By inflating and deflating a chamber in its head called the pharynx, the death's-head hawkmoth can make a sharp, mouse-like squeaking sound. Because of this eerie effect, along with the vaguely human skull-shaped pattern on its thorax, the species has often been associated with superstitious fears.

While it's adult phase is brief, the caterpillar life cycle of the Arctic woolly bear moth (Gynaephora groenlandica) may extend up to 7 years. It undergoes an annual period of diapause that lasts for much of the calendar year, as G. groenlandica is subject to some of the longest, most extreme winters on Earth. In this dormant state, it can withstand temperatures as low as -70 °C.

A butterfly's antennae are club-shaped with a long shaft and a bulb at the end. A moth's antennae are feathery or saw-edged.

Vampire moths belong to the genus Calyptra, which contains 17 species. Only the male vampire moths suck blood. The females suck fruit juice and feed on nectar, and the larvae feed on leaves. It is hypothesized, though not proven, that males suck blood for the salt, which they then pass on to the females in their sperm as a possible benefit to the offspring.

With a wingspan of just 2.5 millimetres (0.09 inches), the Stigmella maya is about the same size as the tip of a crayon.