Moths evolved long before butterflies; moth fossils have been found that may be 190 million years old.

Both types of Lepidoptera are thought to have co-evolved with flowering plants, mainly because most modern species, both as adults and larvae, feed on flowering plants.

Some moths are farmed for their economic value. The most notable of these is the silkworm, the larva of the domesticated moth Bombyx mori. It is farmed for the silk with which it builds its cocoon.

Each species has a distinctive flight period, dry or rain season, and specific flight time during the night.