Gardening for Moths: A Regional Guide

Gardening for Moths is a guide to moths, native plants, and their environmental roles in the midwestern United States. It provides information on why gardeners should attract specific moth species, how to do it, and the importance of moths and their caterpillars to ecological food webs. The book features stunning color photographs, intriguing facts, and profiles of about 140 plant species and 150 moth species. It also includes inset text boxes, beautiful photographs, and select references, online resources, and quick reference tables.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 472 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2023
Publisher: Ohio University Press

This comprehensive guide to moths, native plants, and their ecological roles serves as an invaluable resource for gardeners, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts throughout the midwestern United States. Gardening for Moths is the pioneering book that empowers midwestern gardeners and naturalists to embrace the allure of specific moth species and effectively attract them to their properties. Through captivating color photographs and intriguing facts, the book unveils the fascinating world of these insects, inspiring readers to incorporate moth-loving native plants into their landscapes. The authors emphasize the crucial role of moths and their caterpillars in ecological food webs, expanding the book's appeal to birders and bat enthusiasts alike.

The book is organized into three main sections, providing a thorough overview of moths. The first section delves into their population decline, conservation status, ecological importance, relationship with native plants, and various predators and defenses. Additionally, this section offers practical tips on capturing and photographing moths during their nocturnal activities.

The second section profiles approximately 140 plant species, offering a concise background, natural history, habitat preferences, and growing notes for each. Additionally, the authors provide lists of potential moths that these plants may attract, further enhancing the book's utility for gardeners seeking to create habitats that support moth populations.

The third section presents approximately 150 moth species, arranged taxonomically. These accounts provide fascinating insights into the life histories of both the caterpillar and adult moth of each species. Each account also includes a list of the species' common host plants, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of moth-plant interactions.

Throughout the volume, inset text boxes offer additional captivating moth facts, enriching the reader's knowledge and appreciation of these remarkable insects. Beautiful photographs, most taken by the authors, accompany each included plant and moth species, visually enhancing the understanding and enjoyment of this valuable resource.

Select references, online resources, and quick reference tables further complement this comprehensive guide, making it an indispensable tool for anyone passionate about moths, native plants, and the conservation of biodiversity in the midwestern United States.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780821425206