At last the local authorities have replaced the footbridge across the River Guapiaçu that leads from the reserve to the village, and they have done it in style. The new strong tubular structure has a concrete footpath, and most importantly has a line of very bright white lights that are left on all night. These are proving irresistible to moths, and on just one night we found 18 hawkmoths of 16 species – a remarkable total, especially as it is still winter and not the peak flight period.

The photo shows 11 hawkmoths of 10 species, ranging from the largest Neococytius cluentius (second from bottom) to the smallest Enyo Ocypete (centre). We tried to get all the species in one photo but some wouldn’t play ball and flew off!