Shining Light on Moths

Butterflies get all the glory. We can't take our eyes off of them. They float from blossom to blossom, their vibrant colors and velvet wings enchant us. Babies notice them, puppies chase them, and we plant special flowers just to invite them into our yards. Butterflies have got it going on. But what about the butterfly's often overlooked cousin, the moth? Being mostly nocturnal and often muted in color, these fuzzy fliers often go under the radar. Some, such as the fairy-like luna moth or the flashy cecropia moth, are standouts. While others have are notoriously destructive, like the defoliating spongy moth or the grain moth. We see moths on our windows, drawn to our nighttime lights, but how often do we stop and pay attention to them? Moths are essential pollinators. Recent studies conducted in England reveal that they visit more plant species than bees, playing an essential but often overlooked role in pollination. Their fuzzy bodies transfer pollen from flower to flower, as these often-nocturnal fliers work the night shift. There are many more moths in the world than butterflies, and although not all moths are pollinators, many are, making them an undeniable pollination workforce. According to Samuel Jaffe, the Executive Director of the Caterpillar Lab, "Moths are indispensable in our environment." Not only is their diversity astounding, with more than 3000 species identified in New England alone, but as Jaffe shares, "… caterpillars are the dominant herbivore in our forests, consuming more leaves, passing on more energy, than any other group. Without moth caterpillars, our food webs would simply grind to a halt." For an unforgettable hands-on experience of the caterpillar kind, visit the Caterpillar Lab this summer at their new location in Dublin. Check out their website at www.thecaterpillarlab.org for Open House hours. Summer is a perfect time to explore the fascinating world of moths by setting up a mothing spot in the backyard. Its as easy as drawing a moth to a light! Start out simple by noticing and watching the moths that gather around an outside light. To make them easier to see, hang a white sheet near the outdoor light. You can tack the sheet to your house, drape it over a wooden clothing rack, or string it between two posts or tree branches. Use a bright light to illuminate much of the sheet. If you really want to hit a moth bonanza, try using a black light! Not only will you find moths, but other visitors as well, including caddisflies, lacewings, stoneflies, and sometimes even treefrogs and toads, who are looking for a quick nighttime snack. Hang your sheet all summer long and see who shows up. For easy tips on how to go mothing, visit www.https://nationalmothweek.org/mothing-101/ and if you fall in love with this type of nocturnal adventure, join the Harris Center's Nature by Blacklight event on Aug. 28 by signing up at www.harriscenter.org/events. Take your mothing to a whole new level by celebrating National Moth Week from July 18 to 26. Initiated in 2012 by a conservation organization from central New Jersey, this week dedicated to the quiet moths of the world is now recognized across all 50 states and beyond, with over 80 countries participating. Become part of this international community science initiative by reporting your findings and participating in other mothing events in New England at www.nationalmothweek.org.