Techniques in Lepidopterology

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Photography:
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Observation: ​Pheromone attraction for Clearwing moths (Sesiidae). Notes provided by Bill Taft: Lures can be sourced from Solida (Canada) Great Lakes IPM and Alpha Scents (US). 

Great lakes IPM 
  •  General clearwing borer (ZZA blend) is GL/SC-3017 Good for: Synanthedon           culiformis, saxifrage, polygoni, exitiosa, novaroensis, myopaeformis, syringae, P. clarkei and S. tibiale.
 
  • Grape root Borer (EZ 2,13 A) is GL/SC-3274  Good for: Synanthedon tipuliformis, bolteri, and arctica.
 
  • Western Poplar borer (EZOH/ZZOH 50:50) is GL/SC-3440.  Good for: Sesia spartani, P. robiniae.
 
If you combine the general + grape root borer lures in the same paper clip you can catch Synanthedon helenis + others.
 
Alpha scents

  • Dogwood Borer (blend) SYNSCI. Good for: Carmenta giliae, Synanthedon scitula + others.
 
  • Synanthedon sequoia (ZZOH) SYNSEQ Good for Synathedon sequoia
 
  • Lesser peach tree borer (EZA) SYNPIC. Good for: Synanthedon albicornis + others.
 
  • Pennisetia marginata (EZOH) PENMAR. It should catch P. tabaniformis. If you combine the lesser peach tree borer lure and P. marginata lure together, you should be able to collect Synanthedon bibionipennis.
​Check with Solida for which lures are available in Canada.
 
 Note:
Sy. helenis should be found along the eastern edge of BC and Sy. arctica should be found in the NE corner of BC in willow thickets.
Unitraps, as shown below can work well for Sessidae surveys. Lure is hung from a clip in the top of the trap to allow the release of an effective pheromone plume to attract male moths. 

Collection:
Sweep net:
Sweep netting is one of the most common techniques for capturing and observing day flying insects.  

​
Identification:

​Curation:
Pinning

Resources;
Basic Techniques for Observing and Studying Moths and Butterflies. William Winter. 2000. Memoirs of the Lepidopterists' Society No. 5

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Unitrap, used in Clearwing moth surveys.