Moths are fascinating insects that play a vital role in the ecosystem – plus they’re incredible pollinators! Discover the top five plants to include in your Wild Space to help attract marvellous moths all year round.
1. Jasmine
Not only does Jasmine add a glorious scent to your Wild Space for you to enjoy in the evening, that scent has a purpose when it comes to attracting night-time pollinators. The pale flowers and bold scent help lure in moths like the beautiful Elephant Hawk-moth which comes to feed on the nectar. Look out for these bright pink and green moths between May and July. Jasmine is also a foodplant for the caterpillars of species like the Swallow-tailed Moth – a striking moth with a resemblance to the Swallowtail butterfly.
2. Bramble
Bramble is a great all-rounder for your Wild Space. Its flowers and fruit provide food for lots of species of adult moths and it’s also food for the caterpillars of species like Angle Shades, a fascinating-looking moth which can be spotted from April through to November. You can also enjoy the blackberries for yourself!
3. Marjoram
Herbs are great for attracting a range of species of moths, both as adults and as caterpillars. Marjoram is a particularly good option as its flowers are a source of nectar, enjoyed by day-flying species like the Silver Y, and it is also the caterpillar foodplant of the small but pretty Mint moth and brilliant, metallic-looking Burnished Brass, amongst others. Look out for the Mint Moth from March to October.
4. Willow
Whether you grow willows on their own or as part of a hedge, they can help bring a variety of spectacular moths to your Wild Space. The caterpillars of the Poplar Hawk-moth, Herald and Red Underwing all feast on willow. And the fascinating Puss Moth caterpillar also feeds on willow before it pupates into the large and wonderfully furry adult. Spot the Puss Moth flying between May and July.
5. Nettle
Leaving a patch of nettles to grow is a quick and easy way to attract some brilliant moths to your Wild Space – you can even grow them in pots if you have a small space or want to keep them contained. Nettles are the caterpillar foodplant of lots of butterflies, like the Comma and Peacock, as well as moths like the Mother of Pearl, colourful Jersey Tiger, and Spectacle – so named for the spectacle-like markings on its thorax. Look out for the spectacular Spectacle between May and September.
Want to find out more about the amazing moths you might spot in your Wild Space? Visit Moths Matter | Butterfly Conservation
