Happy National Moth Week!

Luna Moth (Actias luna)

International Moth Week is a reminder that some of our most important pollinators only come out after dark!

While butterflies often get the spotlight, moths play a vital role in pollinating native plants, providing food for birds and bats, and supporting healthy ecosystems throughout Georgia. More than 11,000 species of moths are found in North America, each contributing to the intricate web of life that healthy forests, meadows, farms, and wetlands depend on.

Protecting connected, diverse habitats helps ensure these remarkable insects in peril continue to thrive. Every acre conserved today helps sustain the species that keep our natural landscapes resilient for generations to come.

Above are just a few moths (mostly their larva, we don't typically monitor properties at night!) we have spotted on ORLT conservation easements over the years. This includes the luna Moth and caterpillar (Actias luna), the regal sphinx moth caterpillar (Citheronia regalis), the buck moth caterpillar (Hemileuca maia), the white-marked tussock moth caterpillar (Orgyia leucostigma), and the rustic sphinx moth caterpillar (Manduca rustica).

What moths have you spotted in your backyard or on your porch this summer?