National Moth Week India
Moth identification and recording skills
1,000 participants
Nine-day global event each July where participants photograph moths drawn to a light after dark and upload the records to biodiversity databases.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 or more
Duration
Nine days spanning two weekends in July
Eligibility
Open to everyone in India with no age or grade restriction, and no prior knowledge of moths needed. Participants can take part from home with a single light, or join a registered public event. Individual public events set their own age guidance, and most listed in India are marked as suitable for all ages.
- Grade level
- Playgroup, Pre-Nursery, Nursery, LKG, UKG & Grade 1 to 12
- Age range
- Open to all ages
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No prior knowledge or expertise in moth taxonomy or biology is required.
See if your child qualifies.
Benefits
- Photograph moths at home with just a light and a sheet
- Observations join global moth distribution databases
- Guided public events run across several Indian states
- No equipment or prior knowledge needed
- Records help track climate and urbanisation impacts
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Dates
- 18 Jul 2026 to 26 Jul 2026
How to apply
- 1Find a registered public event nearby on the official event map, or take part from home
- 2Set up a light against a white sheet after dark, or simply switch on a porch light
- 3Photograph the moths that arrive
- 4Upload the photographs to iNaturalist or another partner platform
Technology requirements
- A phone or camera to photograph moths, and internet access to upload the observations
About this opportunity
National Moth Week is a nine-day global event held each July in which people photograph the moths that come to a light after dark and upload the records to biodiversity databases. India is among its largest participating countries.
Taking part needs almost nothing. A porch light will do, though many people hang a white sheet and shine a bright or ultraviolet light onto it to draw moths in. Participants photograph whatever arrives, then upload the images to iNaturalist, the India Biodiversity Portal, Biodiversity Atlas India or Moths of India, where the records build a picture of which moth species live where. No prior knowledge of moth taxonomy or biology is needed, and flyers, workshops and sessions are run in English and regional languages to help people document what they find.
The event is run by Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission, a non-profit in the United States, and is coordinated in India by a volunteer country coordinator working with Indian nature organisations including DiversityIndia, iNaturewatch Foundation, Titli Trust and Nature Mates Nature Club. Alongside people mothing at home, organisers register public events that anyone can join, and these are listed on a global event map.
Academic details
Difficulty: Introductory
What's covered
Participants learn how to attract moths using light and a pale surface, how to photograph them well enough for identification, and how to upload an observation with date and location so it can be identified and used in distribution mapping.
Frequently asked questions
How do participants contribute to scientific research through National Moth Week?
Participants contribute by documenting moth species and their locations, which helps researchers track biodiversity, understand distribution patterns, and study the impacts of environmental changes like climate change and urbanization.
What are the key benefits for children participating in this citizen science event?
Children develop observation skills, learn about insect biodiversity, gain experience with nature photography, and understand how to use scientific platforms to record data, fostering an appreciation for the natural world.
Are there opportunities for participants to connect with other nature enthusiasts during the event?
Yes, participants can join public events organized by local nature organizations across India, providing opportunities to meet experienced naturalists and fellow enthusiasts. Online platforms also facilitate community interaction.
What kind of support is available for beginners in moth observation and identification?
The official website provides a 'Mothing 101' guide with setup instructions and photography tips. Many public events offer guidance from experienced naturalists, and partner platforms assist with identification.
How can observations made during National Moth Week be used in the long term?
Observations become part of long-term biodiversity datasets used by scientists to monitor moth populations, assess ecosystem health, and inform conservation strategies, contributing valuable ecological insights.
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