Although a small group of Geometrid moths, referred to as Thorns, rest with their wings held either closed or partially shut vertically above their heads 2 above — Early Thorn. The Poplar Hawk-moth is very unusual because it holds its hindwings further forward than the forewings when at rest 3 above.
There is also a small number of moths where the females are either completely wingless or have under-developed wings, known as vestigual wings, and are flightless. Many of the species with flightless females, such as Diurnea fagella female above left and male above right , emerge early in the year but why this should be has yet to be fully explained.
Moths have a pair of antennae which vary in size and complexity according to species Feathered Thorn male above left.
The more research that is carried out the more we learn about the range of senses that may be attributed to the antennae. They are certainly extremely sensitive to smell and are used to detect both food sources and mating partners.
The males of some species have enlarged comb like antennae that can detect the pheromones given off by unmated females from as far away as to 2 kilometres Emperor Moth male above right. Recent studies of Monarch butterfies in America suggest that antennae may also play a crucial part in navigation. However, there is much we have still to learn. The Yellow Horned moth above left has even been named after the colour of its antennae which appear orange!
Moths have six segmented legs Canary-shouldered Thorn above left and two eyes located on either side of the head. The size of the eyes varies considerably according to species, perhaps indicating the different priorities some moths give to eyesight.
Many moths have a single tongue-like projection known as a proboscis located at the front of their faces which they use to feed Copper Underwing above right. Some species such as the Humming-bird Hawk-moth have an elongated tongue which it projects deep into flowers to sip nectar.
When not feeding the proboscis is retracted either into the mouth or curled up like a spring. However, many moth species do not feed and so do not have a proboscis. Two labial palps extending from the mouth are considered to be modified mouth parts and are again more pronounced in some species than others Copper Underwing above left. There is some debate as to the purpose of palpi with some suggesting they provide a protective cover for the proboscis while others believe that they are covered in scent detecting glands and are used for detecting food.
Moths have hearing organs hidden amongst the hair on their thorax at the base of their wings developing Emperor Moth male above right. Recent studies have shown these sensory organs are extremely sensitive but how much they can hear is still uncertain. It is thought that their ears can detect the ultrasonic sound waves given off by bats and so take avoiding action and escape.
Moth Anatomy. Moth Galleries. Moth Caterpillar Gallery. Species Guides. This site uses cookies. Butterflies and moths, like all insects , have an exoskeleton, a pair of compound eyes, a pair of antennae, six jointed legs, and a body segmented into three parts - the head, the thorax, and the abdomen.
The antennae and eyes are found on the head along with a pair of proboscis that the butterfly or moth uses to suck nectar. The thorax has three sections and each section has a pair of jointed legs. The two front legs are short and the four rear legs are long. The wings are attached to the thorax and the muscles that move the legs and the wings are found in the thorax.
The abdomen contains the digestive, excretory, and reproductive organs. The bodies of butterflies and moths are covered with tiny sensory hairs. Butterflies and moths go through a four-stage metamorphosis. They start as an egg. The larva , or caterpillar, hatches from the egg. The caterpillar eats and eats and grows. As the caterpillar grows, it molts or loses its skin!
The caterpillar turns into a pupa or chrysalis.
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