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Published on July 20, 2026
When the sun goes down, Arlington’s nighttime pollinators come alive. National Moth Week is July 18-26 and to kick things off the City of Arlington’s Stormwater Education Program invites residents to the Molly Hollar Wildscape for our annual Moth Night.
Moths are incredibly diverse. There are currently 160,000 described and classified moth species around the world with thousands still unidentified. Some estimates put the number of moth species at 500,000! They span in size from a pinhead to larger than a person’s open hand. Their colors vary from brilliant, vibrant hues to subtle camouflage. More importantly, moths are vital to our North Central Texas ecosystem. They pollinate plants just like butterflies and bees and they are an essential food for birds, bats and other wildlife.
Moth Night is an opportunity to observe, identify and learn about moths. Multiple viewing stations will be set up along the park trails with special lighting which attracts moths and other nocturnal insects. Participants can then view, take pictures of and learn about the different nocturnal species that are found in Arlington. Sam Kieschnick, Urban Biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will be there to share insights into moth behavior and their role in our environment.
The event is free and open to all ages. Bring a smartphone or camera to take pictures and then upload them into the iNaturalist platform and help document and identify our local nighttime species. Don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes, a flashlight, water and your curiosity.