Why millions of large moths are descending in swarms on Sydney and Melbourne
Millions of moths have swarmed Sydney and the NSW South Coast after being blown off their migration path by strong winds.
Hundreds of photos and videos across social media showed homes, businesses and streets filled with the bogong moths over the weekend.
The endangered moths migrate from low-lying inland regions in Queensland, central NSW, and western Victoria to caves in the southern alps every spring.
The moths – some estimates put the number at 2billion – primarily travel at night and use the moon to navigate, so are very sensitive to light pollution.
However, strong winds blew millions off-track over the weekend and pushed them towards Sydney and Melbourne.
Hawkesbury Police on Saturday warned residents to stay calm while they were inundated by the moths.
‘Before anyone reports a moth-related crime spree, please be reassured that these little travellers are a natural part of Australia’s migration cycle,’ it said.
‘While they may seem to have launched a coordinated takeover of the Hawkesbury this week, they are simply passing through on their annual journey.
Thousands of bogong moths (above) descended on Sydney and the NSW South Coast over the weekend
The moths were blown towards the coast by strong winds while migrating to the southern alps (pictured is a map of bogong moth sightings on Sunday)
‘They are harmless to people and pets. They are not interested in moving into your home permanently. They don’t require police intervention. They’ll move on once they’ve completed this stage of their migration.
‘So, if your front porch currently resembles a nightclub for moths, don’t panic. Give it a little time and our winged visitors will be on their way.’
Zoos Victoria tracks the moths’ bi-annual migration.
The spring migration is especially important for the health of critically endangered mountain pygmy-possums, which eat the moths as they wake from winter hibernation.
Wildflower Nursery ecologist Natalie Sanderson urged Aussies to refrain from killing the moths.
‘Turn the lights off inside the house, open doors and windows so they can find their way out, and if there’s a light outside they’ll be attracted to that,’ she told Nine News.
‘They’re so important to our ecosystem and the survival of our plants and species.
‘They really need to be looked after.’
An ecologist urged Aussies to let trapped moths (above) fly peacefully out of their homes, rather than killing them
The moths are a food source for pygmy possums (pictured)
Bogong moths are small are usually between 2.5cm and 3.5cm long and have dark stripes that run down each wing.
Anyone who spots a bogong moth is encouraged to upload a photo of the sighting to the Zoos Victoria Bogong Moth Tracker, which tracks their migration.
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