Discover The Moth Diversity Of Our Cloud Forest Reserve

What is Mothing?

Mothing is a form of wildlife observation where enthusiasts observe and study moths, similar to birdwatching. It involves attracting moths using various techniques such as light sources and can be done for both recreational purposes and citizen science activities.

A white bed sheet covered with moths during a night of mothing at the Chontayacu Ecological Reserve

Key Techniques

Moths can be attracted using several methods:

- Leaving porch lights on (moths will land on the wall)

- Using blacklights or mercury vapor bulbs and setting up a white sheet as a landing pad

- Applying sugary solutions or baits on tree trunks

An LepiLED light is used to attract moths and other insects during the night. The white sheet serves as a landing pad for the moths and other insects attracted to the light

Participants typically will then:

- Photograph the moths

- Upload images to identification apps

- Contribute data for scientific research

Scientific and Conservation Value

Moths are incredibly diverse, with over 9 times more species than butterflies. By observing and documenting moths, citizen scientists can help researchers understand local ecosystems and environmental health. National Moth Week, held annually during the last full week of July, encourages people worldwide to participate in mothing activities.

Interested in participating in some nights of mothing at our cloud forest reserve in Ecuador? Reach out to info@saviafoundation.org or check out our website to see all the other ways you can get involved.

Moth diversity at our Chontayacu Cloud Forest Reserve

Moth evolution has produced a wide variety of patterns and forms through natural selection. Ecuadorian cloud forests in particular harbor an extraordinary diversity of moth species, many of which are still new to science. In a single night at our cloud forest reserve located on the eastern slope of the Andes, we observed well over 50 moth species ranging from fingernail-sized to nearly as large as a human hand. This incredible variety is a testament to the unique ecological conditions of these forests and underscores the critical importance of preserving these unique ecosystems, which face threats from deforestation, mining, and climate change.

Multiple factors are contributing to the high level of moth diversity in could forests:

• Elevation gradient: The cloud forests extend from about 3,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation, creating diverse microclimates that support a wide range of moth species.

• Unique environmental conditions: The perpetual cloud cover and mist in these forests create ideal habitats for moths and other insects.

• High plant diversity: Cloud forests in Ecuador are home to over 4,000 orchid species and many other flowering plants. This floral diversity provides a rich variety of food sources and habitats for moths.

The cloud forests of our 100 ha (247 acre) Chontayacu private nature reserve are still relatively well-preserved at our altitude (above 1500m / 5000 ft to about 2500m / 8000 ft) with pretty complete secondary and primary forest.

The following live moths were photographed in a single night in our Chontayacu cloud forest reserve. We couldn't photograph them all. Additional nights will be needed to compile an exhaustive list of all the species found in our reserve.

If you are Interested in helping us complete our moth inventory of our cloud forest reserve, reach out to info@saviafoundation.org or check out our website to see all the other ways you can get involved with our conservation efforts.