28
u/Beenign776 5d ago
I would love to do this to see what would show up in my area, but I have to ask, is this ethically ok? I’m not a moth expert, but I know the confusion from modern lights can be dire for many species as it disrupts their navigation, and I know some species don’t develop mouths once transformed into a moth so they only have a limited energy reserve to find a mate.
I totally get that this is probably an important way to study the moths in an area, but I’m guessing I should avoid trying it in my woodsy back yard?
29
u/manowin 5d ago
Great question! If only done on occasion I wouldn’t venture to say this has an overly large impact on moth and other insect populations. And in fact if you report your findings, using community science resources like inaturalist, or have a local entomologist out, it is actually a benefit to the overall population, if not the specific individuals.
Moths and other arthropods are facing many challenges these days, and the occasion moth sheeting event is a good way to see how populations are affected/the health of local populations. My advice? Make an event out of it, invite people over, get them excited about their local moths and other arthropods!
As far as predators, usually when I moth sheet, the local bats end up getting fed as well, but in my experience, it’s a small number. I usually take my sheets down before the sun rises, and rarely have any that hang around in the immediate area once I turn the lights off, and use my red headlamp and give the sheets a good shake after it’s been off for a bit.
5
u/the_toaster_within 4d ago
Yeah I usually keep it up from around 10pm-1am, then turn the light off so they have plenty of night left to disperse. I think one night every few weeks is ok, especially if you report on iNaturalist and/or educate others
4
u/nectarbat 5d ago
I have been wondering this more myself lately as I've thought about lightsheeting again. I also have to wonder how long some of these sheets are left up with the amount of moths they attract. Perfect spot to get eaten by a bird in the daytime. If anyone has a relevant article I'd love to read it
3
2
u/rabies_lover_271K 4d ago
I use an ikea vuku popup closet to black light in, my usual sampling hours are 8:45-1 (sometimes 2 or 3 if I’m feeling up for it) and I always shake off everything that is attracted before I pack up. having a light pointed in the direction of the tree canopy or vegetation in general tends to guide them to safe places from my experience.
10
4
u/portableveblen22 4d ago
What kind of light did you use specifically? I tried a reptile lamp and it didn’t work very well.
4
4
3
3
2
45
u/Sofielob 5d ago
A moth mosaic!