Moths are a diverse group of flying insects belonging to the order Lepidoptera. They are closely related to butterflies, sharing many similarities, but there are also distinct differences between the two groups. Moths are typically nocturnal insects, meaning they are most active during the night, although some species are diurnal or crepuscular, which means they are active during the day or twilight.
Moths come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, with over 160,000 known species worldwide. They can range from tiny moths with a wingspan of a few millimeters to large moths with a wingspan measuring several inches. Moths usually have stout bodies covered in scales and possess two pairs of wings covered with microscopic scales that give them a powdery or fuzzy appearance. These scales can be of various colors, allowing moths to display vibrant patterns that can be used for camouflage or as a warning to potential predators.
Most moths have long proboscises, which they use to feed on nectar from flowers or other liquids such as sap or rotting fruit. However, some species lack functional mouthparts and do not feed as adults, relying solely on the energy reserves acquired during their caterpillar stage.
Moths undergo complete metamorphosis, progressing through four distinct stages in their life cycle: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult (imago). The larvae of moths are often called caterpillars and vary greatly in appearance depending on the species. They typically have several pairs of segmented legs and feed voraciously on a wide range of plant materials. After a period of growth, the caterpillar undergoes a transformation inside a cocoon or chrysalis, eventually
