Moths, a diverse group of nocturnal insects, encompass an estimated 160,000 species found across nearly every habitat globally. Often perceived for their fluttering around lights, these creatures exhibit a fascinating array of adaptations and behaviors, with life cycles involving distinct stages of development.
The Truth About Moths and Decomposition
Moths do not consume the soft tissues or decaying flesh of dead bodies; their typical diet does not include carrion. While some moth species might be found near remains, they are not feeding on the flesh itself. For instance, certain clothes moths are drawn to dried animal remains, but their interest lies in specific components rather than putrefying flesh.
The primary interest of these moths is in materials containing keratin, a protein found in hair, fur, and feathers, often present on dried carcasses. Their association with a dead body typically occurs during later decomposition stages, after much soft tissue has been consumed by other organisms. This specialized feeding habit differentiates them from insects directly involved in the initial breakdown of flesh.
What Moths Actually Eat
The feeding habits of moths vary considerably depending on the species and their life stage. Adult moths often primarily consume liquids such as flower nectar, providing them with essential sugars for flight and reproduction. Some adult moths also feed on tree sap, fruit juices, or honeydew, a sugary liquid excreted by aphids. Many adult moth species, however, do not possess functional mouthparts and therefore do not feed at all, relying solely on energy reserves accumulated during their larval stage.
The larval stage, the caterpillar, is responsible for most feeding and growth. Most moth caterpillars are herbivorous, consuming plant matter like leaves, stems, roots, or fruits. A notable exception is the clothes moth, whose larvae have evolved to digest keratin. These larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, hair, and feathers, and can also target dried animal skin and dust containing keratin. This unique dietary specialization allows them to thrive on materials other organisms cannot easily digest.
Insects That Consume Remains
While moths do not consume decaying flesh, several other insect groups are highly specialized for this role, playing a significant part in decomposition. Flies, particularly blow flies and flesh flies, are often among the first insects to arrive at a carcass, sometimes within minutes to hours after death. Blow flies lay eggs in natural openings or wounds, and their larvae, known as maggots, consume soft tissues, accelerating decomposition. Flesh flies deposit live larvae directly onto decaying matter, which immediately begin feeding.
As decomposition progresses and soft tissues are consumed, other insects become prominent. Dermestid beetles, also known as skin or hide beetles, arrive in later stages of decay. Their larvae possess the ability to digest keratin and primarily feed on dried skin, hair, and other remaining tough tissues. The presence and developmental stage of these necrophagous insects are valuable tools in forensic science for estimating the post-mortem interval.