Residents stunned as Sydney hit by swarm of thousands of bogong moths
Residents in parts of Sydney and the NSW south coast are reporting swarms of moths on balconies and near houses.
But locals have been urged not to harm the creatures, which are bogong moths as thousands of the endangered insects migrate south.
Residents across Sydney and southern NSW have reported a huge influx of moths in and around their homes recently. Today
Residents in many parts of Sydney, including the Hawkesbury , as well as the North Shore and Sutherland shire, have reported seeing far more moths than usual.
Videos on social media showing swarms of the insects gathering outside houses, and swarming around lights near homes and on the streets.
While there has been some concern at the sudden influx authorities say it’s nothing to worry about, as bogong moths migrate south to the NSW alpine region every year.
The insects commonly migrate in spring from parts of Queensland and central NSW in the spring, as the alpine climate offers cooler weather and protection from the warmest part of the year.
However, they do not always take the same route, with weather conditions such as wind dictating exactly how they get to the alpine areas of NSW.
“Before anyone reports a moth-related crime spree, please be reassured that these little travellers are a natural part of Australia’s migration cycle,” Hawkesbury Police Area Command said in a post on social media.
“While they may seem to have launched a coordinated takeover of the Hawkesbury this week, they are simply passing through on their annual journey.”
Thousands of the moths migrate every year to the NSW and Victoria alpine regions. Today
Bogong moths usually measure between 2.5-3.5 centimetres, and have a dark stripe that runs down each wing, as well as spots on the top and bottom of the stripes, which are a grey-ish colour.
They are harmless to humans, and experts have warned residents to encounter the moths not to harm them, as they are endangered and also crucial to the local ecosystem.
This is because they are a food source for the mountain-pygmy possum, which live in the alpine regions, and emerge from hibernation at this time of the year, according to Zoos Victoria.
Bogong moths are an endangered species, and are also an important food source for other animals in the NSW alpine region. Alex Ellinghausen
The numbers of bogong moths have decreased significantly in recent years, with drought, irrigation and land clearing all contributing to their fall in numbers and status as an endangered species.
People are urged to let the moths continue travelling naturally on their migratory journey, as well as being asked to switch off any artificial light source that is not required to be turned on at all hours.
This is because the moths are attracted to artificial light, and going to these light sources instead of the alpine regions where they need to migrate to disrupts their journey, and has a knock-on effect for other species.
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