- Night-time pollinators such as moths need protecting as effectively as bees, as new research found they could be less resilient to the pressures of urbanisation
- Moths account for a third of the pollinator visits to crops, flowers and trees in urban areas
- More moths were found to be carrying pollen than previously thought, and visiting more types of plant and fruit crops than previously identified
- Moth abundance has declined by 33 per cent in the last 50 years and this represents a threat to the plants and crops that rely on insects for pollination
Newswise — A recent research conducted by the University of Sheffield suggests that nocturnal pollinators like moths potentially visit an equivalent number of plants as bees do. Therefore, conservation and protection initiatives should equally prioritize these nighttime pollinators.
According to the study's findings, moths, when confronted with urbanization pressures, may display lower resilience compared to bees. This disparity can be attributed to moths' intricate life cycle and their specific demands for particular plants.
Additionally, the study brought to light that despite the aforementioned threat, moths play a vital role in bolstering urban plant communities. In fact, they contribute to one-third of all pollination processes in flowering plants, crops, and trees within urban areas.
Dr. Emilie Ellis, the lead author from the University of Sheffield's Grantham Institute for Sustainable Futures, who is currently affiliated with the Research Centre for Ecological Change (REC) at the University of Helsinki, stated, "Our research revealed that as urban areas become more developed, the diversity of pollen transported by both moths and bees diminishes. Consequently, urban pollinators may encounter a reduced availability of floral resources."
"Given that moths and bees are dependent on plants for their survival, it is crucial to recognize that plant populations, in turn, rely on these insects for pollination. Therefore, safeguarding urban green spaces becomes essential. By adopting an approach that extends beyond the conservation of bees alone and embraces the support of a diverse range of wildlife, we can ensure the resilience of both bee and moth populations. This, in turn, will contribute to the creation of healthier, greener towns and cities."
In the study conducted by Dr. Ellis and her co-authors, it was demonstrated that bees and moths exhibit distinct preferences for plant communities. In addition to the well-known pale and fragrant flower species that moths are typically associated with, the study revealed that moths carry a greater amount of pollen than previously estimated. Moreover, moths were found to visit a wider range of tree species and fruit crops than previously recognized. These findings highlight the diverse and important role that moths play in pollination across various plant types.
Urbanized regions often experience an excessive presence of non-native plant species or a general decline in plant species diversity. Consequently, less attractive plant species may suffer from reduced insect interactions, which can adversely impact both plant and insect populations. This phenomenon underscores the negative repercussions stemming from the diminished attention of insects towards certain plants. As a result, the reproductive success of plants may be hindered, leading to a decline in their population. Additionally, the scarcity of suitable floral resources can have detrimental consequences for insect populations, affecting their abundance and diversity. Therefore, it is crucial to promote plant diversity and mitigate the dominance of non-native species in urban areas to maintain healthy interactions between plants and insects, while safeguarding the sustainability of both populations.
According to Dr. Ellis, the research emphasizes the vital role of moths in pollinating various plants, including crops. The implications of this study extend to wildlife-friendly gardening initiatives, urban planners, and policymakers who are responsible for the development of urban green spaces such as parks or urban horticulture. Recognizing the significance of moths in pollination can help guide efforts to create and maintain environments that support these important pollinators. It highlights the need to incorporate strategies that promote the well-being of moths in urban planning and policy-making, ensuring the inclusion of diverse plant species and suitable habitats for moths in urban green spaces. By considering the findings of this research, stakeholders can contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and the enhancement of pollination services in urban areas.
Dr. Ellis emphasized that moths are often undervalued and overshadowed by bees when it comes to discussions on protection and conservation. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that there is a pressing need for a more concentrated effort to raise awareness about the crucial role moths play in establishing and maintaining healthy environments. This is particularly important considering the alarming decline in moth populations over the past five decades. To ensure the preservation of ecosystems, it is vital to recognize and address the significance of moths in ecological processes and promote initiatives that contribute to their conservation.
"When designing green spaces, it is important to consider the inclusion of diverse and moth-friendly planting, in addition to being bee-friendly. This ensures the resilience of both plants and insects amidst the climate crisis and ongoing biodiversity declines."
Dr. Stuart Campbell, a senior author from the University of Sheffield's School of Biosciences, explained, "The reliance of most plants on insects for pollination poses a challenging question: which insects are responsible for the pollination process? Answering this question is actually quite complex. In the UK alone, we have approximately 250 bee species, and we have acquired substantial knowledge about some of these species. However, we also have more than 2,500 moth species that primarily visit flowers during nighttime. As a result, our understanding of these nocturnal pollinators is relatively limited in comparison."
"In this study, we utilized DNA sequencing to analyze the pollen attached to night-flying moths when they visit flowers. This approach allowed us to identify the plant species that moths likely pollinate. Surprisingly, we discovered that moths play a significant role in pollinating various plant species, particularly wild ones, that are less likely to be pollinated by bees. Likewise, bees and moths likely have distinct preferences in their pollination activities. This study highlights the complexity of the intricate networks formed between insects and plants for pollination, which can be fragile and sensitive to the impacts of urbanization.
By understanding these interactions, we gain insights into the plant species that serve as optimal food sources for different insects, including nocturnal species like adult moths. This information can guide us in better supporting the nutritional needs of all pollinators. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of considering and catering to the diverse requirements of various pollinators to ensure their well-being and contribute to the overall health of our ecosystems."
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