Most moths spend most of their lives at the immature stages, in particular as larvae. Some species may spend years as larvae, only to spend a few days or weeks as an adult moth. Just as adult moths are highly variable in appearance and behaviour so too are their younger versions. In some cases the larvae can be more attractive or interesting looking than the adult moth.

Caterpillars are effectively eating machines, evolved to grow quickly. When it comes to diet, some moth caterpillars are generalists feeding on a wide range of plants, whilst others are highly specialist, requiring a particular plant and some cases only one part of the plant. These strategies allow a wide range of moth species to develop in a large number of niches in our habitats.

The larval stage is one of the most vulnerable periods in the life of the moth, fat, juicy and not able to move quickly reinforces their place in the food web. Moths have developed a number of defensive strategies to ensure enough survive to adulthood.


The first commonly used tactic is the defensive approach of camouflage and and many moths, such as the Early Thorn, are experts at looking like twigs.


Others subscribe to the attack is the best form of defence ethos by making themselves look larger and scarier, such as the Puss Moth, which will raise its enlarged head, wave the double whip like tail if threatened. If that fails it can quirt formic acid from it’s thorax.


Some species, such as the Vapourer moth, cover themselves in bristles which produce toxins. Another option is to be coloured so obviously that you cannot taste good, such as the yellow and black striped, Cinnabar larvae.