By the time you read this it will probably be too late. The only thing I can think of is dirt and water.

awwww, that's so kind. I'm not really sure, but wait a little for it to dry completely. If it didn't lose to many, it should fly off in a little bit. I hope he'll make it! :D

Butterflies cannot fly again once the powdery substance is removed from their wings I think it's the same with moths.

This is a very interesting question to me, because I had never given it any thought, although I love Butterflies, and even have enjoyed some Moths, (as long as they are not feeding on my clothes!) So, since I felt disapointed at the thought that they might be grounded by the loss of their "powdery substance" I decided to spend a little time researching it...Dang...Interesting stuff! http://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/10/science/q-a-powdery-moths.html ''These are scales, actually modified sensory structures called setae, or 'hairs,' which all moths and butterflies have,'' said Dr. Randall Schuh, chairman of the department of entomology at the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. All insects are covered with setae, which have a variety of functions that are not easy to study, he said. The ones on the wings of moths and butterflies have been modified over the course of evolution into a scalelike shape and may have a powdery appearance when they are rubbed off. On the wings, they may still respond to mechanical or chemical stimulation, Dr. Schuh said, and they form colorful patterns of display or dull, neutral ones of camouflage. Some butterflies and moths have what are called androconial scales, which are modified for the dispersal of sexual attractant chemicals, or pheromones, he said. Moths and butterflies do not need the scales to fly, Dr. Schuh said. ''An older, beaten-up specimen, like a monarch butterfly, which lives quite a long time, may have flown to Mexico for the winter and can look awful by the time it makes it back, but it can still fly and reproduce,'' he said." Of course, I need to know WHO Dr. Randall Schuh IS and upon what HIS ideas are based upon....so here is a bit about him...if you want to know as well... http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/explorations/bug/pdfs/Introduction_bug.pdf I'm willing to accept that the good doctor knows his BUGS! Unfortunately, I'm not seeing where this will help your moth...I suspect that the butter with it's natural oiliness may have put a permanent cramp in this Moth's future....I'm at a loss as to how one could safely clean butter off of a moth or butterfly...

I'm sorry to say that unless you've invented a tiny jet pack the moths gonna be grounded from here on.

they are not real arnsers! right listen! keep the moth in a carbored box within 2-3 feet, puncher holes in th top collest greenery and put it in the box try and make as real listic as you can at night but a little light in there cause a oth can see a light from 4 miles in the day time but thte moth on the floor the put light on other side the moth always fools for it it loves light so it will just try any way to get on it. if it ddoes not work take it outdside and leave it in a shed or some sort if it dies its naturel WARNING!!! (if stays in box make sure thet u get fresh greenery every day)