Bugs and small pyramids?

This has been my experience with my Solomid

That has also been my experience in a Hexamid solo. No vents, so they just congregate there.

Is it mysterious? I thought it was just heat.

Warm exhalations rising and mosquitos seeking the CO2 in that exhaled air?

Well, I usually notice it on those unusual days when I pitch while the afternoon sun is still strong. And in those cases, I’m usually not in the tarp–I’ll putz around camp or whatever, and then, when I re-enter, I notice the congregation at the apex.

So I, always figured there’s just warm air up there–solar heating of the fabric, plus maybe a little greenhousing. Plus light. All of which might attract the flying buggers.

Of course, in the course of responding to this thread, I have–by far–given it more thought than I ever have before…

I have no vent.  The bugs tend to congregate at the peak and just flit around.

Maybe CO2 like David said?  Or they just try to go up to get away?

Does that mean they don’t bite me down below?  Maybe.  I have a head net for extreme conditions, which is maybe July in Oregon.

Co2 is a good hypothesis, but consider this anecdote: I set up the hexagonal cone mesh inner of my SL3 last summer so that my dog could shelter while I made dinner. I chose the SL3 (actually a clone) because he is a relentless insect hunter and had earlier destroyed the mesh inner of a dome by biting the insects through the mesh.

But inside the hexagonal cone he sat placidly while I was getting gorged upon outside. Would the mesh alone keep enough CO2 sequestered so that all bugs near would stay near the top of the cone and out of my dog’s zone of attention?

During bug season, I must rely on this effect or he will destroy our shelter. The SL3 is wonderful for the two of us, but pretty heavy.

Perhaps it is all in the (dog’s) mind?
If he sees the mesh inner as a ‘wall’, he won’t look past it. So a more solid mesh might be the trick.

Come to think of it, just how well does a dog see anyhow? It has been suggested that they rely more on their nose than their eyes. He might not be able to see through a more solid mesh.

Cheers