Far from being the dull relatives of butterflies, moths are amongst our most vibrant and interesting insects, with over 2500 species in the UK.
This identification course is for absolute beginners to moth spotting and naming. We’ll focus on a handful of the most distinctive and commonly seen moths. You will learn the appearance and characteristics of these moths, how to spot them and tell them apart from similar kinds using photographs.
The course is completely free, and you get a certificate for passing. After working through the self-study content and quizzes in your own time, you will then complete an automatically-graded identification photo test.
What will be covered during this course?
- The identification and ecology of 14 commonly encountered moth species.
This free course, alongside other free opportunities from the Field Studies Council, can be booked through our Eventbrite page.
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By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Identify a number of UK moths to species level.
Time commitment: This course will require approximately 4-6 hours of your time to complete.
The final deadline to complete any outstanding quizzes and self-study components is the 30th November 2023.
Who Should Attend? – Anyone interested in learning more about UK wildlife!
Knowledge Level – Beginner.
Prior Knowledge – No existing knowledge or experience is needed for this course. Just a willingness to contribute and learn.
Understand how our online courses are delivered
Live Webinar Information
There are no live webinars associated with this course.
Example Timetable
Access to course content will be from the 1st of June until the 30th of November 2023.
Time commitment: This course will require approximately 4-6 hours of your time to complete.
The final deadline to complete any outstanding quizzes and self-study components is the 30th of November 2023.
What's Included
This one module course covers the identification and ecology of 14 commonly encountered moth species in the UK.
Topics include:
- Introduction
- Hawk-moths
- Tiger Moths
- Geometer Moths
- Noctuid Moths
- Prominent and Kitten Moths
- Recording UK Moths
This course includes:
- One module self-study content with its own certificate of achievement
- Auto-graded activities
- Identification quiz
- Tailored course completion certificate
Once the course commences, you will gain access to self-study 'workbooks' to begin your learning journey. Quizzes and skill checks will give you instant feedback on your learning.
Recommended Devices
It is recommended that you access your course through a PC or laptop. Please be aware that there will be reduced functionality if you decide to access the course through a tablet or smartphone. The Field Studies Council is unable to email content directly to you.
Bursaries and Subsidies
Supporting Science
Butterfly Conservation has worked with partners and collaborated with volunteers to deliver Supporting Science. The project has created new recording experiences and data tools. Field Studies Council have partnered with the project to develop exciting new online training, including this course. Together, these initiatives will help support butterfly and moth science.
Butterfly Conservation is the UK’s charity dedicated to saving butterflies, moths and our natural environment. Larger moths have declined in abundance by 33% since 1968. Encounters with butterflies and moths are now infrequent for many people, but it doesn’t have to be this way. We work to create a world where butterflies and moths thrive and can be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.
Supporting Science was made possible with funding from the National Lottery and DCMS, distributed through the Digital Skills for Heritage Initiative, and was supported by The Henry C. Hoare Charitable Trust, Sophia Webster Ltd. and The Lochlands Trust.
Before You Attend
Accessing Your Course
- Once you sign up you’ll receive an email at least 24 hours in advance of the course opening with details of how to access our easy-to-use platform, Moodle.
- Moodle can be accessed through a browser or an app.
Opportunities to attend this course
Thu 01, June 2023 10:00 - Thu 30, November 2023 23:00
Spaces are still available - book now via Eventbrite
Sorry this course is out of stock
Progress Your Learning
This is a training course from the Field Studies Council, delivered by expert tutors with an approachable learning style. After attending this course, you may like to progress your learning with further relevant courses or branch out into other areas of natural history. The Field Studies Council offers both online and in-person courses, so you can choose the learning style that suits you best.
The course gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new subject and acquire novel skills. Our online portal gives you time to study at your own pace and fit the lessons around your own schedule.
If you have any questions about our online courses please check our Frequently Asked Questions or email [email protected]