Much Ado about Moth-Ing

Moths are more than just drab insects, sitting on the window sill on a warm and humid summer night.  Since time immemorial, artists and thinkers have considered moths curious creatures, flitting in the dark searching for light. The phrase “Like moths to the flame” has captured the human imagination — countless references are found across different cultures. Many artists, poets, and thinkers have been inspired by moths and celebrated them in their work.

Anyone who’s ever sat near a street light or porch light on a summer evening has seen the effect that light has on moths—they love it! One can use this behavior to easily observe night-flying moths. All you need is a light source, a surface for moths to rest on, and a dry, still evening outside.

In her talk, Pritha Dey, tells you how moths are much more than the ‘unpopular cousins’ of the butterflies and how moth-watching doesn’t require expensive equipment. You can do it, right at your doorstep!

National Moth Week is an annual event happening globally in the last week of July. Citizens put up their observations on designated portals and contribute to the documentation of diversity, as citizen scientists. Let’s celebrate moths on this occasion!