Wing Patterns: Some moths can be identified by dramatic or unique patterns on their wings, examples are Brimstone and Bird's Wing moths. This, actually, can be a bit of a trap because the pattern is caused by the way the scales have been laid, a bit like a Terrazzo floor mozaic. The colour is created by colour and reflective characteristics of the individual overlapping scales. As the scales can become detached fairly easily, with age the pattern and general colour of a moth can fade and almost disappear.