Types Of Moths
Types of Moths in Specific Regions
Depending on where in the world you live, the types of moths that may be seen can be very different than in other regions. This is because many moths require a specific food, habitat or climate in order to survive.
Over eleven thousand moth species are believed to exist in the world, according to the Smithsonian Institute, which far exceeds the number of butterflies who share the same scientific order of Lepidoptera. Of all of the different types of moths, some are very common in many areas of the world while others are found only in particular areas.
Two moths that are indigenous to South Africa, both of the silk moth family, provide a good source of income for people of the area. Wild silk is a sustainable source of fiber that is being widely used in the fashion arena that is produced by the African wild silk moth. The silk fibers spun by cocoons of the moth are commercially blended with other fibers, such as cotton, and woven into objects of clothing. Since the moth has discarded the cocoon and flown off as an adult moth, there is no danger of a threatened or endangered species. The cocoons are found in the North West, the Northern Cape, Limpopo provinces and Namibia.
Hawaii is home to no less than 23 types of moths endemic to the area, such as the Hawaiian Hawk Moth and the Green Sphinx Moth. Some of these are found on each of the islands, while others are restricted to just one. Sadly, many of the species called Omiodes are now listed as extinct, while a handful of others that were thought to be extinct have now resurfaced; giving hope that others may have been mistakenly labeled as such also. It is thought that all 23 types of moths are descendant of a single ancestor. These moths feed on such delicacies as banana leaves and native grasses.
The Western Poplar Clearwing moth is endemic to the Pacific Northwest where thin strips of greenery run parallel to streams. Along this area, hybrid poplar trees were planted, and the clearwing moth quickly multiplied. In 2002, the population of these moths had reached such levels that pheromone traps were set to capture male moths in an attempt to curb the accelerated growth. By this time, visible damage had been caused to the poplar trees. To this day, these types of moths are being monitored and regulated in these areas.
Of all species, these types of moths and more are found only in specific areas. This is generally due to the climate of the area, the habitats and the host plants found in the areas. They can become pests to the areas or become a threatened species; either way, endemic types of moths are an interesting study.