Scientists from the University of Sussex have found that moths are more effective pollinators at night than daytime pollinators such as bees. Research published in the journal PLOS ONE.
There is a growing concern about the recent decline in the numbers of wild pollinator insects (bees and butterflies). In a new study, scientists have found that moths play an equally important role.
Biologists studied 10 sites in southeast England in July 2021. They found that 83% of insects landing on blackberry blossoms occur during the day. At the same time, the moths, which made up only 15% of the visitors, pollinated the flowers much faster. It was mostly at night.
Observations were made with camera traps. Blackberries are traditionally considered a weed and weeded, but research has shown that it can be an important food source for moths.
Given that moths can now be considered important pollinators, steps need to be taken to support them. Researchers urged the British to plant white flowers and turn off the lights at night.