Intrigued by the night cousin of the butterfly? Join a session with expert Dr V Shubhalaxmi to document moths in Kharghar and learn more about them
Indian moon moth is the most majestic among the emperor moths with long tails. It gets its common name from the crescent moon shape markings on the wings. It was recorded in the forests of Kharghar Hills. Pic Courtesy/Shyam Ghate
If moths and butterflies belong to the same order of insects, why is it that the former is less popular? Ahead of a mothing event in Kharghar, Dr V Shubhalaxmi Reddy — known as the Moth Lady — shares that the primary reason behind moths getting overshadowed by butterflies is timing. “Butterflies come out in the day, when we are around and can see them, and retire by evening, like us. That’s when moths come out. But we don’t go out looking for them at night. Our general introduction to moths is the tiny, dull-looking ones that come and sit on our tubelights. So, people think they aren’t attractive. It’s only when people watch them during mothing do they realise how attractive moths can be,” she says.
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Tasar silk moth is a common emperor moth. The queen’s flower and wild ber plants growing in Kharghar are a common place to find its caterpillars. Pic Courtesy/Sachin Chorge
This Sunday evening, the expert’s mothing event, hosted by Birdwing Publishers, will include documenting and learning about moths in the Taloja Hill area of Kharghar. “Mothing is a method used to study moths, much like bird-watching. It involves spreading out a white sheet, and switching on a mercury vapour lamp. Moths use moonlight for navigation; any other powerful light distracts them. Distracted by the lamp light, the moths settle on the white screen, which makes it easy to study and photograph them,” explains the expert.
Indian leopard moth is a rare goat moth first recorded in Maharashtra in 2009 from CBD Belapur Valley Park. Pic Courtesy/CW Gan
Unfortunately, like other night creatures such as bats, moths, too, are associated with darkness and taboo — a notion that’s slowly changing, although increased awareness and research in the field is the need of the hour. “Mothing helps to change the mindset of people. Moths are equally beautiful and their contribution to the ecosystem is 10 times more than butterflies’,” she signs off.
Dr V Shubhalaxmi
On: September 5, 7 pm onwards
At: Hyde Park, Nisarg Nirman Developers, Kharghar
Call: 9820165525
Log on to: birdwingpublishers.com
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