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Behavior of miller moths in homes during migration #798425

Asked June 29, 2022, 6:16 AM EDT

This may be a strange question but I’ve noticed that the miller moths that we have in the house during this migration aren’t very active.  They seem to congregate on the walls and not “buzz” around lights like moths do at other times  Is there a reason for this?

We live in the foot hills of the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming and are currently (end of June 2022) experiencing migrating moths is big numbers. Yicks the house has so many of them 



RThanks for your answer if you have one.  Maybe these millers are just tired since they are so close to their mountain destination LOL

Regards 

Sheridan County Wyoming

Expert Response

I'm surprised that your message made it to Ohio!  Fortunately, I'm good friends with Dr. Whitney Cranshaw, a professor at Colorado State.  He has regularly talked about the "miller moth" migrations, so I am familiar with them.  From the current internet chatter, this year appears to be especially good for their populations (https://www.cpr.org/2022/06/04/colorados-moth-invasion-has-begun-how-long-will-miller-moths-stick-around/). 

When these moths appear sluggish, it is generally just a factor of temperature. While these moths can rev up their body temperature by vibrating their wings before taking flight, if you are having temperatures in the 60s or below, they will often just sit until warmer weather.

You may already discovered Whitney's factsheet, but if not, here is more information:
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/miller-moths-5-597/#:~:text=The%20'miller%20moth%2C'%20common,late%20spring%20through%20early%20fall.
David Shetlar (the BugDoc) Replied June 29, 2022, 11:34 AM EDT

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