Bogong moths are appearing in large numbers across eastern Australia this year, according to sightings posted by citizen scientists. Observations on the iNaturalist platform through the Bogong Watch project show the population has grown sharply. The species had declined over several decades before crashing in 2017, when it was described as undetectable in alpine regions. Ecologist Ken Green has linked the crash mainly to drought from 2017 to 2019, with pesticides and light pollution adding to the earlier decline.
Weather radars across south-eastern Australia have shown rain-like signals most nights for a month, though skies are mostly clear. The Bureau of Meteorology says millions of bogong moths migrating to the Australian Alps for summer are the likely cause. The insects take flight after sunset and appear on radar as widespread light rain. Radar echoes have spread from New South Wales into northern and eastern Victoria. Standard forecasts are not affected, as they rely on modelling, ground observations and satellites. Some weather apps relying on raw radar data could send false alerts.
Researcher Connor Marsland has scaled six peaks in the Brindabella Range to monitor a surge in bogong moths. The annual migration, which has been unusually visible this spring, saw thousands of moths coat walls and windows across NSW. Marsland, a PhD student at Western Sydney University, is studying the moths' migratory flyways and behaviour at aestivation sites. The boom in numbers is encouraging, but researchers caution against interpreting it as proof the species' future is secure.
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Thousands of spotted ladybirds have appeared across Newcastle in recent weeks, drawing attention from residents on washing lines, picnic tables and beaches. Australian Museum entomologist Chris Reid identifies them as transverse ladybirds, a native species found across Australia. He suspects warm, wet winter conditions inland pushed them east, carrying bogong moths with them. Reid says the ladybirds eat crop pests such as aphids, so they are good for gardens. He adds that they are unlikely to stay long.
Millions of endangered Bogong moths have been pushed toward the Bass Coast and South Gippsland by strong north-westerly winds. Zoos Victoria's Moth Tracker has already logged more sightings this season than last year's total. Dr Marissa Parrott, a senior conservation biologist, said the swarms were a wonderful sight. She advised residents to turn off unnecessary lights, avoid insecticides and gently release any moths found indoors. The species collapsed between 2017 and 2019 and was listed as endangered in 2021.
A columnist says a South Coast holiday has been overrun by bogong moths, which are settling in homes and clothing. Zoos Victoria senior conservation biologist Marissa Parrott says this is the best year for the species in nearly a decade, after its numbers collapsed around 2017 to 2019. The columnist says the moths are only passing through on their way to the Australian Alps, and calls for them to move on quickly.
Readers across NSW report finding dozens of bogong moths indoors each day, even after sealing windows and doors. Many point to drain holes in sliding door and window tracks as a likely entry point, while others mention skylights and clothing brought in from outside. Experts advise gently moving moths outside under a container and card rather than killing them, as bogongs are protected. Readers also say the moths have disrupted gas hot water pilot lights. Numbers are expected to decline in the coming weeks as the moths return to the Snowy Mountains.
Bogong moth numbers have surged along Australia's east coast this year, with people finding the insects in homes across the region. Researchers say the resurgence offers useful information about the health of the population, which fell by 99 per cent between 2017 and 2019. Two years of high rainfall may have helped the moths breed and feed, while strong winds may have pushed them into Sydney. Christmas beetles have also become rarer, and citizen scientists are helping track surviving populations. Experts encourage people to slow down, photograph insects and upload sightings to online platforms that help scientists track them.
