So, you've probably been to a mothing session and seen all those interesting, and quite pretty, moths or you've seen Bill Oddie running around with a net on the telly and you are hooked. You may have brought a light trap or just seen moths on your window or feeding on your buddleia but, there's no one around to tell you what they are - help!!!
For anyone getting interested in moths for the first time it can be very confusing! With over 2400 species where does one start? I have to say that one doesn't start in mid-summer when most species and numbers occur. And, unlike birds and plants, the same species of moth can exist in a number, sometimes many, of different coloured forms, adding to the confusion. What can you do?
Just joining a moth group, like this one, is half the battle. There is no substitute for going out with others. Also, visiting your local museum and looking through their collections will help. A very useful article can be found on Jon Clifton's Anglian Lepidopterist Supplies site.
As with all hobbies it is possible to get bogged down in a spiral of expense but that need not be the case. As a minimum you will need a good field guide, a net and some clear plastic tubes or boxes. You may also want to buy or construct a light trap. As you progress you will find that you are catching moths not in your field guide or which you can't identify. Then, a digital camera will enable you to send photos to others - possibly via our E-group - for identification or confirmation.
There is plenty of information on mothing out there on the web and the number of books on the subject is increasing. The notes on the related pages will guide you in the right direction and hopefully start you on the road to a lifetime's enjoyment of moths.
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