In the Heat of the Night!

Common Looper Moth:

We have likely used the moth trap for the last time in 2024. In order to set it up, temperatures must remain above 10 degrees Celsius in the overnight hours. October 30th and 31st met the temperature requirements. Moth numbers were down compared to earlier in the season, but that is to be expected and we still managed 10 species each night!

The trap is made up of a large bin that supports a light. The inverted bowl protects the light from moisture. Plastic supports help to direct the moths downwards. 

Inside is a funnel that the moths slide down.

Egg cartons are placed in the tub underneath the lid. Each section acts like a "room" for the moths.

The hole must be plugged in the morning so that the moths don't fly out of the trap towards daylight.

When the cartons are removed from the tub, it is important to look closely at both sides to watch for hiding critters.

Boston Dart: We have the only record in Lambton County for this species! The next closest report is 150 km to the east.

Maple Spanworm Moth - When at rest, it holds its wings in such a way that it resembles a fallen leaf. We see a lot of these each year.

Bi-lobed Looper - It looks like its wearing sunglasses!

Small-eyed Sphinx are able to hover which makes them efficient pollinators of flowers.

https://www.whatsthatbug.com/small-eyed-sphinx-moth-all-you-need-to-know/

We can usually convince the moths to walk onto a small stick, then move them to a piece of wood for photographing. Of course, some escape during this process. At the end, all moths are safely released in sheltered areas of the backyard. Our finds are recorded on iNaturalist, a citizen science forum that provides valuable data to scientists studying these species.