Moth fact sheet | Field of Mars EEC

What are moths?

Moths are insects in the order Lepidoptera. Like butterflies, they have six legs and four wings covered with tiny scales. Many moths are active at night, but some species fly during the day. In Australia, moths make up most of the lepidopteran species, so there are far more kinds of moths than butterflies.

A scribbly gum moth.

Emperor gum moth resting with wings spread.

Bogong moths migrate in spring to the Australian Alps, where adults rest in cool caves over summer before returning north to breed in autumn.

Where do moths live?

Moths live in many habitats, including eucalypt forests, woodlands, gardens and urban areas. At Field of Mars Reserve, moths may be found on tree trunks, among shrubs, around flowers and in leaf litter. Scribbly gum moth larvae live under the bark of scribbly gum trees, where they make the winding tunnels that form the familiar scribbles.

Moths can be found across Australia in areas such as the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

Scribbly gum moth larvae live under the bark of scribbly gum trees.

What do moths eat?

Most moth caterpillars are herbivores that chew leaves or other plant material. Many adult moths use a long proboscis to drink nectar from flowers. Hawk moths are well known for hovering in front of flowers while they feed. Some large moths, such as the emperor gum moth, do not feed as adults and live only a short time after emerging.

Clearwing hawk moth drinking nectar from flowers.

What is the life cycle of a moth?

A moth begins life as an egg. The egg hatches into a caterpillar, which eats and grows, then changes into a pupa inside a cocoon or other shelter. Later, the adult moth emerges. In local species, this can look quite different. Scribbly gum moth larvae feed between layers of bark, while emperor gum moth eggs are glued to eucalypt leaves and the caterpillars later spin a tough cocoon.

Emperor gum moth eggs on a eucalypt leaf.

Emperor gum moth caterpillar.

Emperor gum moth caterpillar spinning a cocoon.

What adaptations do moths have to help them survive?

Moths have many adaptations that help them survive. Their scaly wings can help with camouflage and protection. Many species are active at night, which can help them avoid some daytime predators. Some moths, such as hawk moths, have a long proboscis for reaching nectar deep inside flowers. Some caterpillars have protective spines, and many moths pupate inside cocoons. Scribbly gum moth larvae are protected while feeding beneath bark, hidden from view.

Some moth caterpillars, such as the mottled cup moth, are covered in stinging spines that help protect them from predators.

Why are moths important?

Moths are important pollinators. When nectar-feeding moths visit flowers, they can carry pollen from one flower to another. Some native plants rely on nocturnal pollinators, including moths. Moths and caterpillars are also an important food source for other animals such as birds, bats and other invertebrates, making them an important part of bushland ecosystems.

Tiger moths are one group of moths that help to pollinate plants in Sydney bushland.

How can you help moths?

You can help moths by protecting local bushland, growing local flowering plants that provide nectar, and planting or keeping host plants for caterpillars. Leaving some leaf litter and sheltered garden spaces undisturbed can also help because some moths pupate in sheltered places. Reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting is helpful too, because artificial light can interfere with nocturnal pollinators.

White-stemmed gum moth caterpillars feed on eucalypts and depend on native vegetation to survive.

Related fact sheets

More invertebrate fact sheets

• Invertebrate fact sheets – Explore more fact sheets about insects, spiders and other invertebrates.
• Insects fact sheet – Learn about the main features of insects and how moths fit into this group.
• Cicada fact sheet – Compare moths with another winged insect that has a very different life cycle.
• Green lacewing fact sheet – Learn about another insect found around plants, flowers and bushland habitats.

Habitats and ecosystems

• Leaf litter habitats fact sheet – Leaf litter provides shelter for caterpillars, pupae and animals that feed on moths.
• Tree habitats fact sheet – Tree bark, leaves and branches support many moths and caterpillars.
• Scribbly gum fact sheet – Explore the tree used by scribbly gum moth larvae.
• Eucalypt forest fact sheet – Learn about a bushland habitat that supports many moth species.
• Field of Mars Reserve fact sheet – Explore the local reserve where moths and other invertebrates may be found.

Animals that share this habitat

• Birds fact sheet – Birds share bushland habitats with moths and many species feed on insects.

Food webs and ecological relationships

• Spider fact sheet – Spiders are important predators of moths and other insects.
• Plant fact sheets – Native plants provide nectar for adult moths and food plants for caterpillars.

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Flora and fauna fact sheets

Learn more about insects, other invertebrates, plants and habitats found around Sydney.