What Are Some of the Moths That Fly After Dark?

Some British Nocturnal Moths

• The peppered moth is one of the most well-known nocturnal moths in Europe because it is a clear example of Darwin's evolution by natural selection. The moth is usually white with black speckles, but it can be completely black because of a naturally occurring genetic mutation. The white and black "peppered" moth was better camouflaged from predators on lichen, so the black forms became less common. However, in cities, the black form was more common because pollution killed lichen and blackened trees and walls, where the moths could hide. Once clean air controls were established to reduce pollution the "peppered" moths became prevalent again.

  Other common nocturnal British moth species include: elephant, lime, death's head, poplar-hawk moths, brimstone moth, 20 plume moth, barred yellow moth, orange swift moth, scarce silver-lines moth, yellow shell moth, brown China-mark moth, the brick moth, large yellow underwing moth, smoky and common wainscot moths.

Some American Nocturnal Moths

• The luna moth is one of the largest moths in North America, with a wingspan that is nearly 5 inches long. These green-colored nocturnal moths do not eat (or even have mouths) and live only a week as adults. The adult moth's only purpose is to mate, and it dies soon after it has mated or laid eggs. A female luna moth can lay up to 200 eggs. Normally, two generations of luna moths are born a year. Other common nocturnal American moth species include: owlet moth, sober Renia moth, orange-spotted Pyrausta moth, oblique-banded leafroller moth, celery and clover looper moths, twirler moth, polyphemus moth, corn earworm moth, night-flying hawmoths, brown-dotted scavenger moth, gypsy moth, snout moth, marlin moth, hummingbird clearwing moth and tortricid moth.

Moth Myths

• Moths are not limited to boring or drab colors. Tiger moths, for example, are brightly patterned and orange colored. Some moths appear to be only brown or gray until further inspection. Many moths hide different colors and patterns that aid in camouflage.

  All moths do not eat clothing. In fact, it is not the moth that eats the clothing at all. It is the clothing moth larvae (caterpillars) that do. Clothing moths prefer dark, quiet places, and their larvae prefer the natural fibers found in materials generally used for winter clothing, such as wool. Between these two preferences, clothing moths enjoy nesting in places where winter clothing is stored away. To prevent moth damage, carefully check, fold and seal clothing in zipper-sealing plastic bags.

Importance to Ecosystems

• Because of the enormous variety of moth species, moths can be found in almost every climate and habitat. Moths and caterpillars have important roles in many ecosystems where they can act as pollinators or as a food source. Moths aid in helping ecosystems thrive and grow. To allow moths to thrive, reduce the amount of pesticides used in the garden or leave small spaces within the garden "wild," allowing long grass to grow and provide shelter for moths during winter seasons.