Moths are easier to photograph than butterflies because they stay still. I also didn’t have to go actively seeking them because they came to my veranda at night. 81% of the 64 species of moths observed at forest hut are observed in my veranda.
Some interesting insights:
- The number of species observed at forest hut is 10% of the total species observed in Pune district#.
- Some moth species have only one observation in entire Pune district, which is in forest hut. For example, Plecoptera recta, Pseudomicronia advocataria and Green Pergesa Hawkmoth (Pergesa acteus). These species are typically found in Western Ghats and similar areas#.
- One of the species’ observed at forest hut, Faintly-marked Hunter Hawkmoth (Theretra gnoma), has only 16 observations in the entire world#.
They’re different from Butterflies
Butterflies generally have slender bodies, bright, often colorful wings, and are active during the day (diurnal). Moths typically have stout, fuzzy bodies, duller-colored wings, and are nocturnal, resting with their wings open.
Importance of Moths
Moths are key to biodiversity and ecology as they contribute to the food chain in forests. Their eggs, larvae (caterpillars), and adults feed many insects, birds, and reptiles. Additionally, some moths help pollinate flowering plants during the night.
They have a symbiotic relationship with plants as they are dependent on plants for larval food.
To see all the moth species’ observed at the forest hut, including both common and rare varieties that grace this beautiful ecosystem, go to our iNaturalist page.
Photographs by Shree Dave
# As per iNaturalist data
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