New Moth Trap (1 Viewer)

Captain_of_Crunch

YVdpep_re64

• Jul 27, 2012

• #1

I was looking to get a new moth trap and I can't decide between the Skinner Trap (eg. http://www.pwbelg.clara.net/mercury/skinner/index.html) and a Robinson Trap. In both cases I was looking at a 125W MV.

Is there much difference in catch rates between the two types? Any differences in operating them?

Thanks in advance.

 

Surreybirder

Ken Noble

• Jul 27, 2012

• #2

I've not used a Skinner but from all I've heard you get a better 'retention rate' with a Robinson. I use a 125 Robinson and I'm very happy with it. though interestingly I don't get some of the species I used to get with my old 80W trap. (Far greater numbers though.) I don't think there's any significant difference in how you use them. I'm sure that either would give you a good selection of moths.
If you are a complete beginner - and I've no way of knowing - there may be something to be said for the Skinner. Trying to sort through a large catch can be enough to drive you to the brink.
good luck
Ken

 

harry eales

Ancient Entomologist

• Jul 29, 2012

• #3

The Robinson is by far the most efficient of the two in my opinion, it retains insects better, it also copes with rainfall better, it may be larger but it will still go in the boot of most cars unless you drive one of those tin boxes called a smart car. I've had a Robinson or a home made variant of it for well over 50 years. Several friends started out with a Skinner because they were cheaper, but they all have Robinsons now. That puts it into perspective I think.

Harry

 

B

Barry Hunt

Well-known member

• Jul 29, 2012

• #4

Robinson every time, I could tell the tale of my first Plumed Fan-foot, the Skinner trap and the disappearing moth......

 

Surreybirder

Ken Noble

• Jul 29, 2012

• #5

This is, of course, a favourite topic. See for example
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=36446

 

Captain_of_Crunch

YVdpep_re64

• Jul 30, 2012

• #6

Thanks for all the comments, really appreciated. Reading through the previous threads, it does seem that the Robinson is just that bit better.

Does anyone have experience with the economy Robinson from Angleps? Does the opaque covering affect the retention rate or is it just "optics"?

Edit: Forgot to add that I have been trapping for two years now, but I don't really mind big numbers of moths in the trap

 

B

Barry Hunt

Well-known member

• Jul 30, 2012

• #7

I have used both Robinson style traps and for the the Angleps trap was better in every way, more robust, more weather proof and a darn sight cheaper, I have long given up mothing but if I were to buy another trap, I would be going for the that one, very impressive trap

I had hundreds off SilverY and Large Yellow Underwing in mine and it worked a treat!