Illinois hosts over 1,850 moth species—more than ten times the diversity of butterflies. While you might think of moths as drab, nighttime nuisances, Chicago’s moth population includes some of North America’s most spectacular insects.
From massive silk moths with wingspans exceeding five inches to day-flying species often mistaken for hummingbirds, these nocturnal pollinators play crucial roles in local ecosystems.
Whether you’re exploring Chicago’s woodlands, suburban gardens, or even your own backyard, you’ll discover moths with striking colors, intricate patterns, and fascinating behaviors that rival any butterfly.
This guide introduces you to ten stunning moth species you can encounter in the Chicago area, complete with identification tips and insights into their unique characteristics.
1. Cecropia Moth
The Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia) claims the title of North America’s largest native moth, with some individuals reaching wingspans of six inches. You’ll recognize this giant silk moth by its reddish-brown wings adorned with distinctive white, red, and black crescent markings. Each wing features prominent eyespots that serve as defense mechanisms against predators.
Key Insight: Adult Cecropia moths don’t feed at all—they emerge without functional mouthparts and survive solely on energy stored during their caterpillar stage, living just long enough to mate and lay eggs.
These impressive moths emerge in late spring through early summer, typically from May through July. You’re most likely to spot them resting on tree trunks or attracted to outdoor lights during warm evenings. The caterpillars feed on a variety of deciduous trees including maple, cherry, and birch, making them common throughout Chicago’s parks and wooded areas. Look for the distinctive blue-green caterpillars adorned with colorful tubercles on trees during summer months.
Despite their size, Cecropia moths face significant threats from parasitic wasps and habitat loss. Their brief adult lifespan of about two weeks makes every sighting special. The Chicago Botanic Garden frequently documents these magnificent moths during their woodland surveys, where researchers study their role as indicators of ecosystem health.
2. Polyphemus Moth
Named after the one-eyed giant from Greek mythology, the Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus) showcases large, striking eyespots on its hindwings that resemble the mythological Cyclops. This tan to yellowish-brown moth displays a wingspan of four to six inches, with transparent window-like spots on each wing surrounded by yellow, blue, and black rings.
The eyespots serve a critical defensive function—when threatened, the moth flashes its hindwings to startle potential predators with what appears to be the face of a much larger animal. This defense mechanism proves remarkably effective against birds and small mammals. You’ll find Polyphemus moths throughout Illinois woodlands and suburban areas from April through September, with peak activity in May and June.
Pro Tip: Look for Polyphemus moths near oak, maple, and birch trees, which serve as host plants for their caterpillars. Check outdoor lights on warm spring evenings for the best viewing opportunities.
The caterpillars are bright green with silvery spots along their sides and diagonal yellow stripes. They feed voraciously for about six weeks before spinning brown silk cocoons attached to tree branches or leaf litter. These cocoons persist through winter, making them easier to spot once leaves have fallen. The adult moths emerge in spring, and their attraction to lights makes them one of the more frequently encountered large moths in Chicago backyards.
3. Luna Moth
Few moths capture attention quite like the Luna moth (Actias luna) with its ethereal lime-green wings and elegant, swooping tail streamers. This stunning silk moth measures four to seven inches across and features long hindwing tails that can extend up to three inches. The wings display a translucent quality with delicate purple-brown borders and distinctive eyespots on each wing.
Luna moths are exclusively nocturnal and emerge during late spring and summer months in Chicago. Their pale green coloration provides excellent camouflage against leaves during daylight hours when they rest motionless on tree bark or foliage. The long tail streamers serve multiple purposes—they create erratic flight patterns that confuse bat echolocation and make the moths harder for predators to capture.
Like other giant silk moths, adult Luna moths cannot eat and live only about one week. Males have larger, more feathery antennae than females, which they use to detect female pheromones from up to a mile away. The caterpillars feed on various deciduous trees including walnut, hickory, sweetgum, and persimmon. You’ll recognize them by their bright green bodies with yellow or orange lines running along their sides.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 4-7 inches with 3-inch tail streamers |
| Active Season | May through July in Chicago area |
| Best Viewing Time | Late evening to early morning |
| Host Plants | Walnut, hickory, birch, sweetgum |
| Lifespan | Approximately 7 days as adult |
Luna moth populations have declined in some areas due to light pollution, which disrupts their mating behaviors, and pesticide use. However, they remain relatively common in Chicago’s forested areas and well-vegetated suburbs where native trees provide suitable habitat.
4. Io Moth
The Io moth (Automeris io) presents one of the most dramatic examples of sexual dimorphism among Chicago’s moths. Males display bright yellow wings while females show reddish-brown to purplish-brown coloring, but both sexes feature large, prominent eyespots on their hindwings that create the appearance of an owl’s face when the wings are spread.
Important Note: Never handle Io moth caterpillars with bare hands. Their bodies are covered with venomous, black-tipped spines that deliver painful stings at the slightest touch, causing burning sensations and potential allergic reactions.
These medium to large moths have wingspans ranging from two to three inches. When resting, they keep their hindwings covered, but flash them dramatically when disturbed to startle predators. The eyespots combined with this sudden display create an effective defense mechanism. Io moths are common throughout the Chicago area from May through September, with two generations per year in warmer seasons.
The caterpillars undergo remarkable color changes as they mature. Young caterpillars appear orange or yellow, while mature caterpillars transform into vibrant green with distinctive red and white stripes running down each side. They feed in groups during early stages, moving in characteristic “trains” one after another, before dispersing as they mature. Host plants include willow, maple, elm, oak, and various other deciduous trees commonly found in Chicago parks and yards.
You’re most likely to encounter adult Io moths near outdoor lights during warm summer evenings. Despite their striking appearance, they often go unnoticed during the day when they rest with wings folded, concealing their dramatic eyespots. The moths overwinter as pupae in the soil beneath their host trees.
5. White-lined Sphinx Moth
The White-lined Sphinx moth (Hyles lineata) breaks the typical moth stereotype—this species flies during both day and night, often being mistaken for a small hummingbird as it hovers at flowers sipping nectar. With a wingspan of two and a half to three and a half inches, this moth displays brown forewings with distinctive buff-colored or white lines running from the base to the tip, giving the species its common name.
The hindwings feature bright pink patches with black borders, creating a striking flash of color during flight. These powerful fliers can migrate long distances and appear suddenly in large numbers during certain years, sometimes traveling from as far south as Central America. In the Chicago area, you’ll spot them from May through September, with peak activity during late spring and summer.
Unlike many other moths, White-lined Sphinx moths actively feed as adults, using their long proboscis to reach nectar deep within tubular flowers. They show particular preference for evening primrose, four o’clocks, petunias, and honeysuckle. Their rapid wingbeats produce an audible hum similar to a hummingbird’s, and they can hover in place with remarkable precision while feeding.
Common Mistake: Many people assume daytime sphinx moths are hummingbirds. Look for six legs, antennae, and the thick, fuzzy body of a moth rather than the sleek appearance and beak of a hummingbird.
The caterpillars, known as hornworms, come in various color forms ranging from bright green to black, all featuring a distinctive horn at the rear end. They feed on a wide variety of plants including purslane, willow weed, four o’clock, and various evening primrose family members. The caterpillars can be abundant in gardens, and while they may damage ornamental plants, the adults provide valuable pollination services.
6. Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
Another expert hummingbird impersonator, the Hummingbird Clearwing moth (Hemaris thysbe) flies exclusively during daylight hours, buzzing from flower to flower with remarkable agility. This day-flying moth measures about one and a half to two inches across with mostly transparent wings bordered by reddish-brown bands, creating the optical illusion of a tiny hummingbird in flight.
The moth’s body is olive-green to golden-brown with burgundy patches, and it features a fan-shaped tail. The clear wing sections develop after the moth’s first flight—newly emerged adults have scales on their wings that quickly fall away, leaving the transparent membranes. You’ll find these charming moths visiting gardens throughout the Chicago area from April through August, with northern populations typically producing one brood per season.
Hummingbird Clearwings show strong preferences for tubular flowers including bee balm, phlox, honeysuckle, and snowberry. They feed while hovering, extending their long tongue into flowers without landing. This feeding behavior makes them important pollinators for many native plants. Unlike their nocturnal relatives, these moths rely on excellent vision rather than scent to locate flowers.
The bright green caterpillars, adorned with white or yellow spots along their sides and a distinctive horn at the rear, feed primarily on honeysuckle and snowberry. They grow to about two inches long before dropping to the ground to pupate in loose cocoons mixed with soil and leaf litter. The last generation overwinters in the pupal stage, emerging as adults the following spring when temperatures warm and flowers begin blooming.
7. Giant Leopard Moth
The Giant Leopard moth (Hypercompe scribonia) lives up to its name with a striking appearance that resembles its big cat namesake. This bold moth displays white wings covered in distinctive black and blue spots, creating a leopard-like pattern. The wingspan ranges from two to three inches, and the abdomen features bright blue segments with orange bands—a coloration that serves as a warning to potential predators.
Key Insight: The Giant Leopard moth’s bold coloring isn’t just for show—it signals that the moth can be distasteful to predators. This aposematic coloration helps protect the species from birds and other insectivores.
These moths appear throughout the Chicago area from April through September, though they’re most abundant during summer months. Adults are strongly attracted to lights and frequently show up at porch lights and street lamps during warm evenings. Despite their eye-catching appearance, they spend most daylight hours resting motionless on tree bark or building walls.
The caterpillars, often called “woolly bears,” are equally distinctive with their black, fuzzy bodies covered in stiff black bristles. They feed on a remarkably wide variety of plants including violets, plantain, dandelion, and various trees. When disturbed, the caterpillars curl into tight balls, revealing bright red segments between their body sections—another warning display. The bristles, while appearing dangerous, are actually harmless to humans.
Giant Leopard moths overwinter as caterpillars, hiding in protected spaces under bark, in leaf litter, or beneath buildings. They resume feeding in spring before pupating inside loose cocoons. The species shows remarkable adaptability to urban and suburban environments, making it one of the more commonly encountered large moths in Chicago’s residential areas.
8. Imperial Moth
The Imperial moth (Eacles imperialis) ranks among Chicago’s most variable and beautiful large moths, with individuals displaying remarkable color diversity. Wingspans range from three to seven inches, with females typically larger than males. The base color varies from bright yellow to orange or purplish-brown, all decorated with pink to reddish-brown or purple spots and speckles.
Males tend toward brighter yellow coloration while females often show deeper orange or purplish tones, though considerable overlap exists. Both sexes feature varying amounts of purple or brown markings, from sparse spots to heavy blotching that can nearly obscure the base color. This variability makes each Imperial moth unique, and seeing several individuals reveals the species’ remarkable range of patterns.
These impressive moths emerge from June through August in the Chicago area, with peak flights during July. You’ll most often encounter them around outdoor lights on warm summer nights. Imperial moths frequent a variety of habitats including deciduous and mixed forests, suburban areas with mature trees, and rural environments. They show particular association with oak, maple, pine, and sweetgum trees.
The caterpillars undergo dramatic color changes as they mature. Young larvae appear orange with distinctive black bands and spines, creating a striking appearance. As they develop, they transition to varying shades of green, brown, or burgundy, with white or yellow lateral stripes. Mature caterpillars can reach four inches in length and feature short, harmless spines and white breathing spiracles along their sides.
| Identification Features | Males | Females |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Color | Bright yellow | Orange to purplish-brown |
| Wingspan | 3-5 inches | 4-7 inches |
| Markings | Lighter, sparse purple spots | Heavier blotching pattern |
| Abundance | More commonly seen at lights | Less frequently encountered |
Despite their large size and beauty, Imperial moth populations have declined in some parts of their range due to habitat loss and light pollution. However, they remain relatively common in well-forested areas around Chicago where suitable host plants thrive.
9. Tulip-Tree Silkmoth
The Tulip-Tree Silkmoth (Callosamia angulifera) presents a more subtle beauty than some of its flashier relatives, with soft tan to olive-brown wings marked with delicate pink and white accents. This medium-sized silk moth displays a wingspan of three to five inches and features distinctive hook-shaped wing tips that create an elegant silhouette.
Each wing showcases a small translucent eyespot surrounded by yellow and pink rings, along with pink or mauve shading along the wing margins. The overall appearance is understated yet sophisticated, with coloring that provides excellent camouflage against tree bark. Males have broader, more feathery antennae than females, which they use to detect female pheromones.
True to its name, this moth’s primary host plant is tulip tree (also called tulip poplar or yellow poplar), though caterpillars will also feed on sweetgum, cherry, and other deciduous trees. The bright green caterpillars feature turquoise or blue tubercles along their sides and a yellow-orange head. They grow to about two inches long before spinning brown cocoons wrapped in leaves.
Pro Tip: Look for Tulip-Tree Silkmoths near their namesake trees during June and July in Chicago. These moths rarely stray far from their host plants and are most active during late evening hours.
Adult moths emerge in late spring and early summer, typically from May through July in the Chicago region. Like other silk moths, adults cannot feed and live only long enough to reproduce. They’re most active during the first few hours after dark and are occasionally attracted to lights, though less strongly than some other moth species.
The Tulip-Tree Silkmoth population in Chicago benefits from the presence of tulip trees in parks, arboretums, and residential landscapes. These moths are particularly common at the Chicago Botanic Garden and Morton Arboretum, where native tree populations provide ideal habitat. The species produces one generation per year, overwintering as pupae inside their leaf-wrapped cocoons.
10. Banded Tussock Moth
The Banded Tussock Moth (Halysidota tessellaris) may be smaller than the giant silk moths, but it compensates with striking coloring and an incredibly fuzzy appearance. This moth displays a wingspan of one and a half to two inches, with pale yellow to cream-colored wings decorated with distinctive wavy crossbands in darker yellow or tan.
The most memorable feature is the moth’s extremely hairy yellow body covered in long, soft setae that give it a distinctly fuzzy appearance. The wings appear translucent or semi-transparent in certain lighting, creating an almost ghostly effect when the moth is in flight. Unlike many other moths, Banded Tussock Moths are relatively easy to approach and photograph when found resting on vegetation or tree trunks.
You’ll encounter these moths throughout the Chicago area from April through September, with multiple generations per year. They’re common in various habitats including forests, parks, gardens, and urban areas with mature trees. Adults are active at night and readily come to lights, making them frequent visitors to porch lights and outdoor fixtures during warm months.
The caterpillars are even more distinctive than the adults—they feature tufts of white, gray, and black hair with longer black tufts at both ends and a series of black or red spots down the back. These colorful caterpillars feed on a remarkably wide range of plants including oak, willow, birch, poplar, and various other deciduous trees and shrubs. The hairs can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, so it’s best to observe without touching.
Common Mistake: Don’t confuse the Banded Tussock Moth with the closely related Spotted Tussock Moth. Look for the distinct wavy bands across the wings rather than small spots or speckles.
These adaptable moths thrive in disturbed habitats and readily colonize urban and suburban areas, making them one of the more frequently observed moth species in Chicago neighborhoods. The caterpillars often appear in gardens and parks during summer, sometimes in impressive numbers when populations peak. Despite their abundance, they rarely cause significant damage to landscape plants.
Chicago’s moth diversity offers endless opportunities for discovery and appreciation. These ten species represent just a fraction of the 1,850+ moth species found across Illinois, yet they showcase the remarkable variety of sizes, colors, and behaviors within this often-overlooked group of insects. Moths serve vital ecological roles as pollinators, food sources for wildlife, and indicators of environmental health.
To observe moths in your area, start by checking outdoor lights on warm evenings, exploring local parks and nature areas during dusk, and learning to identify caterpillars on native plants.
Consider leaving outdoor lights off when possible to reduce light pollution, which disrupts moth navigation and mating behaviors. Planting native trees and flowers supports moth populations by providing essential food sources for both caterpillars and adults.
Each moth sighting offers a glimpse into Chicago’s rich natural heritage and the complex web of life that thrives even in urban environments. Whether you encounter the massive Cecropia, the ethereal Luna, or the fuzzy Banded Tussock, these stunning moths demonstrate that extraordinary beauty and ecological importance exist right in your own backyard.
