National Moth Week ~ 7/23/22 - 7/30/22

Today kicks off National Moth Week!

Lime Hawk Moth

Moths are found all around the world and are closely related to the colorful Butterfly. Moths are not generally brightly colored as the Butterfly, since the Moth is nocturnal they tend to blend in with their surroundings.  Depending on what part of the world they're from they can be somewhat colorful also. There are thought to be up to 250,000 different species throughout the world. Even more are not yet believed to be discovered.

Luna Moth

Due to their nocturnal lifestyle, Moths are known to be attracted to lights and are to be believed to fly in a straight line since Moths use the Moon for navigation.

Elephant Hawk Moth

In the same way as a Butterfly, the Moth goes through a stage of metamorphosis during it's limited life cycle. The Moth Caterpillar is different from the Butterfly Caterpillar,  by being more broad with some containing a stinger. 

Sphinx Moth

As with their Butterfly cousins, Moths play a vital role in the population of plants. Those plants that are night bloomers rely solely on Moths and Bats to pollinate them.

Virginia Tiger Moth

Moths are herbivorous animals and survive solely on a plant based diet. Moths predominantly drink the nectar from plants as well from sugary fruits and berries, using their long straw-like tongue.

Privet Hawk Moth

The Moth has numerous natural predators throughout the world that include birds, bats, reptiles, amphibians, rodents, and even other insects and large spiders.

 

Fuzzy Rose Maple Moth

All around the world, both Moths and their Caterpillars are known to be a pest, Particularly to farmers as caterpillars munch through their crops. Moths are renowned for their larvae becoming a pest by eating through fabrics, of which their favorite is silk. Moths can also make holes in household fabrics like curtains.

Tiger Moth

I've always preferred moths to butterflies. They aren't flashy or cocky; they mind their own business and just try to blend in with their surroundings and live their lives.

—Kayla Krantz

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