Butterflies and moths as pollinators
Did you know that like bees they're important to pollinating plants?
By Butterfly Conservation
Butterfly Conservation
Elephant Hawk-moth by Bob EadeButterfly Conservation
Moths are important pollinators
Scientists have discovered that moths may play a much broader role as plant pollinators than previously suspected.
Bees of the night!
A joint study involving Butterfly Conservation, the Universities of York, Newcastle and Hull and Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, suggests moths have an important but overlooked ecological role – dispensing pollen over large distances under the cover of darkness.
Vapourer moth by Ben SaleButterfly Conservation
Want to know more?
You can read all about how scientists have discovered more about moths as night-time pollinators on the Butterfly Conservation Blog.
Our moth expert Dr Zoe Randle opens an NHBS Moth TrapButterfly Conservation
Lets have a look inside a moth trap, left overnight
This moth trap was left in a garden overnight in July in the south of England - take a look at the amazing species inside!
Brimstone butterfly by Matt Berry, Greenwings (2015/2020) by Matt Berry, Greenwings, and Butterfly ConservationButterfly Conservation
In autumn nectar helps butterflies and moths to build up their energy reserves so they have the best chance of surviving hibernation or the journey back to warmer climes.
Painted Lady Butterfly (2015-06-12) by Butterfly ConservationButterfly Conservation
Nourishing nectar
Nectar provides butterflies and moths with energy to fly and find a mate. In spring, it helps butterflies refuel after winter hibernation or a gruelling journey to Britain from southern Europe or Africa.
Small Tortoiseshells and a Red Admiral on garden plants by David Dennis by David DennisButterfly Conservation
Enticing butterflies to your garden
Butterflies will visit any garden or pot that looks tasty and just a few butterfly-friendly plants and practices can make a real difference wherever you live.
Red Admiral butterflies by Matthew Oates (2020) by Matthew Oates and Butterfly ConservationButterfly Conservation
Any outdoor area can be a haven for butterflies
From a small window box or pot to a large garden, anyone can attract butterflies anywhere for butterflies. Find out how and what to plant.
