Moths are Colorado’s overlooked “night shift” pollinators

Colorado is home to over 3,000 species of moths, and many more that don’t have names. These overlooked insects play a vital role in our ecosystem.

On a summer evening at the Left Hand Trailhead outside of Boulder, about 100 people gathered to learn about moths. CU evolutionary biologist Dr. Ryan St. Laurent explained why these nocturnal insects are the unsung heroes of pollination.

There are twice as many pollinating moth species as bees, and six times as many as butterflies. But because moths work in the dark, their role in the ecosystem remains a mystery.

One piece of advice from St. Laurent to protect these little pollinators– turn off the porch light.

KGNU’s Abby O’Brien ventured outside at dusk to see some moths– and to bring us this audio postcard.

This story aired on the Morning Magazine, KGNU’s weekday morning show featuring in-depth discussions on local news issues. Click here to listen to other episodes of the Morning Magazine.