Marvellous moths

2019 marks the twentieth anniversary of Moth Night, when individuals and organisations carry out moth counts nationally. For the first time, the ranger team at Lower Cadworthy Farm turned on the lights and prepared for the count.

Leading up to this, the rangers have been working closely with a member of the Devon Moth Group, improving their moth identification skills.

First of all, a Skinner trap is carefully placed outside and left overnight. At first light, the trapped moths are checked and individually identified before being released.

It's not just a summertime activity, because different species of moth fly during different months of the year, whilst others fly all year round. This means there's always a variety of moths to see.

Angle Shades can be recorded all year round, but mainly between May and October. However, we recorded this example in late December. 

Other recent catches have included the Peppered moth, Foxglove Pug and Scalloped Hazel.