Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of illness and child abuse.

Moths have both a functional and metaphorical purpose within the narrative. The Noctisoma that Lilia and Devryck study often infect a species of moth specific to the island of Dracadia, and these moths are used in the research conducted by them and the rest of the parasitology class. Lilia imagines a romantic connection between two moths in particular, who breed when the Noctisoma toxin within them increases their hormonal responses, as she projects her growing bond with Devryck onto the moths. Lilia and Devryck are united in their ambitions, with the Noctisoma being central to their life’s purpose, so the moths are crucial to them both.

Moths are also very delicate and, despite their fragility, drawn to flames. This results in Devryck’s nickname for Lilia, “Curious Moth” or just “Moth,” as she incessantly tries to unearth the truth behind Dracadia’s conspiracies. He first says this to her when he finds her curiosity endearing yet dangerous and informs her that she may be putting herself in danger. The name reappears several times, though, including when Devryck jokes that he “thought it was the moth who would succumb to the fire” (455).