Coimbatore : Most of us would have had the experience of chasing out from our homes what looks like a dusk-coloured butterfly but is actually an insect that finds shelter closer to lights. Moths, (the butterflies of the night) for a major part of their lives are not only ignored by common people but also by the larger part of the science community.
The least noticed and often-ignored insect easily scores over the butterfly in numbers and beauty with over 5000 found in Tamil Nadu a species that has equal biological importance.
Coimbatore : Most of us would have had the experience of chasing out from our homes what looks like a dusk-coloured butterfly but is actually an insect that finds shelter closer to lights. Moths, (the butterflies of the night) for a major part of their lives are not only ignored by common people but also by the larger part of the science community.
However, the Moth can never shy away from being stiff competition for the most beautiful and important insect in the world of entomology as more than 3000 moth species with wonderful and striking patterns are believed to be dwelling in Coimbatore alone.
A recent 'Moth Watch' held in the Kunjappanai Forest Guest House in Mettupalayam fetched 274 species of Moths. The program held as a part of the Moth Week Celebrations between July 27 and 30 saw experienced Moth-ers (Moth watchers) from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh lie in wait for moths with bulbs, white screens and cameras at nights. Balakrishnan Valappil from Kerala and Sankararaman from Tamil Nadu delivered lectures at the event.
The team guided by Act for Moths, an initiative by Act for Butterflies, is also planning to document the Moths of Coimbatore in all the seven forest ranges here. The work is to continue for a full year in a phased manner and record the first of its documentation on moths in Tamil Nadu, which is expected to host more than 5000 moths.
Moths are among the most diverse and successful organisms on earth. Scientists estimate there are 1,50,000 to more than 5,00,000 moth species. Their colours and patterns are either dazzling or so cryptic that they define camouflage. "Shapes and sizes span the gamut from as small as a pinhead to as large as an adult’s hand,” said one of the participants. Most moths are nocturnal and according to the team it is important to seek them at night. Some moths are active during the day like butterflies. “We often fall for the beauty of butterflies and in the process forget that the world of moths are equally pretty. The patterns found on their wings are amazing and they are one of the largest insects in the world,” said K Mohan Prasath.
He further added that moths play an important role by strengthening the prey base for avian fauna and other animals. "Moths are also good pollinators like butterflies. Finding moths can be as simple as leaving a porch light on and checking it after dark. Serious moth aficionados use special lights and baits to attract them,” opined Mohan Prasath.
According to sources, the National Moth Week is being held worldwide during the last week of July to celebrate the beauty, life cycles and habitats of moths. “Moth-ers” of all ages and abilities are encouraged to learn about, observe and document moths in their backyards, parks and neighbourhood. It also offers everyone, everywhere, a unique opportunity to become a Citizen Scientist and contribute scientific data about moths.