In an effort to promote interest in ‘mothing’ to coincide with the National Moth Week, being held world wide between July 21 and 29, iNaturewatch Foundation conducted a one-day camp on the edges of Ramanagara Ramdevara Betta Vulture Sanctuary. This initiative was spearheaded by V Shubhalaxmi, whose extensive study of moths and recently published work Field Guide to Indian Moths has earned her the moniker ‘India’s Moth Lady’.
Moths are among the most diverse and successful organisms on earth, with shapes and sizes that span the gamut from as small as a pinhead to as large as an adult’s hand. There are more than 1,400 species of butterflies in India, but moths reportedly outnumber the butterflies by about eight times.
The 16 participants, both young and old, who participated in the camp went on an evening nature trail and were prepared for mothing through a presentation by moth expert Rachith Singh. The presentation explored the less known world of the moths.
“It was a very unique event since this was the first time a mothing camp was organised in Bangalore and I was pleased to be the one conducting it. We had a great night filled with interactive sessions, a presentation, a fun quiz on moths and moth watching till midnight,” said Singh.
To attract moths, the participants set up a dark space devoid of any kind of light, including moon light. Moreover, to attract large moth numbers, wilderness was another parameter. So, the organisation chose a weekend close to the new moon and a campsite on the edge of the Ramanagara Vulture Sanctuary. The light trap they used comprised of a white cloth used as a screen to allow moths to settle on and a mercury vapour lamp to attract them. The setup attracted many species of moths, and each one was given a hero’s welcome. Getting to know interesting trivia about each of the moths augmented the participants’ interest in mothing. By midnight, the light trap was wrapped up to avoid disturbing the behaviour of the moths.
“My experience in the camp was fun and educational. It was exciting as the light trap to attract moths was being set up. I learnt a lot about tiger moths, bell moths and owl moths. I liked the citrus fruit piercer the most. It was very colourful, ” said 10-year-old Neil Nandan Bharadwaj.
Participants were also encouraged to become citizen scientists, and were mentored on how to document moths in their backyards, parks, and neighbourhoods, as well as contribute scientific data about moths.
