Carl Barrentine’s Light Set-up, North Dakota

Like last year, we’ll be profiling some NMW events and light set-ups here on the blog. It’s interesting to get a look at some other mothing set-ups to see what others are doing to attract moths.

First up, we’ll take a took at Carl Barrentine’s set up. If you remember, Dr. Barrentine is running a series of NMW events in North Dakota, and we’re thrilled to have him on board. Here’s how he moths.

Carl Barrentine’s setup: 160 watt MV-equipped light trap set on a horizontal sheet, and  twin 40 watt UV lights that are on the horizontal sheet but aimed upward at the vertical sheet.  The plastic bags contain 15-ml test tubes (for containing smaller moths) and two sizes of plastic pots (for larger moths).  Captured moths are stored in the insulated cooler, which contains a zip-lock bag with ice beneath a layer of crumpled paper.  The cooler provides a dark and cool shelter that helps to ‘quiet’ active moths.

Carl Barrenitne's setup: 160 watt MV-equipped light trap, on the horizontal sheet, and the twin 40 watt UV lights that are on the horizontal sheet but aimed upward at the vertical sheet.  The plastic bags contain 15-ml test tubes (for containing smaller moths) and two sized of plastic pots (for larger moths).  Captured moths are stored in the insulated cooler, which contains a plastic zip-lock bag with ice beneath a layer of crumpled paper.  The cooler provides a dark and cool shelter that helps to 'quiet' active moths.Turtle River State Park, North Dakota. June 6, 2013.
Photo by C. Barrentine

Here’s the two-sheet light set-up in action:

Carl Barrenitine;s  two-sheet, two-light set-up in peration.Turtle River State Park, North Dakota. June 6, 2013.
Photo by C. Barrentine
Carl Barrentine with light trap in the background. Turtle River State Park, North Dakota.  June 6, 2013.
Carl and his light set-up.

Want to have your event featured on the blog? Let us know via email (elena@nationalmothweek.org), Facebook or tweet us (@Moth_Week)!

3 thoughts on “Carl Barrentine’s Light Set-up, North Dakota”

    1. Hi Dominique,
      Well, you don’t have to use one of the huge 250 watt MV lights. Many people use 15 watt fluorescent tubes and they work fine. You can even run them off your car battery.

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