Large moths in kentucky. Butterflies and moths of kentucky showcase listing of butterflies and moths found in the state of kentucky. Sphinx moths belong to the family sphingidae within the insect order lepidoptera butterflies and moths. Most members of this faintly are large moths the cecropia being the largest moth in north america. Moth insects found in the state of kentucky.
We depend on donations to keep butterflies and moths of north america online and freely available. Insects are typically drawn to areas by available food supply weather. Local large moth conversations usually start with species from the saturniidae family of giant silkworm and royal moths. If everyone who uses this resource gives a small amount we could cover our ongoing costs develop new features and upgrade the system.
You might be most familiar with them through lunesta a sleeping aid brand that use them in their tv commercials. The larvae caterpillars are also green. Or visit the caterpillars section to identify butterfly and moth caterpillars. The luna moth actias luna is a nearctic moth in the family saturniidae subfamily saturniinae a group commonly known as giant silk mothsit has lime green colored wings and a white body.
Please understand that that insects do not adhere to man drawn borders on a map as such they may be found beyond the general reach as showcased on our website. This exceptional insect is the luna moth a large green moth which is a member of a family of giant silk moths called saturniidae. Saturniid moths download pdf. By ric bessin extension entomologist university of kentucky college of agriculture the royal or regal moths and the giant silk moths belong to the family saturniidae.
Consider contributing an image at the email address showcased at the bottom of this page. They live in many areas that have some trees and green spaces. Typically it has a wingspan of roughly 114 mm 45 in but can exceed 178 mm 70 in making it one of the larger moths in north america. Most moths are disliked by people because of their gloomy and dull coloring.
Some of the moths in this family are also sometimes called hawk moths or hummingbird moths and a few species are called hornworm moths but it is acceptable to call any member of the family a sphinx moth. We need your help. They reach adulthood through the process of metamorphosis as do butterflies. There are many different kinds of butterflies and moths in kentucky.