Moths
Did you know? Male silk moths can detect female moths up to several miles away.
Kid-Friendly Moth Facts:
- A Mexican "Jumping" Bean jumps because a moth larva living inside the bean squirms when it gets warm.
- The female moth lays between 60 and 300 eggs
- There are about 13,000 species of moths in North America and about 165,000 species in the world.
- Silk comes from the cocoons of the true Silk Moth. More than 25,000 cocoons must be unraveled to make a single pound of silk thread
- Some kinds of moths can stay active in freezing weather because their bodies contain a natural anti-freeze that keeps sharp ice crystals from breaking their cells.
Most moths are nocturnal but seem to be attracted to light (for example, a porch light or a fire). One reason is that because moths are nocturnal, they navigate, or find their way around by using the moon as a point of reference. Moths can become confused by any other light source and they basically get "lost". As a result, they typically stay where they are, making it look like they are attracted to the light.
Are you a school teacher looking for more materials to share with your kids? Find more facts about and information on moths at the official NPMA website.
Indian Meal Moth Facts for Kids
The Indian meal moth was given its name after an insect scientist found it feeding on corn meal, also known as Indianmeal. They typically live from two to six months.
- Size: 5/8"
- Shape: Elongated, oval
- Color: Copper reddish
- Legs: 6
- Wings: Yes
- Antenna: Yes
- Common Name: Indian meal moth
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidotera
- Family: Pyralidae
- Species: Plodia interpuctella
Diet:
Indian meal moths feed on dried fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, chocolate, candies, bird seed, dog food, powdered milk, dried red peppers and candy.
Habitat:
Attracted to the light, these bugs are found in bright places where food is stored like restaurants and grocery stores.
Impact:
Moths infest foods and can contaminate food products by leaving skin and waste behind.
Prevention:
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Discard infested foods in outdoor trash bins.
- Clean infested cupboards thoroughly with a vacuum and soap and water.
Looking for more moth information for kids? Get additional Indian meal moth information at the official NPMA website.