Community
8 November, 2023
Moths under the microscope
THE marvellous world of moths and microbats found in the Warrnambool coastal region will be under the microscope this month.
Warrnambool Coastal Landcare Network will host experts on both species, Dr Lindy Lumsden and Peter Marriott, on Tuesday, November 7.
The event is part of the network’s ‘Collaborating on Coastal Revegetation Works in a Cultural Landscape’ project funded through the Coastcare Grants program.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action at the Arthur Rylah Institute, principal research scientist and science leader, Dr Lindy Lumsden has been conducting ecological research on insectivorous bats for more than 40 years.
“Microbats play an important role in controlling insect numbers, including a range of pest species, by eating up to half their body weight in insects in a night,” Dr Lumsden said.
“However, due to their small size, nocturnal behaviour and cryptic roosting habits, these fascinating native mammals are rarely seen and are often portrayed negatively in the media.”
Dr Lumsden hopes her presentation will help to reverse those negative perceptions and educate and enthuse people about bats.
Mr Peter Marriott has surveyed moths in Victoria for decades and is an honorary associate working with the moth collection at Melbourne Museum.
Along with other collaborators, Mr Marriott produces a series of publications called Moths of Victoria which have become vital references for moth lovers and entomologists.
The Warrnambool event will be held in the La Bella Room of the Pavilion Café on November 7 from 7pm.
During the evening Mr Marriott will present images and describe some of the major moth families in the Warrnambool region including rare species, and also talk about their habitat, behaviour and life cycle.
Warrnambool and District Landcare facilitator Geoff Rollinson said the event would contribute to a better understanding of fauna species in the coastal area near Warrnambool and their preferred habitat and plant species.
