Moths are usually viewed as pests. The gypsy moth plagues farmyards and cloth moth larvae nibble our sweaters. But in reality they do more good than harm. Giant silk moths pollinate 80 percent of our crops and their bodies sustain creatures, such as birds, rodents and bats. In fact, whole ecosystems can depend on their powdery delicate wings.
The problem is that they are being destroyed and are becoming endangered. They fly toward the light, not just campfires and lanterns, but street lamps and cities’ lights. It is the ambient light pollution radiating from our urban areas that draws moths to their deaths. Currently, there are only two species of moths protected under the Endangered Species Act. Three have already gone extinct in the last decade. Declines are up to 99 percent in some populations.
What can you do to protect these great pollinators, this vital food source for other creatures? The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) is encouraging cities to install motion-sensitive dimming lights. It is also working to designate dark-sky parks. But what can you do personally? How can you influence your town or city to help protect moths? Easy! Lights off as much as possible. Shield house porch lights, street and highway lights. Then, ask your town to find other ways to turn off the lights.
The moths and the birds that fly at night will also thank you.
—Elaine Peters
