Why do moths have dust on their wings. The name of the scientific order that both belong to is lepidoptera it literally means scale wing. They have tiny scales on their wings. If the scales do assist flight the effect is subtle. Its possible they play a role in thermoregulation or modifying the airflow over the wing.
Losing a few scales wont hurt him but its best not to handle a moth. Warmth because moths are mostly active during the night they need to stay warm once the sun sets down. They try it to attract other moths for mating. Dust from his wings.
Moths scales have different functions depending on the type of species you encounter. A butterfly makes use of their scales for thermoregulation but moths have a thicker layer of scales. The scales have at least four functions not necessarily on the same butterfly species. They appear to be dust when they get rubbed off.
That dust on moths wings is modified hairs which are also known as scales. The dust on butterfly and moth wings are modified hairs called scales. Butterflies and moths dont actually need the scales to fly but their wings are very delicate and if you handle them enough to rub the scales off youll probably also damage the wings in the process. When youve accidentally touched a moth or grabbed one to toss him outside at night the insect likely left a bit of himself behind.
This dust is actually tiny scales that serve multiple functions for the moth. Here are the reasons why moths have dust on their wings.