Macro Moth Anatomy

Moths are complex insects, but have three main body parts comprising of a head, thorax and abdomen. They also have two compound eyes, a pair of antennae and a proboscis, which is an elongated mouthpart used for sucking nectar and is typically tubular and flexible, containing muscles for operating. The compound eyes contain hundreds of lenses that focus on different areas of the moths environment. The antennae are sensory organs that sit on top of the moths head. They are capable of picking-up chemical signals in the air, which helps them locate food sources. Moths also have six legs (making them an insect), and wings that are covered in tiny scales which overlap in a similar style/fashion to the tiles on a roof.

The Geometridae is a varied group of moths, with over 300 species recorded, but most have triangular shaped forewings wings that lie open and flat when resting. They have thin, slender and lightweight bodies, allowing for restful flight rather than for speed and power. They are more reminiscent of butterflies than other orders of moths. The Noctuidae is the largest family of moths in the British Isles with currently 370 species. Most are medium sized, robust, varying shades of brown and are powerful in flight, mainly flying at night and are attracted to light traps. Due to their energetic nature they need to feed regularly, often at flowers, oozing tree sap, sugary liquids, aphid honeydew and wine ropes. They also have a certain “Jizz” about them that sets them apart from other families of moths.

My thanks go to Christian Heintzen who has kindly put together these Moth Anatomy plates, text and schematic diagrams. They are truely superb. “The images are sole copyright of Christian Heintzen ©️ and must not be reproduced or downloaded in any form without prior consent”.