.png)
NEWPORT – ‘Shedding Light on Nocturnal Pollinators: The Critical Role of Moths and How You Can Support Them,’ will be the topic of a Selkirk Alliance for Science presentation Wednesday, July 24, at 7 p.m. The presentation will be held at the Create Arts Center, at 900 W. 4th St. in Newport.
People will learn about the beauty, diversity, role and ecological services that moths provide. Following the presentation will be a demonstration of erecting a lighttrap to attract and study moths.
PhD Ecologist Christopher Cosma will describe known facts about moths and the dearth of knowledge regarding our local resident moths. He states, “With over 160,000 species worldwide, moths are one of the most diverse and successful groups of organisms on the plane, Cosma says. “Washington state is home to thousands in various shapes, sizes, and colors, some as beautiful as butterflies.”
The number of moths is decreasing, he said. “Unfortunately, moth populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and nocturnal light pollution. You can help protect moths by reducing outdoor lighting and planting native species that support moths and other pollinators.
“You can also contribute to moth conservation by photographing moths that are attracted to lights and submitting observations to community science platforms like iNaturalist (www.inaturalist.org/.”
This presentation is free to the public with no admission fee; however, donations are always welcome.
The week of July 22-30 is National Moth Week, part of a global celebration of moths and their role in supporting biodiversity as well as ecological and agricultural services from nighttime pollination of plants. Moth caterpillars provide a high energy food source for migrating birds and many other animals.
Fun fact: Butterflies and moths belong to the insect Order Lepidoptera, deriving from the Greek language meaning “scaly winged.”
