What happens if you touch a moth?

To defend against predators, some species of moth have spiny hairs that can easily become lodged in your skin. This is usually quite harmless, but it can provoke a reaction of red patches of bumps that looks similar to hives. These bumps may burn and sting for several minutes.

Can touching a moth hurt you?

This might give an unsuspecting person the impression that touching a moth will kill it. But is that true? Simply touching a moth will not kill it instantly nor will it permanently damage it. The dust particles you feel are tiny scales that naturally peel off the moth.