Moth lifespans vary widely depending on species, environmental conditions, and life stage.
General Lifespan Range
- Most adult moths live from a few days to a few weeks, with many living about 30 to 45 days on average
- Some common household moths, like the Common Brown House Moth, live 1 to 4 months as adults, while Clothes Moths typically live about 30 days as adults but spend much longer in the larval stage
- The total life cycle from egg to adult death can range from 2 to 6 months for common pest moths
Longer-Lived Species
- The Arctic Wooly Bear Moth (Gynaephora groenlandica) can live up to 7 years due to a very slow development cycle adapted to harsh climates
- Some moths that hibernate overwinter can live several months, even up to 8-9 months in rare cases if they survive through winter
Life Stage Details
- Many moths spend the majority of their lifespan as larvae, feeding and growing, sometimes for months.
- Adult moths of some species do not feed and live only long enough to mate and lay eggs, often just 10 days or so
- Moths that feed as adults on nectar or other liquids may live a few days longer, but without food, they survive only 1-2 days as adults
Environmental Influence
- Warmer climates and favorable conditions can accelerate development and extend adult lifespan.
- Cold temperatures generally shorten moth lifespans, with moths dying faster in extreme cold
In summary, moth lifespans are highly variable: from about a week or two as adults for many species, up to several months for common household moths, and even several years for some Arctic species. The larval stage often constitutes the longest portion of their life
