Moths and Butterflies (Lepidoptera)

Finding and Observing Moths:  DIY Moth Survey

Moths and butterflies are fascinating creatures. Butterflies are renown for their role in ecosystems. Often under-represented though, moths are important members of the natural world. There is currently work being done to explore the use of moths as bio-indicators for ecosystem health. They even help fill the role of pollinators in certain settings. They are a little more difficult to observe, considering they are nocturnal. 

Powell and Hogue describe moths in their book "California Insects" as, "Moths are less familiar to the general public than butterflies but are far greater in species numbers and diversity of structural modifications and behavorial adaptations."

We are underway for moth surveys this year. If you would like to find out how to observe and help record moths in your back yard, just follow the link below!

Moth Identification links:

• INaturalist
• Moths of Orange County
• Insectidentification.org
• DiscoverLife.org
• ButterfliesAndMoths.org

Remember, National Moth Week is July 18-26, 2020

Why are moths attracted to lights?

Read this article from NPR

Moths as Bio-Indicators