Context: As per a new study, moths can hear sounds emitted by plants and rely on them to choose on which plant to lay their eggs.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims- Key facts about Moths.
What are Moths?
- Moths are a group of insects and are members of the order Lepidoptera (same order as Butterflies).
- There are approximately 160,000 species of moth. Being highly adapted species, they are found in all climate types, except polar habitats.
- Most species of moth are nocturnal, though there are also some diurnal species.
- Appearance:
- Moths vary in size (ranging in wingspan from about 4 mm to nearly 30 cm).
- The majority of moths have dull wing colors, but there exist many species with spectacular colors.
- The insect, often considered as the most beautiful insect in the world, is a day-flying moth (The Sunset Moth) from Madagascar.
- Moths can usually be distinguished from butterflies by their antennae, which are typically threadlike or feathery; in contrast butterflies have club-tipped antennae.
- Some moths (particularly their caterpillars) can be major agricultural pests in many parts of the world. E.g., Corn borers and bollworms.
- Like many other species, moths are affected by the changing climate, as it alters the timing and growth of their food plants.