Types of Moth

Butterflies often get all the attention, but did you know there are over nine times as many moth species as butterflies worldwide? And that’s why I’m focussing on all the types of moth you can find around the globe.

I’ve categorised moths into different types below and then included a few examples of moth species that match each of these types. These aren’t scientific classifications but are, instead, an easy way to break down all the types of moth you are likely to find:

Pretty Moths

Here’s a list of some absolutely beautiful moths for you:

• Luna Moth (Actias luna)
  A true masterpiece of nature, Luna Moths sport an elegant pale green colour and tail streamers that look like they belong on a ballroom gown. These gorgeous creatures can be found fluttering through the forests of North America.
• Madagascan Sunset Moth (Chrysiridia rhipheus)
  With wings that showcase a kaleidoscope of metallic colours, these moths are a sight to behold. As their name suggests, you’ll find them on the vibrant island of Madagascar.
• Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda)
  These guys might remind you of a scoop of strawberry ice cream, with their pink and yellow colouration. They’re a common sight in North America, particularly in maple forests.

• Comet Moth (Argema mittrei)
  Sporting wings that look like a starlit sky and tails reminiscent of comets, these moths are simply otherworldly. They’re a rare sight, though, found only in the rainforests of Madagascar.
• Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialism)
  Don’t let their muted brown exterior fool you. Once these moths spread their wings, they reveal a vibrant pink underwing. They’re a unique find in the forests of Australia.
• Oleander Hawk-Moth (Daphnis nerii)
  A beautiful mix of streamlined shape and lovely green colour, the Oleander Hawk-Moth can be found across Africa and Asia.
• Io Moth (Automeris io)
  These large and colourful moths are known for the distinctive eyespots on their hindwings, designed to deter predators. They call North and Central America home.

• Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia)
  From the distinctive eye patterns on their wings to their large size, these moths command attention. They’re commonly seen in Europe and North Africa.
• Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)
  They may not have the mythical Cyclops’ one eye, but the large, distinct eye spots on their wings give them a fascinating appeal. These beauties are natives of North America.
• Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae)
  With deep red wings trimmed with charcoal edging, Cinnabar Moths are a strikingly beautiful sight. They add a splash of colour to the landscapes of Europe and Asia.

Big Moths

For anyone who’s amazed by the larger-than-life characters of the insect world, this list is for you. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest and most incredible moths nature has to offer:

• Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas)
  As one of the largest moths in the world, the Atlas moth can have a wingspan up to an impressive 30 cm. Found throughout Southeast Asia, its beautiful, map-like wing patterns are a sight to behold.

• Hercules Moth (Coscinocera hercules)
  Named aptly after the ancient Greek hero, these moths are famous for their immense size, with wingspans that can reach up to 27 cm. They’re predominantly found in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
• White Witch Moth (Thysania Agrippina)
  Often claiming the title for the largest wingspan of any living moth or butterfly, these moths can have wingspans up to a staggering 30 cm. Their natural habitats stretch across Central and South America.
• Giant Silkworm Moth (Eacles imperialis)
  This North American native is a sizable species, with wingspans reaching up to 15 cm. They’re known for their beautiful yellow to brown wings adorned with purple spots.
• Death’s-head Hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos)
  Known for the eerie, skull-like pattern on their thorax, these moths can reach up to 13 cm in wingspan. They’re found across Europe and are famous for their starring role in the film “The Silence of the Lambs”.
• Great Peacock Moth (Saturnia pyri)
  As Europe’s largest native moth, the Great Peacock Moth boasts a wingspan of up to 20 cm. The beautiful “eye” patterns on their wings are a distinct feature.

• Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia)
  Known as the largest moth in North America, these moths can have a wingspan of 15 cm. They’re admired for their stunning red, white and black colouration.
• Black Witch Moth (Ascalapha odorata)
  This moth can reach an impressive wingspan of up to 17 cm. Found across the Americas, it’s steeped in folklore and is often considered a harbinger of death or misfortune.
• Giant Leopard Moth (Hypercompe scribonia)
  While not as large as others on this list, these moths are still sizable with a wingspan up to 8 cm. Found in the Americas, and their striking black and white colouration stands out beautifully.

Small Moths

Just as the massive moths of the world are impressive, there’s also an amazing array of petite and delicate species that are equally enchanting. Let’s explore the tiny wonders of the moth world:

• Pigmy Moth (Anarsia lineatella)
  Despite their small size, with a wingspan of 8-12 mm, these moths have beautiful patterns on their wings. They’re found in Europe, Asia, and North America.
• Least Carpet Moth (Idaea rusticata)
  Another tiny beauty with a wingspan of 10-14 mm. Their wings have a lovely, subtle pattern and are found across the United Kingdom.
• Lemon Moth (Enarmonia formosana)
  Small yet vibrant, the Lemon Moth sports a wingspan of 12-16 mm and can be found throughout Europe.
• Dwarf Cream Wave (Idaea fuscovenosa)
  A charming little moth with a wingspan of 10-15 mm. Its subtly coloured wings are found in the United Kingdom and Scandinavia.
• Common Groundling (Xestia xanthographa)
  A small moth with a wingspan of 8-10 mm, it’s named for its habit of staying close to the ground. They’re native to the United Kingdom.
• Pygmy Leafroller (Platynota rostrana)
  This little moth has a wingspan of about 12 mm. Their brown wings roll into a tube shape when at rest. They’re native to North America.
• Grass-veneer Moth (Crambus pascuella)
  This small moth, with a wingspan of about 15 mm, is a common sight across Europe and Asia.
• Golden Pygmy Moth (Stigmella aurella)
  One of the smallest moths with a wingspan of just 5-6 mm. Despite their size, these tiny creatures display a stunning golden colour.
• Bright Bell Moth (Eucosma cana)
  This moth may be small, with a wingspan of around 10-15 mm, but their bright, metallic colour makes them stand out. You’ll find them in North America.
• Two-coloured Phaneta Moth (Phaneta bifidana)
  A petite moth species with a wingspan of 11-15 mm. They’re characterized by their two-tone colouration and are native to North America.

Colourful Moths

Nature’s palette truly shines when it comes to these vibrant and colourful moths. Let’s explore some of these dazzling species:

• Sunset Moth (Chrysiridia rhipheus)
  Considered one of the most impressive and beautiful moths in the world, the Madagascan Sunset Moth is a riot of colours with metallic-looking wings that reflect light, creating a dazzling display. It’s native to Madagascar.
• Five-Spotted Burnet Moth (Zygaena trifolii)
  This European species is known for its striking contrast of metallic green and vibrant red spots against a black background.

• Garden Tiger Moth (Arctia caja)
  With vibrant orange-red hindwings covered with dark blue-black spots, this moth is a treat for the eyes. They’re found throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
• Spanish Moon Moth (Graellsia isabellae)
  This moth sports a stunning combination of greens and yellows across its wings, with unique tail streamers. They’re native to Spain and France.
• Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae)
  With its deep red wings and charcoal edging, this is a strikingly beautiful moth. They’re found in Europe and Asia.

• Jamaican Giant Sphinx Moth (Pseudosphinx tetrio)
  This moth’s body has a beautiful pattern of black, white, pink, and yellow. As the name suggests, they’re found in Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean.
• Green-banded Urania Moth (Urania leilus)
  This day-flying moth has iridescent bands of green and blue across its wings. It’s native to South America.
• Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis)
  Sporting a beautiful yellow colour with pink and purple patches, the Imperial Moth is one of the largest and most colourful moths found in the United States and Canada.
• Purple Thorn (Selenia tetralunaria)
  This European moth gets its name from its subtle purple hues and unique wing shape, which gives an impression of thorns when at rest.

White Moths

let’s dive into the enchanting world of white moths, focusing on species not yet mentioned:

• White Satin Moth (Leucoma salicis)
  With wings as smooth and white as satin, these moths are a lovely sight. They’re native to Europe and North America.
• White Prominent (Leucodonta bicoloria)
  This moth is known for its bright white wings and elegant stance. It’s found throughout Europe and Asia.
• White Pine Moth (Dendrolimus albolineatus)
  Named for its preference for pine trees, this moth is snowy white and found predominantly in Japan.
• Virginian Tiger Moth (Spilosoma virginica)
  This North American moth is pure white with a few small black spots on its wings.

• Ghost Moth (Hepialus humuli)
  Known for their haunting white colour and unusual hovering flight, they’re found in Europe and North America.
• White Plume Moth (Pterophorus pentadactyla)
  With delicate, feathery wings that look like a plume, this moth is found throughout Europe.
• White-dotted Prominent (Nadata gibbosa)
  This moth, found in North America, is unique for the white dots on its otherwise brown body.
• White Furcula Moth (Furcula borealis)
  This moth is known for the white fur-like tufts on its body. It’s native to North America.
• Fall Webworm Moth (Hyphantria cunea)
  Though often seen as pests due to the large webs their larvae create, the adult moths are a clean white colour. They’re found throughout North America.
• White Ermine (Spilosoma lubricipeda)
  This European moth is covered in white, fur-like scales, giving it an appearance of wearing an ermine coat.

Many people often mistake white moths for albino moths. Albino moths are extremely rare and there’s more to them than just a white colour.

Black Moths

Black moths might not be as brightly coloured as some of their cousins, but they have a beauty all their own. Let’s take a look at some unique species:

• Black Witch Moth (Ascalapha odorata)
  This moth, known for its large size and dark colouration, can be found throughout the Americas and is steeped in folklore.
• Garden Tiger Moth (Arctia caja)
  The forewings of this moth are a stunning black with white pattern while its hindwings are a vibrant orange with black spots. They’re found in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Death’s-head Hawkmoth (Acherontia lachesis)
  Known for the eerie, skull-like pattern on their thorax, these moths are predominantly black and can be found across Asia.

• Black Arches Moth (Lymantria monacha)
  Native to Europe, this moth is known for its black and white arches or wave-like pattern on its wings.
• Peppered Moth (Biston betularia)
  The black variant of this moth became famous during the Industrial Revolution in England as an example of industrial melanism.
• The Convict (Clytie illunaris)
  With its distinctive black and white stripes, this Australian moth’s pattern is reminiscent of old-fashioned prison uniforms.
• Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria)
  While not entirely black, the Willow Beauty has dark wings with a beautiful pattern. They’re found throughout Europe.
• The Miller (Acronicta leporina)
  Mostly found in Europe, the Miller moth has a dark, blackish-grey wing colour.
• The Black Rustic (Aporophyla nigra)
  True to its name, this moth is a sooty black and can be found throughout Europe and Asia.
• Black Cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon)
  These moths have a darker colouration, almost a dusky grey or black. They’re native to North America and are considered pests to many crop plants.

Red Moths

Red is a relatively rare colour in moths, but some species definitely know how to rock a vibrant rouge. Let’s explore some of these crimson beauties:

• Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)
  A European moth that comes in hues of scarlet and pink, they’re small but brightly coloured.
• The Herald (Scoliopteryx libatrix)
  Despite its name, this moth is not a pure red but a lovely reddish-brown and is found throughout Europe and North America.
• The Red Underwing (Catocala nupta)
  This moth sports a hidden surprise – bright red hindwings concealed by dull forewings. It’s native to Europe and Asia.
• The Blood-vein (Timandra comai)
  Found across Europe, although this is more of a white moth, this moth is named for the distinctive reddish or pinkish line across its white wings.

• The Flame (Axylia putris): This European species has forewings that are a deep, fiery orange-red.
• Red Sword-grass (Xylena vetusta)
  A medium-sized moth, it is reddish-brown and is found throughout Europe and Asia.
• Red-green Carpet (Chloroclysta siterata)
  While not entirely red, this moth has red and green patterns on its wings and is found in Europe and North America.
• Bright-line Brown-eye (Lacanobia oleracea)
  This moth has red lines or bands on its forewings and is native to Europe.
• The Campion (Hadena rivularis)
  This moth has a reddish-pink colour and is found throughout Europe.
• Red Chestnut (Cerastis rubricosa)
  True to its name, the Red Chestnut has a lovely red-brown colour. They’re found across Europe and North Asia.

Pink Moths

Pink is a colour we don’t often associate with moths, but some species really do put on a show. Let’s take a look at some of these charming, blush-hued moths:

• Pink-barred Sallow (Xanthia togata)
  This European moth has a lovely, soft pink colour that gives it a unique charm.
• Pink-spotted Hawkmoth (Agrius cingulata)
  Found in the Americas and the Caribbean, this moth is recognized by the pink bands across its abdomen.
• Rosy Footman (Miltochrista miniata)
  This European moth sports a rosy pink colouration with yellow markings.

• Strawberry-blossom Underwing (Catocala micronympha)
  Found in North America, this moth has a strawberry-pink hindwing hidden under grey forewings.
• Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialis)
  Despite its drab brown exterior, this Australian moth reveals bright pink underwings when it flies.
• Rosy Marsh Moth (Coenophila subrosea)
  This European species has a soft, pastel-pink colouration.
• Scarlet Tiger (Callimorpha dominula)
  This moth is native to Europe and has striking red-pink hindwings.
• Small Elephant Hawk-moth (Deilephila porcellus)
  Found in Europe and North Asia, this moth has a delightful mix of green and pink colouration.
• Rosy Wave (Scopula emutaria)
  This European moth is known for its rosy pink and white waves on its wings.
• Small Purple-barred (Phytometra viridaria)
  Although more purple than pink, this European moth can sometimes appear pinkish under certain light.

Purple Moths

Let’s explore the enchanting world of purple moths, which are relatively rare but truly captivating:

• Purple Thorn (Selenia tetralunaria)
  This European moth gets its name from its subtle purple hues and unique wing shape, which gives an impression of thorns when at rest.
• Purple-bordered Gold (Idaea muricata)
  Found in Europe, this moth features delicate lines of purple bordering golden patches on its wings.
• Beautiful Marbled (Eublemma purpurina)
  This African moth species sports a lovely mix of white and purple on its wings.
• Purple-barred Yellow (Lythria cruentaria)
  As its name suggests, this European moth has a fascinating combination of purple and yellow on its wings.
• Purple Marbled (Eublemma ostrina)
  This moth, found in Southern Europe and Africa, has a rich, marbled purple colour.
• Purple Clay (Diarsia brunnea)
  Native to Europe, this moth has a brownish-purple hue, especially notable under certain lighting conditions.
• Purple-bordered Gray (Iridopsis ephyraria)
  This moth found in North America has delicate purple lines bordering its grey wings.
• Purple Cloud (Actinotia polyodon)
  Found in Europe and Asia, this moth has a purplish-grey colour with unique markings.
• Purple Carole (Anticlea derivata)
  This European species has a lovely pinkish-purple hue to its wings.

Please note that the perception of colour can be somewhat subjective, and some of these moths may look more purple under certain lights or to certain people.

Fuzzy Moths

Fuzziness is a classic moth characteristic that often makes these creatures seem like the soft, plush toys of the insect world. Let’s take a look at some of these fluffy fellows:

• Pale Tussock Moth (Calliteara pudibunda)
  This European moth has a fuzzy, yellowish body that gives it a distinctive look.
• Vapourer Moth (Orgyia antiqua)
  Found in Europe and North America, the male of this species has a fluffy, russet-coloured body, while the female is flightless.
• Puss Moth (Cerura vinula)
  This European moth gets its name from its caterpillar stage, which is white and extremely fluffy, resembling a tiny cat or “puss.”
• Kentish Glory (Endromis versicolora)
  Native to Europe, the males of this species have a thick, fuzzy, greyish body.
• Muslin Moth (Diaphora mendica): This European moth has a white, fuzzy body that makes it look soft and plush.
• American Dagger Moth (Acronicta americana)
  Native to North America, this moth has a yellowish body covered in long, soft hairs.

• Iron Prominent (Notodonta dromedaries)
  Found in Europe, this moth’s caterpillar is known for its fluffy, hair-covered body.
• Yellow-tail (Euproctis similis)
  This European species gets its name from the bright yellow tuft at the end of its body.
• The Drinker (Euthrix potatoria)
  Named for the caterpillar’s habit of drinking dew, this European moth has a soft, fluffy body.

Remember, these fuzzy bodies often serve a purpose: they can help a moth blend in with its surroundings or even look less appetizing to predators.

Spotted Moths

There are a number of stunning moth species that are known for their distinctive spots. Let’s check out some of these patterned beauties:

• Eyed Hawk-Moth (Smerinthus ocellatus)
  This European moth features eye-like spots on its hindwings, a common defence mechanism in moths.
• Magpie Moth (Abraxas grossulariata)
  Native to Europe and North America, this moth has a striking pattern of white and yellow with black spots.
• Six-Spot Burnet (Zygaena filipendulae)
  This day-flying European moth has a dark, metallic greenish-blue body with six red spots on each forewing.
• Cream-spot Tiger (Epicallia villica)
  Found in Europe and North Africa, this moth has cream-coloured spots on its black wings.

• Peppered Moth (Biston betularia)
  A well-known moth species found in Europe and North America, it’s named for the speckled pattern on its wings.
• White-spotted Sable (Anania funebris)
  This North American species has white spots scattered across its dark wings.
• Spotted Sulphur (Emmelia trabealis)
  Found in Europe and Asia, this moth has a soft, yellowish colour with a pattern of small, dark spots.
• Dot Moth (Melanchra persicariae)
  This moth, found in Europe and North Asia, has a unique pattern of white dots on its dark wings.
• Argent and Sable (Rheumaptera hastata)
  Found in the Northern Hemisphere, this moth has a unique pattern of silver and black spots on its wings.

Striped Moths

From subtle stripes to bright, bold bands, these moths really make a statement with their unique patterns:

• The Striped Hawk-Moth (Hyles livornica)
  This striking moth is found in Europe and Africa and sports black and white stripes on its body and a red and black-banded abdomen.
• Banded Tiger Moth (Apantesis vittata)
  This North American species has bold, black stripes across its bright orange-red wings.
• Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum)
  Found in Europe and Asia, this day-flying moth has a broad, dark stripe across its grey-brown wings.
• Zebra Conchylodes (Conchylodes ovulalis)
  As the name suggests, this moth found in North and South America sports a zebra-like pattern of black and white stripes.
• Striped Hawkmoth (Hippotion celerio)
  Found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, this moth has a striking pattern of longitudinal black and grey stripes.
• Oblique Striped (Phibalapteryx virgata)
  This European moth has a unique pattern of thin, oblique stripes on its wings.
• Striped Wainscot (Leucania comma)
  Found in Europe and North Asia, this species has subtle grey-brown stripes on its wings.
• Striped Twin-spot Carpet (Coenotephria salicata)
  This European moth has a pattern of light and dark stripes on its wings.
• Yellow-Striped Armyworm Moth (Spodoptera ornithogalli)
  Native to North and South America, this moth has a broad yellow stripe on its dark forewings.
• Privet Hawk-Moth (Sphinx ligustri)
  Found across Europe and Asia, this large moth has a pattern of pink and black stripes on its body.

Rare Moths

the world of moths is vast and full of some truly rare and remarkable species. Here are some of the rarest moths known to science:

• Black Mountain Moth (Janaesia luminifera)
  This extremely rare moth is only known from a single mountain range in Australia.
• Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing Moth (Thysania agrippina)
  This is one of the largest and rarest moth species in the world. It’s found only in a few locations in Papua New Guinea.
• Powell’s Lichen Moth (Cisthene powelli)
  Known from only a few sites in the United States, this moth is considered critically endangered.
• Nagaland Moth (Eucyclodes gavissima)
  This incredibly rare moth is known from only a few specimens collected in India.
• Birch Mouse Moth (Eudonia murana)
  This species is found only in small areas of the United Kingdom and is considered critically endangered.
• Peruvian Daggerwing Moth (Agrias peruvianus)
  This is one of the rarest moths in the world, found only in a small region of Peru.
• Giant Owl Moth (Thysania zenobia)
  This moth is found only in Central and South America and is considered rare due to habitat loss.
• Brazilian Monkey Moth (Homoeocera gigas)
  This critically endangered species is known only from a few sightings in Brazil.
• Eltham’s Moth (Melanocercops elthami)
  This extremely rare moth is only known from a small region of New Zealand.

Deadly Moths

While no moths are deadly to humans, some species can be harmful or deadly to other creatures, especially during their larval stage. Here are some examples:

• Brown-Tail Moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea)
  Found in Europe and North America, the larvae of this moth have hairs that can cause skin rashes and respiratory issues in humans.
• Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea)
  Found in Europe, the caterpillars of this species carry toxic hairs that can cause skin and eye irritations, as well as respiratory problems in humans.
• Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar)
  While not directly harmful to humans, these moths, found in North America, Europe, and Asia, can cause extensive damage to forests, potentially leading to deadly situations for other species.
• Tussock Moth (Orgyia vetusta):
  Native to North America, the hairs of the larvae can cause skin irritations in humans.
• White Cedar Moth (Leptocneria reducta)
  Found in Australia, the larvae feed on the toxic leaves of white cedar trees, making them poisonous to certain predators.
• Giant Silkworm Moth (Lonomia obliqua)
  Found in South America, the caterpillars of this species are considered one of the most venomous in the world. They can cause serious health issues in humans, including hemorrhagic problems.
• Southern Flannel Moth (Megalopyge opercularis)
  Native to the United States, the caterpillars, known as Puss Caterpillars or Asps, have venomous spines that can cause severe pain and other symptoms in humans.
• Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia)
  Found in the United States, the caterpillar of this moth has venomous spines that can cause a painful sting.
• White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma)
  Native to North America, the hairs of the larvae can cause allergic reactions in humans.
• Saddleback Caterpillar Moth (Acharia stimulea)
  Found in the eastern United States, the caterpillars have urticating hairs and venomous spines that can cause a painful sting.

Unique Moths

The world of moths is full of unique, fascinating species that truly stand out. Here are some of the most unique ones:

• Madagascan Sunset Moth (Chrysiridia rhipheus)
  This Madagascan beauty is considered one of the most impressive and beautiful moths in the world due to its iridescent, colourful wings.
• Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum)
  This moth, found in Europe and Asia, hovers in mid-air while feeding on nectar, very much like a hummingbird.
• Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas)
  Native to Southeast Asia, this moth is considered the largest in the world, boasting a wingspan up to 30 cm. Its wingtips also resemble a snake’s head, which helps ward off predators.
• Venezuelan Poodle Moth (Artace sp.)
  Discovered in 2009, this unique moth species found in Venezuela resembles a fluffy miniature poodle or teddy bear.
• Luna Moth (Actias luna)
  Found in North America, this moth has a beautiful, large, lime-green wing with a long tail, making it quite unique.
• Death’s-head Hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos)
  Native to Europe, this moth is known for the eerie, skull-like pattern on their thorax and its unusual squeaking noise. It’s also famous for its starring role in the film “The Silence of the Lambs”.
• Oleander Hawk-Moth (Daphnis nerii)
  Found in Europe, Africa, and Asia, this moth has a stunning mix of colours and patterns, with a pink blush at the base of its hindwings.

• Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia)
  This moth is North America’s largest native moth. It’s admired for its size and stunning red, white and black colouration.
• Emperor Gum Moth (Opodiphthera eucalypti)
  This Australian moth is known for its large size, striking colour pattern, and the tendency of the caterpillars to remain out in the open on tree trunks.