A really thoughful summary of moths, their place in nature and what we can do to help them. Plus, I've only recently discovered that the interactions between moths and bats are even more amazing than you indicated. As well as being able to hear the bats echolocation signals, many moths can make similar sounds themselves and use these to confuse the bats. And some can even make different sounds that advertise to the bats that those moths are distasteful, in much the same way as warning colouration works. And then, inevitably, some moths which are not distasteful have evolved to copy the same sounds, so you have a sort of auditory parallel of Batesian mimicry. Even some non-moths, like tiger beetles, mimic the moths' sounds as well!
Hi Dennis, WOW! Thank you for adding these incredible facts of interest. Evolution is indeed remarkable. Every time I go down one rabbit hole of fascination in the natural world, it seems that ten more open up. It's fun to explore that adage that the more you know, the more you realize how much you don't know.
Good morning Vanessa. Yes indeed, it's a continuous voyage of discovery! If you're not aware of it already, I'm sure you'd find Brian Ruckley's podcast series 'The Wild Episode' a source of endless delight. It's been going for some years now, and all the back episodes are available on Spotify or whatever. Most of the episodes look at an animal that is not well know, and he presents some fascinating findings about it. He does have a Substack presence, but he mainly puts only his paid stuff there, the free stuff is mostly elsewhere.
A wonderful read. Thank you. I also, sometimes feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the climate, nature, extinction etc issues and your fresh, new (for me at least) perspective is something good, something to think about. Thank you. I am constantly looking at my garden and how I may improve the habitat for as much life as possible. I am only just learning about the specifics of moths (and their caterpillars) needs so this was good to see dropping in to my inbox ❤️
Excellent - thanks. I just discovered your newsletter, looking forward to more.
Hi Richard, thank you! And now I just discovered YOUR newsletter. 😀
Welcome aboard
A really thoughful summary of moths, their place in nature and what we can do to help them. Plus, I've only recently discovered that the interactions between moths and bats are even more amazing than you indicated. As well as being able to hear the bats echolocation signals, many moths can make similar sounds themselves and use these to confuse the bats. And some can even make different sounds that advertise to the bats that those moths are distasteful, in much the same way as warning colouration works. And then, inevitably, some moths which are not distasteful have evolved to copy the same sounds, so you have a sort of auditory parallel of Batesian mimicry. Even some non-moths, like tiger beetles, mimic the moths' sounds as well!
Hi Dennis, WOW! Thank you for adding these incredible facts of interest. Evolution is indeed remarkable. Every time I go down one rabbit hole of fascination in the natural world, it seems that ten more open up. It's fun to explore that adage that the more you know, the more you realize how much you don't know.
Good morning Vanessa. Yes indeed, it's a continuous voyage of discovery! If you're not aware of it already, I'm sure you'd find Brian Ruckley's podcast series 'The Wild Episode' a source of endless delight. It's been going for some years now, and all the back episodes are available on Spotify or whatever. Most of the episodes look at an animal that is not well know, and he presents some fascinating findings about it. He does have a Substack presence, but he mainly puts only his paid stuff there, the free stuff is mostly elsewhere.
Thanks for the recommendation, I will check it out!
Thank you, Net, for the kind words! Glad to hear of another person sharing the journey of discovery, creating new habitat. Let me know how it goes!
A wonderful read. Thank you. I also, sometimes feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the climate, nature, extinction etc issues and your fresh, new (for me at least) perspective is something good, something to think about. Thank you. I am constantly looking at my garden and how I may improve the habitat for as much life as possible. I am only just learning about the specifics of moths (and their caterpillars) needs so this was good to see dropping in to my inbox ❤️