Tussock moths in the genus Orgyia are small moths that are best-known because of their attractive larvae. Adults are usually quite hairy and generally have subdued colors in shades of brown, gray, or white. The antennae are comblike (bipectinate). Females frequently are larger than males, flightless, and may have the wings reduced or absent. As with the hairs on the caterpillars, the hair tufts on the end of the adult female’s abdomen may be skin irritating if touched.
Adult, Black-Bordered Lemon Moths are yellow, and their wings have a black edge. There are no other lines present. There usually are two dark dots on each forewing. The forewings are often bright yellow with a lustrous or glossy look. The hindwings tend to be more muted. Larvae will be found where their host plants…
The Elegant Grass-Veneer is a moth of the family Crambidae. It is found from Ontario, Quebec and Maine to Florida. The wingspan of this moth is 12–15 mm. Adults are on wing from June to August in the north and from March to October in the south. There is one generation per year in the…
Adults Common Grays can be found across North America, though they do not venture into colder, arctic air. They are common in that they are ubiquitous, but also in that they look like many other moths in its family. Overall gray, the Common Gray has a fine pattern of black lines and white hues. Careful…
The Broad-Banded Eulogia is found in most of North America. Its wingspan is 11-15 mm. The inner half and subterminal area of the forewings is reddish brown or copper colored. The hindwings are smokey gray. Adults are on wing in June and July. View a full list of moths.
Painted Lichen Moths are orange and black, a classic warning color combination for would-be predators. They somewhat resemble Lightening Bugs, which are also toxic to eat. Painted Lichen Moths have the unusual ability to hear. They have hearing organs on their thorax and can make sounds themselves. This may be useful in both communicating for…
The American Idia moth is a litter moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1854. It is commonly found in moist forests in North America, ranging from southern Canada to Florida and Texas. It is nocturnal and can be lured by sugar baits and light traps. The wingspan…