New reports confirm an astonishing discovery in Vermont: moths have been caught on camera drinking tears from a bull moose. This unusual behavior, known as lachryphagy, was documented by researchers in the Green Mountain National Forest between 1:44 AM and 1:48 AM on June 19, 2024. A trail camera captured 80 images of moths clustered around the moose’s face, marking the first instance of this behavior in cold-weather regions.
This urgent update sheds light on the peculiar feeding habits of moths, which are typically known to consume nectar. The study, published in Ecosphere and detailed by Scientific American, reveals that these moths may be seeking out essential nutrients like sodium and minerals from the moose’s tears, a behavior rarely seen outside of tropical zones. Previously, the only documented case of this outside the tropics involved a moth and a horse.
The significance of this finding cannot be overstated. With over 247,000 moose photos collected across nearly 500 sites in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, this is the first documented instance of moths engaging in tear-feeding from a moose. The researchers believe these moths likely belong to the Geometridae family, based on their size and shape, though they have not been definitively identified.
While this behavior is indeed fascinating, it raises potential concerns. The researchers caution that ticks and other parasites could pose risks, as they might spread diseases like keratoconjunctivitis to moose. Fortunately, moths have not been documented to transmit diseases through this tear-drinking behavior, but the theoretical risks remain a point of interest for further study.
The implications of this discovery extend beyond academic curiosity. It showcases the complexity of animal interactions in ecosystems and emphasizes the need for continued research into wildlife behavior. As scientists explore this newfound relationship between moths and moose, further observations may reveal more about the nutritional needs and adaptive behaviors of these insects in varying climates.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as researchers continue to investigate the implications of this extraordinary behavior. The world of wildlife is often stranger than fiction, and this latest revelation is bound to spark conversation and intrigue among nature enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
