Do you ever bite into an apple or a strawberry and wonder how it’s possible that you’re eating such a divine fruit? Probably not, but it might be time to consider a deeper look into the process. You might be surprised…

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and about 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce. That’s one out of every three bites of food we eat! When thinking of different types of pollinators, our minds usually go to the obvious: bees and butterflies. But they’re not the only ones hard at work to ensure the balance and success of life as we know it.

Most bees and butterflies call it a night, but that doesn’t mean their work is complete. That’s why bats, moths, beetles and other insects take over the night shift.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, bats typically visit flowers that are open at night, large in size, very fragrant and produce plenty of nectar. Bats feed on insects in the flowers as well as on the nectar and flower parts. Interestingly—and surprisingly—enough, over 300 species of fruit, including bananas and mangoes, depend on bats for pollination.

According to the Virginia Zoo, we do not actually have pollinating bats in Virginia, but our bats are important, nonetheless, especially for pest control. They eat thousands of insects a night! If only we could send them thank-you cards…

Pollinator research from University College London (UCL) found that moths, in particular, serve a more significant role than previously suspected. In fact, the researchers observed a diverse assemblage of moths transporting pollen from many different plant species, including some flowers that are not often visited by bees. One reason moths are incredibly important is because they facilitate genetic diversity in plant communities across various landscapes since they tend to move much longer distances between plants than bees.

Cool, right? Unfortunately, there’s more to the story.

Imagine the tense score you hear during the turning point of a movie, and prepare yourselves for the bad news: the moth population has significantly declined due to major threats like habitat loss and disease. One of the biggest dangers to moths is light pollution.

Although we can’t always control the misfortunes of the world like natural diseases, we can—and should—control artificial light. These insects often flock to white and pale-colored flowers, according to herbalist Tammi Hartung, and because of this, bright white lighting woefully attracts and disorients moths at night.

While we’ve recently just started acknowledging and appreciating the immense impacts moths have, we should be more proactive before it’s too late—and this is where the good news makes its grand entrance. There are many things we can do, indeed, to lessen the negative effects of artificial lighting on these vital insects. One way to assist in the fight to save these populations is to switch to amber lighting outside our homes. Many sources have found that amber-colored light is much less visible to a variety of bugs, not just moths, so this is a win-win in getting rid of those pesky insects! Bye-bye mosquitoes, anyone?

Another thing to do that is beneficial to moths—and a cool weekend project for the whole family—is to plant a moon garden. The name itself is whimsical and fun, isn’t it? Green Spring Garden Site Manager Judy Zatsick mused, “With our climate, it is lovely to sit on a deck or screened porch and gaze at the white garden.”

When creating a moon garden, silver foliage plants and white and pale pink flowers are the best for reflecting moonlight and attracting moths. Zatsick recommended the moonflower (Ipomea alba). “It is a robust vine with large fragrant white flowers that open at dusk,” Zatsick explained. “It needs a trellis for support [and] a lot of room. Large moths are attracted to it.”

Other examples of good plants for a moon garden, according to Zatsick, include Leucanthemum, Cosmos, Clethra, Hydrangea arborescens, Petunia, Allium, Hosta—especially those with variegated or light color leaves—Phlox paniculate and Oenethera.

Pay close attention to the site you choose for your moon garden too. Gardening Know-How recommends picking a place near your deck, patio or porch, but no matter where you decide, be sure that area receives plenty of moonlight. This is good for the plants, but it also illuminates the bright colors of the garden for your enjoyment. The sweet smells are also a plus. “Pale gravel, statuary or benches in light colors all add to the evening scene,” Zatsick added.

So, as you get back to your summer activities, remember the poor souls on the night shift that make your fruit snack possible. And be sure to return the favor!

Author Georgia Coffman is a staff writer with the Park Authority Public Information Office.