Moths (Taxonomic Order: Lepidoptera; or commonly "Lepidopterans") are insects with two pairs of membranous wings. Moths tend to be drably colored, fly at night, and have long, feathery antennae. Moths tend to rest with their wings folded over their body (like a pup-tent) or spread out flat against the substrate.

Adult moths may or may not feed, but they all fly, mate, and lay eggs. Many species are quite specific in their needs; they will only feed and lay eggs on certain species of plants. The eggs hatch into caterpillars, which range from big and green to small and hairy and everything in between. Caterpillars feed, grow, and then become dormant, forming in a silken cocoon or just hiding in the soil. While dormant, they (now a pupa) metamorphose into the adult form, then "hatch" into a fully formed adult ... and the cycle of life repeats.

While some species of Lepidopterans are agricultural pests, most are harmless. Lepidopterans function in the desert ecosystem as important pollinators and important food sources for a variety of mammals (especially bats), birds (especially nighthawks and owls), and amphibians.

There are many species of moths around Las Vegas. I have no intention of listing them all; my intent is to present a few interesting species that caught my eye. Follow the links below to moths I can identify.

For More Information: See the Butterflies and Moths website.