Tree House Moth Sheet

Decided to set up a moth sheet in the tree house to see what might show up. This was more challenging than I expected it to be. There were plenty of moth and insect visitors, but they were difficult to photograph with my new lens. I think this is because the bright light and black-light messed with the aperture. Some of the photos I ended up taking with the iphone. I didn't get the large silk moths I hoped for, but knew at the outset they might not show up.

The trial run didn't include a black-light and I only spent an hour or so the first night trying it out. The next night, I bought a cheap black-light at Depot and had a few more visitors. If I do it again, I'll probably get a more powerful black-light.

First the non-moths...
scarab Linne's Cicada Long Horned Caddisfly Asian Lady Beetle

Genus Stictocephala Green Cone-headed Planthopper Colorful Foliage Ground Beetle Banasa calva

I didn't expect to get this much attention from non-moths. I was also surprised by the plant-hoppers. I think of them as staying closer to the ground, which obviously isn't true. There were many smaller beetles, hoppers and insects that I didn't take the time to photograph.

Now, the moths...
Genus Spilosoma (Tiger Moth) Ailanthus Webworm Moth Many-lined Angle Grass Tubeworm Moth Snowy Urola Moth Knot-Horn Moth

Betrothed Underwing Genus Fissicrambus Large Mossy Glyph Grass Veneer Deceptive Snout One-Spottted Variant

Genus Palpita Elegant Grass Veneer Dusky Groundling Betrothed Underwing

I wasn't really sure what to expect in terms of moths. I don't know if this is a good amount or a bad amount. I suppose I was satisfied with the turnout. The Betrothed Underwing was the most exciting visitor because of its size. I was hoping for large silk moths, and when it first fluttered in I thought I might have one. It was clearly interested in the black-light. The best thing about this project is the creativity in the naming of the moths... elegant grass veneer, betrothed underwing, deceptive snout, dusky groundling. Who among us isn't thrilled by a deceptive snout?

The other thing worth mentioning is that I prepared some "moth attractant" liquid. There is a recipe for this stuff online. It involves mixing together beer, brown sugar, and bananas. It worked, but when I spread it on the railing in the tree-house it also attracted bald-faced hornets. I'd advise not spreading the attractant too close to where you're planning to observe the moths. The good news is the hornets aren't nocturnal and all but one confused, possibly drunk hornet left after nightfall.