Pollination Does Not Stop at Sunset!
National Moth Week is July 19-27th 2025!
Nocturnal Pollinators are More Efficient Than Day-Time Pollinators
In recent research it was found that moths can pollinate flowers at a faster rate than day-flying insects. While day-flying pollinators have more time to pollinate flowers during the day-light hours, it is the moths who make more contribution to pollination of flowers and food crops. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2025).
Nocturnal Pollinators are Made up of Mainly Moths
Moths are popular throughout North America and the United States the main characteristics of them flying at night.
There are around 160,000 species of moths in the world compared to 17,500 species of butterflies. The Untied States has over 11,000 species of moths, with Ohio having 3,000 species! Moths are in the insect order Lepidoptera, which is shared by butterflies.
But Moths are at risk of population decline due to a variety of issues like habitat loss, growing pesticide use. But none is as alarming as artificial light at night often referred to ALAN.
Mission Statement
Conveying Knowledge to Empower People to Protect Ohio’s Nocturnal Pollinators in Their Own Backyard.
About Us
Abigail Martens is a current graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Biology at Miami University through Project Dragonfly. Her current research focus is on the impact that artificial light at night has on nocturnal animals, plants and insects. Along with her current research she has a long history working with a variety of species on a farm and at a zoo. Upon completion of her master’s in biology, she intends to pursue a PhD in Ecology and further her career as a wildlife researcher specially with nocturnal animals.