Both yuccas have a symbiotic relationship with specific Yucca moths: Tegeticula maculate for the Chaparral Yucca and Tegeticula yuccasella for the Mohave Yucca. Using them supports biodiversity. Adult moths lay eggs as they pollinate yuccas. Yuccas produce enough seed to feed the larva and grow the plant’s next generation.
http://clairemonttimes.com/easy-to-grow-native-succulents-two-yuccas/
The story of how a collection of rare butterflies and moths caught in California a century ago ended up in a derelict van left parked and seemingly forgotten about on a farm in Arborg, Man. is a mystery that has bugged Janis Klapecki for years.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/butterfly-collection-manitoba-museum-1.4961670
Most people that go on to higher entomological studies begin with an insect collection. Hard to imagine this occurring only with a pair of binoculars. I insist the tactile collection is paramount to instilling and cementing the desire in the child that does want to do it. Mixed with an understanding adult, these specially-curious adolescents are only going to make this journey if someone early on put a butterfly net in their hands.
https://baynature.org/2019/01/09/give-your-kids-a-butterfly-net/
More challenging than birdwatching and not nearly as popular, insect-watching — noting and sharing exactly what one sees and where — is nevertheless on the rise.
Concern about dwindling native insect populations is one reason why. And new technology has made it easier to log insect sightings and become part of wide-reaching "citizen-scientist" projects.
