Why are moths dusty?

Asked by: Scott Hulme, London. The powder is actually tiny scales made from modified hairs. Moths, like butterflies, belong to the order Lepidoptera, which means 'scale wing'. read more

The “dust” you get on your hands when touching a moth is the scales from their wings rubbing off. You can see a closeup of those scales in this photo (via Google images). read more

Why Are Moths Dusty. These moths get their dustiness from hiding in the unused wallets of chaps who always buy the last round. they do have a powdery substance on their wings, oddly enough it is a sort of wax that helps keep the rain off them. It's the scales of their wings. read more

The attachments of moth and butterfly scales to the animal’s body are much less robust than those of fish, so they can be rubbed off, making it seem like lepidoptera are dusty. But in reality the dust is scales which can be easily rubbed off. read more

Butterflies and moths can have unique patterns and colors on their wings (all made of these feathers) that warn predators like birds to stay away. If a bird were to eat a moth or butterfly or attempt to, the feathers would come off, causing a disgusting taste to the predator. read more

lepidopterans (butterflies, moths and skippers) are covered with scales (on their body and wings). These scales are the"dust" that you see when you handle them. These scales are modified bristles. read more