MOTHS OF THE NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS

The Field Club, at the invitation of the Gardens, commenced a survey of moths in August 2009. This survey is part of the Biodiversity Inventory of the Gardens for International Biodiversity Year, 2010. The survey commenced on the 14th August with the setting of light traps in a number locations. Two types of light sources were used - actinic and mercury vapour. The contents of the traps were examined with the assistance of Ken Bond the following morning. The moths were identified and released back into the Gardens. Approximately 40 species of macro and micromoths were named.

On 4th September a six traps were set and Angus Tyner from MothsIreland assisted in identifications the following morning. It is intended to continue the survey over the coming months and have a number of formal Field Club outings from spring onwards. The National Botanic Gardens are home to more than 17,000 plant species both native and non-native. So there are a wide variety of food and nectar sources available for larvae (caterpillars) and adults respectively and it is anticipated that there should be a good variety of moths present, including migrants and some relatively recent arrivals.

List of Moths >>>    Photos 15/08/09 >>> Photos 5/09/09  >>>

Copper Underwing Ampiphyra pyramidea

Common Carpet Epirrhoe alternata