Here at Butterfly Conservation we naturally think moths are fascinating, important and worth protecting.

Find out why moths matter; how they play an important role in pollination, why they are key parts of the food chain and how they can often beat butterflies in the beauty stakes.

How to get started with moth recording:

Buff-tip - Iain Leach
  • Buy, make or borrow a moth trap. The latter is a great idea when you are just getting started. Ask the Branch or staff if they have moth traps for loan.
  • Buy or borrow a modern field guide to the macro-moths.
  • Start by looking at moths attracted to your outside lights.
  • You don’t have to identify every moth you catch, start with the big, bright, distinctive ones.
  • Check your trap in the morning when the moths are still and relatively easy to observe.
  • Attend local moth trapping events through BC’s Branch.

Surveying and Monitoring

Argent & Sable - Iain H Leach

Garden Moth Scheme


To encourage moth recording, BC launched the Garden Moth Scheme a number of years ago. Essentially, we ask recorders to trap their garden once a week, at a time that’s convenient to them and to submit their records to their Moth Recorder. It provides a structure to learning and develops a methodical, sustainable practice we hope!

Canary-shouldered Thorn by Iain Leach

Moth Night

Organised by Atropos and Butterfly Conservation, Moth Night is the annual celebration of moth recording by moth recording enthusiasts with local public events aimed at raising awareness of moths among the general public. Moth Night is normally confined to the warmest months; each event will last for three consecutive nights (Thursday - Saturday) and will take place on different date periods every year. You can participate on any one or more of these days or nights.

Lime Hawk-moth by Iain Leach