Moths
THERE ARE ABOUT 160,000 MOTH SPECIES IN THE WORLD, AND ROUGHLY 4,700 SPECIES OF MOTHS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS!
MOTHS, AND THEIR RELATIVES THE BUTTERFLIES, ARE THE ONLY GROUP OF INSECTS THAT HAVE SCALES COVERINGS THEIR WINGS... WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS.
How do moths pollinate?
A hummingbird hawk moth feeding on nectar from a woolly thistle flower; Source
How do moths eat? Well it's similar to their close relatives, the butterflies! Moths will use their proboscis, a straw-like feeding tube, to sip nectar while visiting flowers. Pollen will attach to the moth, which is covered in fur, and will travel with the moth from flower to flower. Moths are typically attracted to flowers that are in clusters, white or dull in color, open late in the afternoon or at night, and are high nectar producing.
moth Behavior:
Moths are typically nocturnal, meaning active during the night, or they can be diurnal, meaning active during the day. Nocturnal moths tend to compliment the work of daytime pollinators, like bees and butterflies. Moths help keep plant populations diverse and abundant. Without them, many more plant species and animals, like birds and bats that rely on them for food, would be at risk too!
Moths of Texas
whitelined Sphinx
As caterpillars, this species will eat on leaves of apple, azalea, evening primrose and many more. As adults, these moths can have a wingspan of up to 3 in. long. They have long, narrow brown and black forewings with white veins. This species is diurnal and nocturnal, and while they're hovering in flight, they resemble hummingbirds!
Luna moth
This species is recognizable with their long sweeping hindwing tails and their varying in colors from yellowish green to pale bluish green. Their wingspan ranges in 80mm to 115mm in length. This is a nocturnal species, so you won't find them during the day! They also use their wing patterns as a defense against predators; they'll dramatically flutter their wings if attacked!
polyphemus moth
This species is named after the giant cyclops from Greek mythology, Polyphemus, who had a single eye in the middle of his forehead. This is because of the eyespots typically found on the wings of this species. These are found in southern Canada all the way down into Mexico. Their wingspan ranges from 10 to 15 cm and they can range in color from red-brown to dark brown. This is a nocturnal species.
Black Witch moth
This species can be found from South Florida to South Texas, and occasionally can be found farther north between July and October. They are recognizable by their large size and pointed forewing which is black and brown with patterns of lines and spots. They will specifically have 2 rounded spots at the outer margin of their wings. This is a primarily nocturnal species.
Defining Characteristics Differing from Butterflies
Moth antennae are feathery in appearance, while butterfly antennae are long and smooth with a bulb-like shape at the end. The anatomy of their wings differ as well. When butterflies are resting, their wings fold vertically but moths hold their wings in a tent-like manner over themselves for protection.