Mothing is a hobby that involves observing and identifying moths. With over 160,000 species of moths in the world–and over 12,000 in North America alone–it’s easy for anyone to enjoy mothing!
How to go mothing
Moth-ers are mothing hobbiests or scientists. They use different methods to attract moths, including sugary baits and lights. Because most moths are active at night, mothing is best done after dark.
You can easily go mothing at home using a white cotton sheet and a light to attract moths. Or you can join an organized mothing event in your area. The National Moth Week website has a list of events going on around the world and a Mothing 101 guide. Moths can be seen all year, but warmer months are typically good.
This video from the Kellogg Biological Station demonstrates mothing at home using light:
Which moths did you spot?
One of the fun things about mothing is seeing the many shapes, and colors, and sizes of moths that come to your “trap.” You can use a field guide to the moths of your local area to figure out the names of the different species. You can also use the Seek app by iNaturalist, an easy tool for quick identification.
Did you know? You can contribute photographs of the moths you observe to science and possibly help discover new species!
National Moth Week is a worldwide moth survey and celebration held each year in late July. Check out the official National Moth Week website for more information, to find an event near you, and to learn how to submit observations.
More learning resources
Butterfly Conservation: How to start mothing
National Moth Week: Mothing 101 guide
Science Friday: Mothing education resource and suggested moth experiments
