The Night Shift: Moth Trapping
A list of some the interesting moth species that we've recorded in our Moth Trap over the last few weeks, and introducing our new feature, Moth of the Month!
Moths are a fantastic species. Here at WWT Caerlaverock, we have a regular moth trap set up to gather information on what species visit us.
They’re a great indicator species due to their sensitivity to habitat degradation and climate change. For instance, many moth caterpillars have specific host plants they feed on, so noticing changes and declines in moth numbers can suggest specific plant species or microhabitats are in trouble. This is just one reason biodiversity is key at WWT Caerlaverock – maintaining a mosaic of habitats ensures that a huge variety of invertebrates thrive.
There’s always a thrilling sense of anticipation in the morning to discover what has ventured into our light trap – the variation is stunning and constantly changing throughout the year due to moths’ differing flight seasons.
Masters of Camouflage
Some moth species are very artful in their disguise; they are excellent at camouflaging into their surroundings with shape, colour, and pattern deviation. We have recently been visited by the Green Carpet Moth, which blends into moss and lichen, and the Buff Tip, which perfectly mimics a small broken birch twig.
Colourful Defence
A colourful beauty that is always lovely to see is the Garden Tiger Moth with its chocolate brown and white patterned forewings and striking red and black spotted hindwings. This colourful display helps to deter predators and is used by a host of species, such as the Poplar Hawk Moth, with its reddish patches on its underwings.
Transformation
Personally, I find the transformation from caterpillar to adult moth incredible. It’s fascinating to see this change on the reserve. In Spring, Drinker Moth Caterpillars emerge to fatten up and were seen on many occasions basking in low vegetation and along our pathways here. Then, a couple of weeks later, we’re able to see the adult Drinker Moths in our light trap!
Moth of the Month
That’s a whistlestop tour of a handful of species caught recently on the reserve. Stay tuned for our new Moth of the Month series where we will talk more about our monthly moth highlights. This month, I’ve chosen the Mother of Pearl moth, with it iridescent wings, just for its sheer beauty!
By Rebecca Davies, Reserve Warden
