Identifying moths canada. Then click on any search button. Lepidopteraevery caterpillar species have specific plants they like to feed on called the host plant so knowing the name of the host plant that the caterpillar is on can often help with identifying the critter. We depend on donations to keep butterflies and moths of north america online and freely available. The micromoths are 90 little wee guys there are a couple of larger species that are classified in with them and taxonomically make up the first half of a field guide.
Several species ranging across the us and into canada and mexico. One key distinguishing feature of moths when compared to butterflies is their vertical positioning of their wings most species. If uncertain skip character or select several states. 2020 i have seen 250 300 of this distinctive moth in the last 3 weeks.
Luna moth larvae feed on plant leaves including hickory walnut sweet gum persimmon birch american beech red maple white oak black cherry willow american chestnut and smooth sumac trees. Navigate with above index or scroll bar. Can be very painful especially if you come into contact with a group of the caterpillars. Adults live near their breeding sites as developing moths need a consistent food source to grow and mature.
Species that feed on stored food products are commonly found in food processing and handling facilities as well as in homes. If everyone who uses this resource gives a small amount we could cover our ongoing costs develop new features and upgrade the system. If you know which moth you would like more information on use our a to z of moths. Found on wall by patio light.
Once youve narrowed your moth down to a particular family or group its much easier to then use the colours or pattern to make an identification. A caterpillar or larva is the stage between the egg and the adult during the life cycle of a butterfly or moth from the insect family. Like butterflies moths carry two pairs of wings known as forewing and hindwing and their antennae are almost threadlike unlike a butterflys thin antenna that is clubbed at its tip. The adult moths are large beautiful insects.
Identify a moth you can set or adjust your search criteria in the left hand column below. Interesting 2015 to 2019 no sightings of this moth. In the united states it can be seen in every eastern state from maine to florida and as far west as texas. In southern canada it can be found from nova scotia to saskatchewan.
Moths can be found throughout the canadian provinces but they tend to stay close to food sources.