What is the dust on a moths wing?

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What is the dust on a moths wing?

I've noticed that when you are lucky enough to catch a moth or butterfly, they usually leave a very fine powder on your hands. What is this strange dust?

2007-11-28 04:07:01 · 3 answers · asked by lawless_chaos 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology

3 answers

Those are the scales that make up the wings. By rubbing it off, you are actually damaging them a bit.

http://bsi.montana.edu/web/kidsbutterfly/faq/appearance#appear5

2007-11-28 05:25:01 · answer #1 · answered by Yahzmin ♥♥ 4ever 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋

Heroin. Moths are total addicts. Why do you think they love flying into lights?

2007-11-28 04:26:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋

it helps make it more aerodinamic when flying. and it helps sense things.

2007-11-28 04:14:37 · answer #3 · answered by Joey D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋