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How to Catch a Moth

A moth flying inside in the evening may be alarming, mildly irritating or interesting, depending on your view of moths. Kindhearted people may want to rescue the panicked moth and some, especially children, might want to look at it close up, perhaps to identify it. Catching a moth is much easier if you have a net, but is possible with just a tumbler and a piece of stiff paper.

Things You'll Need

Tumbler, plastic tub or mug
Sheet of card or stiff paper
Aquarium or butterfly net

Instructions

- 1
  Close doors leading to the room the moth is in, but leave the window open. The moth might fly outside again by itself.
- 2
  Watch the moth until it gives up flying in a disoriented panic around light fittings and alights on a wall.
- 3
  Approach the moth, not letting your shadow fall on it, and quickly place the tumbler over it.
- 4
  Slide the piece of card carefully underneath the tumbler to trap the moth in the glass.
- 5
  Hold the card and tumbler together, take the moth outside and release it.

Insects & Science