Nebraskaland

50 Nebraskaland • July 2025 MIXED BAG As the sun sets over Nebraska's expansive plains and rolling hills, a hidden world comes to life — the realm of moths, creatures of the night whose diversity and adaptations often go unnoticed. From bustling urban areas to tranquil prairies and dense woodlands, this diverse group of insects have evolved to possess a remarkable set of adaptations that enable them to thrive in their respective niches. Moths are incredibly diverse in their coloration and wing patterns, which often serve as camoufl age to evade predators or attract mates. Some moths mimic the appearance of leaves or tree bark to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, while others display vibrant colors to warn predators of their toxicity. They are also experts in navigation. Males have highly sensitive antennae that can detect pheromones released by potential mates over several miles away, allowing them to locate partners in the dark. Additionally, nocturnal moths are believed to navigate using celestial bodies, such as the stars and moon. To ensure they are always fl ying upright, moths can adjust their fl ight track to keep the light source at a constant angle to their eye. When you see moths chaotically gathering near your porch light, they are attempting to orientate themselves to the light. As they constantly turn inwards to keep the light at their backs, they are met with fl ight limitations, causing them to spiral until they inevitably collide with the artifi cial light source. One of the most impressive adaptations that some moth species have developed is their ability to disrupt bat sonar. Moths and bats have been in an evolutionary arms race of survival for roughly 60 million years, and scientists have been perplexed by the various adaptations that moths have developed to confuse or deter their bat foes. How to Celebrate Moths This year, celebrate National Moth Week July 19-27. We encourage you to observe and document moths in your local environments to gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and ecological importance of moths. These insects play vital roles as pollinators, food sources for wildlife and indicators of environmental health. Understanding and conserving Nebraska's moth diversity contributes to the preservation of our natural heritage for future generations to enjoy. Whether you're a seasoned entomologist or a curious amateur naturalist, there are many ways to participate: • Moth Storytime at Elleinad Books in Lincoln, July 24, 10-10:45 a.m. • Moth Night at Schramm Education Center in Gretna, July 26, 8:30-10:30 p.m. • Backyard Mothing - Set up your own moth trap using a light source and a white sheet or screen. • Documentation - Capture photos of moths you encounter and share them on citizen science platforms, such as iNaturalist or Project Noah. Your observations contribute to our understanding of moth distributions and behavior. • Create Moth Habitats - Plant native vegetation that moths prefer, such as native wildfl owers and grasses, to provide food and shelter for these benefi cial insects. NATIONAL MOTH WEEK By Brianna Nugent, Community Science Program Manager While setting up a DIY moth light trap in my backyard last year, a Carolina Sphinx moth was resting on the fence near the garden. PHOTO BY BRIANNA NUGENT July 19-27

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