Types of moths in ontario. The atlas includes recent observations from inat. The wingspan of these moths goes up to 76 mm and they sport a bright white color with a combination of hollow and solid neat black blotches. Female moths are white with dark markings and cannot fly. Geometridae geometrid moths superfamily.
The wings are a copper brownish hue with a grey band. Feeling a little overwhelmed by all the moths fluttering to your lights at night. It can seem a bit daunting at first. There are over 160000 recorded species of moths across the globe with around 11000 of these being found in the united states and around 2500 being found in the united kingdom.
Description indian meal moths have a reddish brown or copper sheen on their forewings while clothes moths have a buff or gold colouration with reddish gold hairs on the top of the head and around the wings. This species is widely found throughout north america to southern ontario and further in panama mexico and eastern united states. Size from 6 mm to 10 mm long with wingspans from 12 mm to 16 mm. The tea has been collecting observations in the province since 1970 and recently launched the ontario moth atlas of moth phenology and distribution.
Indian meal moth adults have a 58 to 34 wingspan. We depend on donations to keep butterflies and moths of north america online and freely available. Photos courtesy of ontarios invading species awareness program. Colour varies by species.
The authors have researched all published records and private collections to publish the first complete and most up to date checklist of the 3187 verified moth species recorded in ontario. Indian meal moths clothes moths. This project collects observations of moths in ontario for the the toronto entomologists association. Caterpillars are 5 6 centimetres long with five pairs of blue dots and six pairs of bright red dots along their back.
If everyone who uses this resource gives a small amount we could cover our ongoing costs develop new features and upgrade the system. With upwards of 1000 species or more potentially being recorded in any given area with higher numbers in the south or in habitat rich regions your reservations are justified. Females are larger than males with a 5 cm wing span males only span 2. The ontario moth atlas currently has approximately 62000 records mapped from seven families.
Geometroidea many geometrids have slender abdomens and broad wings which are usually held flat with the hindwings visible so they appear butterfly like but in most respects they are typical moths. We need your help. The main checklist includes photographic plates with examples of the family of each species. The majority fly at night.
Moths are flying insects in the order of lepidoptera which is also the same order to which butterflies belong. Male moths are brown and can fly.