Date : September 11, 2022
Amazing Australian Moth Facts
Did you know in Australia there are over 22,000 moth species and only half of these have their own scientific name?
Moths can give us an unusual feeling like spiders as they are often seen at night and their dull, beige and brown shaded wings don’t attract the same fascination as butterflies.
Yet there is plenty to learn about Australian moths. Here are 5 interesting facts about moths that you may not know.
1. Moths are more common than butterflies. In fact, in Australia, moths outnumber butterflies by a 9 to 1 ratio.
2. Moths like to stay up at night which means they are nocturnal. It’s not unusual, however, to see moths during the day.
3. Moths are an important part of the food chain. Many moths don’t eat, yet they are often eaten by animals as they are high in protein. Animals that eat moths include birds, bats, frogs, lizards and in some parts of the world – humans!
4. Moths have lots of tricks to avoid being eaten. While moths are an important part of the food chain, they have lots of tricks to avoid their predators. The most common is camouflaging on tree bark or leaf and stick debris so they can’t be detected. Tiger moths can produce a ticking or ultrasonic click sound to baffle bats.
5. Some moths love to gravitate towards light bulbs. Have you ever noticed moths in your home when you turn the light on at night? Some moths love being near the bulbs and this can be a great way to see the colours on their wings.
These interesting facts inspired this Australian Moth craft. Many of the materials you will have at home. You will need to scout around the garden for something that will create the moth body if you are unable to find magnolia seed pods. Pine cones are a great alternative.
Materials to make an Australian Moth
Magnolia tree seed pods or pine cones - Brown paper bags
- Gold and silver Sharpie pens
- Scissors
- Secateurs
- Hot glue gun
Instructions
STEP 1: Use secateurs to trim the stems of the magnolia seed pods. These will be used as the body of the moth.
STEP 2: Trim the shape of a moth out of the brown paper bag. Visualise a figure 3 shape.
STEP 3: Use the hot glue gun to glue the seed pod to the middle of the moth wings.
STEP 4: Draw patterns using the gold and silver Sharpie pens to create your Australian moth.
Other Insect Crafts
Crafty Bec
Crafty Bec is here to help stimulate little imaginations and spark a creative flame in little people. Inspired by May Gibbs’ own passion for creative writing and art, Bec helps educators and mums to embrace nature inspired creativity.
https://www.theplumbette.com.au/
