Utah's Moth Diversity
Moths--insects that make up the order Lepidoptera--are among the most taxonomically and ecologically diverse insects. There are an estimated 12,000 species of moths in North America, compared to around 730 butterfly species. Moth caterpillars (larvae) are typically host plant specialists--meaning that the caterpillars must feed on particular types of plants to survive. The distribution and diversity of host plants often determines when and where moths might be found across the landscape.
In Utah, roughly 500 moth species have been identified, but this is likely an underestimation. Because of their diverse sizes, camouflaged patterns, and nocturnal behaviors, many moths are very difficult to study and monitor!
Which of these moths have you seen before? Can you guess which species might be active during the day (diurnal) or at night (nocturnal) based on their wing patterns? What other moths have you seen in your area?
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