National Moth Week
#NationalMothWeek
National Moth Week is a yearly event that takes place from July 18 to 26. It is a time to learn about and appreciate moths—their beauty, their variety, and the important role they play in nature. During this week, people around the world are encouraged to look for moths in their yards, parks, and neighbourhoods. Mid-July is one of the best times to spot moths in the northern hemisphere, as many species are active during the warm summer nights.
The event began in 2012 with a group called the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission. They began by hosting small gatherings where people gathered to observe moths at night. What began as a local activity quickly grew into a global event. Today, National Moth Week is celebrated in over 90 countries. It is now an international citizen science project. People take pictures of the moths they see and upload them to special websites. Scientists and researchers can then use these photos to track moth populations and learn more about their habits.
Moths are more than just nighttime insects. They are important pollinators, especially for flowers that bloom after dark. Their long tongues and fuzzy bodies help them collect and spread pollen. Moths are also a key part of the food chain. Many animals, like bats, birds, and lizards, rely on them for food.
Studying moths can also tell us a lot about the environment. Changes in moth numbers or behaviour can show the effects of pollution, farming chemicals, and climate change. By paying attention to moths, scientists can gain a better understanding of the health of our ecosystems.
National Moth Week helps bring attention to these often-overlooked insects. It gives people a chance to participate in science, connect with nature, and gain a deeper understanding of how moths contribute to life on Earth.
How to celebrate:
- Go mothing
- Host a mothing event in your backyard
- Attend a public event in your area
- Learn about the different types of moths found in your neighbourhood
- Minimize light pollution (as moths are sensitive to artificial lights)
- Plant moth-attracting native plants
Fun facts:
- The atlas moth is the largest in the world, with a wingspan of 12 inches
- One of the world’s fastest flying insects is the hawkmoth, it can fly 33.7 mph
- There are between 150,000 to 500,000 moth species in the world
- Moths are nocturnal
- Moths can be found in almost every habitat
- Some moths don’t eat and have evolved to mate and lay eggs
- A male moth can smell a female moth more than seven miles away
- There are about 120,000 species of aquatic moths
