Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1508764
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 OCTOBER 2023
7
ALMANAC
Nature Notebook
886. Spurge hawk-moth
WELL over 500 species of moths have been recorded in Malta, yet
we see so few of them. There are three main reasons for this: (a)
many moths are tiny, (b) most of them are dust-coloured and (c) al-
most all of them fly by night. But there are some large and colourful
species too, one of which is the spurge hawkmoth (M. baħrija tat-
tengħud). Hawkmoths are streamlined creatures, looking like sleek
fighter aircraft. The spurge hawkmoth is special because it's also en-
demic (= unique) to Malta. The coming days and weeks will be the
time to look for the crazily beautiful caterpillars of this species, and
you will invariably find them gorging on the toxic leaves of spurge
shrubs! When they stuff themselves to almost the size of a human
finger, these psychedelic eating machines stop bingeing, crawl down
into the ground and turn into pupae.
Our recommendations on Malta's National Strategy
and Action Plan for Pollinators 2035
FoE Malta's recommendations aim to support pollinator ecology and
conservation through various measures. These include prioritising re-
search on under-studied pollinator groups, valuing ecosystem services,
and quantifying benefits in urban areas. Additional measures involve
creating wildlife corridors, protecting habitats, and encouraging polli-
nator-friendly projects in urban areas.
Preserving all pollinators is crucial for their role in food crop pollina-
tion, biodiversity, and food production. Nearly 90% of wild flowering
plants and many cultivated fruits and vegetables rely on pollination
for survival, impacting our environment, food chains, and overall well-
being.
FoE Malta has been campaigning on the importance of having this
strategy in place for many years now, emphasizing the need for its
prompt implementation. Full text of the recommendations can be
downloaded from here https://foemalta.org/news/pollinator-strategy/
Victor Falzon
www.birdlifemalta.org
Green idea of the week 770:
https://foemalta.org/news/pollinator-strategy/
Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work,
as well as information about how to join us. You can also support us by
sending us a donation – www.foemalta.org/donate
Don't miss this
Unforgettable
On 26 November
Place: St Agatha's Auditorium
The Dance Workshop presents
its annual school performance
'Unforgettable', which is dedicated
to women who have inspired us over
the years. Features classical ballet,
contemporary and modern dance, hip
hop and Spanish dance.
Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member
State of the Arts - Malta National
Symposium 2023
7 October
Place: National Museum of
Archaeology
The State of the Arts - Malta National
Symposium returns this October to
examine the current scenario of Malta's
Creative and Cultural Sectors and
discuss realities that practitioners are
experiencing, and nurture an engaged
community of meaningful dialogue and
practice. This symposium is designed
to provide first-hand experience of
diverse narratives and good practice in
and with the arts. We believe that we
are better together, and are committed
to bringing together different voices
and backgrounds. Please register online