Night Buggin'

This is a great summer project that helps you discover what amazing insects live in your area. All you need to do is set up a black light (or several) aimed at a white sheet outside in your yard. Turn on the lights at dusk, wait until it gets dark, and then see what amazing creatures show up! You'll see new and cool insects on different nights, so don't get discouraged if your first try doesn't produce many insects. So go Night Buggin' and discover the incredible creatures that are just beyond your doorstep. Have fun!

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• wildlife
• nature
• bugs
• moths
• blacklight
• schriemer
• peter
• beyondyourdoorstep

[StormyStarySkies]

I heard of this before & tried a lil bit of a diff setup. I used a white canopy w/light up from under. I was on the out skirts of the everglades when I tried it w/lil luck. People I was w/ didn't share my passion for the exploration so I only got to watch for an hour. I will try it again but following your instructions, but need more info? How long to wait? Best time of night? Is repeat nights better? How far into an area would be best to setup? Do you know another name to call this process?

[PeterSchriemer]

Sorry for my delayed response. I've been traveling and working on a new wildlife project, but I am eager to hear how your night buggin' in the Everglades goes! I usually turn black lights on at dusk and wait about an hour until it is truly dark. I've found that you don't have to stay up really late to see lots of insects - however, the large moths are late night (early morning) flyers.

[PeterSchriemer]

My response, Part 2:

Repeat nights are good because they show the true diversity of the area. I've done it several nights in a row, and found completely different species dominating the sheet. As long as there are not outside lights that will distract insects from your set up, you do not need to be far away from your source of AC power. In terms of other names, I've also heard this project called "blacklighting." Let me know how your blacklighting in the Everglades turns out!

[IKeiichiroI]

where to get White Sheet ?

[PeterSchriemer]

The white sheet can be a drop cloth for painting, or it can be a bed sheet. You could even use an outside wall that is white. You just need a bright surface to shine the blacklight on.

[IKeiichiroI]

beetles also ?

[PeterSchriemer]

Oh yes. You can definitely get beetles to come to black lights on white sheet at night.

[PeterSchriemer]

I have not seen any foxfire in person, but I would love to come across some! Bioluminescent fungus is an amazing natural wonder!

[astronomerroyal]

The other night my flashlight died as I was walking through the woods.  I stepped over a fallen tree and found a patch of Foxfire glowing brightly. At the time I had no idea what it was, so I took it home and photographed it. Have you ever seen this phenomenon?

[halliehannah]

nice video