On any given late summer evening, hundreds of species of moths are on the wing in Cleveland Metroparks. Drawn to light, they can be observed near picnic shelters and nature centers lights. In meadows, they pollinate flowers, find mates and are devoured by predators like bats. Each moth has an important role in the ecosystem and when you get right down to it, moths are amazing! Read on to discover the darker side of Lepidoptera: of beauty, fascinating behavior, and outrageous diversity.
1. Moths are attracted to light but science has yet to explain this attraction. One hypothesis is that light from the moon is thought to aid with navigation and migration. Bright lights may confuse and urge moths to fly directly below the light source. It is also plausible that moths fly toward light as an escape route from would-be predators.