Moths are very efficient pollinators although their daytime counterparts like honey bees and bumble bees are most often thought of as the archetype for pollination the moths should be counted out. in a study from 2023 the results were found to be that although 83% of flower visits were during the day. the rate of pollination was higher during the night. This leads to the conclusion that daytime pollinators are much less effective than the night time moths. (Anderson, Mathews 2023)

Moths are often seen as a pests but this is not the case. Moth populations are an indicator of overall health of a biome.

Moths and their caterpillars are integral to the food web, providing essential nourishment for a diverse array of species, including amphibians, small mammals, bats, and numerous birds. Moth caterpillars are particularly crucial for the diet of young garden birds like Blue Tits, Great Tits, Robins, Wrens, and Blackbirds. A marked decrease in moth populations could lead to serious consequences for these dependent wildlife species.

Studies indicate that the dwindling numbers of moths contribute to the decline of bat populations in farmlands, as bats predominantly feed on moths. Cuckoos, known for their preference for hairy caterpillars shunned by most birds, are also at risk. The decline in Cuckoo populations is believed to be connected to the reduced numbers of certain moth caterpillars, including those of the Garden Tiger moth.

Hence, a significant reduction in moth populations could trigger catastrophic effects across the ecosystem, affecting a multitude of species that rely on them.

Furthermore, moths are critical indicators of environmental health due to their widespread presence across various habitats and their sensitivity to ecological changes. Tracking their population and distribution can provide essential insights into environmental shifts, such as the impact of new agricultural methods, pesticides, air pollution, and climate change. Moth caterpillars also significantly affect plant life through their consumption of foliage. (The butterfly conservation 2024)

Plants to attract moths & butterflys

Use these plants to keep your moths happy. Moths are attracted to a variety of nectar rich flowers.

Heather

Ivy

Echinacea

Knapweed