(An electronic reprint of Entomology Notes #7, copyright Michigan Entomological Society)

Sugaring for Moths

Figure 1. "Underwings" at a baited tree after dark.

An acceptable bait must be used if one is successfully attract moths. Bait should be both odiferous and sweet tasting for best re sults and the more fermented, the better! While many recipes have been cited by collectors, the following ingredients have given acceptable results over many years of experience: sugar, miscellaneous fruit scraps (over-ripe bananas are especially good), and molasses.

Any combination of these three ingredients will be effective as a bait, although some collectors prefer to add beer or rum to the mixture to insure odor and an intoxicating effect! Bulk molasses can be obtained from feed stores or grain elevators at nominal prices. It is well to prepare a sizable quantity, up to 2-3 gallons, early in the season to allow for some fermentation and to insure a ready supply when needed. Next, it is necessary to obtain a large paint brush (a used one about 3-4 inches wide is best) and a convenient "pot" to hold the "brew" for use in the field. A plastic miIk, bleach, or cider jug, with slight modification (Fig. 2), makes a handy container. Apply the bait just before dark on trees along a trail or roadside that can easily be followed after dark with a flashlight or lantern--a trail with ample trees to make it worth the effort! Bait-trails in open woods or along forest edges are usually best as they provide more flyways for night-flying moths and will minimize predation by fIying squirrels, deer mice, and tree frogs.

Bait is applied to a tree trunk at about chest level (Fig. 3) and should cover an area of about 5 square inches. Additional brush work may be needed to work the bait into crevices of rough-barked trees such as walnut or black oak. A small hand-axe may be used prior to applying the bait to remove small branches and level off rough or loose bark. When it is time to return, bring your light, killing jars and net. The best time to return the first time is just after dark as the moths will usually not feed on the bait for more than 15 to 30 minutes.

The approach to each baited tree should be done with great stealth and care so as not to snap dead branches, crunch leaves underfoot, or jar nearby limbs. to Keep the flashlight off until you are near the baited tree, then carefully direct the beam upward from below. Then, keep the flashlight beam steady and just off to the side of the bait spot for best results. Once a quarry is spotted in the beam, slowly bring an open wide mouthed killing jar up to the moth from below. At the last moment, clap the lid over the moth or quickly clap the killing jar against the tree trunk. Assuming the killing jar is at full strength, the struggling moth will quickly be subdued and can then be transferred to another killing jar used for storage. Have some cotton covering the bottom of the jar to avoid "scalping" (i.e. removing scales on wings) of underwings or other moths. And, be sure to empty the contents of the killing jar before reaching the next baited tree.

Figure 2. Examples of plastic jugs easily recycled for bait pots. Cut out and discard the portion indicated by the dashed lines.

A short handled net will be useful as a backup for misses with the killing jar; how ever, use of a net will necessitate a head Iantern to allow use of both hands. The frequency of returning to the same bait trail depends on the productivity of the first visit, the weather, and the collector's ambi tion. At least one half hour is usually the best interval in repeat visits. If the night is warm and overcast, return visits can usu ally be made until the early hours of the following day. Such nights can be highly pro ductive as some species of moths are best collected at bait after midnight. With determination and following the above suggestions, a night of "sugaring" can be a most unforgettable experience for anyone interested in moths or just exploring the great out-of-doors! Two excellent references about sugaring are: Holland, W. J. 1903.

The Moth Book. Double day, Page, New York, 479 p., illus. (Re printed 1968, Dover Publications).

WiIkinson, R. S. 1966. The Invention of "Sugaring" for Moths in Nineteenth-Century England. Mich. Entomologist 1:3-11.

Figure 3. Author applying bait at dusk in hope of attracting night feeding moths.