Adult moth antennae can be feather-like, threadlike, or bristlelike Adult Males and Females Adult females are often larger than males. Male moths usually have very elaborate antennae. Coloration may be different between the sexes. After hatching from the egg, larvae go through a series of molts as they grow. During each molt, the old skin is cast off and a new, larger one is produced.
Larval life is divided into instars, separated by molts.
Larvae may be covered with hairs or protuberances. All of the larval body is soft except for the head and the claws. Three pair of short, jointed legs with a single claw at the tip are located on the three thoracic segments immediately behind the head. Most larvae of butterflies and moths eat plants. Many species are very selective about what they will eat and may feed on only one species of plant in their lifetime.