Moth Basics
What Order do moth's belong in?
Lepidoptera
What are the sensory organs on a moth's head called?
Antennae
Butterfly antennae usually have this distinctive feature at the tip
Club-like tip
Moths undergo this type of metamorphosis
Complete metamorphosis
Moths help plants reproduce by transferring this between flowers
Pollen
Moths outnumber all bird and mammal species in North America, without about how many species in the U.S.?
11,000
Moths have this type of compound eye that allows them to collect more light at night
Superposition eyes
Moth antennae can be thread-like or
Feathery, comb-like
Caterpillars shed their skin multiple times; the stage between molts is called this
Instar
Moths are especially important pollinators because many are active during this time
Nighttime
Butterflies evolved from what ancestors?
Nocturnal moths
This straw-like tongue lets moths drink nectar, sap, and fruit juices
Proboscis
Amplexiform coupling
Caterpillars spin this protective covering before becoming pupae
Cocoon
Caterpillars are eaten by birds, amphibians, spiders, and other insects, making them an important part of the what?
Food web
Moths have been around for approximately this many years
190 million years
The frenulum connects the forewing and hindwing, allowing them to move in sync. What is this wing coupling method called?
Frenate wing-coupling
How could simple, thread-like antennae be advantageous?
It allows the moth to fly fast and save energy
Female luna moths lay eggs on these host trees
Walnut, hickory, and sweet gum
Adult moths are key food sources for these nocturnal predators
Moths can be found on nearly every continent, which one can they NOT be found on?
Antarctica
Instead of lungs, moths breathe using this network of tubes
Tracheae
The frenulum hooks under this structure on the forewing
Retinaculum
Adult luna moths live only about this long because they lack a functional mouth and digestive system
One week
Energy