Content tagged with "Butterflies and Moths"

Giant Swallowtail

Papilio cresphontes

This swallowtail is the largest butterfly in our state. In Florida, the larvae are a pest in citrus orchards, but here in Missouri, they feed primarily on prickly ash and hop tree, plants provided by nature.

Goatweed Leafwing

Anaea andria

This butterfly mimics a dry, dead leaf, but seen from above, it is bright rusty orange once it spreads its wings.

Gray Hairstreak

Strymon melinus

This small gray butterfly is widespread throughout the United States. In Missouri, there are three or more broods each year.

Great Spangled Fritillary

Speyeria cybele

This glorious butterfly is common and easily recognized. It frequently flies in city yards and gardens seeking flowers.

Gypsy Moth

Lymantria dispar

Accidentally introduced to the eastern United States from Europe, this species has been responsible for millions of dollars in damages to forests. You can help specialists to protect our forests by learning how to recognize the gypsy moth and its larvae and reporting any occurrences you find.

Hackberry Emperor

Asterocampa celtis

This butterfly eats hackberry leaves as a caterpillar. The adults commonly alight on people to absorb sodium from sweat.

Horace’s Duskywing

Erynnis horatius

Look for this common Missouri skipper at flowers and mud puddles, in forests and along roadsides.

Io Moth

Automeris io

The wings of males are usually yellow; those of females reddish-brown. When prodded, this moth parts its forewings to reveal hindwings with huge eyespots.