Moth Conservation: Declining Nocturnal Pollinators

Moths have declined dramatically in the UK, with a 33% reduction in larger moth species since the 1970s. Moths are critical nocturnal pollinators and prey items, and their decline has cascading ecosystem effects.

Key Facts

Larger moth populations have declined by 33% in the UK since the 1970s, with steeper declines in southern England
Over 2,500 moth species occur in the UK compared to around 60 butterfly species
Moths are important pollinators for nocturnal and twilight-flowering plants
Many UK bird species including nightjars and swallows depend on moths as prey
Light pollution is a significant cause of moth decline, disrupting navigation, mating, and feeding
Habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change all contribute to moth population decline

Welfare Considerations

Individual moth welfare is uncertain given their invertebrate status, but the scale of population decline reflects conditions that are broadly harmful to moth populations — habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and light pollution. Reducing light pollution directly benefits moths by allowing natural nocturnal behavior. Providing habitat through native plants and leaving areas of unmown grassland supports caterpillar food plants. Moth trapping for survey purposes should use protocols that minimize capture time and stress, with prompt release in appropriate conditions.

What You Can Do

Reduce garden lighting or switch to motion-sensitive lighting to reduce light pollution impacts on moths
Plant native wildflowers and leave patches of unmown grass to support moth caterpillar food plants
Participate in the National Moth Recording Scheme to contribute monitoring data
Avoid pesticide use especially insecticides that directly kill moths and caterpillars
Support organizations including Butterfly Conservation that advocate for moth habitat and protection
Create log piles and leaf litter habitats for moth pupae overwintering