Moth Swarms Sweep Across Australia. That’s Good News.

Large swarms of moths have been observed across southeastern Australia this spring, with reports of insects appearing in the thousands in multiple locations.

The species identified in the swarms is the Bogong moth, which has experienced a steady decline in population numbers since the 1980s. Historically, the moth has been an important component of the region’s ecosystem, serving as a food source for a range of predators.

Recent sightings indicate that the insects are present in unusually high numbers, with observers noting concentrations that extend across a broad area of the southeastern states. The scale of the swarms has been described as unprecedented in recent decades.

Scientists monitoring the phenomenon have expressed optimism about the resurgence. One biologist remarked, “My cheeks hurt because I’ve been smiling so much,” reflecting the positive reaction among researchers to the increased moth activity.

The unexpected abundance of Bogong moths is being regarded as a favorable development for the species, suggesting a possible reversal of the long‑term decline that has been documented since the 1980s.