There are way more moths in the world than butterflies, yet butterflies get all of the attention. For the past few years, however, the Montana Moth Project has been working to turn that around. The nonprofit, created by Mat Seidensticker while he was working in the Bitterroot Valley, is aiming to identify moths in all 56 counties of the state. So far they’ve identified thousands of moths that make their home here, along with a few that are new species. Most people think of moths as those annoying bugs around their porch light or something that may dine on their clothes. Actually, some moths pollinate plants, like bees. They are also a source of food for a number of animals, from birds and bats to big grizzly bears. To learn more about the Montana Moth Project, and one of the unique species they have found, check out my story at https://billingsgazette.com/outdoors/.

Written by Brett French | Outdoors Editor for the Billings Gazette