Micro Moths

Macro Moths | Hawk-moths | Micro Moths | Butterflies | Clearwings

You might imagine that the micro moths, as opposed to the macro moths, are so-called because of their smaller size. While many of the micros are indeed smaller than the macros there are many species that are a lot bigger than some of the smaller macros. The micros actually encompass several families of moth with which the common feature is not simply their tiny size, but characteristics of their genitalia. It is well known among lepidopterists that genital differentiation is the only definitive way to separate some species that are otherwise superficially identical. But, the biggest differentiation is in their genetics rather than genitalia, although the two are, obviously, inextricably linked: the micro-moths are evolutionarily much more primitive than the macro-moths, which emerged much later on the family tree.

Micro moths account for huge numbers of moth species. Most of them are known by their scientific binomial (their Latin name) and very few have taxonomically accepted vernacular names. Exceptions to that rule are the likes of the Small Magpie, the Bird-cherry Ermine, the Light-brown Apple moth, and a few others.

36/40