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Common Moth Species in NYC

Moths are a kind of insect that belong to the order Lepidoptera, which means "scale wing." Indeed, moths almost always have four wings that are covered in colored scales. Moths are similar to butterflies, but differ in that they fly at night and do not have clubbed (or knobby-ended) antennae. There are more than 150,000 species of moths worldwide, and more than 11,000 species have been recorded in the U.S. and Canada. Even in the urban center of New York City, moths are widespread, and can be found across the city, whether in Central Park or kitchen cupboards.

Clothes Moths
- Clothes moth larvae can destroy clothes and blankets.
  
  Moths are frequently thought of as pests due to their tendency to take up residence in closets and lay eggs on fabrics such as wool and fur. When the eggs hatch, the larvae (baby caterpillars) feed on the fabrics, leaving holes in the clothing. The most common species of clothes-feeding moth is the Tineola bisselliella, known as a disruptive nuisance despite its small size (a quarter to a half of an inch). These moths are informally known as the "webbing clothes moth" due to the silky webs larvae spin around themselves.
Pantry Moths
- Improperly stored grains are susceptible to moth infestation.
  
  Certain species of moths are disliked for their tendency to live in kitchen cabinets and destroy food products. The most common varieties of pantry-dwelling moths in New York City include Indian meal moths, Mediterranean meal moths, and Angoumois grain moths. In each case, the larvae of the moths infest household products, such as flour, grains, cereal, dog food, dried fruit and popcorn kernels.
Gypsy moths
- The larvae of Gypsy moths are destructive to New England trees.
  
  One of the most common pests in New York and surrounding areas is the Gypsy moth. This species was introduced to the U.S. by a Massachusetts farmer in the late 1800s, in the hopes of breeding with silkworms for increased silk production. Unfortunately, the moth instead became a destructive force throughout New England. The larvae of the Gypsy moth feed on trees, causing extensive defoliation. Gypsy moths are especially damaging to evergreens, which cannot regrow their leaves as quickly as deciduous trees.
Luna Moths
- The Luna moth is recognized by its pale green and pink colors.
  
  Not all moths are pests. With its pale green wings and pinkish edges, the Luna moth is considered one of the most eye-catching of North American moths. It was the first giant silk moth mentioned in colonial scientific literature. The moth was considered rare after pollution and pesticides caused the species to leave its natural habitats within the city; however, during the late 1990's, the New York City Parks Department launched an effort to reintroduce the Luna moth to New York City, beginning in Central Park.
Tracking Moths
- Moth tracking and identification can be easily done online and locally.
  
  For New York City residents or visitors, a few resources exist for tracking and identifying moths. The online database, Butterflies &Moths of North America is headed by the Big Sky Institute at Montana State University, but the project seeks to catalog all moth species found throughout North America. Locally, the American Museum of Natural History has a renowned insect collection in its Invertebrate Zoology department, as well as occasional special exhibits focused on butterflies and moths.

Insects & Science