moths

Large swarms of bogong moths have appeared across New South Wales, surprising residents who have reported the insects arriving in big numbers. Conservationists and locals are 'thrilled', with scientists suggesting the swarms could be a sign the species is recovering after steep declines in recent years.

Researchers have reverse-engineered insect smell receptors to identify the sex pheromones of moths, according to a report by Bioengineer.org. By decoding how these olfactory receptors detect chemical signals, scientists can pinpoint the exact compounds moths use to attract mates. The work could lead to new pest-control methods that disrupt moth mating without pesticides, and highlights how receptor engineering is advancing the study of chemical communication in insects.

Large swarms of bogong moths have surprised residents across New South Wales, and scientists are reportedly hopeful the influx may signal a recovery for the species, whose numbers had declined sharply in recent years. Reports describe people as 'thrilled' by the sight, with the mass appearance generating excitement and attention around the moth's famous seasonal migration to the state's alpine regions.