A moth is an insect closely related to the butterfly, but with some key differences. Most moths fly at night rather than during the day, and when they rest, they often hold their wings flat or folded tent-like over their bodies instead of upright like many butterflies do. Moths tend to have fuzzier, thicker bodies than their more delicate butterfly cousins.

Many people think of moths as plain brown creatures attracted to porch lights, and it's true that some moths navigate using natural light sources like the moon, which is why artificial lights can confuse them. But moths are actually incredibly diverse: some are tiny enough to fit on your fingernail, while the Atlas moth has a wingspan nearly as wide as a dinner plate. The Luna moth glows pale green like something from a dream, with long, elegant tail streamers.

Moths go through the same life stages as butterflies: egg, caterpillar (called a larva), pupa (often inside a cocoon), and finally the winged adult. The caterpillars of many moth species are important food sources for birds and other animals. Some moth caterpillars, like the tomato hornworm, can damage crops, while the silkworm moth caterpillar produces the silk thread used to make silk fabric. Despite their reputation as pests when they eat wool clothing, moths play vital roles as pollinators and food for other creatures in ecosystems worldwide.