Vertex Animation with Modo?

I want to create an animated moth particle system. I want the wings to flutter.

From what I’ve been able to glean online, it seems vertex animations are the best way to go (or only way within particle systems). Problem is, I’m using MODO as my modeling/animation program.

Is there anyway to create vertex animations with maya or 3dsmax?

If not, is there another method I could use to animate a moth that could be used as a particle?

Thanks!