The bogong moth invasion isn’t over yet – so when will it end?
Sydney’s moth invasion may be far from over, with experts warning the huge swarms could linger well into next month.
Thousands of endangered bogong moths have turned up across Sydney, as well as the NSW Central Coast and Illawarra, as they migrate south.
Bogong moths are an endangered species, and are also an important food source for other animals in the NSW alpine region. Alex Ellinghausen
University of Sydney Professor Dieter Hochuli expects the creatures will remain in Sydney for a few more weeks as their spring migration continues.
“The numbers will vary enormously depending on the weather, particularly the winds that bring them towards the coast,” he told nine.com.au.
While the massive swarms we’re seeing on social media should decline over the coming weeks, Hochuli warned they won’t disappear overnight.
“It’s more likely to be a series of waves, with different groups heading off on the next step of their journey to the Alps when conditions are right,” he said.
Professor Kate Umbers from Western Sydney University said the summer heat could ultimately send them on their way.
“It will probably be when it gets too hot for them to stay,” she said.
“But no one has studied the triggers of their migration, that’s just the leading hypothesis.”
If your neighbour’s house is swarmed while yours is clear, blame wind direction, local geography, and artificial lighting, Hochuli said.
As for how long they’ll stick around? Even experts say it’s still anyone’s guess. Supplied
“Many will move on over the next night or two if conditions are suitable, although some may remain tucked away in dark corners for a bit longer,” he said.
“The moths don’t really want to hang around with us or even be here on the coast – this is just a rest stop on the way to their destination.”
Bogong moths migrate south each spring from Queensland and central NSW toward the cooler NSW alpine region.
Locals are urged not to kill the insects and to turn off unnecessary outdoor lights to help them stay on their path.
Sightings can be logged online through Moth Tracker or iNaturalist.
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