Scientists at the University of Arizona and University of Washington have discovered that moths are able to enjoy a pollinator's buffet of flowers even though they are among the insect world's picky eaters because of two distinct "channels" in their brains, One olfactory channel governs innate preferences of the palm-sized hawk moths that were studied – insects capable of traveling miles in a single night in search of favored blossoms. The other allows them to learn about alternate sources of nectar when their first choices are not available.

For moths, the ability to seek and remember alternate sources of food helps them survive harsh, food-deprived conditions. Scientists knew bees could learn, but this is the first proof that moths can too.

The full report can be read at http://uanews.org/story/moths-wired-two-ways-take-advantage-floral-potluck