Large moths in small spaces.

[Eric or Pat Metzler]

Leo,

Two quick unscientific answers to your question. 

First of all, they are quite small regardless of their appearance.  They
are covered with lots of scales that can make them look larger than life
-- kinda like cat with it's hair standing on end.  If you take the hair
off a cat, it is much smaller than appearance, so just a cat can squeeze
through small openings, so can these moths.

Also, the moths are 'flat' in proportion to their appearance.  Not very
scientific here, but they can go through very narrow cracks.

A number of moths seek hiding places and/or shelter in cracks and
crevices.  They naturally crawl into very tight places -- whether under
bark of trees or around tight places in buildings.

In the mid-west we have what we call 'cabin moths,'  Ufeus spp.  They
can be found under roof shingles of buildings.  They go in lots of other
cracks and crevices as well.  Not too many people tear the shingles off
their buildings looking for these critters, but when removing shingles
in the winter -there they are.

I'm sure others will offer more, but this should get you started
thinking.  Now, where did these moths go before houses and cabins?

Cheers,

Eric Metzler
Columbus OH

Leo Karl wrote:
> 
> I am curious about how large moths apparently manage to get through
> small spaces.
> 
> I live in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado where each summer we
> are visited by a multitude of moths locally known as "Millers".  Don't
> know whether they migrate in, or they are born here, and that would be
> another interesting question.
> 
> Of great interest to me -- and of great unhappiness to many others -- is
> this moth's apparent ability to either fly through building materials
> such as wood, and glass, or Houdini like, to squeeze themselves through
> spaces considerably smaller than themselves.
> 
> I have done a lot of experimentation in my home by carefully closing off
> all 'known' entry sources, yet this creature, much larger that many
> other smaller insects who can't find a way in, manage to come in almost
> at will.
> 
> Is there any reason to think that they have particular abilities to
> enter places where other insects are prohibited?
> 
> I would appreciate any thoughts.
> 
> Leo