any of numerous species of flying insects similar to butterflies: order Lepidoptera
Moths can be distinguished from butterflies by the form of their antennae, which vary in shape and are often feathery but never end in knobs as butterflies’ antennae do. Moths generally have stouter bodies and proportionately smaller wings than butterflies, are mostly duller in colour, and most species fly at night rather than during the day. Their larvae are usu plant-eating caterpillars
= clothes moth
[Old English moththe]