Larger and polymorphic noctuid moths tend to show less inter-annual abundance variation in the canopy of a temperate forest

Inter-annual variation in insect abundance and seasonal phenology can be related to species traits such as body size, larval diet, overwintering stage, and colour variations. We sampled noctuid moths in the canopy of a forest in Western Poland using Malaise-interception traps during two vegetative seasons. We calculated inter-annual variation for 23 species and date of peak abundance and length of the flight season for 17 species. We found that larger moths and those with adult colour variation showed less inter-annual abundance variation, which corroborates results of previous studies. We found no indication that phenological traits are associated with the tested species traits. However, species that can feed on the dominant broad-leaved tree in which the traps were placed ( Quercus petraea ) tended to have a later date of peak abundance than other species. Further work may uncover whether smaller-bodied species and those lacking colour variations are more susceptible to climate change and other stressors.