The return of the swarm
If you've noticed way more moths than usual in New South Wales lately, you aren't tripping. The bogong moth is having a major moment, with residents spotting huge swarms of the insects over the last few days. For a species that faced a near-total collapse just a few years ago, the vibes are officially shifting toward a recovery.
How we got here
These moths are legendary travelers. Every spring, they make an epic 1,000 km trek to the Australian Alps to hang out in cool caves for the summer. Back in the day, about 4 billion of them would make the trip—once, in 2000, they even showed up on weather radar as a rain cloud. But between 2017 and 2019, their numbers nosedived by 99.5%. Scientists think a mix of cooler, wetter weather this year has finally given them the perfect conditions to bounce back.
Why it matters
These little guys are lowkey vital. They’re crucial pollinators and a main food source for the critically endangered mountain pygmy possum. Dr. Marissa Parrott, a reproductive biologist at Zoos Victoria, says this year has "blown them out of the water" compared to recent data. While they’re endangered by the IUCN, they aren't protected by federal laws yet, so scientists are asking everyone to keep outdoor lights off and avoid insecticides if you see them. Don't stress if one visits your house—they're harmless, they don't eat clothes, and they’ll be on their way soon enough.
