National Moth Week will be observed July 22nd through the 30th, celebrating habitats and life cycles of these insects.

Marion County Naturalist Marla Mertz says that week is a prime time to explore a prairie or other large area with fragrant flowers at night to observe different species of moths. Mertz adds that while moths are mostly nocturnal insects, some moths will be out during the daytime.

“It’s a great time for moths and especially in the daytime since the prairies and the forbs are going to be in full bloom. It’s a great time to go out and do a little moth hunting at night to look for the night moths, but we have some beautiful daytime moths now that our prairie forbs are blooming.”

According to Mertz, species of moths most likely to be found in Marion County include the white-lined sphinx moth and clearwings.