An Act designating the Io moth as the New Jersey State Moth, and supplementing Title 52 of the Revised Statutes.

Whereas, The Io moth (Automeris io), which is native to New Jersey, is one of the most recognizable and visually striking moths in North America; and

Whereas, These large silk moths vary in color from reddish brown to bright yellow, but all Io moths are characterized by large black and white eyespots in the middle of their hindwings; and

Whereas, When threatened, Io moths flip their forewings forward, exposing the eyespots, which resemble the glint of vertebrate eyes, and have been known to startle predatory birds; and

Whereas, Io moths can be spotted in farms, forests, gardens, and suburban areas throughout the State primarily between the months of May and June, when female adult Io moths lay their eggs; and

Whereas, The Io moth's bright green caterpillar may be found on a variety of native New Jersey plants, including hackberry, willow, redbud, currant, blackberry, and pear, though they are generally considered nondestructive to crops; and

Whereas, Io moths, and moths generally, are critical parts of the ecosystem, providing food for a variety of species such as birds, mammals, spiders, and insects; and

Whereas, Although moths typically have a reputation for being pests, only a very small percentage cause trouble to humans, and most either have no impact on humans or serve important ecosystem functions such as pollination; and

Whereas, Like butterflies, moths are an important indicator species, meaning their numbers can give us vital clues to changes in our environment, such as the effects of new farming practices, air pollution, and climate change; and

Whereas, According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, over the past 40 years, the number of moth species has declined globally, warranting increased attention to these often-overlooked insects; and

Whereas, By designating a State Moth, New Jersey recognizes the vital role played by moths in the health of our ecosystem, and hopes to promote further interest in, and research of, moths; and

Whereas, In addition, National Moth Week, which was founded in New Jersey and is coordinated by Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission, celebrates the beauty, lifecycles, and habitats of moths, and will be held this year from July 18 to 26; and

Whereas, National Moth Week encourages people of all ages to learn about, observe, and document moths, such as the beautiful Io, in their backyards, parks, and neighborhoods; and

Whereas, Residents can participate in National Moth Week by joining one of many planned excursions and events hosted by local environmental organizations, or by simply observing moths in their own backyards and under porch lights; and

Whereas, As the symbol of National Moth Week, and a beautiful, native New Jersey moth species, the Io moth is a fitting and proper choice as the New Jersey State Moth; now, therefore,

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The Io moth (Automeris io) is designated as the New Jersey State Moth.

2. This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This bill would designate the Io moth as the New Jersey State Moth.

The Io moth, which is native to New Jersey, is one of the most recognizable and visually striking moths in North America. Though they vary in color from reddish brown to bright yellow, all Io moths are characterized by large black and white eyespots in the middle of their hindwings, which the moths use to ward off predators. Io moths can be spotted in farms, forests, gardens, and urban areas throughout the State on native plants such as hackberry, willow, redbud, currant, blackberry, and pear. They are generally considered nondestructive to crops, and play an important role in the ecosystem by serving as a food source to birds, mammals, spiders, and insects.

Although moths typically have a reputation for being pests, only a small percentage cause trouble to humans, and most serve important ecosystem functions such as pollination. In addition, moths, like butterflies, are an important indicator species, meaning their numbers can give us vital clues to changes in our environment, such as the effects of new farming practices, air pollution, and climate change. However, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, over the past 40 years, the number of moth species has declined globally, warranting increased attention to these often-overlooked insects.

By designating a State Moth, New Jersey recognizes the vital role played by moths in the health of our ecosystem, and hopes to promote further interest in, and research of, moths.