Researchers say an online tool to help understand where Australia's Bogong moths have disappeared to is starting to show promising results.

Key points: A new app will allow members of the public to upload sightings of Bogong moths to help track their whereabouts

A new app will allow members of the public to upload sightings of Bogong moths to help track their whereabouts This follows two years of unusually low moth numbers

This follows two years of unusually low moth numbers The moths provide a food source for endangered animals and it is hoped this tool may provide valuable information to help protect them

The Moth Tracker was launched by Zoos Victoria last month, as the billions of Bogong moths that traditionally migrate to the high country over summer virtually disappeared over the past two years.

The moths are a staple food source for endangered animals, like the mountain pygmy possum.

Scientists have been uncertain as to where the insects have disappeared to, but many have blamed the hot weather and drought afflicting parts of eastern Australia for the moths' mysterious disappearance.

The new online tracker tool is allowing residents to report moth sightings across Australia during their spring migration.

It is simple citizen science, but Zoos Victoria reproductive biologist, Dr Marissa Parrott, said it is already helping understand moth movements across Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT.

"The moths have arrived quite early at places like Mount Hotham, which is a good sign that they're starting to move and they're starting to get up to the alpine zone where they belong," she said.

Migration on course

Researchers have outlined that remaining snow and low temperatures in alpine zones means moth migration has not yet fully ramped up, but are pleased to see moth numbers starting to be logged on their tracking tool across Australia.

So far 300 moth sightings have been recorded at Moth Tracker, with 49 of those verified as Bogong moths.

Over 4 billion Bogong moths are estimated to arrived in the high country each year.

Researchers say the moth tracker has already help them understand moth migration better this season. ( Zoos Victoria )

While 49 is a small figure in comparison, researchers say the findings are still positive after two years of low moth numbers.

"We know that every single Bogong moth is precious," Dr Parrott said.

"A female Bogong moths can lay up to 2,000 eggs, and so for all of those moths that get up to the alpine zone, and then migrate back to their breeding ground, every one is important."

Waiting game to determine moth migration ahead

The pressure is now on for further migration waves later in the year.

In previous years, Bogong moths have arrived in waves in the alpine zone over several months.

The first wave of moths arrived last year, but very few followed afterwards.

"So while we're seeing these early moths which is a great sign, we definitely need everyone to continue using Moth Tracker to give us an indication of whether or not those moths are going to keep arriving over spring and summer," Dr Parrott said.