Listening to Radio 4's 'Broadcasting House' programme this morning I heard a disappointing example of mothism. Guest Tony Blackburn tried to make the point that of all the 2000+ species of moth in Britain only two (or maybe three) have larvae that attack clothes and carpets, so we shouldn't kill every moth we see.
This photo from the English Heritage website shows the smaller Webbing Clothes Moth and the darker Pale-backed Clothes Moth against a 1cm grid, so quite small.
Tony's words were treated totally flippantly by the other guests, one of whom actually said she thought it must be all species from the state of her wardrobe. Even the presenter said he thought they were all living in his house.
So this irresponsible flippancy perpetuates ignorance and anti-moth prejudice across the nation.
Many moths have caterpillars that feed on plants but very few cause serious harm. Many species of adult moth are important pollinators and several plants flower at night precisely because they are pollinated by night-flying moths. More info on UCL website
(Photo:Bank Farm Plants)
On a more sombre note, moths are an important food source for birds and other creatures
And moths are not all grey-brown drab affairs. There is huge variety and great beauty in the moth world.
Sallow Scalloped Oak
Merveille du Jour Hebrew Character
Glad of the reminder to have an open mind on moths. I confess I’ve been a bit prejudiced. Will try to mend my ways and keep my eyes open to their beauty.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback, Jane. There used to be moths squashed on the car windscreen or flying round the bedroom light. All gone.
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