Solar insect theatres

[Susie]

Has anyone got one? Are they any good?

(these are a wooden chamber with a perspex front and they have a light powered by solar batteries. They are supposed to attract moths, butterflies and other insects).

[goosey]

That sounds good Susie - where did you hear about them? I don't have a moth trap something like this sounds OK. Obviously the light wouldn't be as bright but it would attract more than not using anything - surely
I'd also like to hear if anyone has any experience with them .

I have solar powered garden lamps that stay on for hours but are not very bright at all and my solar powered water feature only runs when the sun is directly on the panel - if a cloud goes over it stops! Not heard of solar powered batteries before.

[Susie]

Hiya Goosey,

I was bimbling about a garden centre this morning that has quite an extensive collection of bee boxes, butterfly boxes, lacewing boxes, etc., and happened to spy one of these insect theatres. I've not seen them before and was quite curious.

I don't think the light it emits is very bright, but then neither is the 15w actinic bulb on the moth trap I run occasionally. The thing I like about the idea of the insect theatre is that it will consistently run every night and it would be quite simple to have a peak in the morning during the summer and see what is in there without the palaver of setting up and taking down the skinner. During the winter I would leave it alone and it would provide an overwintering habitat for whatever wants to secret itself away there.

I do wonder though if it will actually attract very much, the cynic in me thinks not.

I do think though, if you are pushed for space, it could be quite an interesting thing to have in your small garden. Do you have any other type of bee or insect box?

[goosey]

Originally Posted by Susie

I do think though, if you are pushed for space, it could be quite an interesting thing to have in your small garden. Do you have any other type of bee or insect box?

I have an insect hotel, which hasn't been too successful, then blue tits had great fun pulling all the hollow tubes out - looking for insects no doubt !

I googled "Solar insect theatres"to see what I could find out and they look super! One site says -
"Constructed from durable FSC Timber, the Insect Theatre features unique solar lighting with its own storage batteries that automatically light up at dusk attracting Moths, Lacewings, Butterflies and other interesting flying insects into the Theatre. The light then automatically turns off at dawn to reveal the insects inside. Plant material or sturdy branches can be introduced into the Theatre through the access door at the side which can also be used to remove insects to study. The lower shelf has several Solitary Bee nesting holes as added habitat.
SITE - The chamber should be sited in a warm area in dappled sunlight out of prevailing winds approximately 1-2 mtrs high."

I really fancy one. I won't be in England for a good few months yet but I will definetly get one then if I don't see them here first,

[Tornado]

Originally Posted by Susie

Has anyone got one? Are they any good?

(these are a wooden chamber with a perspex front and they have a light powered by solar batteries. They are supposed to attract moths, butterflies and other insects).

I have one Susie, and to be perfectly honest they are a waste of time and the only thing I have ever had in mine is a spider!!!!!
Personally I think the money it would cost to purchase one of these could be better spent on something that won't disappoint.
Tornado

[Susie]

Thanks for the advice, Tornado, it is much appreciated. I am glad I asked now before I shelled out some cash.