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MOTHS

Moths are insects in the order Lepidoptera along with butterflies. There are over 11,000 species of moths in the United States and 1,850 known moth species in Illinois – yes, there are more moths than butterflies. They grow in the metamorphosis life cycle made up of four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar for moths), pupa (cocoon for moths) and adult. Most moths are noctural (awake at night), but some are diurnal (out during the day). Moths are an understudied insect due to limitations in the ability to research their behavior at night, but they have a strong role in pollination. The majority of moth adults eat nectar, but some, like the luna moth, do not have mouth parts and therefore don't eat. This small group of moths eat enough as caterpillars to get them through their chrysalis and adult stages. The adults only live for a short amount of time to mate and lay eggs. In the winter, various moths can be found in your garden in their egg, larva or pupa stage.

Field Guide - Macromoths

Use this guide to identify macromoths - large showy moths generally ranging in size of 5-18cm.

Field Guide - Micromoths

Use this guide to identify micromoths - tiny moths with wingspans <2cm, with clearwing borers as the exception.

Field Guide - Owlets

Use this guide to identify some of our region's noctuoids/owlets - medium sized with wingspan 2-5cm, most nocturnal but includes some daytime moths.

Field Guide - Tortricids

Use this guide to identify tortrix and leafroller moths - a large group of small moths. Includes some slag, hag, skiff and skeletonizer moths.

Field Guide - Geometers

Use this guide to identify geometer moths - medium sized with wingspan 3-5cm, hold wings open like butterflies, most larvae are inchworms.

Field Guide - Pyralids and Crambids

Use this guide to identify some of our region's pyralid and crambid moths, includes snout moths and plume moths.

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