National Moth Week: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Moth Week (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Moth Week is celebrated on July 22nd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Moth Week, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you should know about National Moth Week.

📅 What day is National Moth Week 2024?

In 2024, National Moth Week is on Saturday, July 22nd. It is the 4th Saturday in July; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the exciting details and facts about July 22, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

During the last week of July, we celebrate the incredible moth during National Moth Week. Moths, often seen as less attractive than butterflies, are actually fascinating and important insects. It’s astonishing to learn that there are over 150,000 known moth species, and some experts believe there could be even more, possibly exceeding 500,000. Moths come in various sizes, ranging from tiny ones as small as a pinhead to giant ones as large as an adult human’s hand. However, what truly sets them apart is their remarkably intricate wing colors and patterns, making them truly spectacular creatures.

📜 National Moth Week History

The non-profit organization Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission created National Moth Week in 2012. This group, based in Central New Jersey, is dedicated to protecting and promoting the environment. The idea for the week came from local moth evenings hosted by David Moskowitz and Liti Haramaty, which attracted moth enthusiasts of all ages. The event quickly gained popularity and became a global citizen science initiative. Participants can sign up for free and attend moth-related events, taking pictures of their observations and sharing them on partner websites for analysis and future research. National Moth Week takes place in the middle of summer, as this is the optimal time to find moths in the northern hemisphere. The first year saw activities in 49 states and 31 countries, and now events are recorded in all 50 states and over 80 countries. Thousands of images are collected each year, with around 100,000 photos on NMW’s Flickr group. In the future, the organization plans to introduce a separate NMW for the southern hemisphere.

✅ National Moth Week Facts

🔖 Vast number of species
According to scientists, the estimated number of moth species ranges from 150,000 to 500,000.

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🔖 More than meets the eye
The vibrant colors and intricate designs of a moth help it stay hidden from predators.

👍 Why Is National Moth Week Important

Everyone knows that bees contribute to the circle of life, but moths do as well! Their large tube-like tongues are ideal for sipping nectar, and their hairy bodies, which developed to keep them warm in flight, are ideal for picking up pollen grains and transporting them about the garden!

Moths are a significant source of food for many animals. Moths are eaten by lizards, birds, and even some bears!

Canaries in cages were transported to coal mines to notify miners if the air quality had deteriorated (the canary would keel over before humans did). Similarly, moths are an excellent indicator of how the ecosystem is faring! Moth health and population numbers can provide critical information on the effects of farming practices, pesticides, air pollution, and climate change on the Earth.

🙂 How To Observe National Moth Week

⚡ Go mothing
Nothing is as simple and enjoyable as this fantastic exercise. Here’s how you can do it: Start by shining a light on a white sheet or towel and placing it outside. Then, set up another sheet or towel of any color on the ground nearby and have a twilight picnic. As the sun sets, the moths will be drawn to the light you’ve created (not because they find your picnic amusing, just to be clear). All you have to do is sit back and relax! Count the moths, take pictures with them, and even choose your “spirit moth” – it’s all part of the fun! Once you’re done, shake out the towel so you can go back home without any moths hitching a ride, and the moths can continue with their moth activities in their own homes.

⚡ Spare a moth
At some point, we have all experienced the urge to grab a magazine, shoe, or newspaper to remove a moth from the wall. However, during National Moth Week, let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty of moths and acknowledge that these tiny creatures are living beings. Instead of harming them, consider leaving them be or using a glass and a piece of paper to safely relocate them outside.

⚡ Find your spirit moth
You might be familiar with the concept of a spirit animal, but have you ever considered having a spirit moth? It’s true! Each of us has a unique spirit moth. You can find yours by referring to a book or searching for moth pictures online. Simply find a moth that resonates with you, and that will be your spirit creature, the moth!

📅 When is National Moth Week?

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