Butterflies and Moths

Ailanthus-Webworm-Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
The definitive coloring and stripes on this moth make it unique among Webworm Moths. They tuck and roll their wings close to their bodies when resting, making themselves look more like a beetle. Adults are active in the daytime and can be seen fro... READ MORE

Cabbage White Butterfly
Category: Butterfly or Moth
The white wings of this species have charcoal gray tips and 1 (male) or 2 (female) black spots in the center of each forewing. Underwings may be yellow or light green. The green caterpillar eats cabbage and other plants related to mustard.... READ MORE

Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
These moths get their name from their caterpillar behavior. Together, caterpillars create a tent of silk as a 'home' on the tree or shrub they are feeding off. Females lay black egg sacks on twigs, near a leaf bud and the caterpillars eat the le... READ MORE

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Eastern Tiger Swallowtails have a bright tiger-like striping pattern with the males showcasing a mostly-yellow coloring with black edges. The female (in black form) is seen with a similar pattern but more as a brown instead of yellow with hints of bl... READ MORE

Edwards Glassy Wing Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
The wings on this moth shimmer in the light, giving it part of its name. Its pinkish red abdomen is visible when wings are spread. They are most active in autumn and caterpillars feed on oak trees.... READ MORE

Forage Looper Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
As caterpillars, looper moths tend to move with a looping gait. Moths are usually seen feeding on grasses, clover and ragweed.... READ MORE

Giant Swallowtail Butterfly
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This is the largest species of butterfly in North America. They can be found in gardens, at the edges of forests or citus groves. In warmer areas, many generations can exist in one year. They are active year-round, but less likely to be seen i... READ MORE

Gulf Fritillary Butterfly
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This tropical butterfly has short hairs on its front legs, making it part of the 'brush footed' butterfly family. The caterpillar is yellow-greenish brown with orange-brown stripes. Two horns at the head and6 rows of branching spines give the app... READ MORE

Hummingbird Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Fast beating wings give it the appearance of a small hummingbird but the moth lacks the long beak. The wings are usually transparent (like a fly) which is another indicator that it is not a true bird. It drinks the nectar of many kinds of flowers.... READ MORE

Luna Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This pale green moth can be found in hardwood forests. They are greatly attracted to lights at night. A member of the Silkmoth family, the larvae of the Luna moth spins a silky cocoon. Larvae eat birch, sweetgum, hickory and walnut trees. Cater... READ MORE

Monarch Butterfly
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Monarch Butterflies are a common sight throughout North America, with the exception of the extreme northern regions. Their orange and black coloring, mixed with a little white, make them instantly recognizable. Yellow and brown can also be found on t... READ MORE

Plume Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Their thin body and 'T' shape make this moth unique. Their wings have the appearance of a plume (feather) and when at rest, the moth rolls them into a rod shape. Like other moths, they are most active at night, but they can be seen near pollen so... READ MORE

Polka Dot Wasp Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Polka Dot Wasp Moths are common to tropical climates and make their North American home in the Southeastern United States, appearing year-round in locales such as Florida. Though they take on the appearance - and in some cases behavior - of a wasp... READ MORE

Snowberry Clearwing Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Though this species looks like a bee, it does not land on flowers as bees do. Instead, it hovers in front of the flower to collect its nectar.... READ MORE

Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This spcecies of butterfly can be found in gardens and at the edges of forests. Its coloration resembles that of the Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly. Larvae feed on spicebush, sassafras and bay plants. The green caterpillar has a humpback wit... READ MORE

Tersa Sphinx Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
The large, stiff wings of this moth may give it the appearance of a small bird. Their size and projection at the tip of their abdomen may be intimidating but the are quite harmless. Adults feed on pollen, though some species of Sphinx moth also ... READ MORE

Tobacco Hornworm Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
The name of this moth likely comes from its appearance as a caterpillar. The green body has black and white diagonal stripes running along its back with an eyespot at the end of each stripe. At the tip of the caterpillar is a reddish-brown horn-lik... READ MORE

Walnut Sphinx Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Native to deciduous woodlands, Walnut Sphinx Moths are highly common throughout Missouri with limited appearances in certain portions of other states east of the Rocky Mountains. Colors of the Walnut Sphinx Moth differ from sample to sample so thi... READ MORE

Wasp Moth
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This moth mimics the coloring of a wasp as a measure of protection. Predators are less likely to attack if they believe they could be hurt. Caterpillars can do substantial damage to orchard trees as they bore into the wood Adults feed on poll... READ MORE

Zebra Butterfly
Category: Butterfly or Moth
This beautiful butterfly is a common site throughout most of the Gulf States, only rarely appearing the other states mentioned below. It is highly identifiable by the yellow on black coloring when fully formed, while the caterpillar is a gray or whit... READ MORE