The wonderful world of moths

THIS is a fascinating new release providing a good overview of moth ecology. Starting with a brief introduction, the book walks you through life cycles, behaviour and interactions with other individuals and different species, and the broad habitats moths are found in, including introducing a range of species found in each habitat type. Moths can be found almost everywhere – even on the tundra and in water.

It was particularly interesting to discover the various interactions and adaptations moths have developed. Many species have evolved to blend in or disguise themselves either to look like vegetation, leaves, lichens, droppings or sometimes other animal species. For example, Gaudy Sphinx confuses potential predators by mimicking a viper snake. Other moths use colours, toxins and hairs (in caterpillars) to defend against predation. Fascinating, if a little gruesome, are the parasitic wasps and flies whose larvae develop and feed on or in their unfortunate host. In some cases, the parasitoids can even control the behaviour of its host – amazing to think of the power of nature and the important relationships which often go unnoticed!

Reading about the different habitats utilised by moths, it is interesting to see the examples of convergent evolution where moths from different areas evolved to look remarkably similar. However, equally interesting are the species evolved to fill unique situations: Amydria anceps (a tubeworm moth), which feeds on fungi by-products of leaf-cutter ants in tropical rainforests, is one such example.

Alas, one can’t talk about habitats without highlighting habitat loss and fragmentation, or climate change and the impact these have on species. Without meaningful large-scale global (and individual) action, we will lose millions of species and unique habitats.

The Lives of Moths comes as recommended reading for everyone interested in nature – be it keen ‘moth-ers’ or not – as insect lives are fascinating and complex and the book is written to suit a range of audiences. Moths are often forgotten in favour of butterflies or thought of as ‘boring’, but this book provides a new, greater appreciation of moths.