Field Guide

Butterflies and Moths

Showing 31 - 40 of 54 results
Photo of a sod webworm moth on a screen window with wings curled around abdomen
Sod Webworm
Pediasia trisecta
Sod webworms are very common small moths that develop as caterpillars among the roots and leaves of grasses. They are attracted to lights at night.
Faint-spotted palthis moth resting on part of an aluminum screen door
Litter Moths
Subfamily Herminiinae
Litter moths are a subfamily of rather nondescript brownish moths, often with intricate patterns that camouflage them as they rest on tree bark or among leaves on the forest floor.
Lettered sphinx moth resting on a window screen
Lettered Sphinx
Deidamia inscriptum
The lettered sphinx is the earliest of our sphinx moths to emerge in springtime and may be seen starting in March and April. This single-brooded resident uses wild grapes, Virginia creeper, and peppervine as its caterpillar food plants.
Hagan's sphinx moth resting on the side of a house
Hagen's Sphinx (Osage Orange Sphinx)
Ceratomia hageni
Hagen's sphinx is also called Osage orange sphinx for its larval food plant. Fresh adults will have a beautiful olive-green cast, while older individuals will look more tan.
Bent-line carpet moth resting on a concrete surface
Bent-Line Carpet
Costaconvexa centrostrigaria (formerly Orthonama centrostrigaria)
The bent-line carpet and several similar geometrid moths are called carpet moths for their intricate wing patterns, reminiscent of the traditional carpets of Asia and the Middle East.
Three-lined flower moth resting on a window screen
Three-Lined Flower Moth
Schinia trifascia
The three-lined flower moth is a common noctuid moth. Its caterpillars eat flowers and flower buds of false bonesets, Joe-Pye weeds, thoroughworts, and blazing stars.
Forage looper moth perched on a brick wall, viewed from side
Moths
More than 12,000 species in North America north of Mexico
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?
Juvenal's duskywing resting on the ground
Juvenal's Duskywing
Erynnis juvenalis
Juvenal’s duskywing is a spread-wing skipper that closely resembles Horace’s duskywing. Unlike Horace’s, it flies only in springtime and has two small telltale pale spots on the hindwing underside.
Photo of an unidentified grass skipper
Skippers
About 275 species in North America north of Mexico
At first glance, skippers look halfway between butterflies and moths. They are commonly seen darting among the flowers they visit on hot summer days.
Several regal fritillaries feeding on butterfly weed
Butterflies and Skippers
More than 700 species in North America north of Mexico
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?
See Also
image of Caddisfly on leaf
Caddisflies
About 1,500 species in North America north of Mexico
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.
Photo of eastern dobsonfly
Eastern Dobsonfly
Corydalus cornutus
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.