Moth traps are devices used by

entomologists Entomology () is the scientific study of insects, a branch of zoology. In the past the term "insect" was less specific, and historically the definition of entomology would also include the study of animals in other arthropod groups, such as arach ...

to capture moths. Most use a light source.

Pheromone trap A pheromone trap is a type of insect trap that uses pheromones to lure insects. Sex pheromones and aggregating pheromones are the most common types used. A pheromone-impregnated lure, as the red rubber septa in the picture, is encased in a convent ...

s are also used. All moth traps follow the same basic design - consisting of a mercury vapour or

actinic light Actinism () is the property of solar radiation that leads to the production of photochemical and photobiological effects. ''Actinism'' is derived from the Ancient Greek ἀκτίς, ἀκτῖνος ("ray, beam"). The word ''actinism'' is found, ...

to attract the moths and a box in which the moths can accumulate and be examined later. The moths fly towards the light and spiral down towards the source of the light and are deflected into the box. Besides moths, several other insects will also come to light, such as scarab beetles, Ichneumonid wasps, stink bugs, stick insects, diving beetles, and water boatmen. Occasionally diurnal species such as dragonflies, yellowjacket wasps, and hover flies will also visit. The reason insects, and especially particular families of insects (e.g. moths), are attracted to light is uncertain. The most accepted theory is that moths migrate using the moon and stars as navigational aids, and that the placement of a closer-than-the-moon light causes subtended angles of light at the insect's eye to alter so rapidly that it has to fly in a spiral to reduce the angular change. This results in the insect flying into the artificial light. Yet the reason some diurnal insects visit is entirely unknown. Light trap

Some moths, notably

Sesiidae The Sesiidae or clearwing moths are a diurnal moth family in the order Lepidoptera known for their Batesian mimicry in both appearance and behaviour of various Hymenoptera. The family consists of 165 genera spread over two subfamilies, contai ...

are monitored or collected using pheromone traps.

References

*Paul Waring, 2001 ''A Guide to Moth Traps and Their Use''

Amateur Entomologists' Society The Amateur Entomologists' Society (AES) is a UK organisation for people interested in insects. History Based in the UK, the Amateur Entomologists' Society was founded in 1935 as The Entomological Exchange and Correspondence Club, for the purpo ...

External links

Moth-trapping Part I: Basic equipmentMoth-trapping Part II: Methods and techniquesMoth Recorders HandbookMoth Traps and Treatment
{{Authority control Entomology equipment Lepidopterology Animal trapping Environmental Sampling Equipment

See also

References

External links