Moth biologyMoths are the in the order Lepidoptera, which contains both butterflies and moths. Moths start off as caterpillars, which have several stages of growth that are called instars. In each instar, the caterpillar sheds skin to allow for expansion. During this time, they will consume leaves, stems, fruits, and other plant parts, and can usually be found in any land environment with bushes, grass, and trees. After several weeks to a year, the caterpillar will then transform into a pupa, in which they will spend another several weeks to a year. After it emerges from the cocoon, the caterpillar transforms into a moth with newly grown wings.
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Moths and matingFor most species of moths, the male seeks the female mate. Moths utilize pheromones, which are chemical substances secreted and released into the environment, to attract a female. The two moths will then attach to each other very briefly, as seen in the image, to mate. After this occurs, females will lay around 40 to as many as 1,000 eggs. The environment which the female lays the eggs will vary by species, but most lay them in the tissues of plants or on tree bark. Once hatched, it takes anywhere from several weeks to years for a moth to mature again, and the cycle repeats.
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