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For other uses, see Moth (disambiguation).
Emperor Gum Moth.jpg
Emperor Gum Moth, Opodiphthera eucalypti
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
(unranked): Heterocera

A moth is an insect related to the butterfly and also belonging to the order Lepidoptera. Most lepidopterans are moths and there are thought to be approximately 160,000 species of moth,[1] many of which are yet to be described. Most species of moth are nocturnal, but there are also crepuscular and diurnal species.

Differences between butterflies and moths[edit]

Taxonomically, moths are not easily differentiated from butterflies. Sometimes the name "Heterocera" is used for moths while the term "Rhopalocera" is used for butterflies to formalize the popular distinction. However, these terms have no taxonomic validity. Many attempts have been made to subdivide the Lepidoptera into groups such as the Microlepidoptera and Macrolepidoptera, Frenatae and Jugatae, or Monotrysia and Ditrysia. These names have failed to persist in modern classifications because none of them represents a pair of monophyletic groups. Butterflies may be classified within the "moths" (being considered as part of Ditrysia of the Neolepidoptera).[2] There is thus no way to group all of the remaining taxa in a monophyletic group, as it will always exclude that one descendant lineage. There are, however, a number of typical morphological and behavioural differences that may be used to discriminate between moths and butterflies, as described at the main article.


The Modern English word "moth" comes from Old English "moððe" (cf. Northumbrian "mohðe") from Common Germanic (compare Old Norse "motti", Dutch "mot", and German "motte" all meaning "moth"). Perhaps its origins are related to the Old English "maða" meaning "maggot" or from the root of "midge" which until the sixteenth century was used mostly to indicate the larva, usually in reference to devouring clothes.

The study of butterflies and moths is known as lepidoptery, and biologists who specialize in either are called lepidopterists. As a pastime, watching butterflies and moths is known as butterflying and mothing. The latter has given rise to the term "mother" for someone who engages in this activity - sometimes written with a hyphen (moth-er) to distinguish it from the more common word of the same spelling. This confusion does not arise in speech as it is pronounced differently (/ˈmɒθər/, not */ˈmʌðər/).




Moths evolved long before butterflies, fossils having been found that may be 190 million years old. Both types of lepidoptera are thought to have evolved with flowering plants, mainly because most modern species feed on flowering plants, as adults and larvae. One of the earliest species thought to be a moth-ancestor is archaeolepis mane, whose fossil fragments show scaled wings similar to caddisflies in their veining.[4]


Significance of moths[edit]

An adult male Pine Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa). This species is a serious forest pest when in larval state. Notice the bristle springing from the underside of the hindwing (frenulum) and running forward to be held in a small catch of the forewing, whose function is to link the wings together.

Moths, and particularly their caterpillars, are a major agricultural pest in many parts of the world. Examples include corn borers and bollworms.[5] The caterpillar of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) causes severe damage to forests in the northeastern United States, where it is an invasive species. In temperate climates, the codling moth causes extensive damage, especially to fruit farms. In tropical and subtropical climates, the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) is perhaps, the most serious pest of brassicaceous crops.





The mopane worm, the caterpillar of Gonimbrasia belina, from the family Saturniidae, is a significant food resource in southern Africa. Despite being notorious for eating clothing, most moth adults do not eat at all. Many, like the Luna, Polyphemus, Atlas, Prometheus, Cecropia, and other large moths do not have mouths. Among those with adults that do eat, they will drink nectar.[6]

Predators and parasites of moths[edit]

Tomato Hornworm parasitized by braconid wasps



There is evidence that ultrasound in the range emitted by bats causes flying moths to make evasive maneuvers because bats eat moths. Ultrasonic frequencies trigger a reflex action in the noctuid moth that causes it to drop a few inches in its flight to evade attack.[11] Tiger moths also emit clicks which foil bats' echolocation.[12][13]

Attraction to light[edit]


Notable moths[edit]

Moths of economic significance


Leaf shaped moth 
Giant grey moth 
Six-Spot Burnet Moth (Zygaena filipendulae) extracting nectar from a Knautia flower 
Protective silk (or similar material) case (cocoon). 
A Caterpillar of Death's-head Hawk-moth 
Mating pair of Laothoe populi, or Poplar Hawk-moths, showing two different color variants. 
White-Lined Sphinx moth in Colorado, United States 
Marbled emperor moth Heniocha dyops in Botswana 

See also[edit]


  2. ^ ""Neolepidoptera" on Tree of Life Web Project". 1 January 2003. 
  4. ^ Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center
    Evolution of Moths and Butterflies
    Studying the evolution of butterflies and moths is challenging, since fossils are so rare. But the few Lepidopteran fossils that exist, captured in amber or compressed in fine-grained rocks, show an astonishing amount of detail. The earliest Lepidopteran fossils appear in rocks that are about 190 million years old. These tiny fragments of scaled wings and bodies clearly indicate that moths evolved before butterflies.
  5. ^ The First Decade of Genetically Engineered Crops in the United States. USDA.
  7. ^ How to Manage Pests: Pests of Homes, Structures, People, and Pets
  8. ^ "Table 74. Raw silk: production (including waste)". Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved 2008-10-02. "Table lists worldwide raw silk production 132,400 metric tonnes in 2002" 
  9. ^ "Silk Exchanges of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh". Central Silk Board of India. Archived from the original on March 7, 2003.  gives silk prices in rupees. Exchange rate is about 50 RS to dollar.
  10. ^ "Silk Worm Farming". Vegan Society. Archived from the original on June 19, 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-02. "World Raw Silk Production in 1996 is listed as 83,670 metric tonnes" 
  13. ^ Some Moths Escape Bats By Jamming Sonar (video). July 17, 2009.
  14. ^ "Why Are Moths Attracted to Flame?". August 18, 2007. 

External links[edit]