ID guide
How to Name a Moth
A simple guide to shape, marks and good photos.
FROM THE JOURNAL
Moths of Hertfordshire
Read local sightings, ID notes, garden records and habitat tips from around the county. Clear photos and plain notes help you name the moths at your light, wall or hedge.
FEATURED STORIES
Featured moth notes from Hertfordshire
A simple guide to shape, marks and good photos.
Local log
St Albans Night List
Garden watch
Garden Moths by Light
01Quick read
1. Common Garden Moths
Names, marks and when they turn up in Herts.
02Quick read
2. Hawkmoths in Herts
Large moths with fast flight and clear stripes.
03Quick read
3. Winter Moths Log
Cold-night species and the signs to look for.
Live log
County sighting log
Live log
Night guide
ID by wing marks
Night guide
TOPIC CHANNELS
Pick a topic for your next read
Plain steps to name moths from shape, marks and season.
GUIDE
ID Guides
Plain steps to name moths from shape, marks and season.
TRENDS
Sightings Log
Recent Herts records, one night at a time.
TIPS
Garden Visitors
What turns up near lights, hedges and compost heaps.
GUIDE
Habitat Notes
Woodland, meadow and wetland clues for each species.
species notes logged
260+
species notes logged
of field notes
52 weeks
of field notes
garden records shared
140+
garden records shared
Community
Customer notes
Verified
“One clear photo and the wing shape were enough to name my moth.”
P
Priya Shah
Home gardener in Berkhamsted
Verified
“The local logs helped me see how many species visit one small garden.”
M
Martin Cole
Wildlife volunteer in Tring
Verified
“I keep coming back for the plain notes. They save me from guesswork.”
J
Jade Wilson
Allotment keeper in Hertford
SPOTLIGHT TAIL
More moth stories and field notes
A common night flier seen around lawns, hedges and lights.
Featured
Large Yellow Underwing
A common night flier seen around lawns, hedges and lights.
0224
Hebrew Character
Early spring marks and a neat resting pose.
0325
Buff-tip on Bark
A good match for tree trunks and old fence posts.
Wide read
Wetland Moths
Species linked to reeds, damp grass and pond edges.
0527
Moths at Porch Lights
Simple notes from front doors and back gardens.
0628
Hedgerow Night Watch
What turns up along lanes, edges and field banks.
0729
Nocturnal Photo Tips
Get a sharp image without disturbing the insect.
0830
Help the Record Map
Send a date, place and photo with each sighting.
Journal
Latest entries from the moth journal
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Business and Consumer ServicesMay 15, 2026
Why IPTV Service Is the Best Choice for Families Looking for Quality Entertainment in 2026
Questions
Common moth questions
Quick answers before visitors choose a product, service, or next step.
01How do I start moth ID at home?+
Start with a torch, a camera and one clear photo of the wings, size and markings. Then compare it with the guides here.
02When are moths easiest to see?+
Most turn up from dusk to midnight, but some fly at dawn or rest on walls in the day. Warm, calm nights help most.
03Do I need a moth trap?+
No. Porch lights, white sheets and still garden walls can give good records. A trap helps, but it is not needed here.
04Can I add my own sighting?+
Yes. Send the date, place and a clear photo, plus the light, plant or wall where you found it. That extra detail helps with the name.
05What moths live in Hertfordshire gardens?+
Common garden visitors include Large Yellow Underwing, Elephant Hawk-moth, Peppered Moth and many small micros at light.
06How often do you post new notes?+
New sightings and ID notes land through the week, with bigger round-ups after busy nights and local survey checks.
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