In the same habitat last night: 15w = 11 moths of 8 species - 6w = 45 moths of 10 species.
The traps were about 25 meters apart but out of sight of each other.
There are differences, the 6w light sits lower in the funnel and the whole bucked, being white, glows slightly. I am going to try changing the lights over on the traps if possible. There may be a problem keeping the 15w light on the bucket but... Watch this space!
Anyway, a sample of the 17 Early Tooth-striped on the 6w vanes and a Shoulder Stripe which was new for the year for us.
That's interesting. I now use the more traditional 6W Heath traps rather than a 15W, and I haven't noticed the 6W performing any worse than the 15W did (though not sure if it's better or not - haven't done any rigorous comparison). I had 95 species in two 6Ws in Cornwall a couple of years ago. Thinking I should get a third one, especially as they're the cheapest traps out there!
ReplyDeletePS if you look on the Glamorgan blog you'll see the two best moths we had at Merthyr Mawr last night were in the 6Ws not the MVs!
ReplyDeleteI saw Paul's post on f/b George. Lovely moths. We need some more micros up here, they are thin on the ground at the mo.
DeleteI have just realised there is no link to Glamorgan on here, will put that right shortly.
I adapted my W and D overpriced bucket years ago to take the 15w synergetic lamp and have always been amazed at how well it does compared to my other various traps. Its well balanced espec if you use a guy rope and 2 pegs to anchor it against animals/wind. The Lithium battery which is 26amp equiv also means it can support a long season and doesn't kill you to carry it; might mean a hole in your purse though!
ReplyDeleteSo you think it's the bucket and not the light that makes the difference? I haven't tried reversing the experiment yet... I will wait for the weather to get back up past freezing, in a week or so, possibly. Or as you say the bucket plus 15w could be even better!
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