Field Guide

Butterflies and Moths

Showing 11 - 20 of 131 results
Photo of a Luna Moth
Luna Moth
Actias luna
The luna moth’s distinctive lime-green color and long tails distinguish it from all other North American moths.
Tussock moth resting on a wooden board
Tussock Moths
About 30 species in subfamily Lymantriinae (formerly a family) in North America
Tussock moths are named for the hairy caterpillars, which typically have distinct clumps of longer hairs. Adults do not eat, but the larvae of many species are serious pests.
Photo of an Orange Wing moth
Orange Wing
Mellilla xanthometata
The orange wing moth’s bright orange hindwings identify it, even in flight. It’s abundant in all regions of Missouri.
image of a Dagger Moth
Noctuid Moths
More than 2,500 species in North America north of Mexico
One of the largest families of moths, noctuids used to be an even larger group. Many are tan or gray and resemble tree bark. Some are serious crop pests.
Photo of a beautiful wood-nymph
Beautiful Wood-Nymph
Eudryas grata
The beautiful wood-nymph moth rests with its white and brown forewings folded like a roof over its hindwings. At rest, it resembles a bird dropping.
Adult salt marsh moth resting on a vertical plant stem
Tiger and Lichen Moths
Subfamily Arctiinae (formerly a family)
Tiger and lichen moths, and their close relatives, often have bold patterns of black or white, plus yellow, orange, or red. Arctiid caterpillars are usually hairy, and some have stinging hairs.
image of a Black-Waved Flannel Moth resting on a leaf
Flannel Moths
Eleven species in North America north of Mexico
The flannel moths are a small family, and only three species are usually found in Missouri. Adults are stout and very hairy and fluffy looking. Caterpillars have thick hair containing stinging spines.
Photo of a male Io Moth
Io Moth
Automeris io
The wings of male Io moths are usually yellow; those of females are reddish brown. When prodded, this moth parts its forewings to reveal hindwings with huge eyespots.
Image of a Black-Bordered Lemon Moth
Black-Bordered Lemon Moth
Marimatha nigrofimbria
The black-bordered lemon moth moth has lustrous yellow forewings with a black edge. It is one of the many noctuid, or owlet moths.
Photo of a Yellow-Collared Scape Moth
Yellow-Collared Scape Moth
Cisseps fulvicollis
The yellow-collared scape moth is more often “orange-collared.” And whether you think it looks more like a firefly or a wasp, it’s still a moth!
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.