How do you feel about moths?
Most people think that they are the butterflies boring relation but I hope to change your mind.
My challenge for you today is to go on a moth hunt.
Last night I set up a moth trap in the my garden.
Watch the video on You tube to see the amazing moths I discovered.

What you need:

• Cola
• Sugar
• Paint brush
• Cloth
• Wine
• Over ripe fruit
• White sheet
• Bright torch
• Pots

How to do it:
Set up your moth attractors before it gets dark.
Sugaring:
Make a syrup by heating cola in a large pan and dissolving lots of dark sugar, about 1Kg in 500ml of cola, in it. Simmer for five minutes and then allow to cool.
Paint the sticky syrup on fence posts or trees at eye level.
Put out overripe fruit.
Wine ropes:
Heat a bottle of cheap red wine in a pan. Stir in and dissolve 1 Kg of sugar. Allow to cool. Soak 1 meter pf cloth or string in the wine. Drape the wine ropes over low branches.
Hang a white sheet up outside. After dusk shine a bright torch on the sheet.
Or just leave an outside light on and look on the wall below it.
You can even just leave your bedroom light on in the evening and leave the window open!

Wait for a mild, cloudy, still night with no moon if possible.
Set up your attractors and then go out an hour or two after sunset to look.
If you see any moths wait for them to settle and then take photos to identify them. You can use the moth identification guide below.
If you want a closer look then get the moth to crawl onto your finger but putting some sugar syrup on it or sweat. Do not touch the moths wings or keep them for long.

For more information check out the How to start mothing handout from Butterfly Conservation.

I would love to see the moths in your garden, or your moth attractors so please Tweet photos #NatureDays @DawnNaturedays of post on the Nature Days facebook page. Or if you want help with identification email me naturedays@reynoldston.com