White witches might be seen almost anywhere in the New World tropics, at any time of the year. But typical observations are one-offs. If I chose the best locality (perhaps from the map in the previous post) and went there at the optimal time, I might see one or two or zero white witches (or 40--it has happened). In fact, I have visited French Guiana--a hot spot--at the onset of the rainy season, spent 10 days lighting and baiting, and saw 2 moths.
So it is frustrating to know that certain individuals, or groups, routinely collect large numbers of white witches that are then sold on Ebay. The number of moths in the market is unquantifiable, but the prices (as little as $30) suggest an abundant supply. And the photo above is interesting - a stack of at least a dozen moths. The collector is in a position to know the date and time of the collection, and the size and sex of the specimen. Even one of those variables (sex) would be enormously helpful.
Problem: there is every reason for the collectors, and their brokers, to hide information that might aid their competitors.
Message I have sent to an online seller:
So it is frustrating to know that certain individuals, or groups, routinely collect large numbers of white witches that are then sold on Ebay. The number of moths in the market is unquantifiable, but the prices (as little as $30) suggest an abundant supply. And the photo above is interesting - a stack of at least a dozen moths. The collector is in a position to know the date and time of the collection, and the size and sex of the specimen. Even one of those variables (sex) would be enormously helpful.
Problem: there is every reason for the collectors, and their brokers, to hide information that might aid their competitors.
Message I have sent to an online seller: