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John Clarkson · **Posted:** Sun May 31, 2009 10:58 am

I have a Skinner trap with a battery powered 15W actinic bulb. I live in Louth with a small enclosed garden with a variety of shrubs and flowers. In the last few years I have caught a decent variety of species and often 50+ moths in one night. However this year I deployed the trap for the first time last week and caught nothing. The following night one very worn and unidentifiable small brown moth. Last night with the aid of a log primed with 'moonshine' I caught two moths; one Heart and Dart and one Common Swift. This is a poor return. Is this a bad year? Am I having bad luck? I'd appreciate some expert opinions.

John

Andy Sims · **Posted:** Sun May 31, 2009 8:08 pm

Hi John,

As you know I am no expert but I do not consider it to be a bad year for moths. I think it must be just bad luck.

In my Swanpool garden, using a 15w actinic, I have caught 568 moths in May. This is in 25 nights of trapping and includes 65 species of macros.

Keep on trying, I am sure you will come good.

John Clarkson · **Posted:** Tue Jun 02, 2009 9:24 am

Thanks Andy

Here's an update. I put the trap out 31st May and caught:
1 Garden Carpet
1 Buff Ermine

1st June
3 Heart and Dart
1 Common Marbled Carpet

Hope you're doing better

John

PS One replete looking fat frog next to the trap this morning. I wonder...

The Lincolnshire Bird Club

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