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.
Here’s the two-sheet light set-up in action:
Want to have your event featured on the blog? Let us know via email (elena@nationalmothweek.org), Facebook or tweet us (@Moth_Week)!
Do you have any suggestions on how to power the lights if budget is an issue?
(If so, dominique.sevi@gmail.com is my email — any advice on best methods would be much appreciated.)
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.