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Butterflies and Moths (Order Lepidoptera)

Wavy-lined Emerald Moth

Size: Wingspan 0.5–0.65 inch

ID Tips: Wings green with fine scalloped, white lines

Range: Throughout the United States and southern Canada

This small moth is widespread and quite common across much of the United States and southern Canada. The delicate-looking adults are named for their uniform green coloration and fine white irregular lines. Like other geometer moths, the wavy-lined emerald holds its wings outstretched while at rest. They are commonly found at artificial lights where they are easy to photograph or closely inspect. The bizarre caterpillars are masters of disguise. Also called camouflaged loopers, they attach pieces of vegetation to their bodies; this helps them expertly blend in with the surrounding flowers on which they feed. Close inspection is needed to separate these tiny beasts from the blossoms.

Believe It or Not: The adorned larvae also occasionally sway back and forth, as if they were leaves gently blown by the wind. The resulting behavior helps to reinforce the nearly perfect deception.

The Beggar

Size: Wingspan 0.75–1.1 inches

ID Tips: Wings pale yellow with irregular dark spots; forewings rounded

Range: The eastern United States

This delicate moth has noticeably rounded wings and a somewhat weak, awkward flight. Overall, its appearance is quite unique and unlikely to be confused with any other moth. It is common in and near deciduous forests across eastern North America. Adults are regularly attracted to artificial lights at night. Unlike many other geometer moths, the beggar rests with its forewings held over the hind wings, forming the silhouette of an inverted heart. Few details are known about the moth’s ecology or behavior. While the larvae are reported to feed on violets and possibly maples, it is likely that it has many other hosts.

Believe It or Not: While the exact origin is not known, the moth’s odd name was possibly inspired by its irregular dark spots, which give the wings the appearance of tattered or hole-filled clothes.

Pale Beauty

Size: Wingspan 1.1–2.0 inches

ID Tips: Wings pale green with two dark-outlined pale stripes; hind wings with irregular borders and a stubby tail

Range: The northern two-thirds of the United States and all of Canada

Appropriately named, this small geometer moth has delicate wings that are pale green to almost whitish, and it holds its wings open while at rest. Common throughout much of the northern two-thirds of the United States and all of Canada, the adults are regularly attracted to artificial lights at night. It is a moth of forested habitats and adjacent open, shrubby habitats, although it can be regularly encountered in wooded subdivisions and urban parks. The elongated brown larvae feed on a wide array of trees and shrubs—from evergreens to broadleaved deciduous trees. Partially grown larvae overwinter. The pale beauty produces a single generation in northern latitudes and two farther south.

Believe It or Not: Unlike other geometer moth larvae, those of the pale beauty have unusual short hairs on the lower part of their bodies. This moplike fringe potentially helps aid in their defense, perhaps by breaking up the caterpillar’s silhouette.

Rosy Maple Moth

Size: Wingspan 1.2–2.0 inches

ID Tips: Fuzzy yellow body with bright pink-and-yellow wings

Range: The eastern United States

The flamboyantly colored rosy maple moth is unmistakable. Generally common in deciduous forests across much of the eastern United States, the amount of pink on its wings is actually quite variable, with some individuals being more yellow. There is also an all-pale yellow or white form with little or no pink markings. The adults are strongly attracted to artificial lights and rest with their wings folded over their back in a triangular tentlike fashion. If touched, the adults typically fall to the ground, curl their abdomen, and play dead temporarily. Male moths tend to be smaller and have narrower, more pointed forewings compared to females. As their name suggests, the larvae primarily feed on maple trees and are gregarious when young.

Believe It or Not: Despite its gaudy coloration common to many unpalatable species, the rosy maple moth is apparently not toxic to predators. Some biologists have speculated that the moths mimic the showy winged maple tree seeds that are surprisingly similar in appearance.

Underwing Moth

Size:Variable; wingspan 1.5–3.0 inches

ID Tips: Variable; forewings typically dark with barklike pattern and hind wings with colorful bands

Range: Throughout the United States

This is a highly distinctive and diverse group of moths with more than 100 species found in North America. Adults have stout bodies and dark, dull-colored forewings with mottled or barklike patterns that they hold over their back while at rest. As a result, they are highly camouflaged when sitting on tree trunks, a common location to find them during daylight hours. However, when disturbed, underwing moths quickly spread their wings to reveal much brighter hind wings below before flying off to a nearby tree. Colored with bands of red, pink, yellow, orange, and even white, this hind wing pattern, coupled with their rapid wing motion, may help to startle interested predators. The showy nature of this group has made them popular with collectors and naturalists alike. Active at night, underwing moths are commonly attracted to artificial lights or may readily be drawn to sugar baits.

Believe It or Not: Underwing moths have simple ears that enable them to hear the ultrasound of a night-hunting bat. This early detection helps them avoid capture; to do so, they either move away from the approaching bat or fly erratically.

Giant Leopard Moth

Size: Wingspan 2.5–3.5 inches

ID Tips: Large; elongated white forewings with a mix of solid black and hollow black spots

Range: The eastern United States

With its bold white-and-black pattern, there is absolutely no mistaking this striking insect. The sizable giant leopard moths are common at artificial lights. If disturbed, they often drop to the ground and temporarily play dead. When doing so, they curl up their plump abdomens to reveal a bold-orange-and-iridescent-blue pattern, likely serving to scare off potential predators. If further molested, the moth secretes acrid yellow droplets from glands in its thorax. The large larvae are deep black with bright red rings on their bodies. They have a broad host range, feeding on a wide assortment of different plants and may readily move from one species to another. Fully grown larvae may reach three inches in length and are often spotted wandering along the ground in fall as they search for a protected site in which to overwinter.

Believe It or Not: Aptly named, the giant leopard moth is the largest tiger moth found in eastern North America.

Garden Tiger Moth

Size: Wingspan 1.75–2.7 inches

ID Tips: Forewings are brown with intricate white pattern; hind wings are orange with black spots; thorax brown; abdomen orange with black bands

Range: The northern half of the United States and into southern Canada

This is a wildly attractive moth of woodlands and adjacent open or shrubby areas, including gardens and yards. Due to its large size and elaborate color pattern, the garden tiger moth is a favorite among collectors and naturalists alike. It is found across southern Canada and the northern half of the United States. It also occurs throughout Eurasia. The distinctive hairy black larvae have a reddish brown coloring on the lower half and are commonly referred to as wooly bears, along with caterpillars of several other species. Its name alludes to the fact that the moth and its fuzzy caterpillars were common sights in European gardens. Active during the summer, the mature larvae are often seen wandering along the ground in fall where they seek protective sites in which to overwinter. The distinctive adult moths are attracted to artificial lights at night.

Believe It or Not: Unfortunately, this lovely moth has become a victim of climate change in many regions. Adapted to cold temperatures, the larvae have a challenge surviving mild, wet winters with little snowpack.

Io Moth

Size: Wingspan 2.0–3.0 inches

ID Tips: Mottled yellow to reddish-brown; a large eyespot on each hind wing

Range: From the Great Plains east

Colorful and distinctive, this medium-size moth is hard to mistake due to its large, target-shaped hind wing eyespots. When at rest, Io moths hold their heavily patterned and barklike forewings closed, concealing these prominent markings. If disturbed, however, they quickly fling their wings open to expose these realistic false eyes. This defensive maneuver may help to startle predators or at least deflect their attack away from the insect’s vulnerable body. Io moth larvae are equally interesting. They are gregarious and feed together in small clusters throughout the majority of their development. Full-grown larvae are bright green with a bold red-and-black stripe on the side. The larvae are covered in short, branched venomous spines. Be careful!If touched, they immediately generate a painful burning and itching sensation. While seldom more than just a nuisance, the pain and sensitivity in the affected area can last for several hours.

Believe It or Not: The Io moth is one of several caterpillars that have urticating “stinging” spines; most caterpillars that can sting produce moths.

Promethea Silkmoth

Size: Wingspan 2.8–3.7 inches

ID Tips: Large; wings black with light brown borders in males; wings two-toned in pink-brown with dark bases and a pale, wavy central stripe

Range: The eastern United States

The promethea silkmoth is arguably one of the most attractive large moths in eastern North America. Unlike most other giant silkworm moths, it is sexually dimorphic: males and females look radically different. Females are nocturnal and periodically come to artificial lights. However, mating does not occur at night. Instead, females begin releasing pheromones in the late afternoon. These volatile chemicals can travel long distances, and males are able to pick up the scent from many miles away. After a short amount of time, one or more blackish-colored males begin to fly in and locate the receptive female. Because of their large size and daytime activity, the large dark males are often mistaken for butterflies. Once mating is complete, females begin to lay their small whitish eggs in clusters on host leaves. The larvae feed on a broad range of trees, including wild cherry. The robust adult moths do not feed but instead rely on the fat reserves built up during the larvae stage.

Believe It or Not: Male promethean silkmoths mimic the toxic pipevine swallowtail for protection from predators.

Pandora Sphinx Moth

Size: Wingspan 3.0–4.5 inches

ID Tips: Elongated olive-green wings with pink streaks and darker patches

Range: The eastern United States

With velvety green wings and pinkish hues, the Pandora sphinx is a large and extremely spectacular moth. Generally common throughout much of the eastern United States, it is associated with mixed-deciduous forest but can be found in more suburban locations as well. The adults are most often encountered at dusk or dawn as they adeptly maneuver from blossom to blossom, almost like crepuscular hummingbirds. They have a long proboscis and can sip nectar from many long-tubed flowers, such as petunias or morning glories. The distinctive larvae are plump and chocolate brown with large, white circular spots along their bodies. They feed on the leaves of wild grape and Virginia creeper. When fully mature, they crawl down to the ground and pupate in the soil. One generation is produced in the north, and up to two occur in more southern locations.

Believe It or Not: Like many other moths, female Pandora sphinx release pheromones to attract males. They rest on vegetation while the interested males navigate to them.

Imperial Moth

Size: Wingspan 3.5–6.8 inches

ID Tips: Large; somewhat elongated yellow wings with a varying degree of purplish-brown markings

Range: The eastern United States

With females often having a wingspan of more than six inches, this impressive insect is one of the largest moths in North America. Its elongated yellow wings have varying amounts of purplish-brown markings and tend to resemble fallen leaves. This wing pattern likely provides effective camouflage, helping moths resting during the daytime blend unnoticed into the background vegetation. While adults are often attracted to artificial lights, males are more frequently encountered than females. The stout larvae may be either green or brown and are covered with fine hairs and have four short knobby horns behind the head. They feed on a wide range of trees, including oak, pine, maple, and hickory. When fully grown—and approaching some five inches in length—the larvae crawl down and wander extensively. Once a suitable location is found, they burrow into the soil and pupate underground.

Believe It or Not: The sizable caterpillars produce extensive amounts of large, barrel-shaped fecal pellets called frass. These conspicuous droppings can often be spotted on the ground beneath an occupied tree.

Luna Moth

Size: Wingspan 4.0–4.5 inches

ID Tips: Large moth, light green wings with long hind wing tails and a furry white body

Range: The eastern United States

Truly a showstopper, the beautiful pale green luna moth is named for its round moonlike eyespots. Common in forested areas across eastern North America, the nocturnal adults are frequently encountered at artificial lights. The characteristic long, curved hind wing tails are more than just ornamentation. They actually help protect the moths from being eaten. As the moths fly, their tails flutter, producing an acoustic signal that confuses bats, common predators of night-flying insects. The resulting signal causes the bats to target the long tails, leaving the Luna moth’s body unharmed. The chubby, bright-green caterpillars feed on a variety of hardwood trees, including walnut, hickory, persimmon, and sweetgum. When mature, they spin papery silken cocoons among growing leaves, which both eventually fall to the ground in autumn.

Believe It or Not: Adult Luna moths do not feed. Instead, they live off the food reserves acquired as caterpillars. The same is true for other giant silk moths.

Polyphemus Moth

Size: Wingspan 4.0–5.8 inches

ID Tips: Large; tan to reddish-brown wings with prominent hind wing eyespots

Range: Throughout the United States

This impressive insect is one of the largest and most widely distributed giant silkworm moths in North America. It may also be one of the most distinctive. No other large brown moth has the conspicuous yellow-centered black hind wing eyespots. Common in deciduous forests, it has adapted well to more urban settings, including wooded suburban neighborhoods, parks, and even parking lots that support its host trees. The adults are frequently attracted to artificial lights. Females are generally larger than males and have plump, round bodies and narrow antennae. Males have broad, fernlike antennae and tapered abdomens. The chubby, bright-green caterpillars feed solitarily on a wide variety of broadleaf trees, including oak, elm, birch, and dogwood, and may reach nearly three inches long when fully grown. The pale oval cocoons are about the size of a chicken egg. They are attached to branches with silk and frequently hang downward where they can be quite easy to spot on a leafless tree in winter.

Believe It or Not: Woodpeckers and even hungry squirrels often predate the robust brown pupae inside the egg-size cocoons.