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Moth traps attract a wide range of creatures other than moths. Beetles, flies, bugs, caddisflies, bees and wasps are frequently captures in moth traps and butterflies, dragonflies and others less commonly so.
Although many moth recorders ignore this 'by-catch', there are active recording schemes for most insect groups in the UK, so records from your moth trap or other moth field work would be very welcome. For example:
- Butterfly records should be sent to the appropriate local co-ordinator for inclusion in the Butterflies for the New Millennium national recording scheme. Despite the popularity of butterflies, many parts of the UK remain under-recorded and any butterfly records would be gratefully received.
- Dragonfly records are required for a new national atlas project launched in 2008. More information.
- Mayfly records can be contributed to the Ephemeroptera Recording Scheme. Good digital images or specimens preserved in alcohol can be sent. Contact info@ephemeroptera.org.uk for more information.
- Caddisfly records would be welcomed by the National Trichoptera Recording Scheme and can be sent as images or dried specimens. Contact ian.wallace@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk for more information.
