As daylight slowly fades and nature prepares for its nightly peace, in the heart of Hrvatsko zagorje, a completely different, mysterious world awakens. At dusk on Thursday, June 12, 2025, the picturesque surroundings of the church of St. James in Radoboj will become the stage for an extraordinary natural performance. The Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas of Krapina-Zagorje County, better known as Zagorje zeleno, in cooperation with the Municipality of Radoboj, proudly organizes another "Night of the Moths," an event that offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the magic of these winged nocturnal creatures.
Starting at 8:00 PM, all nature lovers, the curious, families, and photographers are invited to witness a spectacle rarely seen. This is not just an ordinary observation; it is an educational and visual journey that reveals the wealth of biological diversity hidden by the night.
Discover the Hidden World of Nocturnal Beauties
The "Night of the Moths" event is designed as an interactive experience that begins with an educational workshop. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn firsthand from top experts who have dedicated their lives to studying insects. Through an interesting lecture, the secrets of the lives of moths will be revealed – how they differ from their diurnal relatives, the butterflies, what their life cycle is like, what they feed on, and why they are immensely important for the health of the ecosystem. The workshop will also debunk many prejudices, such as that all moths are gray and boring or that they destroy clothes, revealing the incredible palette of colors, shapes, and sizes that adorn their wings.
After acquiring theoretical knowledge, the highlight of the evening follows – the practical part. In the dark, under the starry sky, special light installations, so-called light pyramids or sheets, will be set up. They serve as a powerful magnet for moths and other nocturnal insects, attracting them from the surrounding forest and meadows. It is on these illuminated sheets that a true spectacle of nature will unfold, where hundreds, and sometimes even several thousand, individuals of different species will gather. This is a unique opportunity for observation, detailed study, and, of course, photographing these fascinating creatures from up close.
Meet the Experts and Their Passion
The evening will be led by two distinguished experts whose names guarantee expertise and interest. Agronomist Stanislav Gomboc, a recognized entomologist and one of the leading butterfly experts in the region, will share his rich knowledge of their systematics, biology, and ecology. His passion for these insects is contagious, and he is able to explain the most complex biological processes to laypeople in a simple and understandable way. Alongside him will be biologist Mladen Zadravec, also an excellent connoisseur of local fauna and an enthusiast who will guide visitors through the process of species determination, helping them to recognize the differences between the hundreds of gathered moths. Their joint leadership ensures that every visitor will go home with new knowledge and a deeper respect for the nature that surrounds them.
The Magic of Light Pyramids
The phenomenon of the attraction of nocturnal insects to light, known as phototaxis, is still not fully understood by scientists, but it is precisely this that makes such events possible. Light pyramids use special bulbs that emit light of a specific spectrum, most often ultraviolet, which is particularly attractive to moths. Gathered around the light source, the moths become calm and available for observation. Visitors will be able to see an incredible diversity – from tiny moths barely visible to the naked eye, to large and impressive specimens like hawkmoths (Sphingidae) or some of the largest European moths. Each of them has unique patterns and adaptations for survival in the night, which makes the observation a real little research venture.
Radoboj – A Treasury of Nature and History
The choice of location for this event is not accidental. The municipality of Radoboj represents one of the richest areas of natural heritage in Krapina-Zagorje County and beyond. Located at the foot of the Strahinjčica mountain, this area is known for its exceptional biodiversity, but also for its geological past. The Pannonian Sea once stretched across the area of Radoboj, and today it is one of the world's most famous sites for fossil flora and fauna from the Miocene period. The famous fossil vine leaf was found here, as well as the remains of numerous fish and insects. It is this geological substrate and the diversity of habitats, from forests and meadows to streams, that make Radoboj an ideal home for a rich fauna of moths. By organizing the event at this location, the Public Institution Zagorje zeleno wants to further emphasize the importance of preserving this precious area. Plan your stay and find accommodation in Radoboj to fully explore all that this place has to offer.
Why Are Moths Important?
Although they often go unnoticed and in the shadow of their magnificent diurnal relatives, moths (or heterocera) make up more than 90% of all butterfly species and play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Many species are important pollinators of plants that bloom at night, thereby contributing to the maintenance of plant communities and agricultural crops. They serve as a key food source for many other animals, including birds, bats, spiders, and reptiles, and are an indispensable link in the food chain. In addition, due to their sensitivity to environmental changes, moths are excellent bioindicators. Their presence, abundance, and diversity can provide scientists with important data on the health and state of a habitat. The study of moths is therefore not just a hobby, but also an important scientific tool for monitoring climate change and the impact of humans on the environment.
Practical Information for Visitors
To make the experience complete and pleasant, the organizers recommend that visitors prepare appropriately. Be sure to bring your own flashlight, preferably a headlamp, to keep your hands free for exploring and photographing. A camera with the ability to shoot in low-light conditions will allow you to capture the incredible scenes on the light sheets. Since the event is held outdoors in the evening, layered and comfortable clothing and sturdy, closed-toe footwear suitable for being on a grassy surface are recommended. Also, mosquito repellent can be a useful addition. It is important to note that, in case of unfavorable weather conditions, i.e., rain, the moth observation will be postponed to another date, so it is advisable to follow the organizers' announcements.
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Creation time: 08 June, 2025