Moth Anatomy and Life Cycle
Like all insects, moths have a body with three main parts – head, thorax and abdomen. Moths have three pairs of jointed legs on the thorax. Moths are also characterized by their two pairs of large, scale-covered wings and by mouthparts that form a long proboscis for sipping nectar. Moths have compound eyes and two antennae.
Compound Eye
Compound eyes are made up of many hexagonal lenses just like other insect compound eyes.
Metamorphosis of a Moth
Moths undergo a process of total change known as metamorphosis. This process for Lepidoptera consists of four growth stages and is called Complete Metamorphosis:
the final stage in the life cycle, in which the adult will reproduce and then die, having begun the life cycle anew with the laying of fertile eggs.
What do Moths Eat?
Moths have a long, tube-like tongue that they use to suck nectar from flowers. They also have a special mouthpart called a proboscis, which helps them drink the nectar. Moth caterpillars eat plants, leaves and natural fibres such as wool and cotton.