mothpollination

Moth pollination, also called nocturnal pollination by moths, is a plant–pollinator interaction in which moths transfer pollen between flowers as they feed on nectar at night. It occurs worldwide but is especially important in warm and tropical regions, where many nocturnally blooming species rely on moths for reproduction.

Many night-blooming flowers have traits that favor moth visitors. They are often white or pale, have a strong, sweet fragrance at night, and produce copious nectar. Their flowers may open in the evening and remain receptive through the night. Morphology commonly includes long tubular corollas or sturdy landing platforms suited to moths with long proboscises.

Pollination by moths can be obligate or facultative. In some plant–moth pairs, such as the yucca and its specialized pollinating moth, the relationship is tightly coevolved; many other plants rely on moths to visit flowers but can also attract other pollinators. Hawkmoths (Sphingidae) are among the most effective nocturnal pollinators due to their long tongues and robust flight, but many Noctuidae and other moth families contribute as well.

Conservation and research considerations focus on the sensitivity of nocturnal pollination to light pollution and habitat alteration, which can disrupt visitation patterns and reduce pollination success. Researchers study moth-mediated pollination through nocturnal observations, pollen tracking, and network analyses to understand its role in ecosystem functioning and plant diversity.