what is a moth?

Question

is it really made from dust?

Answer 1

In short, they are insects. Moths and butterflies alike are covered in scales. The order they belong to is called Lepidoptera which means (scaled wings). The latin word for scale Lepido also applies to reptiles , like snakes and lizards which belong the the Lepisosauria.
The scales you see on moths actually make up the wings.They do not have the complex membranous wings of some of their insect relatives, like the dragonflies or the bees. Scales on the wings evolved as an adaptation to support bright colors. Many other insects cant have flashy colors on their wings because it is made of a transparent membrane. Moths use colors for camouflage and for warning colors. If ever you have seen an automeris moth or a polyphemous moth, you know that they have eye spots on their hind wings which they use to startle birds and other predators, this is only possible with intricatly placed scales on the wings which allow for these various colors to be arranged.
The scales also come off easily as a secondary defence. If a bird were to eat certain types of moths, it would recieve a mouthful of very untasty scales. I guess it would be equivalent to a mouthful of cat hair..........very uncomfortable!
Because they have evolved these scales as a defence, their ability to fly has been reduced. Scales are heavy and delicate. Moths typically done fly very fast, but then again, you dont have to if you taste very awful to your predators who will soon leave you alone. The scales make them aerodynamic and balanced, if you handle a moth by the wings, they will lose someof these scales, and they lose their balance in flight. The wings have to be of equal weight in order for them to fly properly, if one wing loses alot of scales, they will spiral down to earth while trying to fly. So try not to handle moths if possible, but they are really fun to watch.
Thanks for the great question! I hope that helps!

Answer 2

A moth is an insect closely related to the butterfly. Both are of the order Lepidoptera. The division of Lepidopterans into moths and butterflies is a popular taxonomy, not a scientific one. Sometimes the names "Rhopalocera" (butterflies) and "Heterocera" (moths) are used to formalize the popular distinction. Many attempts have been made to subdivide the Lepidoptera into groups such as the Microlepidoptera and Macrolepidoptera, Frenatae and Jugatea or Monotrysia and Ditrysia. Failure of these names to take hold is due to the fact none of them represent a "monophyletic group".

Most species of moths are nocturnal, but there are crepuscular and diurnal species. They can be distinguished from butterflies in several ways.

Answer 3

Is this a real question? Moths are quite similar to butterflies. The difference being that moths are active at night. Moths tend to have duller markings and larger bodies.

Answer 4

It likes dust and light, especially flames.

They look a bit like dull butterflies although I have seen some beautiful big greeen ones in America.

Some people are scared of them but they are harmless and pretty cool.

Answer 5

Every living things are made of dust including us.

Answer 6

Moths are not made of dust (though their wings are coated with dust-like scales), but rather insects closely related to butterflies (for more info see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moth AND http://www.google.com/search?q=Entomology+moth&hl=en&hs=lFd&lr=&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&start=10&sa=N ).
:-)

Answer 7

It is an insect

No it is NOT made from dust!

Answer 8

a moth is a nocturnal butterfly that can live around clothes and lay eggs on them that will eventually destroy the clothes.

try this:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moth

Answer 9

a moth is a party butterfly

Answer 10

No, thats dust bunnies