How well do traditional ecological surveys compare with cutting-edge genetic techniques? A new UWE Bristol project is seeking to answer this question by combining moth trapping with airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling across the Frenchay Campus. Airborne eDNA involves collecting traces of genetic material that animals leave behind in the environment, offering a potentially powerful new way to monitor biodiversity.
Led by Todd Lewis (Senior Lecturer in Ecology) and Aimee Brake (MSc Environmental Consultancy), the project explores whether DNA collected from the air can provide a reliable and efficient way of monitoring moth biodiversity alongside established survey methods. The research brings together staff and students from across UWE Bristol and will support both MSc and BSc dissertation projects.
The first fieldwork session has now been successfully completed. Using portable ultraviolet LED moth traps (LepiLED) to trap moths temporarily, researchers and student volunteers recorded a wide variety of moth species across campus habitats. Alongside conventional survey methods, airborne eDNA samplers were deployed to capture traces of genetic material present in the environment. These samples will now undergo laboratory analysis and metabarcoding to determine which moth species can be detected from the air alone.
Moths play a vital role in local ecosystems, acting as pollinators and providing food for birds, bats and other wildlife. Yet many species are declining or shifting their distribution ranges across the UK. This project will help us better understand the diversity of moths living on the Frenchay Campus while exploring new ways of monitoring wildlife. By combining traditional field surveys with innovative DNA-based approaches, we hope to improve how biodiversity is recorded and protected in the future. The project also offers opportunities for staff, students and the wider community to engage with nature, sustainability and ecological research at UWE Bristol.
Get Involved!
We are planning additional moth-trapping sessions throughout the summer and would welcome participation from staff, students and researchers with an interest in ecology, biodiversity, molecular methods, or simply a curiosity about the incredible diversity of moths found on campus.
Whether you would like hands-on field experience, learn more about species identification, or contribute to an exciting research project, we’d love to hear from you.
For more information or to express an interest in joining future moth-trapping sessions, please contact Todd Lewis.
