Scotland Outdoors The Beauty of Moths
Sep 10, 2025
In this discussion, moth enthusiast Mick Egort shares his passion for trapping and identifying various moth species. He reveals creative DIY techniques for building moth traps and emphasizes the fascinating camouflage abilities of these creatures. The conversation also dives into the captivating differences between species, like the dark bordered beauty moth, and the importance of accurately marking moths for research. Listeners will appreciate the incredible diversity of moths and the joy of discovering hidden wonders in nature.
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Hidden Diversity Around Us
- Moths are everywhere but hidden by masterful camouflage and nocturnal habits.
- A single well-placed trap can reveal huge local diversity, sometimes 100 species in summer.
Build A Simple Effective Trap
- Use a simple DIY light trap made from a feed tub, egg boxes and a light; moths don't care about fancy gear.
- Place the trap at a high, visible point so moths spot the light and drop into the funnels.
Check Traps At Dawn
- Run traps from dusk and check at dawn to see and handle moths in daylight when they are cooler and calmer.
- Avoid leaving traps in high heat; cooler, cloudy mornings make handling easier and reduce escape.