Alaska’s vast landscapes harbor more moth diversity than most people realize. While butterflies often steal the spotlight, the Last Frontier hosts approximately 1,260 to 1,680 moth species—outnumbering butterflies by a ratio of 15 to 20 times.
From the temperate rainforests of Southeast Alaska to the arctic tundra of the North Slope, these nocturnal and diurnal flyers play crucial roles in pollination and serve as vital food sources for birds, mammals, and other wildlife.
Whether you’re hiking through spruce forests or camping under the midnight sun, you’re likely to encounter these fascinating insects displaying remarkable adaptations to Alaska’s extreme climate.
1. Banded Tussock Moth
The banded tussock moth (Halysidota tessellaris) showcases distinctive yellow and black banding along its fuzzy caterpillar stage, making it one of the more recognizable species in Alaska. Adult moths display pale yellow to cream-colored wings with subtle dark markings, typically measuring 30-40 millimeters in wingspan. You’ll find these moths in deciduous forests and mixed woodlands throughout southern Alaska, where their larvae feed on various hardwood trees including willow, alder, and birch.
Pro Tip: The caterpillars’ long tufts of hair can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals—observe them without handling.
2. White-Lined Sphinx Moth
White-lined sphinx moths (Hyles lineata) are powerful fliers capable of migrating long distances, occasionally reaching Alaska during warmer months. These robust moths feature olive-brown forewings with distinctive white or pale pink stripes running lengthwise, while their hindwings flash bright pink with black borders. With wingspans reaching 65-75 millimeters, they’re among Alaska’s larger moth species and are often mistaken for small hummingbirds as they hover near flowers, feeding on nectar with their long proboscis during dusk and dawn hours.
The larvae, known as hornworms due to the distinctive horn on their rear end, feed on various plants including fireweed—a common Alaskan wildflower.
3. Blinded Sphinx Moth
Blinded sphinx moths (Paonias excaecata) earn their name from the blue and black eyespots on their hindwings that lack the central “pupil” found in related species. These medium to large moths display mottled brown and gray forewings providing excellent camouflage against tree bark, with wingspans typically ranging from 55-75 millimeters. They inhabit forested regions across Alaska where poplar, willow, and birch trees grow, as their caterpillars depend on these host plants for development.
Active primarily at night, adult moths are attracted to artificial lights and can be spotted near porch lights and windows during summer months from June through August.
4. Luna Moth
Luna moths (Actias luna) represent one of North America’s most spectacular moth species, though they’re rare visitors to Alaska’s southernmost regions. These pale green beauties feature long, sweeping hindwing tails and translucent eyespots on all four wings, with impressive wingspans reaching 75-105 millimeters. The adults emerge with one purpose—reproduction—as they lack functional mouthparts and don’t feed during their brief one-week adult lifespan.
Key Insight: Luna moth sightings in Alaska are exceptional events worth documenting, as they represent the northern edge of their range.
5. Polyphemus Moth
Polyphemus moths (Antheraea polyphemus) rank among North America’s largest native silk moths, occasionally appearing in Alaska’s southern regions during favorable years. Named after the one-eyed giant from Greek mythology, these tan to reddish-brown moths display prominent eyespots on both hindwings, each resembling a large eye with concentric rings. Their wingspan can exceed 100-130 millimeters, and like luna moths, adults don’t feed, living only to reproduce during their short adult stage.
The caterpillars grow impressively large—up to 75 millimeters long—feeding on leaves of birch, willow, and alder trees common throughout Alaska’s boreal forests.
6. Cecropia Moth
Cecropia moths (Hyalophora cecropia) claim the title of North America’s largest native moth species, though they’re extremely rare in Alaska and typically found only in the state’s southeastern panhandle. These magnificent insects display reddish-brown wings adorned with white crescent-shaped markings and distinctive red and white banded bodies, with wingspans occasionally exceeding 130-150 millimeters. Their impressive size makes them unmistakable when encountered, though sightings represent noteworthy events due to their scarcity this far north.
The species requires deciduous trees for larval development, limiting their Alaskan distribution to areas with sufficient hardwood growth.
7. Io Moth
Io moths (Automeris io) display striking sexual dimorphism, with bright yellow males and rusty brown females, both featuring large eyespots on their hindwings that flash when threatened to startle predators. These medium-sized moths measure 50-75 millimeters in wingspan and are extremely rare in Alaska, with any sightings representing significant range extensions from their more typical southern distribution. The name derives from Io, a priestess in Greek mythology who was transformed into a heifer.
Important Note: The caterpillars possess venomous spines that deliver painful stings—never handle them with bare hands.
8. Small Emperor Moth
Small emperor moths (Saturnia pavonia) are European species with limited or no established presence in Alaska, though they’re worth mentioning for comparison with similar native species. Males display orange-brown wings while females are larger with grayish coloring, both featuring distinctive eyespots on all four wings. These moths prefer heathland and moorland habitats in their native range, and any Alaskan reports would require careful verification as they may represent misidentifications of native saturniid moths.
The species demonstrates remarkable cold tolerance in its native range, suggesting potential adaptability to Alaska’s climate if ever introduced.
9. Garden Tiger Moth
Garden tiger moths (Arctia caja) showcase boldly patterned forewings with chocolate brown and white markings, while their hindwings flash bright orange-red with blue-black spots—a warning display indicating their unpalatability to predators. These robust moths measure 45-65 millimeters in wingspan and inhabit various Alaskan habitats from coastal areas to interior regions, where their “woolly bear” caterpillars feed on diverse plant species including willows, nettles, and various wildflowers. The species exhibits considerable wing pattern variation, with no two individuals displaying identical markings.
Adults fly primarily during summer nights and are readily attracted to artificial lights, making them common encounters around human habitation.
10. Isabella Tiger Moth
Isabella tiger moths (Pyrrharctia isabella) are better known by their larval stage—the banded woolly bear caterpillar—which has become embedded in weather folklore across North America. Adult moths display pale yellow to orange forewings with scattered black spots and a wingspan of 35-50 millimeters, making them rather unremarkable compared to their famous fuzzy caterpillars. The species thrives throughout Alaska in diverse habitats, with caterpillars feeding on various low-growing plants and overwintering in their larval stage beneath leaf litter and bark.
| Life Stage | Duration | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Egg | 7-10 days | Yellow, laid in clusters |
| Larva | Several months | Black and orange bands, overwinters |
| Pupa | 2-3 weeks | Formed in spring |
| Adult | 1-2 weeks | Orange wings with black spots |
11. Virgin Tiger Moth
Virgin tiger moths (Grammia virgo) display distinctive black forewings with white or pale yellow markings forming irregular patterns, while hindwings show pink or red coloration with black spots. These medium-sized moths span 40-55 millimeters and inhabit open areas throughout Alaska including meadows, tundra edges, and disturbed habitats where their host plants grow. The caterpillars, another type of woolly bear, feed on various low herbaceous plants and demonstrate remarkable cold tolerance.
The species name “virgo” references the pristine appearance of freshly emerged adults before their scales become worn through flight activity.
12. Cinnabar Moth
Cinnabar moths (Tyria jacobaeae) are strikingly colored European species introduced to North America for biological control of tansy ragwort, with limited established populations in Alaska. Adults feature charcoal-black forewings with red markings and bright red hindwings, creating a bold warning pattern that advertises their toxicity from alkaloids sequestered during larval feeding. The orange and black banded caterpillars feed communally on ragwort plants, making them effective biocontrol agents where established.
Common Mistake: Don’t assume all black and red moths in Alaska are cinnabar moths—several native species display similar warning coloration.
13. Ruby Tiger Moth
Ruby tiger moths (Phragmatobia fuliginosa) present as relatively small moths with rich pinkish-red forewings and gray-brown hindwings, measuring 25-35 millimeters in wingspan.
These hardy moths inhabit various Alaskan ecosystems from coastal regions to interior valleys, where their fuzzy caterpillars feed on low-growing plants including heathers, plantains, and various wildflowers.
The species demonstrates impressive cold tolerance, with adults flying from late spring through summer and occasionally producing multiple generations in favorable years.
The moth’s ruby-red coloring provides effective camouflage against the red and brown lichens common on Alaskan rocks and tree bark.
14. One-Eyed Sphinx Moth
One-eyed sphinx moths (Smerinthus cerisyi) showcase stunning camouflage with mottled gray-brown forewings resembling tree bark, while their hindwings display a single prominent blue and black eyespot—hence their common name. These robust moths measure 50-65 millimeters in wingspan and inhabit forested areas throughout Alaska where willow and poplar trees provide larval food sources. When disturbed, they flash their hindwings to reveal the eyespots in a defensive display meant to startle predators.
Adult moths don’t feed, lacking functional mouthparts, and live only long enough to mate and lay eggs during their brief emergence period in June and July.
15. Small-Eyed Sphinx Moth
Small-eyed sphinx moths (Paonias myops) closely resemble their one-eyed cousins but feature smaller, less prominent eyespots on their hindwings and generally display warmer brown tones on their forewings. With wingspans ranging 45-60 millimeters, these moths frequent deciduous and mixed forests across Alaska’s southern regions where cherries, willows, and poplars grow. The caterpillars display remarkable green coloration with diagonal white stripes and a granular texture that mimics leaves.
The species name “myops” derives from Greek words meaning “small eye,” directly referencing the reduced eyespot size compared to related sphinx moths.
16. Twin-Spotted Sphinx Moth
Twin-spotted sphinx moths (Smerinthus jamaicensis) derive their name from paired blue spots present on each hindwing, creating four total spots that flash during defensive displays. These gray and brown patterned moths span 50-70 millimeters and inhabit areas throughout Alaska with suitable host plants including birch, willow, and various fruit trees. Their larvae, like other sphinx moth caterpillars, possess the characteristic “horn” on their rear segment and can grow quite large before pupating in soil.
The species shows considerable geographic variation in wing patterns and coloration across its broad North American range, with Alaskan populations typically displaying darker, more subdued tones.
17. Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
Hummingbird clearwing moths (Hemaris thysbe) are remarkable daytime flyers that genuinely resemble tiny hummingbirds as they hover at flowers, rapidly beating their wings while feeding with extended proboscises. These moths feature olive-green to burgundy coloring with transparent wings (after scales are shed during first flight) and reddish-brown bands on their abdomens, measuring 35-45 millimeters in wingspan. They’re uncommon in Alaska but may appear in southern regions during warm summers, visiting gardens and wildflower meadows.
Pro Tip: Watch for these moths during warm, sunny afternoons when they’re most active—their hovering flight and rapid wing beats (up to 200 beats per second) create a distinctive humming sound.
18. Snowberry Clearwing Moth
Snowberry clearwing moths (Hemaris diffinis) closely resemble their hummingbird clearwing relatives but typically display black and yellow coloring on their abdomens with less burgundy toning overall. These diurnal moths measure 30-40 millimeters in wingspan and feature the same transparent wings and hovering feeding behavior that makes clearwing moths so distinctive. In Alaska, they’re most likely found in southern coastal regions where snowberry shrubs and honeysuckle plants provide nectar sources and larval host plants.
The caterpillars feed on snowberry, honeysuckle, and related plants, displaying yellow-green coloring with black and yellow markings along their bodies and the typical sphinx moth horn.
19. Cabbage Looper Moth
Cabbage looper moths (Trichoplusia ni) are significant agricultural pests known for their larvae’s characteristic looping movement as they crawl—lacking middle prolegs forces them to arch their bodies with each forward motion. Adult moths display mottled brown and gray forewings with distinctive silvery-white figure-eight markings near the center, spanning 30-40 millimeters. While not native to Alaska, these moths occasionally appear as migrants during warmer months and can cause damage to cruciferous vegetables in gardens and agricultural settings.
The species derives part of its scientific name from “ni,” the Greek letter that resembles the silver marking on the forewing.
20. Fall Armyworm Moth
Fall armyworm moths (Spodoptera frugiperda) represent serious agricultural pests in southern regions, with occasional northward migrations potentially reaching Alaska during exceptional warm periods. Adults display mottled gray-brown forewings with subtle white markings and cream-colored hindwings, measuring 35-40 millimeters in wingspan. The larvae earn their “armyworm” name from their tendency to move across fields in large groups, consuming vegetation as they travel, though establishment in Alaska’s climate remains unlikely due to cold intolerance.
Key Insight: Any fall armyworm detections in Alaska should be reported to agricultural authorities, as monitoring potential range expansions helps protect food security.
21. Yellow Underwing Moth
Yellow underwing moths represent several related species in the genus Noctua that share similar wing patterns—brown mottled forewings concealing bright yellow or orange hindwings with black borders. These medium-sized moths (40-50 millimeters wingspan) demonstrate classic flash coloration behavior, revealing their colorful hindwings only during flight or when threatened, then quickly hiding them again to disappear against bark or soil. Various species inhabit Alaska’s diverse ecosystems, with larvae feeding on low-growing plants and grasses.
The moths rest during daytime in vegetation or beneath objects, flying actively at night when they visit flowers for nectar and are attracted to artificial lights.
22. Large Yellow Underwing Moth
Large yellow underwing moths (Noctua pronuba) rank among Europe’s most common moths and have established populations across much of North America, including Alaska’s southern regions. These robust moths measure 45-55 millimeters in wingspan with variable brown forewings ranging from pale tan to deep chocolate, while hindwings display bright yellow-orange coloring with black borders. They thrive in various habitats including gardens, agricultural areas, and disturbed sites where their polyphagous larvae feed on diverse plant species.
The species demonstrates remarkable adaptability, successfully colonizing new regions through their generalist feeding habits and multiple annual generations in warmer climates—though Alaska typically supports only one generation per year.
23. Silver Y Moth
Silver Y moths (Autographa gamma) earn their distinctive name from the silvery Y-shaped or gamma-symbol marking prominently displayed on each forewing. These active flyers measure 35-40 millimeters in wingspan with mottled gray-brown forewings and are notable migrants capable of traveling vast distances, occasionally reaching Alaska during exceptional migration events from southern regions. Unlike many moths, they fly readily during both day and night, visiting flowers to feed on nectar throughout their active periods.
| Migration Pattern | Distance | Frequency in Alaska |
|---|---|---|
| Spring northward | Up to 1,000+ miles | Rare |
| Summer breeding | Establishes temporarily | Occasional |
| Fall southward | Cannot survive winter | Annual departure |
24. Spongy Moth (Gypsy Moth)
Spongy moths (Lymantria dispar), formerly known as gypsy moths, represent one of North America’s most destructive forest pests, though they haven’t established breeding populations in Alaska. Males display light brown wings with dark wavy bands and measure 35-40 millimeters in wingspan, while females are larger (about 60-65 millimeters), almost entirely white with dark markings, and remain flightless. Alaska maintains strict monitoring programs to detect any introductions, as the species could potentially devastate the state’s forests if it became established.
Important Note: Report any suspected spongy moth sightings to Alaska Department of Fish and Game—early detection prevents establishment and protects Alaska’s forests from severe defoliation.
Female moths lay distinctive tan egg masses containing 500-1,500 eggs on tree trunks, vehicles, and outdoor equipment, making accidental transport the primary introduction risk.
25. Rustic Sphinx Moth
Rustic sphinx moths (Manduca rustica) represent tropical and subtropical species with very limited presence in Alaska, appearing only as rare vagrant individuals during exceptional circumstances.
These large, powerful flyers display gray-brown forewings with darker banding and white-spotted abdomens, measuring 90-110 millimeters in wingspan.
The caterpillars, when found in their normal southern range, feed on plants in the Bignonia family and display the characteristic sphinx moth horn and diagonal stripes along their green bodies.
Any Alaska sightings would represent extraordinary range extensions worth documenting and verifying, as the species lacks cold tolerance and cannot establish permanent populations this far north—such individuals likely arrived via human-assisted transport or exceptional weather-driven displacement events.
