When we think of pollinators, we often picture busy bees fluttering from flower to flower in the daylight. But there's another group of hardworking pollinators that thrive under the moonlight—moths! Moths play a crucial role in pollinating our gardens and supporting local ecosystems. In this post, we’ll explore the importance of garden moths, focusing on seven unique species found right here in Nebraska, and why these nocturnal pollinators deserve our attention and appreciation.
The Role of Moths in Pollination
Moths, like their daytime cousins, the butterflies, are vital to pollination. As they feed on nectar, they transfer pollen between flowers, helping plants reproduce. But unlike bees, which are attracted to brightly colored flowers, moths are drawn to white and pale blooms that reflect moonlight. This makes them especially active at night, often feeding on flowers that bloom after dusk. Moths are attracted to the scent of flowers, which is stronger in the evening, and their long proboscises (feeding tubes) allow them to reach deep into tubular flowers for nectar.
Seven Garden Moths Found in Nebraska
Nebraska is home to several fascinating moth species, each with its own unique characteristics. Let’s take a closer look at the seven moths featured in the *Garden Moths* illustration from Shinaut Designs, all of which contribute to the local ecosystem as nighttime pollinators.
- Waved Sphinx Moth (Ceratomia undulosa)
- Appearance: Large moth with a pale, waxy covering on its wings.
- Feeding Habits: Prefers plants with deep, tubular flowers such as trumpet vines and petunias.
- Flight Style: Known for its fast, strong flight, this moth can travel long distances in search of food sources.
- Fun Fact: The larvae of the Waved Sphinx Moth feed on a variety of trees and shrubs, including grapes, willow, and apple.
2. White Spring Moth (Lomographa vestaliata)
- Appearance: Small, white moth with a distinctive fuzzy body.
- Feeding Habits: Feeds on early spring-blooming flowers like lilacs and honeysuckles.
- Flight Style: Flies slowly and low to the ground, often hovering over flowers to feed.
- Fun Fact: This moth is one of the earliest to appear in spring, often emerging when temperatures begin to warm, marking the start of the moth season.
3. Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth (Malacosoma americanum)
- Appearance: The adult moth is a reddish-brown color with a pale yellowish stripe across its wings.
- Feeding Habits: Pollinates a variety of trees and shrubs, such as cherries and apples.
- Flight Style: Tends to fly close to trees where it can access pollens from flowers.
- Fun Fact: While the caterpillars form large, unsightly tents on trees, they help in managing tree pests by consuming leaves that would otherwise be damaged by other insects.
4. White-Lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata)
- Appearance: Recognizable by its broad white and pink stripes running along the wings.
- Feeding Habits: This moth is attracted to night-blooming primroses and other fragrant flowers.
- Flight Style: A fast and powerful flyer, often hovering in front of flowers much like a hummingbird.
- Fun Fact: The White-Lined Sphinx Moth is capable of long migratory flights and is one of the few moth species that has been spotted in multiple regions across North America, from Canada to Mexico.
5. Eight-Spotted Forester Moth (Alypia octomaculata)
- Appearance: A striking moth with eight black spots on its blue wings.
- Feeding Habits: Often seen feeding on flowers like goldenrod and milkweed, which are rich in nectar.
- Flight Style: Known for its slow and steady flight, this moth spends a lot of time near the ground foraging for nectar.
- Fun Fact: The larvae of the Eight-Spotted Forester Moth are known to feed on various plants, especially in the legume family, helping to control plant overgrowth.
6. Five-Spotted Hawk Moth (Manduca quinquemaculata)
- Appearance: Large moth with five distinct black spots on its body and a brownish-gray hue.
- Feeding Habits: Known to feed on flowers such as honeysuckle, petunias, and night-blooming cereus.
- Flight Style: This moth has a powerful and rapid flight pattern, which helps it travel long distances in search of nectar.
- Fun Fact: The larvae of the Five-Spotted Hawk Moth are often spotted on tomato plants, where they feed on leaves, though they are not usually harmful to the overall plant health.
7. Snowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis)
- Appearance: Often mistaken for a hummingbird, this moth has transparent wings and a distinctive yellow abdomen.
- Feeding Habits: Feeds on nectar from plants like honeysuckle and lilacs, which are ideal for its long proboscis.
- Flight Style: This moth’s flight is characterized by hovering in front of flowers while feeding, much like a hummingbird.
- Fun Fact: The Snowberry Clearwing Moth is a strong and fast flyer, often capable of covering large areas of forest and garden in search of food.
Why Moths Matter
Moths are not only beautiful creatures to observe, but they also have a crucial ecological role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. As nocturnal pollinators, they help fertilize plants that bloom at night, ensuring that these plants can reproduce and continue to thrive. Many plants rely on moths for pollination, and without these nighttime pollinators, some species of plants would struggle to survive.
Moths also provide a food source for other wildlife, including birds, bats, and small mammals. In this way, they are an integral part of the food web, supporting a wide range of animals.
Conserving Moths in Nebraska
Moths may not receive as much attention as bees or butterflies, but they are just as important to our gardens and natural habitats. Unfortunately, moth populations are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. To help conserve these nighttime pollinators, here are a few simple steps you can take:
- Plant moth-friendly flowers: Include white, pale, or fragrant flowers in your garden that bloom in the evening or night.
- Avoid pesticides: Pesticides can harm moth populations. Opt for organic or natural alternatives to protect beneficial insects.
- Create a moth-friendly habitat: Leave undisturbed areas of your garden where moths can lay eggs and larvae can thrive. You can also create a welcoming space by adding a small, shallow water dish and native plants.
How You Can Help
One of the best ways to support moth populations is by creating a moth-friendly environment. Consider adding flowers like moonflowers, evening primroses, and honeysuckles to your garden to attract moths. You can also create a moth-attracting light station by using a white or yellow light source to draw them in for observation (but avoid using bright, harsh lights).
Moths, like all pollinators, need our protection and appreciation. They may be nocturnal, but their impact on our ecosystems is undeniable. By planting moth-friendly plants and being mindful of pesticide use, we can all help keep these essential nighttime pollinators thriving.
Written by Kylie Shinaut
Learn more about all the species of moths & their habitats at https://nebraskalepidoptera.com/nebraska-moths-list/ (you can also learn about butterflies as well).
