Hobbies And Interests

Moth Varieties

There are 13,000 described species of moths divided into about 70 families in North America, according to Bug Guide Net, a site hosted by Iowa State University's Entomology Department. Adult moths have thickened or feathery antennae unlike the slender and knobbed antennae of the butterfly. Moths are mostly nocturnal and feed on the nectar in flowers from woody or herbaceous plants, honeydew from insects, decaying fruit or tree sap. A few types don't feed at all as adults and lack mouthparts. Larvae feed on cotton or wool fabric, any part plants, decaying plant material, and some will eat other caterpillars. Their life cycle involves a complete metamorphosis from egg, larva, pupa and adult.
  1. Clearwing Moths

    • The clearwing moth is one of the more common families of moths and are distinctive for their transparent wings. They closely resemble wasps due to their yellow and black coloring. They have long feathery antennae. They are not nocturnal but rather are active during the day feeding on flower nectar. The larva are one to one and one-half inches long and have a dark brown head and a body that is white to pinkish in color.

    Tiger Moths

    • Tiger moths are common, numbering around 11,000 types. They are small- to medium-sized and are typically brightly colored. Often they sport stripes or spots, as well. They are noted for the wooly bear caterpillars. Tiger moths can be found all over the world.

    Sphinx Moths

    • This type of moth is medium- to large-sized and includes 1,100 species, which usually have much larger forewings than hindwings. They have large bodies and long antenna. Most prefer the nectar from trumpet shaped flowering plants. Sphinx moths beat their wings at a high speed and fly fast. They are frequently mistaken for hummingbirds due to their flying speeds and size. Caterpillars are most often green or red and thick.

    Tent Caterpillar Moths

    • These moths are considered a pest or nuisance due to the large silk tent structures they build in tree branches while caterpillars. They may devour all the leaves of trees used for their tents. These moths are from the family

      Lasiocampidae.

    Giant Silk Moths

    • These moths are named for their silken cocoons and include large and impressive looking caterpillars and moths alike. The world's largest butterfly, the Atlas, is a giant silk moth and found in Southeast Asia. Some are solitary feeds while others live in groups. Other types in this family include the Luna and the Polyphemus.


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