Arkansas hosts an incredible diversity of moths, with over 32 distinctive species calling the Natural State home. From the ethereal Luna moth with its pale green wings to the vibrant Rosy maple moth in shades of pink and yellow, these nocturnal creatures represent some of nature’s most captivating insects.
Whether you’re exploring the Ozark Mountains or the Mississippi Delta region, you’ll encounter moths that showcase remarkable adaptations and stunning beauty throughout Arkansas’s varied ecosystems.
Understanding Arkansas’s native moth species opens a window into the state’s rich biodiversity and ecological relationships. These moths serve as crucial pollinators for native plants, food sources for Arkansas bat species, and indicators of environmental health across the region’s diverse habitats.
1. Luna Moth
The Luna moth (Actias luna) stands as one of Arkansas’s most spectacular moth species, with pale green wings spanning up to 4.5 inches. These ethereal creatures feature distinctive long tails on their hindwings and translucent eyespots that shimmer in moonlight. You’ll most likely spot Luna moths from April through July in Arkansas’s deciduous forests, where they’re drawn to outdoor lights during their brief adult lives.
Pro Tip: Luna moths live only about one week as adults and don’t feed at all, relying entirely on energy stored from their caterpillar stage.
Their caterpillars feed on walnut, hickory, and sweet gum trees commonly found throughout Arkansas. The species produces two broods annually in the state’s climate, with peak emergence occurring during warm, humid evenings following spring rains.
2. Cecropia Moth
North America’s largest native moth, the Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), displays magnificent reddish-brown wings marked with white crescents and distinctive red, white, and black banding. These impressive moths can reach wingspans of nearly 6 inches, making them unmistakable when encountered around Arkansas’s woodland edges and suburban areas with mature trees.
Cecropia moths emerge from late May through July in Arkansas, with their caterpillars feeding on cherry, maple, and elm trees. Like other giant silk moths, adults don’t feed and focus entirely on reproduction during their short lives. Their large, brown cocoons often persist on tree branches throughout winter, providing interesting observations for nature enthusiasts.
3. Polyphemus Moth
The Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus) earns its name from the prominent eyespots adorning its tan and brown wings, reminiscent of the one-eyed giant from Greek mythology. These robust moths maintain wingspans reaching 4-5 inches and display subtle pink and purple hues along their wing margins.
Throughout Arkansas, Polyphemus moths produce two generations annually, with adults flying from April through September. Their caterpillars show remarkable adaptability, feeding on over 50 different tree species including oak, maple, birch, and willow. This dietary flexibility contributes to their success across Arkansas’s diverse forest types.
Key Insight: Polyphemus moth eyespots serve as a startle defense mechanism, confusing predators when the moth suddenly reveals these large, eye-like markings.
4. Io Moth
The Io moth (Automeris io) presents one of Arkansas’s most striking examples of sexual dimorphism among moths. Males display bright yellow forewings with subtle markings, while females show reddish-brown coloration. Both sexes feature prominent blue and black eyespots on their hindwings, creating a dramatic defensive display when threatened.
These moths fly from March through October in Arkansas, producing multiple broods in the state’s favorable climate. Their spiny caterpillars feed on various trees and shrubs, including corn, clover, and roses, making them occasionally encountered in gardens and agricultural areas. The caterpillars’ venomous spines can cause painful stings, earning them respect from Arkansas gardeners.
5. Rosy Maple Moth
Arkansas’s most colorful moth species, the Rosy maple moth (Dryocampa rubicunda), displays vibrant pink and yellow coloration that seems almost artificial in its intensity. These small to medium-sized moths maintain wingspans of 1.25-2 inches and show considerable variation in their pink and yellow patterns across different individuals.
Active from April through September, Rosy maple moths produce two broods annually in Arkansas. Their caterpillars, known as green-striped mapleworms, feed exclusively on maple and oak trees. Despite their striking appearance, these moths often go unnoticed due to their preference for remaining high in tree canopies during daylight hours.
6. Imperial Moth
The Imperial moth (Eacles imperialis) ranks among Arkansas’s largest and most variable moth species, with wingspans reaching 3-7 inches. These impressive moths display yellow wings decorated with purple-brown spots and bands, though coloration varies significantly between individuals and geographic populations.
Flying from June through August in Arkansas, Imperial moths prefer pine and oak forests where their caterpillars feed on various trees including pine, oak, maple, and sweet gum. The species has experienced population declines in some areas, making Arkansas sightings particularly valuable for understanding their current distribution patterns.
Important Note: Imperial moth populations have declined in northern parts of their range, making Arkansas an increasingly important stronghold for the species.
7. Promethea Moth
The Promethea moth (Callosamia promethea) exhibits remarkable sexual dimorphism, with males showing dark reddish-brown wings marked by pale borders, while females display larger, lighter-colored wings with more prominent markings. These medium-sized silk moths maintain wingspans of 3-4 inches and fly during daylight hours, unlike most of their nocturnal relatives.
In Arkansas, Promethea moths emerge from April through August, with their caterpillars feeding on spicebush, sassafras, tulip tree, and wild cherry. Their distinctive cocoons, wrapped in leaves and attached to branches, often remain visible throughout winter months in Arkansas’s deciduous forests.
8. Tulip-tree Silkmoth
The Tulip-tree silkmoth (Callosamia angulifera) displays rich reddish-brown coloration with distinctive white markings and transparent windows in their wings. These robust moths maintain wingspans of 3-5 inches and show close relationships to the Promethea moth, though they’re generally larger and darker in coloration.
Active from April through July in Arkansas, these moths specialize in feeding on tulip trees, though their caterpillars also accept sweetgum and wild cherry. Their preference for tulip trees makes them particularly common in Arkansas’s river bottom forests where these host plants thrive. The species represents an excellent example of moth diversity found throughout the southeastern United States.
9. Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
The Hummingbird clearwing moth (Hemaris thysbe) perfectly mimics a tiny hummingbird as it hovers at flowers during daylight hours. These day-flying moths display clear wings bordered with reddish-brown bands and maintain compact, robust bodies that enhance their hummingbird-like appearance.
Throughout Arkansas, these moths fly from March through October, visiting flowers like bee balm, honeysuckle, and phlox. Their caterpillars feed on honeysuckle, hawthorn, and snowberry, making them common in both wild and cultivated areas. Their ability to hover precisely while feeding makes them fascinating subjects for observation and photography.
10. Snowberry Clearwing Moth
The Snowberry clearwing moth (Hemaris diffinis) closely resembles its hummingbird clearwing relative but shows distinct differences in coloration and behavior. These moths display darker, more yellowish bodies with clear wings and black borders, creating a bumblebee-like appearance during flight.
Active from April through August in Arkansas, Snowberry clearwing moths visit many of the same flowers as their relatives but show preferences for dogbane, vetch, and lilac. Their caterpillars feed primarily on snowberry and honeysuckle, making them common throughout Arkansas’s diverse habitats where these plants occur.
Pro Tip: Both clearwing moth species lose their wing scales after their first flight, creating the transparent “windows” that give them their common names.
11. White-lined Sphinx Moth
The White-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata) stands out as one of Arkansas’s most widespread and recognizable sphinx moths, displaying brown forewings marked with distinctive white lines and pink hindwings with black borders. These strong-flying moths maintain wingspans of 2.5-3.5 inches and demonstrate remarkable migratory abilities.
Flying from March through October, these moths show particular abundance during years with favorable weather conditions. Their caterpillars feed on various plants including evening primrose, grape, and tomato, making them occasionally encountered in Arkansas gardens. The species’ migratory nature means population numbers can vary dramatically between years.
12. Carolina Sphinx Moth
The Carolina sphinx moth (Manduca sexta) represents one of Arkansas’s largest sphinx moth species, with gray and brown mottled wings spanning 3-5 inches. These powerful moths display excellent camouflage against tree bark and demonstrate remarkable hovering abilities while feeding at flowers.
Active from April through October, Carolina sphinx moths produce multiple broods in Arkansas’s climate. Their caterpillars, known as tobacco hornworms, feed on plants in the nightshade family including tobacco, tomato, and potato. This feeding preference occasionally brings them into conflict with Arkansas gardeners and farmers, though they serve important ecological roles as pollinators.
13. Tobacco Hornworm Moth
Often confused with the Carolina sphinx moth, the Tobacco hornworm moth (Manduca sexta) shares similar appearance and habits but shows subtle differences in wing patterns and larval characteristics. These robust moths maintain similar sizes and flight patterns to their close relatives.
Their caterpillars specifically target tobacco and related plants, making them significant agricultural pests in some Arkansas farming areas. However, the adult moths serve as important pollinators for various native flowers, particularly those that bloom during evening hours when these moths are most active.
14. Tomato Hornworm Moth
The Tomato hornworm moth (Manduca quinquemaculata) displays similar characteristics to other Manduca species but shows distinctive five-spotted patterns on its abdomen. These large sphinx moths demonstrate the same powerful flight capabilities and flower-visiting behaviors as their relatives.
Flying from May through September in Arkansas, these moths focus their egg-laying activities on tomato, tobacco, and other nightshade family plants. Their caterpillars can cause significant damage to garden crops, though natural predators and parasites usually keep populations in check. Understanding their life cycle helps Arkansas gardeners manage these species effectively while appreciating their ecological importance.
15. Tersa Sphinx Moth
The Tersa sphinx moth (Xylophanes tersa) brings tropical flair to Arkansas’s moth fauna, displaying brown and tan wings marked with distinctive darker lines and patterns. These medium-sized moths maintain wingspans of 2.5-3 inches and show remarkable precision during their hovering flight at flowers.
Active from April through November in Arkansas, Tersa sphinx moths represent the northern edge of their range in the state. Their caterpillars feed on plants in the madder family, including wild coffee and smooth buttonplant, making them more common in Arkansas’s southern counties where these host plants are most abundant.
Key Insight: Tersa sphinx moths demonstrate how Arkansas serves as a transition zone between temperate and subtropical moth fauna, hosting species at the edges of their geographic ranges.
16. Pandora Sphinx Moth
The Pandora sphinx moth (Eumorpha pandorus) displays some of the most beautiful coloration among Arkansas’s sphinx moths, with olive-green and pink wings decorated with darker green patches and silver spots. These large moths maintain wingspans reaching 3-4.5 inches and show distinctive pink underwing coloration during flight.
Flying from May through September, Pandora sphinx moths prefer woodland edges and areas with abundant grape vines, their primary host plant. Their caterpillars also feed on Virginia creeper, making them common throughout Arkansas’s forest margins where these climbing vines thrive. The species demonstrates excellent adaptation to both natural and human-modified landscapes.
17. Vine Sphinx Moth
The Vine sphinx moth (Eumorpha vitis) closely resembles the Pandora sphinx but shows more subdued coloration and slightly smaller size. These moths display brown and tan wings with subtle green markings and maintain wingspans of 2.5-3.5 inches.
Active from April through October in Arkansas, Vine sphinx moths share similar habitat preferences and host plants with their Pandora relatives. Their caterpillars feed on grape and Virginia creeper, making them common throughout the state’s varied ecosystems. The species often goes unnoticed due to its excellent camouflage and preference for remaining motionless during daylight hours.
18. Banded Sphinx Moth
The Banded sphinx moth (Eumorpha fasciatus) displays distinctive banding patterns across its brown and tan wings, creating one of the most recognizable sphinx moth species in Arkansas. These medium-sized moths maintain wingspans of 3-4 inches and show excellent flight control during their flower-visiting activities.
Flying from April through September, Banded sphinx moths prefer areas with abundant evening primrose, their primary host plant. Their caterpillars also feed on grape and other plants, making them adaptable to various Arkansas habitats. The species represents another example of the diverse large moth species found throughout the southeastern United States.
19. Blinded Sphinx Moth
The Blinded sphinx moth (Paonias excaecatus) earns its name from the prominent eyespots on its hindwings, which lack the pupils found in related species. These medium-sized moths display brown and gray forewings with subtle patterns and maintain wingspans of 2.5-3.5 inches.
Active from April through August in Arkansas, Blinded sphinx moths prefer deciduous forests where their caterpillars feed on wild cherry, willow, and poplar trees. Their excellent camouflage makes them difficult to spot during rest, but they become active flower visitors during evening hours when many native plants release their strongest fragrances.
20. Small-eyed Sphinx Moth
The Small-eyed sphinx moth (Paonias myops) displays smaller, less prominent eyespots compared to its blinded sphinx relative, along with more colorful wing patterns including pink and brown markings. These moths maintain similar sizes and flight characteristics to other Paonias species.
Flying from May through August in Arkansas, Small-eyed sphinx moths show preferences for woodland areas with abundant host plants including wild cherry, poplar, and willow. Their caterpillars demonstrate excellent camouflage, often going unnoticed despite their relatively large size when fully grown.
Important Note: Sphinx moth caterpillars often display a defensive horn on their rear end, earning them the common name “hornworms,” though this structure is harmless to humans.
21. Virginia Tiger Moth
The Virginia tiger moth (Spilosoma virginica) displays pristine white wings often marked with small black spots, creating a clean, distinctive appearance among Arkansas’s moth fauna. These medium-sized moths maintain wingspans of 1.5-2.5 inches and show considerable variation in their spotting patterns.
Active from April through September, Virginia tiger moths produce multiple broods in Arkansas’s favorable climate. Their fuzzy caterpillars, known as yellow bears, feed on various low-growing plants including clover, dandelion, and garden crops. Despite their common name, these caterpillars rarely cause significant damage due to their dispersed feeding habits.
22. Isabella Tiger Moth
The Isabella tiger moth (Pyrrharctia isabella) produces the famous woolly bear caterpillars that many Arkansas residents encounter during autumn months. Adult moths display yellow-orange wings with scattered black spots and maintain wingspans of 1.5-2 inches.
Flying from May through October, Isabella tiger moths show remarkable cold tolerance, with their caterpillars surviving Arkansas winters by producing natural antifreeze compounds. The folklore surrounding woolly bears’ ability to predict winter weather makes them among Arkansas’s most culturally significant insects, though their band patterns actually reflect age and nutrition rather than weather predictions.
23. Fall Webworm Moth
The Fall webworm moth (Hyphantria cunea) displays pure white wings in its northern form, though Arkansas populations often show black spotting. These moths maintain wingspans of 1-1.5 inches and produce the conspicuous web nests often seen in Arkansas trees during late summer and fall.
Active from April through September, Fall webworm moths can produce up to three broods annually in Arkansas’s climate. Their caterpillars feed on over 100 different tree species, creating silk webs that protect their colonies while feeding. Though often considered pests, these moths rarely cause permanent damage to healthy trees and serve as important food sources for various Arkansas wildlife species.
24. Clymene Moth
The Clymene moth (Haploa clymene) displays distinctive cream-colored wings marked with brown bands and spots, creating an elegant appearance among Arkansas’s tiger moth family. These medium-sized moths maintain wingspans of 1.5-2.5 inches and show excellent camouflage against tree bark and dried vegetation.
Flying from May through August, Clymene moths prefer areas with diverse plant communities where their caterpillars can feed on various herbaceous plants including joe-pye weed, goldenrod, and asters. Their preference for native wildflowers makes them excellent indicators of healthy prairie and woodland edge habitats throughout Arkansas.
25. Yellow-collared Scape Moth
The Yellow-collared scape moth (Cisseps fulvicollis) displays dark wings with distinctive yellow or orange collar markings, creating a wasp-like appearance that may provide protection from predators. These small moths maintain wingspans of about 1 inch and demonstrate day-flying behaviors unusual among most moth species.
Active from June through September in Arkansas, these moths visit flowers during daylight hours alongside butterflies and other day-flying insects. Their caterpillars feed on lichens and dead organic matter, making them important decomposers in Arkansas’s forest ecosystems. The species’ preference for sunny, open areas makes them common in prairies and woodland edges.
26. Giant Leopard Moth
The Giant leopard moth (Hypercompe scribonia) displays striking white wings covered with distinctive black spots, resembling a flying leopard print pattern. These large moths maintain wingspans reaching 2-3.5 inches and show bright blue and orange coloration on their bodies when threatened.
Flying from March through September, Giant leopard moths produce multiple broods in Arkansas’s climate. Their fuzzy black caterpillars, known as woolly bears, feed on various plants including plantain, violets, and dandelions. The species demonstrates excellent adaptation to both natural and suburban environments throughout Arkansas.
Pro Tip: Giant leopard moth caterpillars curl into tight balls when disturbed, showing their defensive strategy of appearing as inanimate objects to avoid predation.
27. Banded Tussock Moth
The Banded tussock moth (Halysidota tessellaris) displays yellow and brown wings with distinctive darker banding patterns. These medium-sized moths maintain wingspans of 1.5-2.5 inches and produce highly recognizable caterpillars covered in colorful tufts of hair.
Active from May through August in Arkansas, Banded tussock moths prefer deciduous forests where their caterpillars feed on various trees including oak, hickory, and walnut. Their caterpillars’ warning coloration and irritating hairs protect them from most predators, though some Arkansas bird species have adapted to handle these defended prey items.
28. Salt Marsh Moth
The Salt marsh moth (Estigmene acrea) displays white or pale yellow wings often marked with black spots, though spotting patterns vary considerably between individuals. These robust moths maintain wingspans of 1.5-2.5 inches and show excellent adaptation to various Arkansas habitats despite their common name’s coastal implications.
Flying from April through October, Salt marsh moths produce multiple broods throughout Arkansas’s growing season. Their caterpillars, known as salt marsh caterpillars, feed on various low-growing plants including clover, alfalfa, and garden vegetables. The species demonstrates remarkable ecological flexibility, thriving in habitats ranging from agricultural areas to natural prairies.
29. Large Yellow Underwing
The Large yellow underwing (Noctua pronuba) represents a European species that has successfully established populations throughout Arkansas since its introduction to North America. These moths display brown forewings with distinctive kidney-shaped markings and bright yellow hindwings with black borders.
Active from June through October, Large yellow underwing moths show excellent adaptation to Arkansas’s climate and plant communities. Their caterpillars feed on various grasses and herbaceous plants, making them common in both natural and agricultural areas. The species’ success demonstrates the complex dynamics of invasive insect species in North American ecosystems.
30. Pink-striped Oakworm Moth
The Pink-striped oakworm moth (Anisota virginiensis) displays rich reddish-brown coloration with distinctive pink stripes across its forewings.
These medium-sized moths maintain wingspans of 1.5-2.5 inches and show close relationships to other oakworm moth species found throughout the southeastern United States.
Flying from June through August in Arkansas, these moths specialize in oak trees where their caterpillars feed in large groups during their early stages.
Their caterpillars can occasionally cause noticeable defoliation of oak trees, though healthy trees typically recover without permanent damage. The species plays important roles in Arkansas’s oak forest ecosystems as both herbivores and prey for other wildlife.
31. Polka-dot Wasp Moth
The Polka-dot wasp moth (Syntomeida epilais) displays metallic blue-black wings decorated with distinctive white spots, creating a wasp-like appearance that provides protection through mimicry.
These day-flying moths maintain wingspans of 1-1.5 inches and demonstrate behaviors similar to their wasp models.
Active from April through October in Arkansas, Polka-dot wasp moths visit flowers during daylight hours and show preferences for areas with abundant oleander, their primary host plant.
Their caterpillars feed exclusively on oleander and related plants, making them more common in cultivated areas where these ornamental plants are grown. The species represents an excellent example of Müllerian mimicry among Arkansas insects.
32. Walnut Sphinx Moth
The Walnut sphinx moth (Amorpha juglandis) displays brown and gray coloration with excellent camouflage patterns that make them nearly invisible against tree bark. These large sphinx moths maintain wingspans reaching 2.5-3.5 inches and demonstrate the powerful flight capabilities characteristic of their family.
Flying from May through August, Walnut sphinx moths specialize in walnut and related trees where their caterpillars feed. Their close association with walnut trees makes them particularly common in Arkansas’s river bottom forests and areas with mature walnut groves. The species shows excellent adaptation to both wild and cultivated walnut populations throughout the state.
33. Regal Moth
The Regal moth (Citheronia regalis) produces the impressive hickory horned devil caterpillars, some of Arkansas’s largest and most fearsome-looking caterpillars despite being completely harmless. Adult moths display orange wings with yellow spots and gray markings, maintaining wingspans reaching 3.5-6 inches.
Active from June through August, Regal moths prefer mature deciduous forests where their caterpillars feed on hickory, walnut, and related trees.
Despite their intimidating larval appearance, these moths face population pressures from habitat loss and are considered indicators of healthy, mature forest ecosystems.
Their presence in Arkansas forests represents successful conservation of the state’s native woodland heritage, much like efforts to protect other native Arkansas wildlife.
Key Insight: The Regal moth’s hickory horned devil caterpillars can reach over 5 inches in length, making them among the largest caterpillars in North America, yet they’re completely harmless to humans.
Seasonal Moth Watching in Arkansas
Arkansas’s diverse moth fauna provides year-round opportunities for observation and study, with peak activity occurring during warm months from April through October.
Spring emergence begins with species like Luna moths and Imperial moths, while summer brings the greatest diversity with sphinx moths, tiger moths, and clearwing species active during evening hours.
| Season | Peak Species | Best Locations | Viewing Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) | Luna, Cecropia, Promethea | Deciduous forests | Check outdoor lights after warm rains |
| Summer (June-August) | Sphinx moths, Tiger moths | Gardens, woodland edges | Evening flower observations |
| Fall (September-November) | Woolly bears, Fall webworm | Open areas, prairies | Daytime caterpillar searches |
The best moth watching locations in Arkansas include state parks, wildlife management areas, and even suburban gardens with diverse native plantings.
Many species respond well to artificial lights, making them accessible for evening observation sessions. However, the most rewarding experiences often come from observing moths in their natural behaviors, visiting flowers during twilight hours or discovering caterpillars on their host plants.
Understanding Arkansas’s native moth species enhances appreciation for the state’s incredible biodiversity and the complex ecological relationships that support these fascinating insects.
From the massive Regal moth to the tiny Yellow-collared scape moth, each species contributes unique adaptations and ecological services that make Arkansas’s natural heritage truly remarkable.
Whether you’re a dedicated naturalist or simply curious about the creatures sharing your outdoor spaces, Arkansas’s moths offer endless opportunities for discovery and wonder in the Natural State’s diverse ecosystems.
