While you sleep, these insects are working hard on the night shift to keep our environment healthy

By Tanya Latty, Associate Professor, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney

As night falls over Australia’s forests, grasslands and backyards, the hidden world of nocturnal insects stirs to life. In many ecosystems, overall insect activity actually peaks at night, especially in warmer regions of the world.

These nighttime creatures play essential roles in ecosystems, providing services such as pollination, waste decomposition, and pest control. Here are some of the remarkable insects that come out after dark – and why they matter.

Moths: the stars of the night shift

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