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Insects and Spiders - Moths

Moths are often seen at night, but many fly by day too. Explore how to spot a moth, where they rest, and the clues that help with identification.

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Fascinating Fact:

Unlike most butterflies, many moths rest with their wings held flat or tent-like over the body, although there are plenty of exceptions.

In Specialist Nature, moths are explored using practical identification features, such as wing shape and pattern, body size, and when they are active. Many moths are nocturnal and come to light, but some are day-fliers that visit flowers in sunshine. When you see a moth at rest, noting how it holds its wings, whether it has feathery or thread-like antennae, and the habitat around it, such as garden, woodland edge, or grassland, can help you narrow down the species.

Key Terms

Nocturnal: Active mainly at night rather than during the day.
Antennae: Sensory feelers on the head, often used for identification because their shape varies between groups.
Camouflage: Colours or patterns that help an animal blend in with its surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is the difference between a moth and a butterfly?

Moths and butterflies are both insects with scaled wings, but they often differ in behaviour and body shape. Many moths fly at night and have stouter bodies, while many butterflies fly by day, but there are exceptions, so it helps to use several clues together.

Why do moths come to lights at night?

Moths may fly towards lights because bright sources can confuse their navigation. Many moths use natural light, such as the Moon, as a guide, and nearby artificial lights can disrupt that, causing them to circle or approach the lamp.

How can I identify a moth in my garden?

You can identify a moth by noting its size, wing pattern, and where it is resting, then comparing these features with a guide for your area. Recording the date, time, and habitat, such as near hedges, flowers, or a shed wall, can also help narrow it down.

Try These Related Quizzes

To see a larger image, click on the picture.

1 .

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of Chrkl

Festoon

Lime Hawk-moth

Large Emerald

Oak Eggar

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Geometridae
Genus: Geometra
Species: G. papilionaria
A striking and large moth.
This species usually sits with its wings open like a butterfly.
A night-flyer between June and August and is attracted to light.
The larvae feed mostly on birch.

2 .

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of Svdmolen

Lime Hawk-moth

Common Swift

Gypsy Moth

Peach Blossom

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Sphingidae
Genus: Mimas
Species: M. tiliae
The wingspan is between 70-80mm, with the female being larger.
This moth can be seen flying at night during May and June.
The species is spreading to the north.
Adult moths do not feed.

3 .

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of Kurt Kulac

Sallow Kitten

Turnip Moth

Muslin Footman

Common Swift

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Notodontidae
Genus: Furcula
Species: F. furcula
The caterpillars of this species feed on poplar and willow.
Widely distributed throughout a range of habitats, although it prefers damp woodland.
Adults appear occasionally at light in very small numbers.

4 .

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of http://ukmoths.org.uk/

Lunar Hornet Moth

Muslin Footman

Goat Moth

Gypsy moth

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Sesiidae
Genus: Sesia
Species: S. bembeciformis
This is a scarce species.
The larvae tunnel in the trunks of willow trees.
An incredible example of mimicry in that birds avoid these moths because they think they are wasps!

5 .

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of http://www.hvozd.eu/

Six-spot Burnet

Nine-spotted moth

Festoon

Lunar Hornet Moth

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Arctiidae
Genus: Amata
Species: A. phegea
This species mimics a moth of similar appearance, Zygaena ephialtes.
Zygaena ephialtes is poisonous to birds, therefore birds leave this moth well alone!
Prefers a habitat of drier, open areas with trees and shrubs.

6 .

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of http://www.entomart.be/

Emperor Moth

Scalloped Hook-tip

Six-spot Burnet

Peach Blossom

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Drepanidae
Genus: Thyatira
Species: T. batis
A particularly pretty moth.
Flies at night during the months of June and July.
Occasionally has a second brood in August or September.
This moth is attracted not only to light, but also to sugar!

7 .

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of http://www.entomart.be/

Lime Hawk-moth

Common Swift

Sallow Kitten

Turnip Moth

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Hepialidae
Genus: Korscheltellus
Species: K. lupulina
Larvae feed on roots of plants underground.
Have been known to be an agricultural nuisance.
Common and widely distributed throughout the UK.
Female similar to male, but larger in size with paler markings.

8 .

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of jean-pierre Hamon

Festoon

Sallow Kitten

Emperor Moth

Lunar Hornet Moth

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Saturniidae
Genus: Pavonia
Species: P. pavonia
Widely distributed in the UK.
The flight is swift meaning it can be mistaken for a butterfly.
Female is larger and the antennae are not feathered.
They feed on woody plants including heathers, bramble and hawthorn.

9 .

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of IronChris

Emperor Moth

Six-spot Burnet

Oak Eggar

Festoon

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Zygaenidae
Genus: Zygaena
Species: Z. filipendulae
This moth is attracted to scabious, thistles and knapweeds.
A day-flying moth and when the sun is shining, it has a slow buzzing flight.
Widespread across Britain, predominantly coastal in Scotland.

10 .

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of http://www.entomart.be/

Large Emerald

Scalloped Hook-tip

Nine-spotted moth

Goat Moth

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Cossidae
Genus: Cossus
Species: C. cossus
The larvae live in the trunks of trees eating the wood.
It can take up to five years to develop to the pupa stage.
Adults have no working mouthparts therefore they cannot feed.
Instead, they find a partner, mate and produce the next generation.

Author: Sarah Garratty

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