Types of Moths

There are approximately over 160,000 different species of moths in the world. Compared to the approximated 17,000 for butterflies, moths take the crown for winged insects. Even with these large numbers, moths often are the benchwarmers, behind butterflies, in conversations about winged insects. Monarchs, Blue Morphos, Lacewings, all large and colorful butterflies. Moths might seem notorious due to legends about mothballs in your old coat, but they can be just as stunning. Below are a handful of the plentiful moths you can find.

• Atlas Moth - Known for it's large wingspan, Atlas Moths reach an amazing foot-wide. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Indonesia and Asia, these moths are common across the Malay archipelago.

• Domestic Silk Moth - While lots of Silk Moths exist, the Domestic Silk Moths are the most likely hoaxed catalyst for Venezuelan Poodle Moths. Unlike other moths on this list, they are completely domesticated and dependent on humans for survival. Descending from silk moths in China 5,000 years ago, they were selectively bred to be calm and fuzzier. As a result, they have lessened sensory organs than wild counterparts.

• Io Moth - A medium-size contender for North America, the Io Moth is strikingly yellow as it is beautiful. With two large circles on its back wings, it wards off predators. While the adult moth phase is harmless, their caterpillar phase is known for venomous stinging.

• Luna Moth - Brightly colored and large, Luna Moths are nocturnal with long, wispy-like tails. They are illusive, though native to North America. Their rarity comes from their short lifespans, not even having a mouth to eat once into adulthood.

• Polyphemus Moth - Named after the one eyed cyclops, this moth does not eat humans. Whew. The Polyphemus Moth, also in North America, has large spots on its wings akin to eyes that are used to ward off predators. Just as striking are their large antennas, looking similar to a ladder. Their caterpillar stage is the very famous fat and green variety.

• Rosy Maple Moth - Small compared to the previous two moths, the Rosy Maple Moth is common in North America. their bold pink and yellow body is fuzzy and distinctive, a staple part of the silk moth family.