Moths

Moths are a group of insects in the order Lepidoptera, comprising the majority of species in this group. There are an estimated 160,000 described species, with many more awaiting description, and they occupy nearly every terrestrial habitat, from deserts to rainforests. Most species are nocturnal, but some are active during the day. Moths share with butterflies a common body plan and a life cycle based on complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. They are distinguished from butterflies by various traits—often sturdier bodies, wings held flat or tented at rest, and antennae that are typically feathery or filamentous rather than clubbed, though exceptions exist.

Adult moths typically have a coiled proboscis for feeding on liquids such as nectar, fruit juices, and sap, but some species do not feed as adults. Eggs are laid on or near suitable host plants, and the larva, or caterpillar, is usually the primary feeding stage. After reaching maturity, caterpillars form a chrysalis or cocoon and emerge as winged adults.

Caterpillars feed on a wide range of plants and include several important agricultural pests, such as the codling moth and armyworms. Adults often function as pollinators for nocturnal flowers. Moths are also an important food source for bats, birds, and other animals, and they contribute to nutrient cycling and ecological diversity. Many species exhibit camouflage, mimicry, or eyespot patterns to avoid predation.

Economically, some moths are beneficial—silkworm Bombyx mori produces silk—and others are pests affecting crops and stored products. Conservation concerns arise from habitat loss, light pollution, pesticides, and climate change, which can reduce moth diversity and disrupt ecosystems. Researchers study moths using light traps, pheromone traps, and genetic analyses to monitor populations and understand evolution, ecology, and behavior.