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Butterflies and Moths

 
 

Picture of a Ailanthus Webworm Moth.

Ailanthus Webworm Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
The definitive coloring and stripes on this moth make it unique among Webworm Moths. They tuck and roll their wings close to their bodies when resting, making themselves look more like a beetle. Adults are active in the daytime and can be seen fro... READ MORE

Picture of a American Lady Butterfly.

American Lady Butterfly
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This butterfly prefers sunny, open habitats like fields, canyons and meadows. They migrate south for the winter and return north in the summer, though not in large masses like its cousin, the Painted Lady. Caterpillars eat cudweeds, everlastin... READ MORE

Picture of a Black Swallowtail.

Black Swallowtail
Category: Butterfly or Moth
The black swallowtail mimics the Pipevine Swallowtail on the female with her banding spots. Most of the desert populations are yellow, while other populations are more black. They can be found in gardens, meadows, forests and other habitats. ... READ MORE

Picture of a Cabbage White Butterfly.

Cabbage White Butterfly
Category: Butterfly or Moth
The white wings of this species have charcoal gray tips and 1 (male) or 2 (female) black spots in the center of each forewing. Underwings may be yellow or light green. The green caterpillar eats cabbage and other plants related to mustard.... READ MORE

Picture of a Clouded Sulphur.

Clouded Sulphur
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This species can be seen in fields, along roads, in parks and other places with mud and/or flowers. They are very similar to Orange sulphurs in appearance. Variations in color shading is common. Caterpillars feed on clover, alfalfa and other... READ MORE

Picture of a Clymene Haploa Moth.

Clymene Haploa Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
The bold coloring of this moth distinguish it physically. Behaviorally, it departs from most other moths as well in that it is active both day and night. They are attracted to wetland areas and visit flowers. Its larvae feed on willow , Joe-py... READ MORE

Picture of a Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth.

Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
These moths get their name from their caterpillar behavior. Together, caterpillars create a tent of silk as a 'home' on the tree or shrub they are feeding off. Females lay black egg sacks on twigs, near a leaf bud and the caterpillars eat the le... READ MORE

Picture of a Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Eastern Tiger Swallowtails have a bright tiger-like striping pattern with the males showcasing a mostly-yellow coloring with black edges. The female (in black form) is seen with a similar pattern but more as a brown instead of yellow with hints o... READ MORE

Picture of a Edwards Glassy Wing Moth.

Edwards Glassy Wing Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
The wings on this moth shimmer in the light, giving it part of its name. Its pinkish red abdomen is visible when wings are spread. They are most active in autumn and caterpillars feed on oak trees.... READ MORE

Picture of a Fiery Skipper.

Fiery Skipper
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This species can be seen flying on grass (lawns), fields and forest openings. Larvae feed on grass. Though a butterfly, this small species is sometimes mistaken for a moth.... READ MORE

Picture of a Forage Looper Moth.

Forage Looper Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
As caterpillars, looper moths tend to move with a looping gait. Moths are usually seen feeding on grasses, clover and ragweed.... READ MORE

Picture of a Giant Leopard Moth.

Giant Leopard Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This white tiger moth has distinct black rings as well as black spots along its wings. They can grow to large sizes, fitting in the palm of an adult's hand. They release a yellow fluid when they are disturbed. Like most moths, they are nocturnal ... READ MORE

Picture of a Giant Swallowtail Butterfly.

Giant Swallowtail Butterfly
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This is the largest species of butterfly in North America. They can be found in gardens, at the edges of forests or citus groves. In warmer areas, many generations can exist in one year. They are active year-round, but less likely to be seen i... READ MORE

Picture of a Gray Hairstreak Butterfly.

Gray Hairstreak Butterfly
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Adults can be seen in open fields, parks, woods and gardens. It basks in the sun with its wings open, unlike other hairstreaks. Three generations are born in a year. The caterpillar feeds on the flowers of legumes and mallow plants. It can a... READ MORE

Picture of a Gulf Fritillary Butterfly.

Gulf Fritillary Butterfly
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This tropical butterfly has short hairs on its front legs, making it part of the 'brush footed' butterfly family. The caterpillar is yellow-greenish brown with orange-brown stripes. Two horns at the head and6 rows of branching spines give the app... READ MORE

Picture of a Hummingbird Moth.

Hummingbird Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Fast beating wings give it the appearance of a small hummingbird but the moth lacks the long beak. The wings are usually transparent (like a fly) which is another indicator that it is not a true bird. It drinks the nectar of many kinds of flowers.... READ MORE

Picture of a Luna Moth.

Luna Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This pale green moth can be found in hardwood forests. They are greatly attracted to lights at night. A member of the Silkmoth family, the larvae of the Luna moth spins a silky cocoon. Larvae eat birch, sweetgum, hickory and walnut trees. Cater... READ MORE

Picture of a Mimosa Yellow Sulphur.

Mimosa Yellow Sulphur
Category: Butterfly or Moth
The Mimosa Yellow closely resembles the Barred Yellow Sulphur, which lacks dark dots, as well as the Little Yellow Sulphur, which has a pair of black dots at the base of its hindwing as well as near the tip. Its range is small and it rarely stray fr... READ MORE

Picture of a Monarch Butterfly.

Monarch Butterfly
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Monarch Butterflies are a common sight throughout North America, with the exception of the extreme northern regions. Their orange and black coloring, mixed with a little white, make them instantly recognizable. Yellow and brown can also be found on t... READ MORE

Picture of a Pearl Crescent Butterfly.

Pearl Crescent Butterfly
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Adults can be seen most anywhere: fields, roadsides, forest clearings. Coloring variations within the species is not uncommon. This species is very popular and familiar in eastern North America. Larvae feed on aster plants.... READ MORE

Picture of a Pipevine Swallowtail.

Pipevine Swallowtail
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This butterfly mimics the coloring of several other butterflies, including the Spicebush and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Rusty-black caterpillars feed on pipevines like snakeroot and Dutchman's pipe. Adults can be found in a variety of habitats ... READ MORE

Picture of a Plume Moth.

Plume Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Their thin body and 'T' shape make this moth unique. Their wings have the appearance of a plume (feather) and when at rest, the moth rolls them into a rod shape. Like other moths, they are most active at night, but they can be seen near pollen so... READ MORE

Picture of a Polka Dot Wasp Moth.

Polka Dot Wasp Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Polka Dot Wasp Moths are common to tropical climates and make their North American home in the Southeastern United States, appearing year-round in locales such as Florida. Though they take on the appearance - and in some cases behavior - of a wasp... READ MORE

Picture of a Saddleback Caterpillar.

Saddleback Caterpillar
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This highly unusual caterpillar becomes a brown moth as an adult. The caterpillar stings and this can sometimes leave a rash on its human victim. They feed on grass, trees and shrubs. The summer season is its most active. ... READ MORE

Picture of a Silver-spotted Skipper.

Silver-spotted Skipper
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This ubiquitous skipper can be found in a diverse variety of habitats. They are very common in eastern North America, but are more likely to be seen in mountainous regions on the west side. The larvae are known to feed on wisteria, locusts and leg... READ MORE

Picture of a Small-eyed Sphinx Moth.

Small-eyed Sphinx Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
A member of the Hawk Moth family, the size of this species is startling. Females can average 3" while males are usually smaller. The orange stripe on its back is akin to a mohawk. The green caterpillar feeds on cherries, hawthorn, serviceberrie... READ MORE

Picture of a Snowberry Clearwing Moth.

Snowberry Clearwing Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Though this species looks like a bee, it does not land on flowers as bees do. Instead, it hovers in front of the flower to collect its nectar.... READ MORE

Picture of a Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly.

Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This spcecies of butterfly can be found in gardens and at the edges of forests. Its coloration resembles that of the Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly. Larvae feed on spicebush, sassafras and bay plants. The green caterpillar has a humpback wit... READ MORE

Picture of a Tersa Sphinx Moth.

Tersa Sphinx Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
The large, stiff wings of this moth may give it the appearance of a small bird. Their size and projection at the tip of their abdomen may be intimidating but the are quite harmless. Adults feed on pollen, though some species of Sphinx moth also ... READ MORE

Picture of a Tobacco Hornworm Moth.

Tobacco Hornworm Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
The name of this moth likely comes from its appearance as a caterpillar. The green body has black and white diagonal stripes running along its back with an eyespot at the end of each stripe. At the tip of the caterpillar is a reddish-brown horn-lik... READ MORE

Picture of a Walnut Sphinx Moth.

Walnut Sphinx Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Native to deciduous woodlands, Walnut Sphinx Moths are highly common throughout Missouri with limited appearances in certain portions of other states east of the Rocky Mountains. Colors of the Walnut Sphinx Moth differ from sample to sample so thi... READ MORE

Picture of a Wasp Moth.

Wasp Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This moth mimics the coloring of a wasp as a measure of protection. Predators are less likely to attack if they believe they could be hurt. Caterpillars can do substantial damage to orchard trees as they bore into the wood Adults feed on poll... READ MORE

Picture of a White-lined Sphinx Moth.

White-lined Sphinx Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Sphinx moths are larger than most moths. This species is active during the day and at night. They are attracted to lights and many of them may congregate together at a light source. It hovers over flowers, like a bird and can be found in a variet... READ MORE

Picture of a Zebra Butterfly.

Zebra Butterfly
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This beautiful butterfly is a common site throughout most of the Gulf States, only rarely appearing the other states mentioned below. It is highly identifiable by the yellow on black coloring when fully formed, while the caterpillar is a gray or whit... READ MORE

 
BugFinder - Search Insects by Color and State
BugFinder allows for a quick search of our database of insects. Simply select a primary color, a secondary color and the state in question. Hardly scientific but if it's in our database, this can help you find what you're looking for. Dominant Color:
Secondary Color:
State:
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