Unsung Heroes: Study Reveals Moths' Key Role in Pollination

Photo bySonika AgarwalonUnsplash

Moths might be the unsung heroes of garden pollination. The time has come to give them the credit long past due.

Recent research from the University of Sheffield in the UK has highlighted the significant role of moths in pollination, particularly in urban environments. This study underscores the importance of these nocturnal insects in sustaining healthy ecosystems. Moths, often overshadowed by bees and butterflies, are crucial in pollinating many flowering plants, crops, and trees, contributing to about a third of all pollination activities.

The study, led by Dr. Emilie Ellis, formerly of the University of Sheffield and now at the University of Helsinki, highlights the impact of urbanization on the diversity of pollen carried by moths and bees. The findings suggest that urban development reduces the variety of flowers available to these pollinators. Thus, it impacts the plant populations dependent on insect pollination.

One of the key revelations of the research is that moths and bees frequent significantly different plant communities. Moths were found to carry more pollen than scientists previously assumed and visit a wider variety of tree and fruit crops. This discovery underscores the need for considering moth-friendly plants in urban planning and redevelopment.

Dr. Stuart Campbell, a senior study author, emphasized the complexity of pollination networks. The research utilized DNA sequencing to identify the pollen on night-flying moths, revealing their role in pollinating various plant species. Even better, bees are less likely to pollinate many of those they find attractive.

So, how can you attract more moths to your garden to increase pollination?

Moths are most active at night and are attracted to lighter colors, like pale yellow or white. Think of colors that will contrast with the dark nighttime sky. They also find certain fragrances attractive. Try planting Evening Primrose, Nicotiana, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Phlox, Buddleja, Moonflower, and Angel's Trumpet. Each plant has moth-attracting characteristics, such as strong scents or nectar production. Moths seem to find those fragrances particularly appealing.

The study calls for a renewed appreciation of moths and their critical role in pollination. It highlights the importance of implementing diverse and inclusive planting strategies in urban areas to support both moths and bees, ensuring the resilience of our ecosystems.

This recent research from the University of Sheffield reveals the underestimated role of moths in pollination, especially in urban settings. It stresses the need for urban planning and gardening practices that support a variety of pollinators, including moths, to maintain ecological balance and biodiversity.