What Is the Average Lifespan of a Moth?
Last Updated Apr 1, 2020 10:29:19 AM ET
According to the Lepidopterists' Society, the average lifespan of an adult moth varies by species. For instance, sphinx moths typically live two to three months, silkworm moths survive only about one week after emerging from their cocoons and yucca moths die within two days.
The Lepidopterists' Society indicates that short-lived moths have brief lives because they have no way to ingest food. They live on stored nutrients. Their entire function as adults is to mate to produce the next generation of moths.
The amount of time moths spend in the earlier stages of their life cycles -- eggs, larvae and pupae -- varies as well. It depends upon climate, habitat and weather conditions, the Lepidopterists' Society states.
More From Reference
10 Must-Watch TED Talks That Have the Power to Change Your Life
Strange Americana: Does Video Footage of Bigfoot Really Exist?
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Will Change In-Person Retail Shopping in Lasting Ways
Tips and Tricks for Making Driveway Snow Removal Easier
Here’s How Online Games Like Prodigy Are Revolutionizing Education
What Are the Steps of Presidential Impeachment?