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How to Identify a Moth in Illinois

Moths belong to the Lepidoptera order, the same insect order as butterflies. According to the Mississippi Entomological Museum, 11,000 to 11,400 species of moths exist in eastern North America. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources notes that 1,850 moth species may be found in Illinois.

Things You'll Need

Porch light
Notebook
Pen or pencil
Colored pencils or markers
Camera with flash
Moth identification field guide, such as "Field Guide to the Silkmoths of Illinois" by Bouseman and Sternburg or "A Field Guide to the Moths of Eastern North America" by Covell

Instructions

How To Identify a Moth in Illinois
- 1
  Turn on the porch light at dusk. Then check the porch light and nearby walls, windows, foliage and screens for moths.
- 2
  Write down the location of the moth, the time it was found, the weather conditions, its approximate size, distinctive coloration and markings, how it held its wings when at rest, distinguishing features of the antennae and any other observations about the moth you noticed.
- 3
  Take a photo or sketch a picture of the moth.
- 4
  Compare your photo or sketch and observations to pictures and descriptions in your moth identification field guide.

Insects & Science