Moths and Their Role in the Ecosystem

A Spokane Audubon Society Presentation

With over 160,000 species worldwide, moths are among the most diverse and ecologically important organisms on Earth. Learn all about these nocturnal pollinators in this SAS presentation.

With over 160,000 species worldwide, moths are among the most diverse and ecologically important organisms on Earth. These often-overlooked insects serve as essential nocturnal pollinators and provide critical food for birds, bats, and other wildlife. But moths and other insects are experiencing alarming global declines driven by multiple, interconnected threats: habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and light pollution.

Dr. Chris Cosma is a conservation ecologist with the Conservation Biology Institute, specializing in pollinators in urban and agricultural landscapes. He earned a PhD in ecology in 2024 from the University of California, Riverside where he studied the ecology and conservation of moths. In addition to pollination ecology, Chris has expertise in spatial ecology, network science, and climate change ecology. He has produced widely used platforms for participatory pollinator habitat restoration and has led national interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge ecological and social science to make resources more accessible and inclusive. Based in Spokane, Chris is also active in local education and outreach, including organizing events for National Moth Week.

Chris will talk about how moth decline solutions are becoming clearer, and how individual actions matter. Plants—particularly native species—play an essential role in supporting insects and other wildlife. Increasing the diversity and connectivity of native plant habitat in our yards, gardens, and public spaces can help build more resilient ecosystems. In this presentation, you'll discover the vital roles that moths play in our ecosystems, how environmental pressures are affecting moths and the wildlife that depend on them, and practical steps you can take in your own backyard to contribute to conservation.

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