What are moths?

Moths and butterflies are insects which together form the order called Lepidoptera, meaning 'scaly-winged'. The patterns and colours of their wings are formed by thousands of tiny scales, overlapping like tiles on a roof. These can easily be dislodged as a powdery dust, so it's best not to touch their wings. read more

Moths comprise a group of insects related to butterflies, belonging to the order Lepidoptera. Most lepidopterans are moths, and there are thought to be approximately 160,000 species of moth, many of which are yet to be described. Most species of moth are nocturnal, but there are also crepuscular and diurnal species. read more

Moths can range in size from smaller than a pencil tip to bigger than a songbird. The Atlas Moth, of Southeast Asia, considered the largest in the world, has a wingspan of nearly a foot (30 centimeters) — more than that of a Baltimore oriole. read more

Wings: Moths typically have two pairs of wings covered in scales. Eyes: They have a coiled proboscis and large compound eyes. Size: Moths vary dramatically in appearance and size depending on the species. Some are massive and others tiny. read more