🖊️ By Bassam Al Kantar
Head of Campaign Strategy & Communications
🌿 Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL)
As dusk falls over Lebanon’s diverse landscapes, an unseen world comes to life. In the forests, meadows, and farmlands, thousands of tiny, winged creatures take flight, playing a silent but critical role in the country’s ecosystem. While butterflies are often celebrated for their beauty, their nocturnal counterparts—moths—are equally vital. With over 360 documented species, Lebanon is a hotspot for moth diversity, with these creatures acting as pollinators, prey, and ecosystem indicators. But as urban expansion and environmental changes threaten their habitats, the future of these mysterious insects hangs in the balance.
This feature story is based on the extensive research of Hussein Ali Zorkot, a dedicated biomonitoring researcher and illustrator whose work has been instrumental in documenting Lebanon’s moths, butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies under the EU-funded BioConnect project. Through field research, scientific illustrations, and conservation efforts, Zorkot has contributed significantly to understanding these species and their role in Lebanon’s natural heritage.
A Diverse and Thriving Population
Moths in Lebanon are as diverse as the landscapes they inhabit. Found across woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas, they contribute significantly to the country’s ecological stability. Some of the most spectacular species belong to families such as:
🔹 Saturniidae (Emperor Moths) – Including the Giant Emperor Moth (Saturnia pyri), Lebanon’s largest moth, recognized by its striking eyespots.
🔹 Sphingidae (Hawk Moths) – Featuring fast-flying species like the Hummingbird Hawkmoth (Macroglossum stellatarum), often mistaken for a tiny bird as it hovers over flowers.
🔹 Zygaenidae (Burnet Moths) – Day-flying moths like the Six-Spot Burnet (Zygaena filipendulae), known for their vivid warning colors.
🔹 Noctuidae (Owlet Moths) – One of the largest families, including the Silver Y (Autographa gamma), a well-known migratory moth.
While many moths remain hidden in plain sight, their presence is felt across different ecosystems, from Lebanon’s cedar forests to its coastal plains.
Why Moths Matter
Moths are more than just fluttering silhouettes against porch lights—they are essential to Lebanon’s biodiversity. Their significance extends beyond their sheer numbers:
✅ Pollinators – Many plants rely on moths for pollination, especially those that bloom at night.
✅ Food Source – Birds, bats, and small mammals depend on moths as a primary food source.
✅ Ecosystem Indicators – Changes in moth populations often signal shifts in climate and habitat health.
But despite their importance, these insects face an uphill battle against increasing environmental pressures.
A Species Under Threat
Lebanon’s moth population is being impacted by several threats, most notably:
🚧 Habitat Loss – Deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development are shrinking moth habitats.
💡 Light Pollution – Excessive artificial lighting disrupts nocturnal behavior, affecting mating and feeding.
☠️ Pesticide Use – Chemical pesticides kill not only harmful insects but also vital pollinators like moths.
🌡 Climate Change – Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns disrupt migratory cycles.
Protecting Lebanon’s Moth Population
With moth populations declining in many parts of the world, conservationists in Lebanon are taking action. Organizations like the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) are working to safeguard these insects through:
🌍 The BioConnect Project – Encouraging communities to participate in biodiversity monitoring.
🌿 Hima Conservation Areas – Protecting natural habitats from unsustainable development.
🦋 Lepidoptera Libanotica Database – A dedicated online platform cataloging Lebanon’s moth and butterfly species.
What Can You Do?
Moth conservation isn’t just for scientists—anyone can help. Here’s how:
📸 Document Sightings – Spot an unusual moth? Share your findings on platforms like iNaturalist.
💡 Reduce Light Pollution – Use warm-colored or motion-activated outdoor lights to help nocturnal species.
🌺 Create a Moth-Friendly Garden – Plant native flowers to attract and support local moth populations.
🚫 Avoid Harmful Pesticides – Choose eco-friendly alternatives to protect moths and other pollinators.
Looking Ahead
Moths may not always get the recognition they deserve, but their role in Lebanon’s ecosystems is undeniable. Whether gliding through the forests or silently pollinating wildflowers, these nighttime navigators are essential to maintaining biodiversity. By promoting awareness and conservation efforts, we can ensure that Lebanon’s moth species continue to thrive—lighting up the night for generations to come.
📌 Want to learn more? Explore Lebanon’s moth species at butterflies.spnl.org.
