{"id":13753,"date":"2024-03-12T15:43:56","date_gmt":"2024-03-12T15:43:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/?p=13753"},"modified":"2026-03-24T13:03:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T13:03:44","slug":"bees-vs-moths-which-is-the-better-pollinator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/en\/bees-vs-moths-which-is-the-better-pollinator\/","title":{"rendered":"Bees vs. Moths: Which is the Better Pollinator?"},"content":{"rendered":"

This Pollination Powerhouse Might Surprise You!<\/h2>\n

Pollinators<\/a> are critical. After all a whopping 80 per cent of the world\u2019s plants rely on them! When you think of a pollinator, what\u2019s the first critter that pops into your head? I bet it\u2019s a bee! And rightly so \u2013 they\u2019re incredible pollinators, tirelessly buzzing from one flower to another from dawn until dusk. But what about when the stars come out? Does pollination take a break? Nope! Enter moths \u2013 they\u2019ve got the night shift covered!<\/p>\n

As moths<\/a> move from one blossom to another, pollen sticks to their fuzzy chests. Then, when they visit a fresh flower for a snack, they bring along that precious pollen cargo! And here\u2019s some food for thought: did you know that certain moths are more efficient pollinators than bees?<\/p>\n

Moths Surprising Impact on Pollination<\/h3>\n
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The hummingbird clearwing (Hemaris thysbe<\/em>), is a moth<\/a> of the family Sphingidae<\/a> (hawkmoths) \u00a9Laurie Minor | CWF Photo Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In an eye-opening study from 2023, researchers at the University of Sussex revealed that moths truly are night-time champions of pollination. They kick it into high gear, pollinating flowers super-fast \u2013 think turbo mode! Their incredible efforts play a vital role in pollination during the short dark hours.<\/p>\n

Another 2023 study from the University of Sheffield discovered that moth contributions have been flying under the radar on several fronts. It turns out, they\u2019ve been visiting just as many plants as bees do all the while. Plus, they\u2019re carrying even more pollen than we ever imagined on their fuzzy bodies. What\u2019s more, they\u2019re also visiting more trees and fruit crops than researchers tracked before. And get this \u2013 they stick to their own lane \u2013 pollinating plant species that bees are more likely to fly by.<\/p>\n

A Major Buzzkill<\/h3>\n
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The Virginia ctenucha (Ctenucha virginica<\/em>), is a moth <\/a> of the family Erebidae<\/a>. \u00a9Stephen Stephen | CWF Photo Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sadly, moths are in decline. In Canada alone, there are about 5,000 moth species, but their numbers have plummeted by a staggering 85 per cent since the 1950s. Clearly, these little guys need a helping hand.
\nSo, when we think about saving our pollinators, we need to think bigger than just bees. Moths deserve our conservation efforts just as much.<\/p>\n

If we\u2019re serious about creating thriving habitats for moths, it\u2019s time to roll up our sleeves and start planting with them in mind. Let\u2019s turn our concrete jungles into buzzing havens for these pollinators!<\/p>\n

How to Help Moths<\/h3>\n
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\u00a9Nina Stavlund | CWF Photo Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Woolly Bear or Yellow Bear <\/strong>caterpillar (Spilosoma virginica<\/em>) is a species of moth<\/a> in the subfamily Arctiinae<\/a>. As an adult, it is known as the Virginian tiger moth.<\/strong>There are plenty of things you can do to help moths on your property.<\/p>\n