Nebraska’s summer nights come alive with hundreds of moth species, from thumb-sized giants with feathery antennae to delicate sphinx moths that hover like hummingbirds.
You’ll find these fascinating insects in wooded areas, prairies, and even around your porch light. Whether you’re exploring tallgrass prairies or setting up a backlight in your backyard, learning to identify moths in Nebraska adds a whole new dimension to your wildlife watching experiences.
This guide covers 24 distinctive moth species you can observe throughout the state. You’ll discover what makes each species unique, where to find them, and the best times to look.
From the massive cecropia moth to the tiger moths with their bold patterns, Nebraska’s moth diversity offers something remarkable for every nature enthusiast.
1. Luna Moth
The luna moth (Actias luna) stands out as one of Nebraska’s most enchanting insects, with pale green wings that can span up to 4.5 inches. Each hindwing extends into a long, flowing tail that trails behind during flight. You’ll recognize this species by the transparent eyespots on all four wings, ringed in black, yellow, and sometimes blue or purple hues.
Look for luna moths in Nebraska’s southeastern deciduous forests from May through July. They’re most active at night and strongly attracted to lights. Adults emerge from cocoons with one singular purpose since they lack functional mouthparts and cannot eat. Males use their large, feathery antennae to detect female pheromones from over a mile away. The entire adult stage lasts only about one week, dedicated entirely to reproduction.
Pro Tip: Luna moth caterpillars feed on walnut, hickory, and sweetgum trees. If you spot damaged leaves on these trees during summer, check the branches for the plump green caterpillars with yellow stripes.
2. Polyphemus Moth
Polyphemus moths (Antheraea polyphemus) belong to the giant silk moth family and measure 4 to 6 inches across. Their most striking feature is the large eyespots on the hindwings that resemble a great horned owl’s face, complete with black pupils surrounded by yellow and blue rings. The wings display shades of tan, brown, and rust.
You can find these moths in forests, orchards, wetlands, and urban areas throughout Nebraska. They’re active from May through July and readily come to outdoor lights. Like luna moths, adults don’t feed and live only four days after emerging from their cocoons. Males fly during the day and night searching for females, while females typically remain stationary and release pheromones. The distinctive eyespots serve as a defense mechanism, startling potential predators when the moth suddenly opens its wings.
3. Cecropia Moth
The cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia) holds the title as North America’s largest native moth, with wingspans reaching up to 6 inches. These impressive insects feature bright orange bodies as thick as your thumb, with wings displaying bold patterns of red, white, and black crescent shapes bordered by tan and brown bands.
Nebraska’s wooded areas and neighborhoods host cecropia moths from late May through early July. They typically emerge at dusk and are drawn to lights, though finding them requires patience since adults are active for only about two weeks. Males possess elaborate, feather-like antennae covered with hundreds of thousands of olfactory sensors capable of detecting females from over a mile away. The caterpillars, which can grow up to 4 inches long, feed on maple, birch, and fruit trees before spinning large brown cocoons that overwinter on branches.
Key Insight: If you find a cecropia moth during the day, it’s likely freshly emerged and waiting for its wings to dry and harden before its first flight.
4. Io Moth
Io moths (Automeris io) create quite a spectacle when they reveal their hindwings. Males display vibrant yellow wings, while females show reddish-brown to purplish-brown coloring. Both sexes feature prominent eyespots on the hindwings with black pupils surrounded by blue, white, and black rings that can startle predators.
These moths inhabit various environments across Nebraska, including forests, fields, and gardens. Adults fly from May through September, with peak activity in June and July. The species gets its name from Greek mythology’s Io, and the eyespots serve as the primary defense mechanism. When threatened, the moth suddenly flashes its hindwings to reveal the “eyes.”
Their caterpillars are equally remarkable, covered in branching spines that deliver a painful sting if touched. The larvae feed on a wide variety of plants, including corn, clover, and various trees. Handle these caterpillars with caution, as the venomous spines can cause welts and burning sensations lasting for hours.
5. Imperial Moth
Imperial moths (Eacles imperialis) live up to their regal name with impressive 3 to 7 inch wingspans. These large silk moths display variable coloring from yellow to orange-brown, covered with purple to brown spots and blotches. Males tend to be more yellow with fewer markings, while females appear darker and more heavily patterned.
You’ll encounter imperial moths in deciduous and mixed forests throughout Nebraska from June through August. They’re attracted to lights but are becoming less common in some areas due to habitat loss and light pollution. Adults don’t feed, surviving on fat reserves stored during the caterpillar stage. The large green caterpillars, which can grow up to 5.5 inches, feed on oak, maple, pine, and sweetgum trees.
Common Mistake: People often confuse male imperial moths with luna moths due to their yellow coloring, but imperial moths have shorter, stockier bodies and lack the luna moth’s distinctive long tails.
6. Promethea Moth
Promethea moths (Callosamia promethea) exhibit striking sexual dimorphism. Males feature dark brown to black wings with pale borders and are active fliers during the day. Females display reddish-brown to purplish-brown coloring with bold white zigzag lines across their wings and typically fly only at night.
These moths inhabit wooded areas and forest edges across Nebraska from June through August. You’ll most likely spot males during afternoon hours as they actively search for females. The species creates unique cocoons wrapped in leaves that hang from tree branches all winter, resembling dead leaves to avoid predation. Caterpillars feed primarily on wild cherry, ash, tulip tree, and sassafras. The adult moths don’t feed and live only about a week, focusing entirely on reproduction.
7. White-lined Sphinx Moth
White-lined sphinx moths (Hyles lineata) are among Nebraska’s most recognizable hawk moths. These medium-sized insects span 2.5 to 3.5 inches and display tan to brown forewings with distinctive white or cream-colored lines running down the middle. The hindwings show bright pink or rose-colored bands with black margins.
You can observe these moths throughout Nebraska from spring through fall, with multiple generations each year. They’re exceptional fliers, capable of speeds up to 12 miles per hour, and can hover in place like hummingbirds while feeding from flowers. They’re active from dusk through dawn, visiting gardens, fields, and prairies to feed on nectar from petunias, evening primrose, and honeysuckle. The caterpillars, known as hornworms, vary dramatically in color from green to black with yellow or orange spots.
8. Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
Hummingbird clearwing moths (Hemaris thysbe) create a double-take moment when you first spot them. These day-flying moths closely resemble small hummingbirds, complete with rapid wing beats and hovering behavior. They measure 1.5 to 2 inches across with clear, transparent wings bordered by reddish-brown scales. The body shows olive or golden-green coloring with burgundy patches.
Look for these moths in gardens, meadows, and forest edges throughout Nebraska from April through August. Unlike most moths, they’re most active during daylight hours, especially mid-morning and late afternoon. They feed while hovering in front of flowers, using their long proboscis to sip nectar from bee balm, phlox, honeysuckle, and snowberry. The moths beat their wings so rapidly they create an audible hum, further enhancing their hummingbird mimicry.
9. Snowberry Clearwing Moth
Snowberry clearwing moths (Hemaris diffinis) share the hummingbird-like appearance of their close relatives but can be distinguished by their black legs and yellow or yellow-green bands on the abdomen. They measure 1.5 to 2 inches across with mostly clear wings bordered by dark scales.
These day-flying moths frequent gardens, woodland edges, and brushy areas across Nebraska from May through August. They produce two broods annually in most of the state. Like their hummingbird clearwing cousins, they hover while feeding on nectar from flowers including honeysuckle, thistles, lilac, and their namesake snowberry. The caterpillars feed on snowberry, honeysuckle, and hawthorn plants. When newly emerged, all clearwing moths have scales covering their wings, but these scales fall off during their first flight, revealing the transparent wing membranes.
10. Achemon Sphinx Moth
Achemon sphinx moths (Eumorpha achemon) rank among Nebraska’s larger hawk moths, with wingspans reaching 3 to 4 inches. These robust insects display mottled patterns of pink, brown, and gray on their forewings, while the hindwings show pink patches near the body. The abdomen features distinctive pink and brown banding.
You’ll find these moths in areas with grape vines and Virginia creeper from June through August across Nebraska. They’re strong, swift fliers active from dusk through the night. Adults feed on nectar from deep-throated flowers including petunias, moonflowers, and bouncing bet. The caterpillars go through a dramatic color change during development, starting brown with eyespots and eventually becoming green or brown without spots. The species name “achemon” refers to one of Dionysus’s companions in Greek mythology, fitting given the caterpillar’s fondness for grapevines.
Pro Tip: If you grow grapes in Nebraska, you might find achemon sphinx caterpillars on the vines. While they can defoliate small plants, they rarely cause serious damage to established vines.
11. Blinded Sphinx Moth
Blinded sphinx moths (Paonias excaecata) get their peculiar name from the small, obscure eyespots on their hindwings that appear “blind” compared to other sphinx moths. These medium-sized moths span 2 to 3 inches with mottled gray, brown, and black forewings that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark.
These moths inhabit deciduous forests and wooded areas throughout Nebraska from May through July. They’re nocturnal and attracted to lights, though not as strongly as some other sphinx species. When disturbed during the day, they can suddenly flash their hindwings to reveal faint bluish eyespots that may startle predators. The caterpillars are bright green with white and yellow diagonal stripes on each side and feed on birch, willow, cherry, and poplar trees.
12. Small-eyed Sphinx Moth
Small-eyed sphinx moths (Paonias myops) closely resemble their blinded sphinx relatives but feature slightly more prominent eyespots on the hindwings. These moths measure 2 to 3 inches across with camouflaged gray-brown forewings marked with darker bands and lighter patches.
You can find these moths in forests and suburban areas with mature trees across Nebraska from May through August. The species produces one or two broods depending on location and weather conditions. Adults visit flowers at night, feeding on nectar from honeysuckle and other tubular blooms. The caterpillars are green with yellow diagonal stripes and a distinctive horn at the rear end, typical of sphinx moth larvae. They feed on wild cherry, birch, poplar, and hawthorn leaves.
13. Twin-spotted Sphinx Moth
Twin-spotted sphinx moths (Smerinthus jamaicensis) display subtle beauty with gray-brown forewings and distinctive blue-gray hindwings marked with paired black eyespots outlined in yellow. These moderately sized moths span 2 to 3 inches.
Nebraska’s deciduous forests and urban areas with poplar and willow trees provide habitat for these moths from May through July. The species typically produces one generation per year in Nebraska, though southern populations may have two broods. Unlike many sphinx moths, adults have reduced mouthparts and don’t feed. They rely entirely on energy stored during the caterpillar stage. The caterpillars are rough-textured, green with white diagonal lines, and feed primarily on poplar, willow, and birch. When at rest, these moths hold their wings flat rather than folded over their backs like many other species.
14. Tomato Hornworm Moth
Tomato hornworm moths (Manduca quinquemaculata), also called five-spotted hawk moths, are robust gray moths spanning 4 to 5 inches. Their forewings show intricate patterns of gray, brown, and white zigzag lines, while the hindwings are lighter gray. The abdomen displays five distinct pairs of yellow-orange spots along each side.
These moths are common throughout Nebraska from May through September, particularly in areas with nightshade family plants. Gardeners know them well since their bright green caterpillars can devastate tomato plants overnight. The larvae reach up to 4 inches long, feature diagonal white stripes, and possess a prominent horn at the rear. Despite their pest status, the moths themselves are important pollinators of evening-blooming flowers. Adults have long tongues that allow them to feed from petunias, jimsonweed, and other deep tubular flowers.
Important Note: If you find hornworm caterpillars covered with white cocoons on their backs, leave them alone. These are parasitic wasp pupae that will kill the caterpillar and provide natural pest control in your garden.
15. Tobacco Hornworm Moth
Tobacco hornworm moths (Manduca sexta), or Carolina sphinx moths, closely resemble their tomato-eating cousins. These large gray moths span 4 to 5 inches with mottled gray-brown forewings and lighter hindwings. The key difference is the abdomen pattern: six pairs of yellow-orange spots instead of five.
You’ll encounter these moths in gardens, fields, and anywhere tobacco or tomato family plants grow across Nebraska. They fly from May through September and may produce multiple generations in warmer years. The caterpillars are green with seven diagonal white stripes bordered by black and a red horn at the rear, distinguishing them from tomato hornworms which have blue-black horns. Adults are powerful fliers and important pollinators of moonflowers, angel’s trumpet, and other night-blooming plants. The caterpillars feed on tobacco, tomato, pepper, eggplant, and potato plants.
16. Cabbage Looper Moth
Cabbage looper moths (Trichoplusia ni) are small, mottled brown moths spanning only 1.25 to 1.5 inches. Their forewings display complex patterns of brown, gray, and bronze with a distinctive silvery white figure-eight marking in the center. The hindwings are lighter brown to gray.
These moths occur throughout Nebraska from spring through fall, with multiple overlapping generations. They’re one of the most economically significant moth species since their caterpillars damage cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and many other crops. The pale green caterpillars earn the “looper” name from their distinctive movement, arching their bodies as they crawl since they lack middle legs. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights, often found resting on buildings and vegetation during the day.
17. Fall Armyworm Moth
Fall armyworm moths (Spodoptera frugiperda) are nondescript brown moths measuring 1.5 inches across. Males have forewings marked with mottled light and dark patterns, while females appear more uniformly gray-brown. Both sexes show white hindwings with dark borders.
These migratory moths arrive in Nebraska each year from southern states, typically appearing from July through September. They cannot survive Nebraska’s winters, so populations must be reestablished annually through migration. The caterpillars are highly destructive, feeding on corn, sorghum, and turfgrass. They’re called “armyworms” because they move across fields in large groups, consuming vegetation as they go. The larvae vary in color from green to brown to black with distinctive stripes along their sides and a light-colored inverted Y-shape on the head.
18. Yellow Underwing Moth
Yellow underwing moths (Noctua pronuba) feature brown, mottled forewings that blend perfectly with tree bark and soil. The real show happens when they fly, revealing bright yellow hindwings with a black border. These medium-sized moths span 1.5 to 2 inches.
Originally from Europe, these moths have established populations across Nebraska since their North American arrival in the 1970s. You’ll find them from June through October in gardens, fields, and urban areas. They’re strongly attracted to lights and can be quite common around porch lights on summer nights. The caterpillars, known as cutworms, feed on various plants and can damage vegetables and ornamentals by chewing through stems at ground level. Adults feed on flower nectar and tree sap.
19. Giant Leopard Moth
Giant leopard moths (Hypercompe scribonia) live up to their name with striking white wings covered in hollow blue-black spots, creating a leopard-print pattern. Their wingspan reaches 2 to 3.5 inches. The abdomen shows vivid blue-black with orange bands, though this is typically hidden when the wings are at rest.
These beautiful moths inhabit gardens, fields, and wooded edges throughout Nebraska from April through September. They produce two or three generations annually. Adults don’t feed, relying on energy reserves from the caterpillar stage. The larvae, called woolly bears, are black with red bands and covered in stiff black bristles. They feed on a wide variety of plants including cherry, maple, and various garden plants. When threatened, the caterpillars curl into a ball and “play dead.”
20. Virgin Tiger Moth
Virgin tiger moths (Grammia virgo) display bold patterns characteristic of tiger moths. Their forewings are black with cream or yellow stripes forming a distinctive pattern, while the hindwings are orange-red with black spots. These medium-sized moths measure 1.5 to 2 inches across.
You can find these moths in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands across Nebraska from May through August. Like many tiger moths, they’re active at night and attracted to lights. Their bright colors serve as warning signals to predators, advertising that they contain distasteful chemicals absorbed from the plants their caterpillars ate. The hairy black and orange caterpillars feed on plantain, dandelion, and other low-growing plants. Adults may produce clicking sounds to warn off bats using echolocation.
21. Banded Tussock Moth
Banded tussock moths (Halysidota tessellaris) are delicate, pale moths spanning 1.5 to 2 inches. They’re cream to yellow with a checkered pattern of brown spots on the forewings. The thorax and head are covered in soft yellow hairs, giving them a fuzzy appearance.
These moths inhabit deciduous forests throughout Nebraska from May through August. You might spot them around outdoor lights near wooded areas, though they’re not as strongly attracted to lights as some species. The caterpillars are more conspicuous than the adults, featuring tufts of white, black, and orange hairs along their bodies. They feed on oak, birch, maple, and various other hardwood trees.
Common Mistake: Banded tussock moths look nearly identical to sycamore tussock moths. Even experts require dissection or DNA analysis to distinguish between them with certainty.
22. Salt Marsh Moth
Salt marsh moths (Estigmene acrea) have white to cream-colored wings spanning 1.5 to 2.5 inches. The forewings may show small black spots, though this varies considerably between individuals. The abdomen is orange with black spots running down the center and sides.
Despite their name, these moths aren’t restricted to coastal areas and occur throughout Nebraska from May through September. They inhabit various open habitats including fields, gardens, and prairies. The moths produce two or three generations per year in Nebraska. The caterpillars, covered in dense yellow or brown hairs, are generalist feeders consuming over 50 plant species including crops, garden plants, and weeds. Adults visit flowers at night for nectar.
23. Isabella Tiger Moth
Isabella tiger moths (Pyrrharctia isabella) are small orange-yellow moths spanning 1.5 to 2 inches. Their forewings show sparse black spotting and pale coloring, while the hindwings are lighter with less marking. The fuzzy body is orange with small black spots.
These moths are widespread across Nebraska from April through September, producing two generations annually. Most people know this species better by its caterpillar stage: the familiar banded woolly bear. The black and orange-brown caterpillars are commonly seen crossing roads and sidewalks in fall as they search for protected places to overwinter. Despite the popular weather folklore, the width of the caterpillar’s orange band doesn’t predict winter severity. The caterpillars can survive freezing temperatures by producing a cryoprotectant in their tissues, essentially freezing solid and thawing out in spring to complete their development.
24. Gypsy Moth (Spongy Moth)
Gypsy moths (Lymantria dispar), now officially called spongy moths, show dramatic differences between sexes. Males are brown with darker wavy lines across their wings and span about 1.5 inches. Females are much larger at 2 to 2.5 inches, with white to cream wings marked with dark wavy bands. Females are so heavy-bodied they cannot fly.
This invasive European species was first introduced to North America in 1869 and continues spreading westward. While not yet well-established throughout Nebraska, populations exist in the eastern parts of the state and continued monitoring is important. The caterpillars feed on oak, aspen, birch, and many other tree species, and severe outbreaks can completely defoliate forests. Adults emerge in July and August. Females lay tan egg masses covered in hair-like scales on tree trunks, rocks, and outdoor equipment, which can be transported to new areas.
Important Note: If you find spongy moth egg masses in Nebraska, report them to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Early detection helps prevent new infestations and protects Nebraska’s forests from this destructive pest.
Nebraska’s moths offer endless opportunities for observation and discovery. Whether you’re setting up a blacklight sheet on a summer evening or simply paying attention to the insects around your porch light, you’ll find these 24 species represent just a fraction of the state’s remarkable moth diversity.
Each species plays vital ecological roles as pollinators, food sources for wildlife, and indicators of environmental health. The next time you spot a moth, take a closer moment to observe its unique patterns, behaviors, and beauty.
