The Magic of Moth Sheeting

The sun is shining, the flowers are in bloom and butterflies, especially yellow swallowtails, have been making their appearance across blossoming gardens, but there are other two-winged insects that deserve their flowers: moths. Moths are the less visually striking cousins to butterflies but all of which fall within the Lepidoptera taxonomic rank. While there are several ways to differentiate the two (color, wings, antennae) there are far more similarities, and those "rules" to differentiating do not always hold true, according to butterfly-conservation.org. Even with such strong similarities, moths get a bad rap. They just don't get the same joyful reaction a monarch does (unless it's a Luna moth). But why? With two greatly similar species, we associate one with beauty and the other as ugly, gray pests that become a nuisance with every camping lantern or wool sweater. Apparently, there are some 160,000 known species of moths and only around 17,500 butterflies globally. In the US, those numbers are roughly 11,000 and 750 respectively (www.si.edu). Wow! Since there are so many species of moths, experts most simply categorize species as micro- or macro-moths. Recently, I've noticed more butterflies which led me to think of moths. I don't see moths often unless they're relentlessly charging into the bulb outside my door. So, I decided it was time I gave moths some notice, and I set up a sheet in my backyard to observe our forgotten flying friends. It was a relatively cool night — just my luck after sweltering heat — but the chill air didn't do me any favors. I hung a white bedsheet from the clothesline and placed a strong bulb behind it. Once the sun set, I turned on the light and walked away; and as a precaution, I shut off any inside lights that would possibly draw moths toward the house and away from the sheet. I came outside periodically to see what insects were drawn to my "trap." At first, there were only micro-moths, but even these had their own appeal with near-translucent bodies and a hint of fluorescent green. These were quick-moving and didn't land or stay still for long. I started to worry that the temperature was working against me. I had read that warmer nights may have greater moth activity, but I kept waiting. I'd go inside, putz around and return to see if anything new had landed. Aside from unidentified micro-moths, I had attracted three moths! With the use of the smartphone identification app iNaturalist, I snapped photos of the moths, and they were quickly identified as Herpetogramma theseusalis, painted lichen (Hypoprepia fucosa) and ambiguous moths (Lascoria ambigualis). The painted lichen moth was the most visually attractive, with fiery orange and black colors. Their aposematic coloration is more than just eye-catching — it signals to predators that they are undesirable prey. Some moths in this family are perfectly edible but have developed similar color patterns for survival. The Herpetogramma theseusalis (no common name) was iridescent, reflecting the flash of my camera. Its wings had that glittery, powder look that is common to moths. Apparently, this isn't a special powder or pixie dust but microscopic scales that cover the wings and other parts of moths and butterflies. The ambiguous moth reminded me of a fall leaf; you could almost mistake it for such. Notches and black spots on the edge of its wings signified it was a male. None of the moths were especially big or impressive, but the casual scientific process became a mindfulness practice. Taking notice of often forgotten creatures that flutter in the dusks of our day to day instilled appreciation and wonder as well as compassion for the creatures we overlook. How to Set Up a Moth Viewing Station: Hang a bed sheet on a line in a yard or between trees. o Solid, light colors are preferable for better viewing Use a high-power light placed behind the sheet. o A blacklight or strong LED or CFL bulb will do the trick. o Experiment with placement to evenly distribute light. Sit back and marvel in the magic of moths!