As of August 2020, we have documented nearly 650 species of moths in Columbia County. A photographic list of some species documented can be seen below, but for a complete species list click here (pdf file).
(For historical value, here is an older blog documenting some of our early mothing attempts.)
Sphinx Moths: Family Sphingidae This group contains some well-known and strikingly beautiful species, including the Hummingbird Clearwing and the Waved Sphinx. They range in size, from medium to large and are usually heavy bodied with wingspans to nearly six inches in some species. They are strong, fast flyers with many active at dusk and some species may be seen during the day nectaring at flowers.
Silkworm Moths: Family Saturniidae In general, this group represents the largest of the world’s moths, the adults having long, hair-like scales and large bodies. Examples include the Cecropia Moth, the largest moth in North America and the Luna Moth, one of the most beautiful and popular of moth species.
Underwing Moths: Genus Catocala These woodland moths, sized medium to large, are named for their often brightly colored hindwings, which are usually concealed when resting. Underwings will readily visit sugar baits and we have had a variety of Underwings visit our moth lights.
Typical Geometer Moths: Family Geometridae Also known as the Inchworm Moths, this group is defined by their broad wings that are typically layed flat at rest. Wing shape varies greatly between species. Many species will frequently visit porch lights at night.
Carpets and Pugs: Family Geometridae, Subfamily Larentiinae A large group of delacite, broad-winged moths often resting with wings spread out. They are frequent visitors to night time lights that have nearby forests.
Tiger Moths: Family Erebidae, Subfamily Arctiinae, Tribe Arctiini A variable and attractive group of moths with both night and day flying specimens. The well known Woolly Bear Caterpillar belongs to this group and are the larvae of the Isabella Tiger Moth.
Litter Moths: Family Eribidae, Subfamily Hermeniinae Found in fields, woodlands, and gardens, these moths have delta-shaped wings that are held flat when at rest. In general, their larvae rely on dead leaves, other detritus, and fungus to feed on.
Snouts: Family Eribidae, Subfamily Hypeninae Snouts are characterized by their long lobial palps giving them a “big-nosed” appearance. This group has notably patterned forwings and are generally found in woodlands.
Prominents: Family Notodontidae Many species beautifully colored, stout, and with tufts of hairlike scales. Generally these moths are found in woodlands.
Slug Moths: Family Limacodidae These small, stocky moths often rest their wings in a tent-like formation sometimes curling their abdomens upwards.
Internet Resources:
mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu
Works Consulted
Peterson Field Guide to Moths of Northeastern North America
Beadle, David, and Seabrooke Leckie. 2012. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Owlet Caterpillars of Eastern North America
Wagner, David L., et al. 2011. Princeton University Press.
Snowberry Clearwing Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7855
Hosts: Snowberry, Dogbane and Honeysuckle.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 35-50mm.
Note: The Snowberry Clearwing resembles the Hummingbird Clearwing, but is generally smaller, has black legs (opposed to the white legs of H. thysbe), and lacks a reddish color in its body and tail. Both this moth and the Hummingbird Clearwing are diurnal, will readily visit Monarda, Milkweed and other flowers, and are both sometimes refered to as the “flying lobster”.
Hummingbird Clearwing Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7853
Hosts: Viburnum, Honeysuckle, Snowberry, Cherry, Plum, and Hawthorn.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread, but serious threats to this species exist, including herbicides, invasive plants, and heavy deer browsing, reducing native Viburnums and other larval food plants.
Wingspan: 40-55mm.
Habitat: NatureServe notes that this moth is likely restricted to areas with native Viburnums present, as many Viburnum species found in its range are important food sources for H. thysbe larvae.
Modest Sphinx Photo taken near Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7828
Hosts: Poplar, Aspen, Cottonwood, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 45-65mm.
Small-eyed Sphinx Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7825
Hosts: Deciduous trees including Black Cherry, Serviceberry, and Basswood.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan:32-35mm.
Blinded Sphinx Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7824
Hosts: Birch, Poplar, Basswood and other deciduous trees.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 35-50mm.
Twin-spotted Sphinx Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7821
Hosts:Deciduous trees including Apple, Ash, Elm, Poplar, and Birch.
Conservation Status: Common and Widespread.
Wingspan: 38-45mm.
Pawpaw Sphinx Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges# 7784
Hosts: Pawpaw, Sweetfern, Holly, Possum Haw, and Inkberry.
Conservation Status: Uncommon and local in parts of its range, but overall common in eastern US.
Wingspan: 50-68mm.
Waved Sphinx Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7787
Hosts: Ash, Privet, Oak, Hawthorn, and Fringe Tree.
Wingspan: 78-110mm.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread in forests as well as urban street trees, however significant decline expected due to spreading Emerald Ash Borer. In our Columbia County moth light surveys this species has been the most commonly seen moth from the Sphingidae family.
Laurel Sphinx Photo taken in Ancram, NY
Hodges#7809
Hosts: Trees and shrubs, including Laurel, Ash, Lilac, and Poplars.
Conservation Status: Although currently not rare, the specie’s population declined in the northeastern US during the mid 20th century. Furthur population decline is likely as Ash trees in our region are deminished due to the Emerald Ash Borer. An uncertain future lies ahead for the Laurel Sphinx in the northeast.
Wingspan: 75-103mm.
Note: Like many Sphingidae, this moth can sometimes be seen nectaring flowers at dusk.
Northern Pine Sphinx Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7817
Hosts: Pine and Tamerack.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US.
Wingspan: 45-60mm.
Abbott’s Sphinx Photo taken in Greenport, NY
Hodges#7870
Hosts: Grape and Ampelopsis.
Conservation Status: Comm
Wingspan: 51-70mm.
Nessus Sphinx Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7873
Hosts: Grape.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Wingspan: 37-55mm.
Note: This moth is feeding on salts and amino acids in this cow manure. Small amounts of exposed manure can be an effective way to attract moths and butterflies in your garden.
Bedstraw Hawkmoth and Caterpillar
Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7893
Hosts: Bedstraw and other low plants.
Conservation Status: Uncommon, but not rare.
Wingspan: 65-90mm.
Note: Planting Monarda (aka Bee Balm) in your garden is a great way to attract day-flying moths, including the Hummingbird Clearwing, the Snowberry Clearwing, and the Bedstraw Hawkmoth.
Azalea Sphinx Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7886
Hosts: Azalea, Blueberry, Sour Gum, and Viburnum.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Habitat: Forests containing Viburnum or Azalea.
Wingspan: 57-75mm.
Virginia Creeper Sphinx Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7885
Hosts: Virginia Creeper, Grape, Ampelopsis, and Viburnum,
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Habitat: Wooded areas containing Grape or Virginia Creeper. Adults known to visit flowers for nectar.
Wingspan: 45-65mm.
Spotted Apatelodes Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7663
Hosts: Deciduous trees including Ash, Maple, and Oak.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread in eastern US, from southern Adirondacks region to southeastern US.
Wingspan: 32-46mm.
Luna Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7758
Hosts: A variety of trees and shrubs including Birch, Beech, Poplar, Shadbush, and Walnut.
Distribution. Found in every eastern US state and west to eastern Texas and eastern North Dakota.
Wingspan: 75-105mm.
Note: One of the most popular and beautiful moths. These short lived moths (about a week), have vestigial mouth parts and cannot feed; they emerge and fly only to reproduce.
Polyphemus Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7757
Hosts: Deciduous trees, shrubs and vines including Ash, Birch, Grape, Hickory, Maple, Oak, and Pine.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 100-150mm.
Cecropia Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7767
Hosts: Deciduous trees and shrubs including Apple, Ash, Beech, Birch, Elm, Maple, Oak, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 110-150mm.
IO Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7746
Hosts: Deciduous trees and shrubs including Clover, Corn, Maple, Oak, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common and Widespread.
Wingspan: 50-80mm.
Rosy Maple Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7715
Hosts: Maple and Oak.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 32-55mm.
Note: This strawberry lemonade themed moth will readily visit porch lights in mid to late spring and early summer.
Large Tolype Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7670
Hosts: Apple, Ash, Birch and other deciduous trees.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Wingspan: 32-58mm.
Lappet Moth Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7687
Hosts: Alder, Birch, Oak, Poplar and Rose.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total Length: 15-25mm.
Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7701
Hosts: Deciduous trees, mainly Apple, Cherry and Crab Apple.
Conservation Status: Common and widespead.
Wingspan: 22-44mm.
Note: Although these moth’s caterpillars are considered a pest to Cherry and Apple trees, tree fatality only occurs in young trees when the caterpillars deplete a majority of the leaves. A young Apple or Cherry affected can be saved by removing the tent mass.
Yellow-banded Underwing Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8802
Hosts: Basswood.
Conservation status: Common and widespread.
Habitat: Forests or urban areas containing native or planted Basswood.
Wingspan: 64-81mm.
Ultronia Underwing Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hodges#8857
Hosts: Primarily Cherry, Plum, Apple and Hawthorn.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Habitat: Wooded areas with suitable host plant.
Wingspan: 46-63mm.
Oldwife Underwing Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8795
Hosts: Hickory and Walnut.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 60-70mm.
The Betrothed Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8770
Hosts: Honey Locust.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 55-72mm.
Residua Underwing Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hodges#8785
Hosts: Hickory and Pecan.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread in most eastern US states, critically imperilled in Delaware.
Wingspan: 60-73
Habilis Underwing Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hodges#8778
Hosts: Walnut and Hickory.
Conservation: Common and widespread, but asbent from Atlantic coastal region and piedmont.
Wingspan: 55-67mm.
Woody Underwing Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8864
Hosts: Apple, Plum, Hawthorn, Oak, and WIllow.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Wingspan: 39-50mm.
Little Lined Underwing Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8878.1
Hosts: Oak.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 35-40mm.
White Underwing Photo taken near Philmont, NY
Hodges#8803
Hosts: Poplar and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 70-80mm.
Forage Looper Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Alfalfa, Grasses, Clover, and Ragweed.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Note: These moths are very common in fields, often flushed when approched as they rest in the low vegetation.
Maple Looper Moth Photo taken near Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Maple, Brich and, Walnut.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Lunate Zale Photo taken in Greenport, NY
Hodges#8689
Hosts: Various:
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 40-55mm.
False Pine Looper Zale Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Eastern White Pine.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and southeastern Canada.
Habitat: Pine forests.
Wingspan: 38mm.
Horrid Zale Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Viburnum.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Locust Underwing Photo taken in Copake Falls, NY
Hodges#8719
Hosts: Black Locust.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Wingspan:60-70mm.
Note: hindwing is bright orange with four wavy black lines.
Common Oak Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8591
Hosts: Oak.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Total Length: 18-23mm.
Red-lined Panopoda Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8587
Hosts: Beech and Oak.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: about 40mm.
Brown Panopoda Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8588
Hosts: Basswood, Hickory, Oak, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 38-46mm.
Lettered Habrosyne Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hodges#6235
Hosts: Birch, Black Raspberry, and Purple Flowering Raspberry.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 30-39mm.
Glorious Habrosyne Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#6236
Hosts: Unknown, but presumably Rubus species.
Conservation Status: Uncommon; range includes some states in eastern US.
Wingspan: About 37mm.
Tufted Thyatrid Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#6237
Hosts: Alder, Birch, Maple, Poplar, Oak and Willow..
Conservation Status: Common and widespead
Wingspan: 41-43mm.
Arched Hooktip Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#6251
Hosts: Alder and Birch.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 27-40mm.
Note: Lavae build and live within silk shelters attached to leaves of Alder or Birch.
Eyed Baileya Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#8970
Hosts: Maple, Birch, Beech and other deciduous trees.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 23-32mm.
Doubleday’s Baileya Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8969
Hosts: Alder.
Conservation Status: Uncommon.
Wingspan: 24-28mm.
Unspotted Looper Photo taken in Copake Falls, NY
Hodges#8898
Hosts: Aster and other forbs.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Habitat: fields and haitats having host plants.
Total Length: 16-22mm.
Hologram Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8897
Hosts: Trembling Aspen, Wood Nettle, Hops, and Raspberry.
Conservation Status: Uncommon.
Total Length: 24-28mm.
Note: Also commonly called the Green-patched Looper.
Connected Looper Photo taken in Ghent, NY
Hodges#8952
Hosts: Grasses.
Conservation Status: Uncommon.
Habitat: Fields and meadows.
Total Length: 18-19mm.
Common Looper Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#8908
Hosts: Bean, Cabbage, Dandelion, Plantain and other low plants.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total Length: 18-20mm.
Note: This moth, as well as other loopers, can be sometimes seen nectaring flowers during day and dusk.
Putnam’s Looper Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8908
Hosts: Bur Reed, Grasses, and Sedges.
Conservation Status: Uncommon.
Habitat: Damp woodlands.
Total length: 18-20mm.
Celery Looper Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8924
Hosts: Low plants, including Beet, Celery, Clover, Corn, Dandelion.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total Length: 18-22mm.
Black-dotted Glyph Photo taken in Greenport, NY
Hodges#9049
Hosts: Smartweed.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Total Length: 9-10mm.
Barred Granite Photo taken in Ancram, NY
Hodges#6303
Hosts: Currant and Gooseberry
Conservation Status: Although common in parts of northeastern US and southeastern Canada, this moth is not regularly seen in Columbia County. Their larval food plant, Ribes (the genus of Gooseberry and Currant), were deliberately removed from the County between 1920 and 1940 in an effort to control the White Pine Blister Rust, which used Ribes as an intermediate host. Other Lepidoptera affected by this was the Green Comma butterfly (Polygonia faunus), their larvae also needing Ribes as a food source.
Wingspan:20-28mm.
Minor Angle Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hodges#6340
Hosts: Red Pine and White Pine.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and southeastern Canada.
Wingspan:17-21mm.
Red-headed Inchworm Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hodges#6342
Hosts: Pine.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan:25-30mm.
Bicolored Angle Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#6341
Hosts: Pine.
Conservation Status: Uncommon.
Wingspan:27-32mm.
White Pine Angle Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hodges#6347
Hosts: White Pine.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and southeastern Canada.
Wingspan:24-28mm.
Faint-spotted Angle Photo taken in Copake Falls, NY
Hodges#6386
Hosts: Locust.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US and southeastern Canada.
Wingspan: 24-27mm.
Yellow-veined Geometer Photos taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#6430
Hosts: Blueberry.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and southeastern Canada.
Wingspan: 26mm.
Pine Measuringworm Moth
Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#6656
Hosts: Conifers and deciduous trees including Birch, Fir, Hemlock, Pine, and Tamarack.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and Canada.
Note: Resembles One-spotted variant, but usually smaller and more gray in color.
Wingspan:28-32mm.
One-spotted Variant Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges# 6654
Hosts: Conifers and deciduous trees including Birch, Hickory, Oak, Pine, Fir, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan:20-47mm.
The Half-wing Photos taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#6658
Hosts: Various deciduous trees, including Blueberry, Elm and Hickory.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 30-40mm.
Small Phigalia Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#6660
Hosts: Elm and other deciduous trees.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Wingspan: 30-38mm.
Pale Homochlodes Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hodges#6812
Hosts: Ferns.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 28-30mm.
Large Maple Spanworm Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#6982
Hosts: Deciduous trees and low plants including Apple, Birch, Blueberry, Cherry, Oak, Poplar, and grasses.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 35-50mm.
Maple Spanworm Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#6797
Hosts: Maple, Oak, Alder, Basswood, and Poplar.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 43-60mm.
Curve-toothed Geometer Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#6966
Hosts: Ash, Basswood, Birch, Elm, Poplar and other deciduous trees.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 38-56mm.
Juniper-twig Geometer Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#6974
Hosts: Juniper, White Cedar, and Pine.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread from south-central New York to Florida and west to eastern Texas.
Wingspan: 32-39mm.
The Saw-Wing Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#6724
Hosts: Apple, Blueberry, and Maple.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 27-48mm.
Hemlock Looper Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Hemlock, Balsom Fir, White Spruce, and Oak.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Variable Antepione Photo taken in Copake Falls, NY
Hodges#6987
Hosts: Maple, Apple, Sumac and other plants.
Conservation Status: Common.
Wingspan: 27-40mm.
Yellow Slant-line Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#6963
Hosts: Alder, Sumac, Willow, and Chestnut.
Conservation Status: Common.
Wingspan: 25-45mm.
Sharp-lined Yellow
Photo taken in Harvey Mtn State Forest, NY
Hodges#6912
Hosts: Blueberry, Alder and other trees and shrubs.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and southeastern Canada.
Wingspan: 24-35mm.
False Hemlock Looper Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#6906
Hosts: Various conifers.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and southeastern Canada.
Wingspan: 23-30mm.
Straw Besma Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges# 6884
Hosts: Various deciduous trees.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 30-36mm.
Confused Eusarca Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges# 6941
Hosts: Aster, Dandelion, Goldenrod, and other Composites.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 30-40mm.
Brown Pine Looper Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#6867
Hosts: Pine, Fir, Spruce and Tamerack.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and southeastern Canada.
Wingspan: 28-31mm.
Northern Pine Looper Photo taken in Ancram, NY
Hodges# 6864
Hosts: Pine.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US.
Wingspan: 27-38mm.
Gray Spruce Looper Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hodges#6863
Hosts: Coniferous trees including Hemlock, Spruce, and White Pine.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US, southern Appalachians, and eastern Canada.
Wingspan: 27-38mm.
Crocus Geometer Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#6743
Hosts: Deciduous trees and shrubs including Basswood, Blueberry, Cherry, Currant, Elm, Maple, Rose, and Viburnum.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 35-48mm.
Morrison’s Pero Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#6755
Hosts: Conifers including Fir, Pine, Spruce, and Tamarack.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US, southern Appalachians, and Canada.
Wingspan: 34-40mm.
Honest Pero Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#6753
Hosts: Blackberry, Black Locust, and Tamarack.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 34-36mm.
Gray Spring Moth Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#6668
Hosts: Cherry.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 22-25
Common Lytrosis Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#6720
Hosts: Hawthorn, Pin Oak, and Sugar Maple.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 45-57mm.
Deep Yellow Euchlaena Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#6733
Hosts: Unknown.
Conservation Status: Common from south-central New York through southeastern US. Absent in much of New England.
Wingspan: 30-49mm.
Pale Beauty Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hodges#6796
Hosts: Deciduous trees including Aler, Birch, Elm, Oak, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 28-51mm.
Oak Beauty Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#6763
Hosts: Deciduous trees including Basswood, Birch, Elm, Oak, and Poplar.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 37-56mm.
Lesser Maple Spanworm
Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hosts: Mainly Maple, also Birch, Cherry, Poplar, and Conifers.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Pale Metanema Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#6819
Hosts: Poplar and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Wingspan: 26-36mm.
Dark Metanema Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Aspen, Ash, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US.
Bent-line Gray Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hosts: Deciduous trees including Alder, Birch, Black Cherry, Maple, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Large Purplish Gray Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hosts: Fir, Pine, Spruce, and Tamarack.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Porcelain Gray Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Deciduous and coniferous trees including Cedar, Balsom Fir, Hemlock, Pine, Birch, Elm, and Oak.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Common Gray Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Deciduous trees including Apple, Ash, Clover, Cotton, and Poplar.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Small Engrailed Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Various trees including Apple, Birch, Elm, Hemlock, Oak, Poplar, Spruce, Tamarack, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Power Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Conifers.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and southern appalachians.
Pepper-and-Salt Geometer
Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Various trees and shrubs inluding Alder, Birch, Cherry Dogwood, Elm, Tamarack, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread; Holarctic.
Habitat. Forests, Woodlots, Parks.
Note: In England, this species had rapidly changed in appearance (in about 100 years) from a relatively light color to a much darker form in order to adapt to a changing environment. Toxic gasses and soot darkened the color of tree trunks during the industrialization of England in the 19th and 20th century. This species quickly evolved a darker color, allowing them to be camoflaged and not eaten by birds when at rest on the darkened tree bark.
Alien Probole Photo taken in New Lebanon, NY
Hosts: Ash, Beech, Birch, Dogwood, Maple, and other deciduous trees and shrubs.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Purple Plagodis Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Ash.
Consercation Status: Range includes much of northeastern US; Uncommon.
Note: With the decline of Ash trees from the Emerald Ash Borer, the future for this species is uncertain.
Lemon Plagodis Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Deciduous trees including Aspen, Basswood, Blackcherry, and Oak.
Conervation Status: Common in northeastern US and southern Appalachians.
Straight-lined Plagodis Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Deciduous trees including Alder, Basswood, Birch, Black Cherry, and Choke Cherry.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Sweetfern Geometer Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Beech, sweetfern, blueberry, alder and snakeroot.
Consevation Status: Common and widespread.
Size: 17-26mm.
Large Lace-border Photo taken near Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7159
Hosts: Trees and low plants including Apple, Bedstraw, Blueberry, Dandelion, and Meadowsweet.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 20-31mm.
Soft-lined Wave Photo taken in Ancram, NY
Hodges#7169
Hosts: Aster, Ragweed, and other low plants.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 17-24mm.
Chickweed Geometer Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7146
Hosts: Low plants including Chickweed, Clover, Knotweed, and Smartweed.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan:18-26mm.
Wavy-lined Emerald Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Aster, Coneflower, Goldenrod, Ragweed, and other low plants.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Cherry Scallop Shell Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hodges#7292
Hosts: Azalea, Meadowsweet, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common in North East and Appalachian mountains.
Lesser Grapevine Looper Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7196
Hosts: Grape and Virginia Creeper.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Small Phoenix Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7213
Hosts: Willowherb,Fuchsia and Impatiens.
Conservation Status: Uncommon.
Size: about 30mm.
Red Twin-spot Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7388
Hosts: Chickweed, ground ivy and other low plants.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and southeastern Canada.
Toothed Brown Carpet Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7390
Hosts: Birch, Blackberry, Hawthorn, Impatiens and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Sharp-angled Carpet Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7399
Hosts: Chickweed, Elm, Impatiens, and Mustard.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US, Canada, and southern Appalachians.
The Gem Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7414
Hosts: Dock, Ragwort and others.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Bent-line Carpet Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7416
Hosts: Knotweed, Smartweed and others.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Many-lined Carpet
Hodges#7330
Hosts: Willow Herb.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan:19-25mm.
Labrador Carpet Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7368
Hosts: A variety of plants including Cabbage, Hemlock, Raddish, and Peppergrass.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
White-banded Toothed Carpet
Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7394
Hosts: Bedstraw.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US, Canada, and southern Appalachians.
White-ribboned Carpet Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7307
Hosts: Birch and Blackberry.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US, Canada, and southern Appalachians.
Double-banded Carpet Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7312
Hosts: Evening Primrose and Willow Herb, especially Fireweed.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US and southeastern Canada.
Habitat: Forest clearings, meadows, recently burned areas, and roadsides.
Wingspan: 19-27mm.
Barberry Geometer Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7290
Hosts: Barberry.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Renounced Hydriomena Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7236
Hosts: Alder.
Conservation Status: Uncommon.
Variable Carpet Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7329
Hosts: Raspberry and Carolina Rose.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 30mm.
Bruce Spanworm Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7437
Hosts: Various deciduous trees, including Aspen and Maple.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US.
Brown-shaded Carpet Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7428
Hosts: Alder, Beech and Birch.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: about 20mm.
Brown-shaded Carpet Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7428
Hosts: Alder, Beech and Birch.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Wingspan:17-22mm.
The Beggar Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7440
Hosts: Blueberry, Maple, and Violet.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Brown Bark Carpet Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7445
Hosts: Clematis
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Size: 21-33mm.
Three-spotted Fillip Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#7647
Hosts: Maple.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Columbia Pug Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7459
Hosts: Various deciduous trees and plants.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 12-20mm.
Common Pug Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Aster, Clover, Juniper, Oak and others.
Common and widespread.
Green Pug Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Apple, Buckthorn, Cherry, Pear and others.
Conservation Status: Common in south eastern Canada and northeastern US.
Wormwood Pug Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: A variety of low plants including Aster, Goldenrod, and Wormwood.
Conservation Status: Common in southeastern Canada and northeastern US.
Mottled Gray Carpet Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7637
Hosts: Sheep Laurel and Conifers.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and southeastern Canada.
Wingspan:21-28mm.
The Scribbler Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7639
Hosts: Alder, Birch, Maple, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and southeastern Canada.
Wingspan: 23-30mm.
Note: Both the gray and more typical green form are shown above.
Scalloped Sack-bearer Photo taken in Greenport, NY
Hodges# 7659
Hosts: Oak.
Conservation Status: Uncommon.
Wingspan: 20-32mm.
Gypsy Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Oak and other deciduous trees and shrubs.
Conervation Status: Common and widespread.
Note: Inentionally introduced from Europe in the 1860’s, they are now a major pest to hardwood trees in North America.
Yellow-based Tussock Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Oak.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Painted Lichen Moth Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hosts: Lichen and moss.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Nais Tiger Moth Photo taken in Ghent, NY
Hosts: Low plants including Clover, Grasses, Plantain, and Violet.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Virgin Tiger Moth Photo taken in Ancram, NY
Hosts: Various low plants, such as Plantain and Clover.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Little Virgin Tiger Moth Photo taken in Ghent, NY
Hosts: Low plants including Dandelion, Knotweed, and Plantain.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US, Canada, and Southern Appalachians.
Ruby Tiger Moth Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Goldenrod, Plantain, Sunflower and other low plants.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and southern Canada.
Virginian Tiger Moth Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Various deciduous trees and low plants, including Birch, Cabbage, Maple and Tobacco.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Agreeable Tiger Moth Photo taken in Ghent, NY
Hosts: Low plants including Plantain and Pigweed.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Isabella Tiger Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Deciduous trees and low plants including Aster, Birch, Elm, Maple, and Sunflower.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Note: This is the adult form of the famous Wooly Bear Caterpillar.
Salt Marsh Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Various trees and plants, including Apple, Cabbage and Corn.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Orange Virbia Photo taken near Philmont NY
Hosts: Various low plants, including dandelion and plantain.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Giant Leopard Moth Photo taken near Philmont, NY
Hosts: Deciduous trees and low plants including Cabbage, Cherry, Maple, Sunflower, and Willow.
Consertation Status: Common and widespread.
Hickory Tussock Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Deciduous trees including Ash, Elm, Hickory, Maple, and Oak.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Banded Tussock Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Deciduous trees and shrubs including Alder, Ash, Birch, Elm, Oak, and Willow.
Conservation status: Common and widespread.
Delicate Cycnia Photo taken in New Lebanon, NY
Hosts: Indian Hemp and Milkweed.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Yellow-collared Scape Moth
Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Grasses, Lichen, and spikerush.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Virginia Ctenucha Photo taken near Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Grass, Lichen and Spikerush.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread
Confused Haploa Photo taken in Ancram, NY
Hodges#8112
Hosts: Hound’s Tongue.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US.
Total Length: 20-22mm.
Clymene Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Eupatorium species, also Oak, Peach, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Discolored Renia Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hosts: Dead leaves and other detritus.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Habitat: Mesic and dry forests.
Yellow-spotted Renia Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Dead leaves of deciduous trees.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Habitat: Deciduous forests.
Wingspan: about 28mm
Wavy-lined Fan-foot Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hosts: Dead leaves.
Conservation Status: Common and Widespread
Habitat: Barens and Oak woodlands.
Morbid Owlet Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Hazel, Dandelion and dead leaves of deciduous trees.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Variable Fan-foot Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hosts: Dead leaves and other detritus.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread, but largely absent from Atlantic coastal regions.
Six-spotted Gray Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8479
Hosts: Dogbane.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total Length: 15-18mm.
Gold-lined Melanomma Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Huckleberry.
Conservation Status: Uncommon.
Spotted Grass Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Grasses.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Pale Phalaenostola Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Dead leaves and some herbaceous plants.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Slant-lined Owlet Photo taken near Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Sedges
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Habitat: Wetlands abundant with upright sedge (Carex stricta).
Dark-spotted Palthis Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Various trees including Ash, Alder, Maple, Spruce, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Faint-spotted Palthis Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Bean, Coralberry, Corn, Oak, and Spanish Needles.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
American Idia Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8322
Hosts: Dead leaves and other detritus; lichen.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total Length: 13-14mm.
Common Idia Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8323
Hosts: Various forms of organic matter.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total Length:11-16mm.
Smoky Idia Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hodges#8330
Hosts: Unknown.
Conservation Status: Locally common in eastern US.
Total Length:10-14mm.
Glossy Black Idia Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hodges#8334
Hosts: Fungi, grasses, lichen and rotten wood.
Conservation Status: Common and Widespread.
Total Length:18-21mm.
Rotund Idia Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hodges#8326
Hosts: Fungi, dead leaves and other detritus.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total Length: 11-13mm.
Baltimore Snout Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hodges#8442
Hosts: Red and Silver Maples; possibly Sugar Maple.
Conservation: In the eastern US, this is one of the most common and widespead of the Snouts, especially in swamplands.
Habitat: Swamps and woodlands.
Total Length:16-18mm.
Mottled Snout Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#8444
Hosts: Eastern Hornbeam, Ironwood, and Hazel.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Total Length: 15-19mm.
Dimorphic Snout Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8443
Hosts: Dogwood.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total Length: 14-17mm.
Deceptive Snout Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8446
Hosts: Basswood.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total Length: 16-20mm.
White-lined Snout Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8445
Hosts: Elm.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total Length: 14-18mm.
Large Snout Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#8452
Hosts: Woodnettle and other nettles.
Conservation Status: Locally common and widespread.
Habitat: Mesic woodlands and floodplain forests.
Total Length: 18-20mm.
Hop Vine Moth Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#8461
Hosts: Hop and Stinging Nettle.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total Length:14-20mm.
Green Cloverworm Photo taken near Philmont, NY
Hodges#8465
Hosts: Low plants and crops including Alfalfa, Bean, Clover, Ragweed, Raspberry, and Strawberry.
Conservation Status: Common and Widespread.
Total Length:15-21mm.
Black-etched Prominent Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges# 7942
Hosts: Cherry, Poplar, and Willow
Conservation Status: Uncommon.
Total Length: 15-22mm.
Mottled Prominent Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7975
Hosts: Oak, Poplar, and Maple.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total Length: 24-28mm.
Wavy-lined Heterocampa Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Deciduous trees and woody shrubs including Apple, Willow, and Hickory.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total Length: 35-30mm.
Saddled Prominent Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Maple, Oak, Shadbush, Sumac and other woody plants.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total length: about 25mm
White-blotched Heterocampa Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Oak.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Habitat: Forests and barrens having Oak.
Total Length: 23-33mm.
Oval-based Prominent Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Elm and Maple.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Angulose Prominent Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hosts: Oak.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Chocolate Prominent Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Birch and Maple.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Note: A common visitor to lights near forests and woodlots.
Total Length: 20-27mm.
Common Gluphisia Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Poplar.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Habitat: Anywhere with Poplar present.
Size:14-17mm.
Four-spotted Gluphisia Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#7933
Hosts: Poplar.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and southeastern Canada.
Total Length: 18-22mm.
White Furcula Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Cherry, Poplar, Aspen, Oak and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Total length:18-23mm.
Gray Furcula Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Poplar, Willow, and Aspen.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Georgian Prominent Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Oak.
Conservation Status: common and widespread in eastern US.
Habitat: Deciduous forests.
White-dotted Prominent Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Largely Oak, but also Birch, Cherry, and Maple.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Habitat: Deciduous forests and their edges.
Note: Has forward facing tuft of hair-like scales at head of moth.
Sigmoid Prominent Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Willow, Aspen and Poplar.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Habitat: Deciduous shrubland and woodlands.
Total length: 16-20mm.
Apical Prominent Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Willow and Poplar.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US, Canada, and southern Appalachians.
Total length: 17-19mm.
Unicorn Prominent Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hosts: Deciduous trees including Oak, Maple, Willow, and Hickory.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total length: 18-25mm.
Saddled Yellowhorn Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hosts: Deciduous trees including Beech, Elm, Ironwood, Oak, and Maple.
Conservation Status: Locally common, but Absent from Atantic coastal regions and piedmont.
Close-banded Yellowhorn Photo taken in Ghent, NY.
Hosts: Deciduous trees including Beech, Elm, Oak, and Poplar.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Eastern Panthea Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY.
Hosts: Coniferous trees including Pine, Spruce, and Tamarack.
Conservation Status: Locally common and widespread.
The Brother Photo taken in Greenport, NY
Hodges#9193
Hosts: Various deciduous trees.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US.
Total Length: 18-19mm.
Three-lined Balsa Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY.
Hodges#9663
Hosts: Hawthorn.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Total Length:13-16mm.
American Dagger Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Varios deciduous trees and woody plants.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Habitat: Moist woodlands and forests.
Size: 27-38mm.
Cottonwood Dagger Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Poplar, Willow and Birch.
Conservation Status: Uncommon but widely distributed.
Habitat: Floodplain forests and treed stream banks.
Wingspan: 40-50mm.
Unmarked Dagger Photo taken in Ancram, NY
Hosts: Alder, Birch, Hickory, Poplar and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and southeastern Canada.
Total length: 19-22mm.
Great Oak Dagger Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Oak.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Retarded Dagger Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#9251
Hosts: Maple.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Total Length: 14-16mm.
Green Marvel Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#9281
Hosts: Viburnum.
Conservation Status: Uncommon.
Total Length: 17-20mm.
White-dotted Groundling Photo taken in Ancram, NY
Hodges#9690
Hosts: Aster and Goldenrod.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Total Length: 13-18mm.
Dusky Groundling Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#9696
Hosts: Lettuce.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Total Length: 16-18mm.
Common Pinkband Photo taken in Greenport, NY
Hodges#9720
Hosts: Bean, Sunflower, and others.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total Length: 12-13mm.
Green Leuconycta Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#9065
Hosts: Goldenrod and Aster.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total Length: 15-16mm.
Marbled-green Leuconycta Photo taken in Greenport, NY
Hodges#9066
Hosts: Dock and Dandelion.
Conservation Status: Uncommon.
Wingspan: about 30mm.
Henry’s Marsh Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Cattail, Grasses, Sedges, Smartweed, Poplar, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Uncommon, but widespread.
Bicolored Woodgrain Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Cherry, Ninebark, Oak and Vaccinium.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Confused Woodgrain Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Beech, Birch, Elm, Cherry, Maple and Oak.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Cloudy Arches Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Alder, Birch, Chokecherry, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US, southern Appalachians, and southeastern Canada.
False Wainscot Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Grasses.
Conservation Status: Common.
Ursula Wainscot Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#10461
Hosts: Crab Grass and Honeysuckle
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Total Length:19mm.
Bristly Cutworm Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Various crops and low plants.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Bronzed Cutworm Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Corn and Grasses.
Conservation Status: Common and Widespread.
Striped Garden Caterpillar Moth
Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hosts: Crops and low plants.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Broken-banded Brocade Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#9406
Hosts: Corn and grasses.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Total Length: 12-16mm.
Black-banded Brocade Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Unknown.
Conservation Status: Common and widespead.
Speckled Green Fruitworm Moth
Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Various woody plants, including Poplar, Spruce, and Willow.
Signate Quaker Photo taken in Harvey Mt. State Forest, NY
Hosts: Low plants including dandelion and plantain.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Distinct Quaker Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Various deciduous trees and woody plants.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Pink-spotted Dart Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#10950
Hosts: Blueberry, Birch, Maple and others.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US.
Total Length:18-24mm.
Norman’s Dart Photo taken in Harvey Mt. State Forest, NY
Hosts: Low plants including Blueberry, Raspberry, and Plantain.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Greater Black-letter Dart Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#10942.1
Hosts: A wide variety of trees, crops and low plants.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US and southeastern Canada.
Total Length: 20-21mm
Brown-collared Dart Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#11006
Hosts: Blueberry, Clover, and other low plants.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Total Length: 20-22mm
Flame-shouldered Dart Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Clover and other low plants.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Subgothic Dart Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Crops and low plants.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Dingy Cutworm Photo taken in Ghent, NY
Hosts: Various trees, crops and grasses.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Note: As pictured, this species, along with the Subgothic Dart, can be seen seen flying and visiting flowers in daylight, feeding on nectar and depositing their eggs within them.
Large Yellow Underwing Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Grass and Forbs.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Note: Accidentally introduced to North America from Europe in 1979. They can now be found in a variety of habitats that have grasses. Dark and light forms are common, both having brightly colored yellow underwing with a single black band.
Harris’s Three-spot Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Woody plants including Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, Honeysuckle, and Willow.
Conservation Status: Uncommon but widespread.
Tufted Bird-dropping Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Apple, Cherry, Plum, and Peach.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Olive Angle Shades Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Low plants including Dandelion, Dock, and Thistle.
Conservation Status: Common in most of northeastern US and southeastern Canada.
Grote’s Sallow Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#10021
Hosts: Ash trees.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Wingspan: 35-40mm.
Comstock’s Sallow Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Hemlock, Black Spruce and White Pine.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US and southern Canada.
Habitat: Pine and mixed forests.
ID: Resembles F. jocosa, but reiform spot is surrounded by three black shaded patches .
Total Length: 18-21mm.
The Joker Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Conifers.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US.
Total Length: 18-22mm.
Pearly Wood-nymph Photo taken in Ghent, NY
Hosts: Evening Primrose, Grape, Hibiscus, and Virginia Creeper.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Zigzag Herpetogramma Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Hazlenut, Basswood, and Strawberry Bush.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread in eastern US and southern Canada.
Pale-winged Crocidophora Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: unknown.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Yellow-spotted Webworm Photo taken in New Lebanon, NY
Hosts: Unknown.
Conservation Status: Common in southeastern Canada and eastern US.
Note: These diurnal moths are known pollinators of orchids.
Bold-feathered Grass Moth
Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Violets and other low plants.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread in eastern US and southern Canada.
Grape Leaffolder Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Evening Primrose, Grape, and Redbud.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Paler Diacme Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Unknown.
Conservation Status: Common in southeastern Canada and eastern US.
Lucerne Moth Photo taken in Ghent, NY
Hosts: Low plants, including Alfalfa, Clover and Smartweed.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Hollow-spotted Blepharomastix
Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Goosefoot.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread in eastern US and southeastern Canada.
Bicolored Pyrausta Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Unknown.
Conservation Status: Common in southeastern Canada and eastern US.
Julia’s Dicymolomia Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Cattail heads, dead Cotton bolls, Prickly Pear, and eggs of Bagworm Moths.
Conservation Status: Common in southeastern Canada and eastern US.
Clover Hayworm Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Clover.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Celery Leaftier Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Low plants including Beans, Beet, Celery, and Spinach.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Polymorphic Pondweed Moth Photo taken in Harvey Mt. State Forest, NY
Hosts: Various aquatic plants.
Conservation Status: Common in southeastern Canada and eastern US.
Pondside Crambid Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts:Aquatic plants including Buckbean, Duckweed, Eelgrass, and Sedges.
Conservation Status: Common in southeastern Canada and northeastern US.
Waterlily Borer Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hosts: Waterlily.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread in eastern US and southeastern Canada.
Mint Root Borer Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Mint.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Mint-loving Pyrausta Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Mint.
Conservation Status: Common in southeastern Canada and eastern US.
Small Magpie Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Nettle, Bindweed, and Mint.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and southeastern Canada.
Lucerne Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Alfalfa, Clover and other low plants.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Snowy Urola Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges# 5464
Hosts: Grasses.
Conservation Status: Common in southeastern Canada and eastern US.
Vagabond Crambus Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#5403
Hosts: Grains and grasses.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Double-banded Grass-veneer
Hodges#5362
Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Grasses and low plants.
Conservation Status: Common in southeastern Canada and eastern US.
Hodges#5355
Common Grass-veneer Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Grasses and cereal grains.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Gold-striped Grass Veneer Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#5419
Hosts: Grasses.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Hickory Shootborer Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#5664
Hosts: Hickory.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Filbertworm Moth Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#3494
Hosts: Beech, Walnut, Oak and other deciduous trees.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Similar Eucosma Photo taken in Harvey Mt. State Forest, NY
Hosts: Goldenrod.
Conservation Status: Common in southeastern Canada and eastern US.
Dark-spotted Aethes Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Unknown.
Conservation Status: Common in southeastern Canada and northeastern US.
Tufted Apple Bud Moth Photo taken in Ancram, NY
Hodges#3740
Hosts: Various plants, including Apple, Walnut, Clover and Goldenrod.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Wingspan: 12-25mm.
Clemen’s Clepsis Photo taken in Ancram, NY
Hosts: Grasses, Aster and Goldenrod.
Conservation Status: Common in northeast US and southeast Canada.
Reticulated Fruitworm Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Trees and shrubs including Alder, Apple, Blueberry, Maple, and Oak.
Conservation Status: Common in southeastern Canada and northeastern US.
Gold-striped Leaftier Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Ash, Oak, Elm, Birch, Maple, Poplar and other deciduous trees.
Conservation Status: Common in southeastern Canada and eastern US.
Dark Grass-tubeworm Photo taken in Ghent, NY
Hosts: Birch.
Conservation Status: Common in southeastern Canada and eastern US.
Morning-glory Plume Moth
Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Morning Glory, Lamb’s Quarters, Orach, Smartweed and Joe-pye Weed.
Conservation Status: Common; Holarctic.
Copper Underwing Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hosts: Birch, Elm, Oak, Willow, Virginia Creeper.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Mouse Moth Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hosts: Hawthorn and a variety of low plants including Columbine, Geranium, Plantain, and Stinging Nettle.
Conservation Status: Common in northeast US and southern Canada.
Sensitive Fern Borer Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Sensitive Fern.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Joe-pye Weed Borer Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Joe-Pye Weed.
Conservation Status: Uncommon. Moth is globally ranked at G4 and is vulnerable or possibly extirpated in some eastern states. However, Its official status in New York is not known.
Common Hyppa Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#9578
Hosts: Various plants, including Alder and St. John’s Wort.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US and southeastern Canada.
Total Length:21-24nn.
American Dun-bar Photo taken in Copake Falls, NY
Hodges#9815
Hosts.Their caterpillars are omnivorous, feeding on other caterpillars as well as Oak leaves.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Habitat: Oak woodlands.
Total Length: 15-17mm.
Even-lined Sallow Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hodges#9555
Hosts: Aspen, Balsom Poplar, and WIllow.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Bicolored Sallow Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#9957
Hosts: Cabbage, Tobacco, Cherry, Elm and others.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Mustard Sallow Photo taken in Hillsdale, NY
Hosts: Witch Hazel and Ironwood.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Straight-toothed Sallow Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Deciduous trees, including Cherry and Maple.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Dotted Sallow Photo taken in Bebee State Forest, NY
Hosts: Aspen.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US.
Cloaked Marvel Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Host: Aster and fungi.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Dot-and-dash Swordgrass Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#9874
Hosts: Various trees and low plants.
Conservation Status: Uncommon.
Total Length: 25-28mm.
Hemina Pinion Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#9893
Hosts: Birch, Chokecherry, Oak and other deciduous trees.
Conservation Status: Common in northeastern US.
Total Length: 20-22mm.
Grote’s Pinion Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hosts: Apple, Birch, Chokecherry, Maple and Oak.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Arcigera Flower Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#11128
Hosts: Aster, Camphorweed, Horseweed, Lavender Thrift, and Spotted Knapweed.
Conservation Status: Common from southeastern Canada to Florida and Texas.
Habitat: Fields, waste lots, prairies, and woodland edges.
Ragweed Flower Moth Photo taken near Harlemville, NY
Hodges#11135
Hosts: Ragweed.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Pale-winged Midget Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#9681.1
Hosts: Elaphria alapalida
Conservation Status: Common and widepread.
Total Length: 14mm.
Pink-shaded Fern Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#9631
Hosts: Ferns including Hayscented and New York fern.
Conservation Status: Very common from Nava Scotia to central Florida and Texas.
Habitat: Swamps, wetlands, mesic wetlands, and forests.
Pink-barred Pseudeustrotia Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#9053
Hosts: Goldenrod, Dock and Smartweed.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Total Length: 11-13mm.
Gray Marvel Photo taken in Ancram, NY
Hodges#9284
Hosts: Mint and Bee Balm.
Conservation Status: Uncommon. We have only seen this species once in the county at a meadow with plenty of Monarda present.
Total Length: 11-13mm.
Abbreviated Button Slug Moth Photo taken in Greenport, NY
Hodges#4652
Hosts: Various deciduous trees and shrubs.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Total Length: 8-12mm.
Early Button Slug Moth Photo taken in Greenport, NY
Hodges#4654
Hosts: Various deciduous trees.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Total Length: 8-12mm.
Jeweled Tailed Slug Moth Photo taken in Greenport, NY
Hodges#4659
Hosts: Various deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US,
Total Length: 8-12mm.
Skiff Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hodges#4671
Hosts: Birches,Blueberries, Chestnuts, Hornbeams, Oaks, Poplars, Wild Black Cherry, Willow and other woody plants.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Total Length: 12-17mm.
Shagreened Slug Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Beech, Hickory and Oak.
Conservation Status: Locally common throughout eastern US and southeastern Canada.
Crowned Slug Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Woody plants including Elm, Hickory, Maple, and Oak.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Spiny Oak-Slug Moth Photo taken in Austerlitz, NY
Hodges#4697
Hosts: Apple, Beech, Maple, and other trees and shrubs.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Total Length: 10-15mm.
Smaller Parasa Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Deciduous trees including Apple, Dogwood, Elm, and Oak.
Conservation Status: Common in eastern US.
Yellow-shouldered Slug Moth
Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Apple, Beech, Birch, Elm, Hickory, Linden, Oak, Willow and other trees and shrubs.
Conservation Status: Common and widespread.
Leopard Moth Photo taken in Harlemville, NY
Hosts: Various trees and woody plants.
Conservation Status: Uncommon.
Note: Introduced from Europe in the mid-1800s.