May 11, 1998
Contact: Timothy McKernan, (619) 594-2588
Tonight at the Stadium: Padres versus Moths
Ask Padre fans who have been to a night game this season what the best part of the experience was and you’ll get a variety of respones: the action on the field, the food, the time spent with family and friends. Ask those same fans what the worst part of the evening was, and the choice is unanimous: the moths.
Chalk up something else to blame on El Nio.
Hyles lineata, more commonly referred to as the white-lined sphinx moth, is native to the southwestern United States, says San Diego State University biology professor Kathy Williams. Because of the heavy rains and the resulting abundance of desert flowers a favorite repast of the white-lined moth they appear larger and more numerous than in years past.
”Like all moths, they are drawn to the lights,” Williams says. “Except for being annoying while you’re watching the game, the moths are harmless to people. They don’t pose any threat to agriculture, plus they make excellent food for birds as well as the many species of bats in San Diego.” According to Williams, there is only one thing Padre fans can do to get rid of the nuissance. “Wait them out,” she says. “By late spring or early summer they’ll be gone. There is no spray or lotion that will keep them away.”
Oh, well. Play ball!
To arrange an interview with Dr. Williams, please call
Timothy McKernan at (619) 594-2588.
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