Fascinating moths discovered in Jena Forest

With a wingspan of around eight centimetres, the Red Order moth is one of the largest moths in Germany - and was one of the stars of the latest night trapping evening in Jena Forest. Shortly before the end of the event, a particularly rare and colorful guest also joined the lighting system: the Spanish flag, a strictly protected moth under European law.

Around 25 nature enthusiasts took up the invitation from the lower nature conservation authority, the city forestry office and the Natura 2000 station "Mittlere Saale" to catch light and bait at the forum natura nature experience center on Friday evening. After an introductory talk explaining the various methods of night fishing, the participants went out into the field at nightfall.

Numerous nocturnal insects could be observed on the bait sprayed onto tree trunks and on a specially constructed light trap: Beetles, flies, grasshoppers, smaller moths - and even the large and colorful butterflies that made the evening a special experience.

"We are delighted with the great interest and enthusiasm of the visitors," emphasize Frank Hünefeld (Lower Nature Conservation Authority), Franziska Vogelsang (City Forestry Office) and Jonas Börsch (Natura 2000 Station). "A big thank you to everyone who joined us in experiencing the fascination of the world of moths."

Several night trapping events are also planned for the coming year in Jena Forest.