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Post by luehdorf on Jan 19, 2022 19:07:44 GMT -8
I have recently moved to Panama, and I am really looking forward to seeing some moths at night. I stay in Panama City, in the outskirts, and my apartment has a balcony looking right over the Soberania National Park rainforest. I have a moth light, the entoLED, and I turned it on a few times, but there was not a single moth in the last days.
It is also dry season and full moon, so that might be a reason. But I am actually really curious when the season for more moths really starts here in central America? Do I have to wait for the next rain?
What moths should I look out for is there anything special and rare that might be interesting in Panama? I saw that there are some beautiful automeris species, but normally I am more of a butterfly collector, and more into the dayflying stuff.
Looking forward to some insights from our tropics experts here on the forum!
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Post by exoticimports on Jan 20, 2022 4:51:36 GMT -8
I think you'll find there are a lot of butterflies, moths, and beetles that are incredibly interesting. I'm not a helicon expert, but if I lived in Panama I'd probably make that my focus.
Keep running the lights, what little is out in dry season will be different (and probably rarer) than wet season.
Chuck
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Post by trehopr1 on Jan 20, 2022 10:49:49 GMT -8
Hello luehdorf,
What a fantastic opportunity that you have before you to collect tropical insects. There's nothing quite like catching YOUR own things !
I am not familiar with that brand of light which you say you have however, it does end in LED so that is concerning. One would think you would draw something in even during the dry season (even some little stuff). Perhaps, you might consider looking around at a store nearby you which sells lighting fixtures and bulbs. You may very well be able to get a mercury vapor light bulb. Ask the proprietor if he can (jury rig) a setup so that you can run the light at your room. Of course an extension cord would allow you to place it out on the balcony so you wouldn't get all the moths in your room.😄
Though I have not been to Panama I've certainly had some great times in the tropics of Ecuador and Bolivia. The month of May in Ecuador was absolutely astounding for lepidoptera.
You have a golden opportunity before you to get some potentially great moths. I do know you have chance to collect the three largest species of Sphingidae if your luck is with you. All belong to the genus Cocytius (anteus, duponchelli, and lucifer); all around 7 inch wingspan !
Of course, you should also be able to draw in some nice Saturniidae (of various genera); and the little clear-wing moths of the genus (Cosmosoma) are a varied treat to any sheet. As well as some bold colored Arctiids which are bound to show up.
The thing is make sure you have a light that actually (draws). You you might trying asking (locally) some of the people when the start of the rainy season begins. This way you can prepare yourself somewhat for what is coming.
Don't know how prepared you are with envelopes, killing fluid, killing jars etc., but you need to have all at the ready. Don't know how successful you will be in getting out for butterflies but, you are sure to have a greater appreciation for moths once you experience Panama at night (with a proper light) and on the edge of a preserve -- as you are situated.
Good hunting whenever possible...👍😊
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evra
Full Member
Posts: 230
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Post by evra on Jan 20, 2022 17:47:01 GMT -8
Lighting during a full moon is pretty tough, especially if there is no cloud cover. I would say the difference in total numbers between a new moon and a full moon is roughly a factor of 10, maybe even 20. This can be really evident if you collect on a full moon in an area with high mountains to the east. Usually you get 1-2 hours after dark that are really productive, but as soon as the moon rises over the mountains everything just stops. I usually shut off the lights and go to sleep.
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