BOGONG TAGGING PROGRAM
HAVE YOU SEEN A TAGGED BOGONG MOTH?
Information about the tagging program
Do the tags harm the moths?
The moths are not harmed during this process. The tag is made of paper and weighs a tiny fraction of the moth’s body weight, well under the standard thresholds for tagging birds and mammals. The tag is glued on very carefully and allowed to dry before the moth is released to ensure it doesn’t impact the moth. Everything we use in non-toxic to ensure that no moth predators are harmed if they eat a tagged moth (also most predators remove the wings first and just eat the body).
Why tag moths?
The data from tag resighitngs are so very valuable - there is nothing more valuable for understanding their migration than first hand real life information on where they move. We know the location that every moth is tagged so every sighting of a tagged moth gives us a critical piece of the migration puzzle. Monarch Watch in North America has been running for 70 years and has mapped the monarch’s remarkable multi-generational migration and revealed its spectacular overwintering grounds in Mexico. It is impossible to overstate the value of tag resighting data.
How can I tag a moth?
As of Feb 2025 our tagging program is in the pilot phase and not available to members of the public yet, but do get in contact with us via the form below to let us know you want to tag a Bogong, we expect to be launching in late 2025.
What do I do if I see a tagged moth?
Please take a photo of the tag or write down the tag number and report it via the links above!
How can I increase my chances of seeing a tagged moth?
The best way is at your verandah light in the evening or with a ‘light trap’ which is simply a light that attracts insects attached to a container in which bugs fall and stay cosy until the morning when you can check your container. We are developing some affordable Bug Lanterns with the optics company cootworx, more info soon!
Where Do my tagging data go?
All data on where moths are tagged and where tagged moths are seen is submitted to a ‘Biocollect’ project run by the Atlas of Living Australia as a Community Science project. The data are stored by the Atlas of Living Australia and made publicly available after about three weeks. The data are held in Australia.
Can i email you the information about the tagged moth i saw?
It makes the job of looking after the data much easier for us if you are able to submit it via the data collection portal, but we fully understand that that it not always possible and are VERY happy to receive information on your sighting via email (bogongdeberra@gmail.com) or the form below. Ideally we need a photo of the tagged moth to verify what you saw and we need you to report the alpha-numeric code on the tag. We will be bouncing with excitement to hear of your tag sightings so please get them to us how ever you can!