Bogong moths, an endangered species whose numbers fell steeply over the past decade, are turning up in large swarms across south-eastern Australia this spring, Reuters reports. Sightings have come in from Sydney and elsewhere in New South Wales and from Victoria as the insects head for the Australian Alps.
The moths are small, with a wingspan of about 5cm, but their journey is anything but. Some fly as far as 3,000km to spend the summer in cool mountain caves. Along the way they pollinate eucalyptus trees, and in the high country they are an important food for native animals such as pygmy-possums.
According to Reuters, citing reporting by Australia’s ABC, heavier rainfall in northern New South Wales probably gave this year’s caterpillars more to eat. Steve Whan, who represents the alpine region in the state parliament, welcomed the sight: “It’s really exciting to see this recovering population coming our way.”
Source: Reuters