A Few Fun Facts About Moths

Join the National Moth Week celebration the last full week of July. This worldwide recognition of the beauty and importance of moths offers everyone an opportunity to become a citizen scientist and contribute scientific data about moths.

Here are just a few facts to get you excited about these winged wonders that often take a backseat to the more flamboyant butterflies.

Most moths are nocturnal, but there are a few like the hummingbird moths that visit your garden during the day.

You will find moths that are as colorful as butterflies and others that are hard to find due to their excellent camouflage. Scientists estimate there are somewhere between 150,000 to 500,000 different moth species. These range in size from a pinhead to an adult’s hand.

So, take some time this week to observe the moths visiting your gardens and porch light.

A bit more information: Get the whole family involved in trying to spy and identify these often-overlooked pollinators. For help identifying these nighttime beauties, listen to my tip Celebrate National Moth Week with a Nighttime Moth Watch.

Tags

butterflies beneficial-insects moths

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