5 Things You Might Not Know About Moths

Moths, belonging to the order Lepidoptera, play a significant role in biodiversity and are an indicator of a healthy environment. Here are five interesting facts about these often misunderstood insects.

Species Diversity: There are approximately 160,000 species of moths worldwide, compared to 18,768 species of butterflies.

Day-Flying Moths: While most are nocturnal, some moths are active during the day and often mimic bees or hummingbirds.

Dietary Habits: Some male moths do not feed at all after emerging from their cocoons, while moth caterpillars and moths themselves are a rich source of protein for many animals, and even humans in some parts of the world.

Defense Mechanisms: Moths use various camouflage techniques to avoid predators. The Jersey tiger moth (*Euplagia quadripunctaria*), also found in Cyprus, uses a combination of colors and patterns to hide.

Endangered Species: The *Euplagia quadripunctaria* in Cyprus is threatened by climate change and the loss of riparian forests. The Pandoteira project has undertaken actions to preserve the species.