I think maybe Jop means that their wings and bodies shed 'dust' if touched?..
... Butterflies and moths are covered in tiny (but
very beautiful) scales and hairs which give them their colour. These scales gradually wear off during their lifespan, or on your finger if touched. Unfortunately, to many people, their only experience of moths seems to be when they squash a small one against a wall in their house (leaving a smudge of "dust"), thinking they will eat holes in their clothes.
PS: I hope you get over your mild phobia of these wonderful insects Jop. They will not hurt you and are extremely beautiful creatures if you look at them with a more considered (and less "panicy"
)eye.
Enjoy
!
Trev
