Brace yourselves, Denver! The skies are about to fill with thousands of miller moths as they embark on their annual migration from the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains.

While some residents might panic at the sight of these fluttering visitors, fearing for their clothes or pets, experts urge us to embrace these moths for their crucial role in the ecosystem.

A Natural Phenomenon Worth Celebrating

After emerging from cocoons, these moths will travel over 100 miles during their short lifespans, often following the moonlight. Sadly, many will collide with city lights, losing their way amid the urban jungle. Their migration into Denver is expected to begin soon and continue for several weeks, though it’s hard to predict how this year’s wave will compare to previous ones.

The Mystery of Migration

Lepidopterists, or moth experts, like Francisco Garcia from the Butterfly Pavilion, admit there's still much to learn about these fascinating creatures. Questions about their population in Denver and the effects of climate change on their migration remain largely unanswered.

Garcia highlights the challenges in studying these invertebrates due to their brief lives, small sizes, and erratic flying patterns, all compounded by recent federal budget cuts that threaten crucial moth research.

Reframe Your View: They're Harmless!

Dismissing myths, Garcia assures us that miller moths pose no threat: "They are completely harmless... just passing through for a while." He charmingly compares Denver to an Airbnb for these aerial travelers, encouraging us to let them be.

The key, Garcia says, is to help them on their journey by reducing light pollution at night and allowing these pollinators to do their important work: supporting various plants and providing food for birds and reptiles.

Tiny Titans of the Ecosystem

Despite their size, miller moths have a massive impact. They contribute to the agricultural economy by pollinating millions of dollars' worth of crops, and they play a critical role in the thriving wildflower populations of the Rockies.

Garcia praises these little heroes, reminding us that while they may be tiny, their contribution to our ecosystem is anything but small.