Some are very small and difficult to indentify (hindered further by a lack of identification guides for some groups) and are the preserve of experts. However, many micro-moths are distinctive and can be readily identified even by novice moth recorders.

Don't be put off by the general perception that 'micros' are difficult! You will probably find some distinctive micro-moths regularly in your moth trap so why not identify and record them. Examples might include:

• Diamond-back Moth Plutella xylostella
• Carcina quercana
• Light-brown Apple Moth Epiphyas postvittana
• Green Oak Tortrix Tortrix viridana
• Mother of Pearl Pleuroptya ruralis
• Small Magpie Eurrhypara hortulata
• Pyrausta aurata
• Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella
• Rusty-dot Pearl Udea ferrugalis
• Bee Moth Aphomia sociella
• Twenty-plume Moth Alucita hexadactyla

As with the larger moths, it is most important that you only record moths if you are certain of their identification. British Moths and Butterflies by Chris Manley and British Pyralid Moths by Barry Goater are good 'starting point' identification books for micro-moths, and internet sites can also be very useful.

Although the National Moth Recording Scheme does not include micro-moths, County Moth Recorders and national recording schemes for micro-moths will be very grateful for your records.