Moths might not get as much attention as butterflies, but they’re fascinating in their own right.
After all, just because they might be less colourful than their other winged counterparts doesn’t mean they’re any less beautiful, or important for the environment. From their unexpected skills to their surprising behaviours, these lesser-appreciated insects have plenty of interesting secrets.
1. Some moths don’t have mouths.
It sounds impossible, but some moths don’t eat at all during their adult lives. Species like the luna moth and atlas moth emerge from their cocoons with no functioning mouthparts, meaning they survive purely on energy stored from their caterpillar stage. These moths focus entirely on mating before their energy reserves run out, which is usually within a week or two. Their entire adult existence is about reproduction, making their short lifespan all the more dramatic.
2. Moths are important nighttime pollinators.
While bees and butterflies get credit for pollination, moths quietly do their part under the cover of darkness. Many species, including hawk moths, have long tongues perfect for reaching deep into flowers. Because they’re active at night, they help pollinate plants that bloom in the evening, including jasmine and honeysuckle. Without them, some flowers wouldn’t reproduce as effectively, showing just how crucial moths are to ecosystems.
3. Some moths can detect sound better than bats.
Many moths have evolved a remarkable defence against their biggest predator: bats. Some species, like the greater wax moth, can hear at frequencies up to 300 kHz—far beyond human or even bat hearing. That heightened sense helps them evade attacks, as they can detect a bat’s echolocation calls from a distance. Some moths even have a built-in sonar-jamming system, producing their own ultrasonic clicks to confuse predators.
4. There are more moth species than butterflies.
Although butterflies often steal the spotlight, moths vastly outnumber them. Scientists estimate there are around 160,000 moth species worldwide, compared to just 17,500 butterfly species. They come in an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, from tiny, unassuming species to giant, vibrantly patterned ones. Despite their reputation for being dull or plain, many moths are just as striking as their butterfly relatives.
5. Some moths mimic other animals for protection.
Moths have developed clever ways to avoid predators, and one of the most impressive is mimicry. Some species imitate wasps, bees, or even bird droppings to stay out of danger. The hummingbird hawk-moth, for example, looks and moves just like a hummingbird, complete with rapid wing beats. This disguise helps it avoid predators that might mistake it for something less edible.
6. Moths can be incredibly fluffy.
Some moths look surprisingly cuddly, thanks to their thick coats of hair-like scales. Species like the rosy maple moth and the Venezuelan poodle moth have a soft, almost plush-like appearance. This fluff isn’t just for show; it helps insulate them in cooler temperatures and can also act as a defence, making them harder for predators to grip onto. It’s a perfect example of how moths blend practicality with unexpected charm.
7. Some moths drink tears.
It may sound strange, but certain moths actually feed on the tears of animals. Known as lachryphagous moths, these species use their specialised mouthparts to sip moisture from birds, mammals, and even crocodiles. Scientists believe they do this to obtain essential minerals, particularly sodium, which is hard to find in their usual diet. While it might seem unsettling, it’s just another clever way moths have adapted to their environment.
8. The atlas moth has the largest wingspan of any moth.
With a wingspan reaching up to 30 centimetres, the atlas moth is a true giant of the insect world. Found in Southeast Asia, its wings are so large that they’re often mistaken for leaves when at rest. Despite their intimidating size, these moths are completely harmless and don’t even have mouths. Their impressive wings help them deter predators, as the tips resemble snake heads, adding to their already dramatic appearance.
9. Some moths have transparent wings.
Most moths have scale-covered wings, but a few species, like the glasswing moth, have transparent sections. These unique wings help them blend into their surroundings, making them harder for predators to spot. The lack of scales on certain parts of their wings means they reflect less light, giving them an almost ghost-like quality. It’s a perfect example of how moths have evolved to avoid detection in creative ways.
10. Moths can survive in extreme conditions.
Some moth species are incredibly resilient, thriving in extreme climates. The arctic woolly bear moth, for example, spends most of its life frozen solid in the Arctic before thawing out in the summer to continue its development. These moths have adapted to endure some of the harshest conditions on Earth, proving that they’re much tougher than they might seem. Their ability to survive such extremes makes them one of nature’s most remarkable insects.
11. Some moths can produce ultrasonic sounds.
To avoid being eaten, certain moths have developed the ability to produce ultrasonic sounds. This feature is particularly common in tiger moths, which use sound to disrupt a bat’s echolocation. By emitting these high-frequency clicks, they create confusion for hunting bats, making it harder for them to lock onto their target. It’s an impressive survival strategy that showcases just how resourceful moths can be.
12. Moths navigate using the moon.
One of the most well-known behaviours of moths is their attraction to light, but this is actually a side effect of their natural navigation system. They usually rely on the moon to orient themselves at night. Artificial lights interfere with this system, leading moths to spiral around them in confusion. While this quirk can be a disadvantage in urban environments, it highlights how these insects are naturally wired to find their way in the dark.
13. Some moth caterpillars glow in the dark.
Bioluminescence isn’t just for deep-sea creatures—some moth larvae also have this fascinating ability. Certain species of glow-worm moth caterpillars produce their own light to deter predators. The glowing effect warns potential threats that they might be toxic or unpalatable. It’s a striking adaptation that makes these moths stand out, even before they’ve reached adulthood.
14. Moths have been around for millions of years.
Moths are ancient creatures, with fossils dating back over 190 million years. This means they existed long before butterflies, making them one of the oldest insect lineages still around today. Over the millennia, they’ve evolved into an astonishing variety of species, each with its own unique traits. Their long history proves they’re not just surviving—they’re thriving, despite the ever-changing world around them.
