Glossary of Terms

The abdomen, or body, is composed of nine segments. In the larva it ranges from segments 5to 13. The eleventh segment of the larva holds a pair of anal claspers which protrude in some taxa and represent the genitalia. The females of some moths have a scent-emitting organ located at the tip of the abdomen which is used to attract mates.

A sclerotized supporting structure that surrounds the base of the phallus. The anellus is modified in a few moth species and can be useful for identification (see Lacinipolia pensilis and L. vicina).

Moths have a pair of antennae which vary in size and complexity according to species. They are 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 kilometers.

The portion of the wing that is located medial to the basal line.

A covering of silk or silk incorporated with other materials, such as pieces of leaves and twigs, that covers the pupa.

Before moths reach adulthood, they first develop into larvae, also called caterpillars. These can vary greatly in size depending on the species. The larvae of most moth species are herbivorous.

There are many butterfly and moth species that have developed what appear to be extra eyes on their wings. These distinct wing markings are often referred to as eyespots, false eyes, or false eyespots. They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes.

Eyespots can appear on both adults and larvae, and are often highly distinguishable from the rest of the insect’s wing patterns. The eye-catching markings are usually circular, made up of concentric rings of contrasting colors.

Patterns often evolve to help animals hide from predators, and eyespots usually increase visibility as a way to scare of would-be predators.

A pair of sclerotized processes at the posterior apex of the female abdomen, used to deposit eggs. These are most often covered by short or hair-like setae. They can vary in shape or bear additional flanges or other structures.

These are the only part of the female genitalia that are visible without dissection. Also referred to as ovipositors or ovipositor lobes.

Many moths have a single, tongue-like projection, known as a proboscis, located at the front of their faces. They use these to feed. Some species, such as the hummingbird 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 as adults and therefore do not have a proboscis.

The stage between larva and adult in insects with complete or holometabolous metamorphosis. It is a non-feeding and non-mobile stage that, in moths, is often surrounded by a cocoon.

Moths vary greatly in size, ranging in wingspan from about 4 mm (0.16 inch), to nearly 30 cm (about 1 foot).

The sexes of the same species exhibit different morphological characteristics, particularly characteristics not directly involved in reproduction. For example, female moths are typically larger than their male counterparts.

The thorax itself is located in-between the head and abdomen, composed of three segments called the prothorax, mesothorax, and metathorax. The wings and legs of moths are attached to the thorax. This is often a large and elongate segment with some ornamentation or identifying structures.