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Friday, 15 June 2018

Moth night > 14th - 16th June > the annual celebration of moths and moth recording

We need to look after our moths - and this time of year is a good time to do so:
About Moth Night | Moth Night
Moth Night 2018 (@MothNight) | Twitter
Moth Night - National Biodiversity Network

This month's newsletter from Butterfly Conservation focusses on moth observation:

There are many moth myths that distract from the important role they play in helping maintain a healthy environment. Moths are beautiful and fascinating but increasingly under threat, with more than two-thirds of larger macro-moths in decline. These losses not only affect moths but other wildlife that depend on them. Cuckoos and bats have both been shown to struggle as a result of declining moth numbers. As well as playing an important role in the food chain, moths are also pollinators, responsible for the reproduction of many wildflowers including several native orchids. That's why this issue is all about celebrating moths. Join in with Moth Night this weekend and help us raise awareness of our marvellous moths.
A Night To Remember
Moth Night is the annual celebration of moths and moth recording.

This year event organisers Atropos, Butterfly Conservation and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology are asking you to look for pyralid moths.

Pyralids are often under-recorded and scientists need you to report your sightings to determine how these moths are faring across the UK. With climate change and the international horticulture trade bringing new species of pyralid moth to our shores, you could even make moth history by being the first to spot a new arrival.

Moth Night festivities stretch over a whole weekend with UK-wide events running from today through to Monday. 

Visit the Moth Night website to look up events in your locality and find out how to join in from your own garden or nearby green space.
Dig It: Make A Metre For Moths
Have you created your plot for pollinators yet? Just one square metre of outdoor space can support hundreds of insects.

The gardening advice for butterflies and bees also applies to moths but there are some extra plants you should include if you are keen to attract and support a variety of moth species in your garden.

This month the Secret Gardener investigates the best plants to provide caterpillar food and flying-fuel for both day and night flying moths. Don't forget to share photos of your metre for moths on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with the #pollinatorplots
Look Out For:
Butterfly
Moth
Caterpillar
Master Mothing
Can you identify an Elephant or an Ermine? Do you know the difference between a Magpie and a Marbled Minor? We have more than 2,500 moths in the UK. Many of our moths will visit gardens and you can find some species in busy city streets.

Even if you are a complete beginner to mothing, simply curious to discover more, you can still join in with Moth Night. BC's resident moth expert, Richard Fox, introduces members of the pyralid family so you can get to grips with the species you are likely to encounter this June. Read the blog for tips and activities you can try at home to attract and identify moths.
Butterfly Conservation - Home
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