June 16, 2004

Have a Moth Ball

You don't need to dress up like a moth to attract one. In fact, with a few simple materials you can host a party for moths, and other insects, and get a good look at some of your surprising neighbors. You may want to use a field guide to help identify some of your guests.

Sugaring

Just like kids, many insects love sweet stuff. You can attract moths and other insects by setting out a sweet and sticky treat. Moths are more easily attracted at dusk, but you can use the same bait and method for attracting other insects during the day.

You'll need:

• sugar or molasses
• stale fruit juice
• spoiled, mashed up fruit (bananas work well)
• a bowl and spoon
• trees
• an old paintbrush
• a flashlight

1. Mix up the sugar, juice and fruit in a bowl.
2. Late in the day choose a tree, or trees, and use an old paintbrush to paint the mixture on the trunk.
3. Return about an hour later in the dark. Use your flashlight to see who's dropped in.
4. You can make a moth trail by painting several trees along a route that can be walked in 20-30 minutes. Try to end up where you started. By the time the last tree has been painted, some insects may already be at the first tree. Follow the route around, checking to see what has been attracted at each stop.

Polyphemus moth.

James Leupold, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Light lovers

Have you ever noticed all the insects flying around street lights at night? Lights are often used to attract insects that fly in the evening, especially moths. Areas with lots of trees and flowers—like backyards, parks, or woods—are good places to watch night fliers.

You'll need:

• tacks
• a light (porch light, large flashlight or lantern)
• a large glass jar and lid with holes punched in
• a plant stem or twig to put inside the jar

1. Tack the sheet on the side of a building or from the branch of a tree.
2. Shine a bright light on the sheet at night.
3. You can stand very close to the sheet without scaring off the insects. When an insect lands on the sheet, try to catch it in your jar for a closer look. Let it go when you are finished.

Activity from The Jumbo Book of Nature Science by Pamela Hickman and the Federation of Ontario Naturalists and illustrated by Judie Shore, is used by permission of Kids Can Press Ltd. Text © 1996 Pamela M. Hickman and the Federation of Ontario Naturalists.

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