My interest in Moths, is a relatively recent event but I have quickly become hooked on these fascinating insects. I must admit, I never realised that there were so many different species.

It was during a weeks visit to St.Agnes in October 2000, that sparked off my interest. A number
of people were setting up moth traps at various sites across the island and a variety of species, including several rare moths were being caught each night. The moths were then on view the following morning. Two species in particular that spring to mind are, Porter’s Rustic, Athetis hospes, and Old World Webworm, Hellula undalis, a small pyralid species from the tropics.
Most of the British records of Porter’s Rustic have been from St.Agnes.

I began trapping in my garden, in Derbyshire, during the summer of 2002 and with the aid of a portable generator, I am regularly trapping at locations in the south of my county. With help and encouragement from a number of people, in particular I would like to thank, Ian Kimber of
UK Moths, Dave Budworth and Ian Viles from Derbyshire Entomological Society and Mike Hicks on St.Agnes, Isles of Scilly, I am now well and truly hooked. Anyone with even the slightest interest in moths, must visit Ian Kimber’s UK Moths website. Check out my LINKS Page.

I have two “Skinner” type moth traps both of which are home made. One I use with a choke
system and one which is portable and I use the recommended 125w Mercury Vapour Lamps. I have also recently obtained an Actinic (UV) trap- “Neighbourhood Friendly”.
Click on IMAGES or MOTH IMAGE LIST above to see the current moths photographed.

The following internet sites are well worth a visit and give useful advice on traps and associated equipment. www.angleps.btinternet.co.uk; and www.atroposuk.co.uk.

References used:
Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain & Ireland - Waring, Townsend & Lewington.
Moths of the British Isles - Bernard Skinner .
A Complete Guide to British Moths - Margaret Brooks.
Butterflies & Moths of Derbyshire 1986, 1988 -Harrison & Sterling.
Lepidoptera of St.Agnes, Isles of Scilly - Hicks & Hale.
British Pyralid Moths - Barry Goater.
British & Irish Pug Moths - Riley & Prior