April 17, 2024
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Celebrate the forgotten pollinators this week

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is hosting programming for National Moth Week

By Denise M. Baran-Unland

“The snowberry clearwing (Hemaris diffinis); (the moth in this photo), is an example of a moth that is active by day, which is unlike most moths. It is one of the so-called “hummingbird moths,” which are well-known because their behavior and rapid wingbeat closely resembles hummingbirds,” Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Supervisory Natural Resources Manager Michael Redmer, said in a news release from Midewin. (Photo provided)

National Moth Week is July 17 through July 25 and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington is inviting the community to celebrate some of the world’s most important pollinators.

In addition to moth facts that Midewin will post on its social media accounts, Midewin will also offer the following programs:

• Kids can enjoy “Moth Magic” at 11 a.m. July 20, hosted by a National Association for Interpretation-certified Interpreter with Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. To register and for more information, email SM.FS.Midewin_RSVP@usda.gov or call 815-423-6370.

• Take photos of moths at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and post them in the Midewin NTP library in the iNaturalist mobile application at inaturalist.org/projects/midewin-national-tallgrass-prairie.

• Watch moths during a self-guided interpretive tour of the River Road Seedbeds at midewin.oncell.com/en/river-road-seedbeds-tour-193896.html.

• Stage your own “mothing” adventure. Hang a white sheet of cloth between two trees or across a clothesline in your yard. Once it’s completely dark outside, shine a light on the cloth and then wait for moths to appear. Have your camera ready to take photos you can share. Email photos to SM.FS.Midewin_RSVP@usda.gov.

Midewin also shared some moth facts:

• Moths are some of the most important pollinators in the world, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• Moths out-number butterflies by approximately ten to one.

• Moths’ fuzzy legs help them pick up pollen on plants, making them “super-producers” among pollinators.

• Unlike butterflies, moths take the “night shift,” working mostly after dark when most people won’t see them.