Butterflies and Moths
Media
![A wavy-lined emerald moth resting on a glass window](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/field-guide/Wavy-Lined_Emerald_dorsal_8-27-13.jpg?itok=YlR3SOvq)
Species Types
Scientific Name
About 250 species recorded for Missouri
Description
Geometrid moths usually hold their wide wings spread flat against the surface they’re resting on. The caterpillars in this large family are twig mimics; called inchworms or loopers, they “walk” by humping their backs.
Media
![A white-lined sphinx moth sips nectar from a purple locoweed flower](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/images/2014/05/sphinx_moth_visiting_lambert_loco_weed.jpg?itok=GYUAavoF)
Species Types
Scientific Name
More than 50 species in Missouri
Description
Sphinx moths are usually large and heavy bodied, with a long, pointed abdomen. Members of this family often hover near flowers, feeding on nectar and looking like hummingbirds or bumblebees.
Media
![Forage looper moth perched on a brick wall, viewed from side](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/field-guide/Forage_Looper_Moth_side_10-18-14.jpg?itok=ZHEdr2DG)
Species Types
Scientific Name
More than 12,000 species in North America north of Mexico
Description
Learn about moths as a group. What makes a moth a moth? How are moths different from butterflies? What are the major groups of moths?
Media
![Several regal fritillaries feeding on butterfly weed](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/images/2010/05/regal_fritillary_02.jpg?itok=2BTOguXQ)
Species Types
Scientific Name
More than 700 species in North America north of Mexico
Description
Learn about butterflies and skippers as a group. What makes a butterfly a butterfly? How are they different from moths? What are the major groups of butterflies?
Media
![Photo of an eastern tiger swallowtail resting with wings spread open](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/images/2012/06/e_tiger_swallow.jpg?itok=ePcl5Xwm)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Papilio glaucus
Description
The beautiful eastern tiger swallowtail ranges across Missouri and is equally at home in forests or in city landscapes.
See Also
Media
![image of Caddisfly on leaf](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/images/2013/02/caddisfly.jpg?itok=EatuuL12)
Species Types
Scientific Name
About 1,500 species in North America north of Mexico
Description
Adult caddisflies are mothlike. Their larvae are aquatic and build portable, protective cases out of local materials, including grains of sand, bits of leaves and twigs, and other debris.
Media
![Photo of eastern dobsonfly](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/mo_nature/media/images/2012/11/eastern_dobsonfly_11-08-12.jpg?itok=n1sp17gr)
Species Types
Scientific Name
Corydalus cornutus
Description
Adult eastern dobsonflies are huge and mothlike, with large wings and a weak, fluttery flight. The fiercely predaceous aquatic larvae, called hellgrammites, are well-known to anglers, who often use them as bait.
About Butterflies and Moths in Missouri
Butterflies, skippers, and moths belong to an insect order called the Lepidoptera — the "scale-winged" insects. These living jewels have tiny, overlapping scales that cover their wings like shingles. The scales, whether muted or colorful, seem dusty if they rub off on your fingers. Many butterflies and moths are associated with particular types of food plants, which their caterpillars must eat in order to survive.