Cryptic behavior via substrate choice in northern Michigan moths

Abstract

Our study investigated the role of crypsis in resting background selection of moths in northern Michigan. Many studies have focused on predation of moths but few recent studies have focused specifically on the anti-predation mechanism of crypsis. The purpose of our study was to identify the role of background matching and disruptive coloration of moths in a laboratory setting. We recorded whether moths chose to rest on artificial surfaces closely matching their wing color and if moths chose to rest on textured surfaces, simulated by an image of bark versus a monchromatic sheet of construction paper. Our results suggest that moths utilize background matching but they did not support the idea that moths use disruptive coloration. Future research suggestions include expanding upon background matching to observe how moths match natural substrates, investigating background matching in darker moths in comparison to lighter moths, and examining the camouflaging mechanism of masquerade, defined below.