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30 July 2009
National Moth Night (18 & 19 Sept 2009) will focus on moth migration. Which exciting species will arrive in Britain and Ireland this autumn? How far do these immigrants move once here? We'll be conducting the first ever national experiment to study moth movement and all moth recorders can help.
The annual celebration of moths and moth recording, National Moth Night 2009 takes place on the nights of Friday 18th and Saturday 19th September. There are no target species or habitats this year; instead migration is the main theme over the two nights. This is a fascinating time of year for arrivals of common migrant species, from the tiny Diamond-back Moth to the spectacular Convolvulus Hawk-moth, as well as rarer visitors. Recording can be carried out on either night or both, so there is more opportunity than ever to get out recording or to organise an event for the public, friends and family. If you do run an event, please promote it via www.nationalmothnight.info
For the first time we will be undertaking a marking experiment to investigate moth movements within the British Isles. Prior to National Moth Nights, moths will be marked harmlessly at designated locations around the country in the hope that some might be caught by moth recorders during the event. Will you find a marked moth in your trap? Even a single sighting away from the original place of capture would be extremely significant.
Visit www.nationalmothnight.info for more information.
National Moth Night is organised by Atropos and Butterfly Conservation. Above image is of a marked Striped Hawk-moth (Mark Tunmore).
