7 Moths that Make Butterflies Look Boring

Butterflies are incredible insects, but let’s be honest, moths need some love. They just aren’t as popular as butterflies, and they certainly should be! Both belong to the large order of insects, Lepidoptera, which refers to the tiny scales covering most moth and butterfly wings. Despite butterflies getting more attention, moth species actually dominate the Lepidoptera order almost 10 to 1 globally, with over 11,000 moth species in the U.S. alone! Check out these seven moths that give butterflies some stiff competition. 

#1: Snowberry Clearwing Moth

Is it a bumblebee? A hummingbird? Nope, this magnificent creature is a snowberry clearwing moth. It’s one of a few species of moths found flying by day, while most are active at night. They mimic the flight of hummingbirds, hovering to sip nectar. This moth belongs to the family Sphingidae, commonly known as sphinx or hawk moths. These are some of the fastest flying insects in the world, with some reaching speeds at over 33 m.p.h.! 

#2: Luna Moth

Luna moths are fascinating. In their adult form, they have no mouth! They don’t eat as adults, and only live for a week in this adult stage.

The tail-like structures on their wings are not only beautiful, but they also help luna moths to evade bats. They flutter them and disrupt the bat’s sonar.  

#3: Texas Wasp Moth

This species has evolved to mimic paper wasps to protect themselves. Predators that are averse to wasps will stay away from these moths as well. Pure genius. 

#4: Rosy Maple Moth

As its name suggests, these moths depend on maple trees! As caterpillars, they eat the leaves. Many moths and butterflies have “host plants” that are the only food source for the caterpillars. One great way to support moths and butterflies is to plant their host species. 

#5: Cecropia Moth

Female Cecropia moths, like many other species, produce pheromones to attract mates. Following this scent can be dangerous for male Cecropia moths, however. Bolas spiders are able to mimic these pheromones and eat whichever male moths show up!

#6 Pandorus Sphinx Moth

These moths, like others in the sphinx moth family, have a very long proboscis that helps them to drink nectar from flowers.

#7 Io Moth

The large eye-spots on its wings can mimic the eyes of larger animals. When threatened, io moths can flash their wings and scare away predators by tricking them into thinking they are a larger animal looking at them!

How to Help Moths

Like many insects, moths are experiencing a worrying decline. Some are even becoming listed as threatened or endangered. 

You can help by planting native species in your own garden! These plants can serve as host plants for the caterpillars to eat, and as nectar sources for the adults. In fall, support moths by leaving the natural leaf layer. Many of these moths overwinter in the leaves!