Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My son is planning to build a modified Robinson moth trap to test which light (black light or mercury vapor) will attract more moths.

He is unsure whether if he should build multiple traps or if he should spread the experiment out over a two week period. (One should not trap moth consecutively as it will disrupt their feeding).

He is only allowed to have one variable but he would also like to know if he should set out a yellow bulb (bug bulb) or a regular house bulb as a control.

Hi!

I would suggest spreading the experiment out over a two week period if trapping moths consecutively disrupts their feeding habits. Maybe put out one trap with black light and one with mercury vapor over the course of two weeks.

As for the control, I do not believe that there is a definite wrong answer as to which bulb to use but I would probably suggest using the yellow bulb.

Hope this helps!

Matthew

Has your student reviewed this project? Build a Better Moth Trap: Will Different-colored Lights Affect How Many Moths You Catch?

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... #procedure

The procedure used for that project may be very helpful as your student considers his project.

Amy
Science Buddies