July 1, 2025

            Photo Credit: Joe Montes de Oca, Corey Callaghan, Brittany Mason, Ty Smith 

  National Moth Week

July 19 - 27, 2025

 Moths don’t get nearly as much attention as butterflies do. Maybe that’s because they are less commonly seen, they don’t stand out as vibrantly, and are often active at night. While we may see more butterflies during the day, the number of moth species world-wide far outnumbers the butterfly species.

  Although there are many beautiful moths in Florida - there is no 'state moth of Florida'.  

 Moths are indicator species, which means their numbers tell our scientists if an ecosystem is doing well or not. So, if you are not seeing any moths, take a look to see how you can improve habitat for them.

 The best way to tell the difference between a butterfly and moth is by the antennae. Most butterflies have club-shaped antennae with a little ball at the end, but moth antennae are usually feathery, saw-shaped or taper to a fine point. The wings are another clue – while at rest, butterflies usually fold their wings upright while most moths rest with their wings flat.

 Hardly any moths will eat your clothes!! There are only a few that have caterpillars that will damage fabric - and they only eat wool, fur and feathers and not cotton or synthetic materials.

  Moths are a vital part of the food chain. They are a huge source of food for bats and birds. Many night-flying moths have evolved ear-like organs which can pick up the squeaks of bats and allow them to take evasive action. A moth may escape a bat by changing direction suddenly, or even by performing aerial loops and spirals. If the bat is very close the moth may simply shut its wings and plummet earthwards.

For more information watch this PBS "Bugs that Rule the World" video:  https://youtu.be/mIr-jy0nJg0?s...

 The ruby-throated hummingbird is tiny – about 3 inches long and weighing only ¾ ounce!

 Although some birds may stay in south Florida year-round, most winter in Mexico and South America. Males arrive in Florida in March – females arrive about a week later.

 Hummingbirds feed on nectar and can be attracted to artificial feeders, but to keep them around your yard – you can garden for them! They prefer bright tubular blooms in red, orange, or pink..

 In Central Florida, these plants will provide a reliable food source from spring through fall:

Firebush (Hamelia patens) – A Florida native shrub with vibrant orange‑red tubular flowers. Blooms nearly year-round, ideal in full sun to partial shade. Hardy in zones 8–11; may die back after hard freezes but regrows from roots

Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) – A long-lived vine producing clusters of scarlet trumpet flowers in spring and summer. Thrives in sun to partial shade and serves as structural support for hummingbird feeding

Coral bean (Erythrina herbacea) – A native shrub/small tree with red spikes of flowers in spring. Likewise frost-sensitive but resprouts. Excellent early‑season nectar source

Cigar flower (Cuphea ignea) – Bright orange-red “cigar” blooms from summer into fall. Grows 2–3 ft tall; ideal in groupings or containers. Treat as an annual or overwinter protected

Scarlet salvia (Salvia coccinea) – Native sage with red tubular blossoms summer–fall. Self-seeding; adaptable in full sun to shade

Are You ready to count?

Follow this new Facebook page to get all the updates and information about The Great Florida Pollinator Census August 22nd & 23rd 2025.  

And here's the answer to one of many common questions: "Is it a bee or a fly?"

UF/IFAS Extension Marion County is a cooperation between the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the University of Florida to deliver relevant, research-based education programs that result in healthy people, healthy environments and healthy economies.