This is a short study of the number of moth species (IDs on iNaturalist as of June 22, 2024) obtained by using LepiLED moth lights in 3 different ecological zones in Valais, Switzerland, on June 19, 2024. The lights were placed in front of a wall, starting before dusk and visitied at around 3-4 a.m. to take pictures of all the moths.

(1) Hohtenn, in the rock slopes, with only few herbs and grasses, almost no trees or bushes, South exposed, elevation 1040m
(2) Hohtenn, dry forest at steep slope, South exposed, elevation 1110m
(3) Oberems, at hotel, surrounded by grassland which hasn't been cut yet, many herbs & flowers in the grass, North exposed, elevation 1330m

The graph shows, that only 2 species were found in all three places! The majority of species was found in only one of the three places. Conclusion: it is always worth checking out different nearby locations in various ecological zones.

The moths and the precise locations can be found here:
(1) https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?nelat=46.322842958845854&nelng=7.775363153515795&on=2024-06-19&place_id=any&subview=map&swlat=46.320805371351284&swlng=7.771162814198473&taxon_id=47157&user_id=amzamz&verifiable=any

(2) https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?nelat=46.3243840655281&nelng=7.765707201062182&on=2024-06-19&place_id=any&subview=map&swlat=46.32234653543008&swlng=7.76150686174486&taxon_id=47157&user_id=amzamz&verifiable=any

(3) https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?nelat=46.28404167467345&nelng=7.697804397641161&on=2024-06-19&place_id=any&subview=map&swlat=46.282002642561025&swlng=7.69360405832384&taxon_id=47157&user_id=amzamz&verifiable=any

Posted on June 22, 2024 09:47 PM by amzamz