Pop Quiz

1. Despite all those scary headlines, it now appears this maynot be a big miller moth season. Why? A Colorado State University entomologist summed it up with this:

A. "Pesticides, pesticides and more pesticides."

B. "A major attack squadron of red-wing blackbirds took them out."

C. "There weren't as many caterpillars as we thought."

D. "Darned if we know."

2. Before they become pesky moths, millers are marching, munching menaces. At this stage, they're called:

A. Army cutworms.

B. Marine drillers.

C. Airborne ants.

D. Ground guerrillas.

3. Moths that have just climbed out of the pupa often leave behind a reddish-brown fluid. Yum! It's called:

A. Moth shit.

B. Crudolea.

C. Meconia.

D. Gunk.

4. Why are these pests known as miller moths?

A. They grind their food, like millers.

B. Their wings have scales that rub off, creating a flour-like effect similar to the dust on a miller's clothes.

C. Bug pioneer Antonio Marquez Miller first identified the flying pests in 1607, and they were originally know as "Miller's moths."

D. Their flight patterns make it seem like they're "milling" around aimlessly.

5. All but one of these is a good way to de-moth your house. Which one doesn't spell curtains for a miller?

A. Swatting.

B. Vacuuming.

C. A bucket of soapy water beneath a light bulb.

D. Insecticides.

6. Pop Quiz pop-culture bonus: The mighty character Mothra, who debuted in 1961, has all but which of these powers? (And don't think the millers weren't watching...)

A. Can block Godzilla's radioactive breath.

B. Can drop meconia bombs.

C. Can emit rays from its antennae.

D. Can give off toxic yellow dust.

ANSWERS:

1. C. "There weren't as many caterpillars," says the expert, blaming the early estimates of a mighty moth season on a high number of concentrated sightings in small towns where moths laid eggs because fields were too dry.

2. A. Army cutworms. And they're ready to invade at a moment's notice.

3. C. The stored waste is known as meconia -- although several informal names will do as well.

4. B. The fine scales are the reason the moths are dusty. Antonio Miller is believed to have discovered the ant.

5. D. The moth doesn't take a hit from insecticides, experts say. A broom, on the other hand...

6. B. No meconia bombs -- although come to think of it...