moths Definition

clothes moth

any of various usually nocturnal lepidopteran insects with antennae that are often feathery, with a stouter body, duller coloring, and proportionately smaller wings than the butterflies, and with larvae that are plant-eating caterpillars

a European tussock moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea) introduced in the U.S. and having larvae which feed on foliage and have hairs irritating to the skin

a large North American saturniid moth (Hyalophora cecropia) that is brown with red, white, and black markings

a European moth (Tyria jacobaeae) that has been introduced into the western U.S. in attempts to control the tansy ragwort on which its larvae feed —called also cinnabar

a moth (as of the families Sesiidae or Sphingidae) having the wings largely transparent and devoid of scales

any of several small yellowish or buff-colored moths (especially Tinea pellionella and Tineola bisselliella of the family Tineidae) whose larvae eat wool, fur, or feathers

a small tortricid moth (Cydia pomonella) having larvae that live in apples, pears, quinces, and English walnuts

a nearly cosmopolitan moth (Plutella xylostella of the family Plutellidae) whose larva is a pest on cruciferous plants

an Old World tussock moth (Lymantria dispar) that was introduced about 1869 into the U.S. and has a grayish-brown mottled hairy caterpillar which is a destructive defoliator of many trees

a large North American saturniid moth (Eacles imperialis) having yellow wings marked with reddish-brown spots and patches