friends that make the traps.

What is the likely cost of a Robinson?

A trap like the one in the second picture costs around £70/80 and thats complete and ready to run.
I have one identical and its a sturdy, very portable and works brilliantly.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Fourwings

You forgot to mention, Fisn 'n chips, Chinese takeaways, and most importantly beer

On a more serious note though, excellent thread mate

you mean you're not serious about the importance of beer , food etc I'm greatly disapointed

by the way i have never tried Fisn with chips - is it like fish by any chance

[Oscar2006]

Originally Posted by Boddie

Hi Oscar

You mentioned some friends that make the traps.

What is the likely cost of a Robinson?

About £70 for the 125W MV

[Fourwings]

Originally Posted by eeyore

by the way i have never tried Fisn with chips - is it like fish by any chance

very similar I've just had a couple of tins with my evening meal, can you tell??

[John]

That looks like a very civilised set up there Oscar full of very sensible looking people.

Following that description I now fully expect an invite to join your motley (sorry I mean sensible) crew.

Here is my home made trap (not made by me I hasten to add).



John

[MTR]

John

I noticed your moth trap doesnt have any protection over the bulb?

A cheap way of protecting the bulb from rain etc is if you have one of those cheap shops near to you (Pound land) from time to time they sell Cafetieres (Coffee jug with a plunger), remove the handle and just use the clear glass jug part.
I have seen this done a couple of times.