New Large Moth Species Uncovered in Europe Living Likely in Colder Temperatures

The latest report discovered a new species of moth in Europe. The mysterious moth is named Mirlatia arcuata, meaning 'bringing a surprise.' The unlikely discovery provided new insights into moth species.

With experts and advanced technology, unidentified species can be unearthed. Understanding species unknown to science can help protect from threats of population decline or extinction.

The population of the moth is well-documented. According to recent reports, there are about 11,000 species of European Lepidoptera, including moths.

New Large Moth Species Uncovered in Europe

(Photo : by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Butterfly and Moth Monitoring in Innervals, Austria. Researchers discovered a new large moth species in Europe named Mirlatia arcuata. The report noted that the moth is likely cold-adapted or active in winter.

Moths are considered a close relative of butterflies. They can become recognizable by their colorful wings with tiny scales. In fact, it is challenging to distinguish between a moth and a butterfly.

The species can live in different areas, including:

Marshlands
Sand dunes
Mountain tops
Farmlands

In addition, moths are important for the environment and nature. They help to supply food for many species, including birds, spiders and bats. They are crucial for pollination of flowers.

Moths are bioindicators of the environment, showing the changes in temperatures or ecosystems due to climate change. In a new research published in ZooKeys, researchers uncovered a mysterious species of moth.

The said moth species were collected in the early 1980s by Austrian entomologist, Robert Hentscholek. After many years, researcher Toni Mayr bought the collection. When they looked at the moth species, the researcher noticed that it was unfamiliar to other species.

In 2015, another female specimen of the moth was found at the Natural History Museum in Vienna. In November 2023, researchers found that it was a new species and genus of moth.

Because it was discovered in surprise, the researchers named the moth Mirlatia arcuata. In Latin words, it means bringing a surprise.

While the moth is still a mystery, the moth could be cold-adapted. However, researchers explained that they did not find the same moth species in the Southern and Northern hemispheres.

Also Read: Quokkas in Western Australia: Animals Developed Adaptive Behavior to Survive in Burned Areas

Colorful Insects Found Recently in California

In the recent NWN report, colorful white-lined sphinx moths emerged in the Bay Area and California. At the first look, it was like a hummingbird. The heavy rains could have triggered the emergence of white-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata) in the area.

Usually, the said moths can be found flying between April and November. The Hyles lineata prefers to roam around woodlands and gardens. However, climate change and rising temperatures have threatened the population of the white-lined sphinx moth.

Did you know? According to the Smithsonian, one of the popular moths is the migratory moth Hummingbird Hawkmoth, which flies from Europe's southern and northern portions.