NCUCMP Project Statistics
About the Project
The North Carolina Under-reported County Mothing Project (NCUCMP), administered by Executive Director Lior Carlson of Backyard Butterflies, is a multi-year citizen science survey of moths in those counties identified as under-reported based upon data publicly available from the Moths of North Carolina website. The definition for the purposes of the project of an under-reported county is having less than 100 species of moths.
Where the Project Began
At the time the project began in 2022, approximately 15 counties were identified as having less than 10 recorded species on the MONC website. Greene County had zero records.
Initially there was any species goal per survey in 2022. After consideration it was decided in 2023 to have a target of 100 species per survey over two nights. This goal was easily met for all sites.
Map created July 2022
Progress Made
Between five and six counties have been surveyed annually during the months of July through September, the peak of moth season. Participants of the project have included a mix of long-time moth-ers and newcomers. Together we have made great progress in achieving the objective of the project.
Counties scheduled for 2024 include Periquimans, Pamlico, Lincoln, Davie, and Forsyth Counties.
Map created July 2024
Project Goals
Project Funding
The major source of funding is from Backyard Butterflies. Additional sources of funding through grants or designated donations will be sought to sustain the project to completion.
Survey Methods
Survey Sites
Surveys are conducted on the property of AirBnB rentals that are deemed to have desired habitat for moths.
Survey Duration
Surveys are conducted over two consecutive nights during the summer to early fall.
Equipment Used
2022
A combination of a 40 watt UV light and 60 watt mercury vapor light. A pheromone trap was used in Caswell County.
2023
Two Maxi Switch LepiLED lights were used
Participants by Year
2022
Lior S. Carlson
David George
2023
Brian Bockhahn
Lior S. Carlson
Jessica Badge-Rotenberg
Bo Kluxen
Corrigan Wilkes
