Canberra artist Mick Ashley captures bogong moth invasion in calendar
Mick Ashley created a calendar image inspired by thousands of bogong moths returning to Canberra after drought nearly wiped them out.
Thousands of bogong moths descended on Canberra last weekend, coinciding with a full moon. Mick Ashley quickly created a tribute for his 2027 calendar.
The calendar image shows the moths and moon over the Moth Ascending the Capital sculpture on Drakeford Drive. The bogong moth population had nearly died out from drought.
It has now returned in large numbers, moving from inland breeding grounds toward cool caves in the high country. High winds blew some moths off course, reaching the South Coast.
Ashley's September page now features "The Return!" as his final calendar image.
- September 26 and 27
- Dates of invasion
- Alexander Knox
- Sculpture artist
- Drakeford Drive
- Sculpture location
Why it mattersThe bogong moths' return signals recovery from the drought that devastated their population, and their sudden abundance provided timely artistic inspiration.
AustraliaCanberra residents will see bogong moths swarming their suburbs during this seasonal migration; the large return marks ecological recovery in the region.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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