Dancing moth facts for kids

The dancing moth, scientifically known as Dryadaula terpsichorella, is a small moth that belongs to the Tineidae family. It earned its common name because of the special, dance-like movements it makes when it lands.

This moth is originally from islands in the south-eastern Polynesia region, including Samoa and Fiji. Over the years, it has also been discovered in Hawaii, and more recently, in Florida and California in the United States. The dancing moth was first officially described by a scientist named August Busck in 1910.

What Does the Dancing Moth Look Like?

Adult dancing moths are mostly a creamy white color. They have some light brown patterns on their wings. The very tips of their front wings have a dark, almost black, line. This dark line is outlined with a white edge on the outside.

The Larva Stage

The young dancing moths, which are called larvae, have been found living on many different plants. They often hide among dead leaves. They also live on parts of plants like banana, Costus spicatus, ferns, Pandanus, pineapple, and sugarcane.

When a larva is fully grown, it is about 9 to 10 millimeters long. That's roughly the length of a small fingernail! The larva's body is shaped like a cylinder and is very dark brown. It has two brownish spots on each side of its third and fourth body segments.

How Larvae Protect Themselves

Unlike some other caterpillars, the dancing moth larva does not spin a lot of silk to protect itself. It also does not create a full cocoon when it's time to change into a pupa. Instead, it forms a loose net of silk. This silk net is usually made on the inside of a leaf-sheath where the larva has been living.

The Pupa Stage

The pupa is the next stage after the larva. It is about 3.5 millimeters long and about 1 millimeter wide. This stage lasts for about seven to nine days. After this time, the pupa transforms into an adult dancing moth.