Moths: Characteristics, Types, and Differences from Caterpillars
Moths, despite their global popularity, are often overlooked and poorly understood in terms of their characteristics, diversity, and behaviors. So what are moths? What are the differences between moths and caterpillars? Let’s take a closer look at these fascinating insects.
1. What Are Moths?
Moths, members of the Lepidoptera order, include all non-butterfly members of the order, with about 160,000 described species. Moths are largely nocturnal and have existed long before butterflies, with fossils dating back 190 million years. They are co-evolved with flowering plants, with a possible ancestor being the maned Archaeophis, a winged, scaled, firefly-like species.
2. Types of Moths
2.1 Rice Moth
- Appearance: Forewings are light buff with dark veins, larvae are greyish-white.
- Life Cycle: From egg to adult takes about 1 month.
- Habits: Eggs are laid on food, larvae develop on stored products, active mainly at night.
2.2 Warehouse Moth
- Appearance: Wingspan is about 15 – 20 mm, forewings are greyish-brown.
- Life Cycle: From egg to adult takes about 31 days.
- Habits: Commonly found on cereals, nuts and dried fruits, larvae often move to dark areas to develop.
2.3 Angoumois Cereal Moth
- Appearance: Wingspan about 10 – 18 mm, forewings greyish brown with small black spots.
- Life Cycle: From egg to adult takes 25 – 28 days.
- Habits: Eggs laid on cereals, larvae develop in the grain and leave a small hole when the pupal stage is completed.
2.4 Indian Flour Moth
- Appearance: Wingspan about 14 – 20 mm, forewings cream coloured with dark grey spots.
- Life Cycle: From egg to adult takes about 27 days.
- Habits: Commonly found in cereals, flour, peanuts and dried fruit, leaving webbed feet and droppings.
3. Differences Between Caterpillars and Moths
3.1 Characteristics
- Butterflies: Form a monophyletic group, mainly active during the day.
- Moths: Not a monophyletic group, mainly active at night. Moth antennae have many different shapes, from thread-like to hairy or barbed.
3.2 Differentiation
- Butterflies: Like to fly in the sun, antennae are often swollen at the end.
- Moths : Active mainly at night, diverse antennae and the body is usually larger than butterflies with many hairs around.
4. Harmful Effects of Moths
Although some moths such as silkworms are beneficial to humans, most moths are harmful in the larval stage. They can damage grains, peanuts, flour and dried fruits, damage stored products and lay eggs in food warehouses. In addition, they also destroy clothes and bedding made of silk and wool.
5. How to Prevent Moths
- Using Aromatherapy: Some reports suggest that the scent of juniper and lavender can repel moths, but the effectiveness has not been clearly proven.
- Naphthalene: This chemical may be effective in prevention, but attention should be paid to the health effects.
- Freezing: Larvae can be killed by freezing damaged items at temperatures below −8°C.
Note: Although adult moths do not feed, many large species such as Luna, Polyphemus, Atlas do not have mouthparts. Other species may drink nectar but do not feed.
Learning more about moths helps us better understand their diversity and role in the ecosystem as well as how to protect and prevent their harm.
