An Introduction to Moth Identification

Comprising of over 2 thousand species in Great Britain alone, moths (Lepidoptera) play a vital role in our ecosystem and are key indicators of climate change and the health of the environment.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Confidently identify a range of local and migratory moths
• Explain the ecology of different species
• Understand how to observe and monitor moths
• Share this knowledge with friends, family, and fellow volunteers

Who should attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, interest groups, early career consultants and ecologists.

Knowledge level – Beginner. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors

Prior knowledge – No existing knowledge or experience is needed for this course, just a willingness to explore and learn.

PLEASE NOTE the course fee is for tuition only. There are no accommodation, refreshment, or evening meal facilities available with this course.

If we are unable to reach viable numbers for this course, we will inform you of the course cancellation 4-5 weeks prior to the course run. We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.

Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

David Brown

David Brown is the Warwickshire County Recorder for Lepidoptera and the author of The Larger Moths of Warwickshire. He has led courses at Field Studies Council Centres over a number of years. A lecturer at Birmingham and Warwick Universities Extramural and Open Studies departments for the past 20 years, he is an active field entomologist.

Example Timetable

This timetable is subject to change but should give a clear outline of what to expect.

• Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 19:30
• The course will end at 16:00

Day 1

19:30 - 21:00 - Introductions and classroom session covering:

• Species we hope to find

Please note accommodation, refreshments and an evening meal are not included.

Day 2

9:00 - Checking moth traps
12:00 - Lunch – not provided
13:00 - Classroom session covering:

• Identification techniques

15:00 - Break – refreshments and evening meal not provided
19:00 - Field demonstration – Setting moth traps

Please note accommodation, refreshments and an evening meal are not included.

Day 3

9:00 - Checking moth traps
12:00 - Lunch – not provided
13:00 - Classroom session covering:

• Identification techniques
• Results and conclusions of our findings

15:00 - Recap and final questions
16:00 - End of course

PLEASE NOTE the course fee is for tuition only. There are no accommodation, refreshment, or evening meal facilities available with this course.

• 
  Expert Tuition

The course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you build your knowledge and apply it within the field surrounded by like-minded individuals.

The course includes:

• Classroom learning covering the theory of the species
• Field excursions to apply new knowledge
• Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
• Clear objectives and progression

You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.

Student Discount

This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off all Biodiversity courses.

Natural History Bursaries

There are a number of natural history bursaries available to help with the cost of your course. To find out if you and your chosen course are eligible, read more here.

What to Bring

• Notebook and pencil
• Lunch and refreshments
• Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
• Small bag to carry personal items
• Headtorch (preferably one with a red light setting) - if you have one

Recommended Literature

• Chris Manley British Moths and Butterflies - A Photographic Guide
• Roy Leverton Enjoying Moths
• Bernard Skinner Colour Identification Guide to the Moths of Great Britain
• P Waring, M Townend Concise Field Guide to Moths of the British Isles

There will be a member of staff with first aid training and access to a first aid kit on site. If you have special medical or access requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan the course.