National Moth Week is Coming!

by Carol Kagan, Master Gardener



Polyphemus Moth - Antheraea polyphemus

National Moth Week is July 19 through 27, 2014.

Why celebrate moths? 

• Moths are among the most diverse and successful organisms on earth.
• Scientists estimate there are 150,000 to more than 500,000 moth species.
• Their colors and patterns are either dazzling or so cryptic that they define camouflage. Shapes and sizes span the gamut from as small as a pinhead to as large as an adult’s hand.
• Most moths are nocturnal, and need to be sought at night to be seen – others fly like butterflies during the day.

Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) Picture Credit Jen Wetzel

Check out previous posts on moths.

Imperial Moth
What is THAT? Cercropia Moth Caterpillar
Waiting for GOoD mOTh
Polyphemus Moth
Hickory Horned Devil Caterpillar
Clear Wing Hummingbird Moth
White Lined Sphinx Moth
Tobacco and Tomato Hornworm Caterpillar

Cercropia Moth Caterpillar (Carol Kagan)

Cercropia Moth - largest in N. America

Better yet, go outside after dusk and look for some.

Clearwing Hummingbird Moth

Not a night person? You can try to see a hummingbird moth during the day. Check out all the places hummingbirds and bees would go for nectar such as butterfly bush, phlox and bee balm.

Fun site for the hummingbird moth: Hummingbirdmoth.com

More information on moths

National Moth Week 2013
Extension Master Gardener: Almost Wordless Wednesday- National Moth Week 7/19-7/27

Thanks to Ray E. for several of the previous posts.