Type of moths uk. There are over 160000 recorded species of moths across the globe with around 11000 of these being found in the united states and around 2500 being found in the united kingdom. Moths are also far more numerous than butterflies. Leek moth acrolepiopsis assectella pest of allium crops. Indian meal moth plodia interpunctella common pest in grain stores.
Whats ukmoths all about. Compare the 59 species of butterflies breeding in britain with some 900 species of large moths known as macro moths and a further 1550 or so species of micro moths. While sometimes overshadowed by their colourful butterfly cousins moths are considerably more diverse with about 2500 species in the uk. It is also referred to as darwins moth because it is one of the best examples of population genetics and natural selection one of darwins incredible theories.
With around 2500 species of moth in the uk theres an amazing amount of diversity to be discovered. Honeydew moth or christmas berry moth cryptoblabes gnidiella fruit pest. They also appear to be furrier and fatter than butterflies. Traditionally moth fieldguides have concentrated on the so called macro moths of which there are around 800 regular species.
Butterfly conservation is a british charity devoted to saving butterflies moths and their habitats throughout the uk. Biston betularia this is a night flying moth and is most widespread in ireland and britain. They look like hairy worms and are sometimes mistaken for centipedes or millipedes. Ukmoths has been providing identification help and information about britains moths for over 15 years.
Light brown apple moth epiphyas postvittana a pest of australian orchards. Discover what moths eat which moths fly during the day and other facts. Learn to identify the most colourful british moths and their caterpillars including elephant hawkmoths cinnabar moths and tiger moths. Unlike butterflies moths rest with their wings flat.
W elcome to ukmoths your online guide to the moths of great britain and ireland. Indoor moths in uk areas are rarely larger than 20 mm although there are outdoor species which can reach up to 120 mm. 30 common types of moths pictures facts green and vibrant. Moth larvae are called caterpillars.