Colin PurringtonWe need more articles in nature and conservation magazines about the evils of bug zappers. Americans still think they work and seem to be OK with the billions of innocent insects that are killed each year. Moth people, I'm looking at you. #BugZappers #moths #lepidoptera #insects #mothing #entomology
We also need bird organizations to come out against bug zappers. Because when billions of insects are electrocuted there's less food available. And you could use an illustration of begging chicks in a nest near a glowing bug zapper surrounded by moths (make the parent birds emaciated and worried). That graphic would go viral. #birds #insects #birding
You know what would be good fun? A BUG ZAPPER BUYBACK PROGRAM at a local farmers market. Like the ones that get illegal guns off the streets, it would be advertised as "no questions asked". Give people a moth sticker in return, or something cheap like that. I bet you would get great coverage from local papers.
Did you know that bug zappers can be defanged and used to attract moths? I don't know how to do it safely but perhaps somebody can chime in. Proof of concept is on this webpage about a moth night event in Vermont. #MothNight #mothing #blacklight #blacklighting #moths #UV #insects #lepidoptera #inaturalist https://val.vtecostudies.org/newsfeed/val-updating-the-checklist-of-vermont-moths/
VAL Updating the Checklist of Vermont Moths | Vermont Atlas of Life
The checklist of Vermont moths is being updated by the Vermont Atlas of Life. Thanks to the tireless efforts of both professional and amateur Lepidopterists, nearly 400 new moth species have been found in Vermont since 1995. There are likely many more awaiting discovery.
Kingfisher@colinpurrington What is the purpose of attracting moths? They do harm?
@kingfisher68 Using lights to attract moths is a great way to document what species are present in an area. Also often a great time because it attracts like-minded folks who want to learn about moths. The last one I attended featured pizza, three kinds of freshly-baked cookies, and beer. And I got lots of photographs: https://colinpurrington.com/2022/08/blacklighting-for-moths-at-hildacy-preserve/
Blacklighting for moths at Hildacy Preserve
I'm finally getting around to posting photographs from National Moth Week (July 23-31). Over a period of perhaps three hours on July 30th I ended up with 27 moths, 3 caterpillars, 3 beetles, 2 flies, 1 cricket, 1 wasp, 1 mantisfly, 1 planthopper, and a mayfly. And, as I discovered the next morning,
@colinpurrington Do they get caught and die?
@kingfisher68 No moths are harmed at blacklighting events. They arrive and land on white sheets and just chill.