The Luna Moth (Actias luna) is a notable North American moth, celebrated for its stunning beauty and unique characteristics. With a wingspan of up to 4.5 inches, it's easily recognized by its vibrant pale green wings and elongated tails. In their adult form they do not eat and live soley to reproduce.
The Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) is one of the largest moths in the world, famous for its impressive size and striking appearance. Native to Southeast Asia, these moths have a wingspan that can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm), making them among the largest in terms of total wing surface area.
Vampire moths (calyptra thalictri) are known for their unique feeding behavior. Unlike most moths, certain species within this genus have evolved to feed on blood in their adult stage. Originally observed in Europe and Asia, these moths were initially known to pierce the skins of fruits with their proboscis. However, it was later discovered that some species have adapted to feed on mammalian blood, including that of humans.
The Domestic Silk Moth (Bombyx mori) is renowned for its crucial role in the production of silk. Originating from China, this moth has been domesticated for thousands of years and is now found in silk-producing regions worldwide. These moths are entirely dependent on humans for survival, as they have lost the ability to live independently in the wild.
The Death's-head Hawkmoth (Acherontia), recognized for its distinctive skull-like pattern on the thorax, is known for its large size, with a wingspan up to 5 inches. This moth, found across Europe, Asia, and Africa, can infiltrate beehives to feed on honey, which is a rare ability among moths. Its unique appearance and unusual behavior have made it a symbol of mystery and the supernatural in various cultures, often featuring in art and folklore.
The Hummingbird Hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is a remarkable moth species known for its hummingbird-like behavior. Found across Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa, it hovers in front of flowers to feed on nectar with its long proboscis, resembling a hummingbird in flight. This moth is distinguished by its rapid wingbeat, ability to fly backwards, and its preference for feeding during daylight, which is unusual for moths.