How do you "sugar" moths?

Question

What is the process and materials used to attract moths using the "sugaring" method?

I know it involves sugar water, a sheet, and a certain kind of light, but my knowledge ends there.

Also, what would be an ideal location to set up shop to attract moths? What kind of moths can I hope to attract, and at what time of year?

I live in Northwest Pennsylvania, US.

Answer 1

What I did was go to the woods and lay a white sheet in front of my car with the head lights on.  You will get more than just moths.  You can also go to any area with night lights that are not bug lights and find many there.  Moths and butterflies are attracted to nectar so sugar water should work, but I get very few at my hummingbird feeders. Different moths are attracted at different times of the year until it starts getting really cold. Where you go is to areas where the larvae feed on  plants.  The more plants and the more variety of plants the more variety of moths and butterflies.  Some species feed on a single type of plant so you could look up the moth you are interested in catching and see what plant or plants it feeds on.  It is better if you go to an uncultivated area as many people spray to kill unwanted larvae from eating their plants.