American Museum Public Moth Event, 7 May 2023

above: Pine Beauty at American Museum © Phillip Delve

Leader Phillip Delve

On Saturday afternoon, we set two light traps on the east side of the American Museum, Claverton, and left  them running overnight. The Robinson traps were fitted with mercury vapour lamps to attract moths. On approaching the light, moths are guided by baffles and a funnel into a large tub and settle on cardboard egg boxes.

Following a cool but dry night, the moths which settled on walls outside the traps were moved, along with the unopened traps, to shade on the west side of the building ready for visitors. Care was taken to release the captured moths safely after identification.

We were pleased to be supported by several members of Bath Nats as we worked through the egg boxes to both record and show the moths to museum visitors. A list of moths identified is below.

Given the time of year and cool conditions, 22 species of interesting moths was quite a good and indicates the richness of the habitat around Claverton Manor.

Thanks to Carole Catling who liaised with the American Museum staff and Terry Doman who set the second moth trap.

Phillip Delve

Code   Name                                        No

1888  Scorched Carpet                        1
1927  Brindled Beauty                         1
1936  Waved umber                             3
1981  Poplar Hawk-moth                    1
2006 Lesser Swallow Prominent       1
2007 Swallow Prominent                    1
2063 Muslin Moth                               3
2091  Dark Sword grass                       1
2179  Pine Beauty                                  1
2188  Clouded Drab                              1
2190  Hebrew Character                      1