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The Name Game: Moth Identification

December 27th, 2009 Posted in Pantry & Linen Pests

With 150,000 to 250,000 different species of moths throughout the world today, it’s hard to tell who’s who. Therefore, exploring the main types of moths is the best thing you can do to catch up.

Butterflies and moths also have a similar appearance, further confusing the situation. Knowing the difference between butterflies and moths, makes you one step closer to being able to identify what insect you’re looking at.

This article will discuss:

• Identifying Moth Damage
• Types of Moths
• The Difference Between Moths and Butterflies

Identifying Moth Damage

Identifying whether you have a moth infestation in your home is the first important step. Check for holes in your clothing or baby caterpillars in your shelved foods, to see if moths have entered your home and have caused damage. If you find unexplained holes in your clothes, it’s more than likely that a moth is the culprit.

To prevent moth damage, check your closets often and clean your clothes before you store them. When storing clothes, make sure to store them in air tight containers because the moths won’t be able to get to your clothing that way. If you discover moths or caterpillar larva in your grains or other foods, then you have a major moth infestation.

Practicing stringent hygiene throughout your kitchen will go a long way in preventing further moth attacks. Checking your pantry often, throwing out old food, and keeping stored food in tight containers, will also drastically help to get rid of moths in your home.

Types of Moths

The Sphinx Moth

• Characterized by a chunky abdomens and long, narrow wings

• They mostly feed during the day time, often confused for humming birds because of their speed
• The Sphinx moth also has pointy wings with spots resembling human eyes

The Underwings

• They’re a very large species, as far as moths go

• A few have brightly colored wings, while others have very dark colored wings, but both of which are very dully colored
• When their wings are folded they form a thick triangle

The Plume Moths

• They are one of the most distinct species of moths

• They are nicknamed the airplane moth because of their thin wing spans that resemble the wing span of an airplane
• Often range in size from less than an inch to half an inch

The Tiger Moths

• This moth has a fuzzy thorax and abdomen that gives it a similar appearance to the fur of a tiger

• The tiger moth is a member of the Arctiidae family of moths, where many members have completely different appearances
• Some also have stripes on their wings, similar to those of a tiger

The Loopers

• Loopers have a similar appearance to the tiger moth, but have a more tented appearance when they have their wings together

• Their heads are low because of the position of their thorax, this gives them a hunch back appearance
• They also have a circular loop like spot on the middle of their wings

The Difference Between Moths and Butterflies

There are a few differences between moths and butterflies. Firstly, moths have simple thread like antenna that kind of looks like a feather, while butterflies often have a thick antenna with a club or hook on the tip, which never looks feathery. Butterflies are often brightly colored, while a moth’s color is normally much duller.

A moth’s wings are linked together, while a butterfly’s wings are not linked together. Another difference between a moth and a butterfly is the way they rest. When a moth rests its wing are flat against its body, while a butterfly holds its wings together above its body during a restful period.

Lastly, moths are only active during the evening, preferring the cooler temperatures that dusk and nightfall bring. A butterfly prefers daylight because it prefers a much warmer environment.