When you step outside on a warm summer evening, you’re likely surrounded by one of nature’s most extraordinary yet overlooked creatures: moths. New England’s night skies host a spectacular array of moth species, each with its own patterns, behaviors, and seasonal presence.
Yet many of us walk past these fascinating insects without recognizing the remarkable diversity unfolding right in our own region.
The truth is, moths in New England aren’t simply drab and inconspicuous. Among the thousands of species present, you’ll discover strikingly beautiful creatures with emerald wings, eye-catching spots, and delicate patterns that rival any butterfly.
Whether you’re curious about the massive Luna moth with its pale green wings, intrigued by the elegant Sphinx moths that hover like hummingbirds, or interested in understanding the seasonal rhythms that bring different species into prominence, this guide will help you develop the skills to identify and appreciate them.
In this comprehensive exploration, you’ll learn practical techniques for finding moths in your local habitat, understanding what distinguishes one species from another, and creating conditions that naturally attract them to your outdoor space. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to recognize 20 of New England’s most fascinating species and understand how to support these remarkable insects throughout the year.
1. Luna Moth
The Luna moth (Actias luna) represents one of New England’s most iconic species. With wings that glow pale green or whitish, spanning up to 4.5 inches across, this moth is unmistakable when you spot one.
The distinctive eye-spots on each wing serve as a defense mechanism—they startle predators into thinking they’re looking at a much larger creature.
Luna moths don’t eat. Adult moths lack functional mouth parts, so they rely entirely on energy stored during their larval stage.
This means their entire adult life—typically just one to two weeks—focuses on finding mates and reproducing. You’re most likely to encounter Luna moths in late spring and early summer, particularly around lights at night.
They’re attracted to porch lights, streetlights, and even car headlights, making them one of the most accessible species for observation.
To identify a Luna moth, look for those characteristic eye-spots, the long trailing hindwing tails, and the pale coloration. They perch with wings folded in a tent-like position during the day, often found on tree bark or porch walls. If you want to attract them, maintaining native plants—especially birch, alder, and sweet gale—provides food for caterpillars, while turning off outdoor lights or using amber lighting reduces disorientation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | Up to 4.5 inches |
| Color | Pale green or whitish |
| Season | Late spring to early summer |
| Distinctive Mark | Large eye-spots on wings |
| Lifespan (Adult) | 1-2 weeks |
2. Cecropia Moth
The Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia) is New England’s largest moth and one of the most impressive insects you’ll ever see. With a wingspan reaching 5.5 inches or more, these massive moths command attention.
Their deep reddish-brown wings feature distinctive white and red markings, including a white crescent on the forewing and bold eye-spots that span all four wings.
Like Luna moths, Cecropia moths are also non-feeding adults. Caterpillars are voracious eaters, feeding on willow, birch, cherry, and maple leaves, which is why you’re most likely to find them in wooded areas or suburban yards with native trees.
Adults emerge in late spring and are primarily nocturnal, attracted to lights. Unlike many moth species, male Cecropia moths possess remarkable sensing abilities—they can detect female pheromones from several miles away.
Pro Tip: If you find a Cecropia moth caterpillar during summer, it’s worth watching its development. The caterpillar spins a cocoon in late summer and overwinters as a pupa inside a silken case, emerging as an adult the following spring.
This makes them excellent for nature observation without needing to capture or harm the insect.
When identifying Cecropia moths, the massive size alone is usually a giveaway, but pay attention to the red and white coloring on the wings and the distinctive eye-spots. These moths are sometimes found resting on tree trunks or building exteriors during daylight hours.
3. Polyphemus Moth
The Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus) is a giant silk moth with a wingspan of 4 to 5.5 inches. Its tan to reddish-brown wings feature distinctive translucent eyespots that look remarkably like the eye of a peacock feather.
These eye-spots serve the same predator-deterrent function as Luna moth markings—they suddenly expose when a predator strikes, hoping to startle the attacker into retreating.
These moths are most active during late spring and summer in New England. Males are attracted to lights, making them relatively easy to observe on warm nights.
Polyphemus caterpillars feed on oak, birch, elm, and willow leaves, so if you have these trees in your yard, you might encounter caterpillars during their feeding phase in summer.
Polyphemus moths are named after the Cyclops from Greek mythology—Polyphemus—because of those prominent eye-spots. If you’re trying to distinguish them from similar species, look for the translucent quality of the eyespots. Unlike other similar moths, Polyphemus moths have a relatively uniform coloration without the bold contrasting bands found on some relatives.
Key Insight: The translucent eyespots on Polyphemus moths have a unique quality—when light shines through them, the difference becomes even more dramatic. This adaptation suggests that part of their defense strategy involves the sudden exposure of these spots in bright light.
4. Io Moth
The Io moth (Automeris io) displays dramatic coloration that makes it one of the most visually striking moths in New England. Males are typically yellow with purplish-red hindwings, while females are reddish-brown with similar colorful hindwings.
All Io moths feature large, bold eyespots on their hindwings—when threatened, they flash these hindwings to startle predators.
Io moths are among the few moths in New England that can sting. Both caterpillars and adults possess venomous spines or bristles that deliver a painful sting if handled.
This is an important safety consideration if you’re exploring moth habitats or handling caterpillars. The bright coloration serves as a warning—predators learn to avoid brightly colored insects because of this defensive mechanism.
These moths are active during late spring through summer and are attracted to lights. The caterpillars feed on a wide variety of plants including willow, hackberry, and various shrubs.
You’ll most likely encounter Io moths near lights on warm nights or resting on tree bark during the day.
Important Note: Never handle Io moth caterpillars with bare hands. Their venomous spines can cause a painful reaction similar to a bee sting. If you encounter them, admire from a distance or use gloves for protection.
5. Promethea Moth
The Promethea moth (Callosamia promethea) is a medium-sized silk moth with a wingspan of 3 to 3.75 inches. Males are dark brown to black with distinctive white or pale markings across the wings, while females are larger and more reddish-brown.
Both sexes feature bold eyespots and a pale crossline that runs across all four wings.
What makes Promethea moths particularly interesting is their daytime activity compared to other moth species. While many moths are strictly nocturnal, Promethea moths sometimes fly during late afternoon and early evening, making them more accessible for observation.
They’re attracted to lights but may also be spotted during twilight hours.
The caterpillars of Promethea moths feed on native plants like cherry, sassafras, and spicebush. If you’re interested in supporting these moths, maintaining these native plants in your landscape provides food for their larvae. Adults emerge in early to mid-summer and can sometimes produce a second generation in warmer parts of New England.
6. Sphinx Moth (Various Species)
Sphinx moths in New England represent a diverse group of medium to large moths known for their remarkable hovering flight patterns and streamlined body shapes. The most recognizable is the Hummingbird Clearwing moth, but the category includes many other fascinating species with names like the Waved Sphinx, Achemon Sphinx, and Carolina Sphinx.
Key Insight: Sphinx moths earned their name from their resting position—many species hold their wings roof-like over their bodies in a posture that resembles the Great Sphinx of Giza. Their powerful flight muscles and narrow wing shape allow them to hover in place while feeding, much like hummingbirds do.
Most Sphinx moths are crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) or nocturnal. They’re attracted to lights and also visit flowers.
The caterpillars of most Sphinx moth species are large, smooth, and feature a characteristic horn-like projection at their rear end. They feed on a wide variety of plants depending on the species, from morning glories to grape vines.
To identify Sphinx moths in the field, look for their streamlined body shape, relatively small heads compared to their wings, and their distinctive flight pattern. Many species have striking angular patterns or bold coloration, though some are camouflaged in browns and grays.
7. Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
The Hummingbird Clearwing moth (Hemaris thysbe) is one of New England’s most enchanting moths. With partially transparent wings, a metallic green body, and a wingspan of only 1.75 to 2.25 inches, this moth genuinely resembles a tiny hummingbird in flight. It hovers in front of flowers while feeding on nectar, moving rapidly from flower to flower throughout the day.
Unlike many moths that are nocturnal, Hummingbird Clearwing moths are diurnal and crepuscular, meaning you can spot them during daylight hours—particularly in early morning and late afternoon. This makes them one of the easiest moth species to observe and photograph.
They’re most active during late spring through summer and appear in two generations in New England.
The caterpillars of these moths feed on plants in the honeysuckle family. If you plant native honeysuckle, wild raisin, or similar host plants, you may attract egg-laying females to your garden. Adults prefer tubular flowers and are often seen visiting salvias, bee balms, and other native flowering plants.
Pro Tip: If you want to attract Hummingbird Clearwing moths to your yard, plant native flowers that bloom at their peak activity times (late spring and summer) and avoid pesticides that would harm their caterpillar larvae. Morning observations in sunny locations are most productive for spotting them.
8. Snowberry Clearwing Moth
The Snowberry Clearwing moth (Hemaris diffinis) is a close relative of the Hummingbird Clearwing with very similar characteristics. These moths also have partially transparent wings and metallic coloring, though they’re slightly larger with a wingspan of 2 to 2.5 inches.
The key difference is subtle—Snowberry Clearwings tend to have more orange-red coloring on their thorax compared to the green of Hummingbird Clearwings.
Snowberry Clearwing moths are also daytime fliers, hovering at flowers throughout warm days. They typically emerge slightly later in the season than Hummingbird Clearwings, with peak activity in mid to late summer. In New England, they often produce one generation per year, though a partial second generation is possible in warmer locations.
The caterpillars feed on plants in the currant and gooseberry family, as well as snowberries (hence their common name). These moths are attracted to the same types of flowers as Hummingbird Clearwings and can often be seen in the same garden if the proper host plants and flowering plants are present.
Because both clearwing species are day-flying moths that feed on flowers, they’re among the easiest moths to observe without any special equipment or nighttime observation. Simply watching your garden flowers during warm days in late spring and summer can reveal these remarkable insects.
9. Gypsy Moth
The Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) represents a different category of moth species—one with significant ecological impact. Unlike the silk moths and sphinx moths covered earlier, Gypsy moths are considered invasive pests in New England.
Originally introduced to North America in the 1860s for silkworm breeding attempts, they’ve spread throughout the Northeast and cause millions of dollars in damage to forests annually.
Male Gypsy moths are dark brown with a wingspan of about 1.5 inches, while females are much larger (2 to 2.75 inches) and predominantly white with dark markings. Females are too heavy to fly effectively and typically remain near their pupation site.
Both males and females are attracted to lights.
The Gypsy moth’s impact comes from its ravenous caterpillars, which feed on oak leaves and can defoliate entire forests. Repeated defoliation weakens trees and makes them susceptible to disease and other pests.
Understanding Gypsy moth identification and life cycle is important for New England residents who want to monitor their local ecology and potentially participate in management efforts.
Important Note: If you spot Gypsy moth egg masses (distinctive tan, fuzzy clusters on tree bark), contact your local forest management or agricultural extension office. Many communities have programs to treat or remove egg masses to reduce population growth.
10. Tiger Moth (Various Species)
Tiger moths in New England represent a diverse and generally harmless group, including species like the Banded Woolly Bear, the Isabella Tiger Moth, and the Painted Lichen moth. Most tiger moths are medium-sized with rounded wings and striking patterns—often bold combinations of white, yellow, orange, and black.
The most commonly encountered tiger moth in New England is probably the Banded Woolly Bear (Pyrrharctia isabella). In their caterpillar form, these woolly bears are fuzzy and banded with orange and black, making them one of the most recognizable insect larvae. The folklore suggests that the proportion of orange to black bands predicts the severity of the upcoming winter, though this has no scientific basis.
Adult tiger moths are active primarily at night and are attracted to lights. Most tiger moth caterpillars are generalist feeders, consuming a wide variety of plants.
The adult moths themselves are thought to be unpalatable to predators, and their bold coloration serves as a warning signal—a pattern called aposematism.
| Species | Wingspan | Primary Features |
|---|---|---|
| Banded Woolly Bear | 1.5-2 inches | Orange and black bands |
| Isabella Tiger Moth | 1.75-2.25 inches | Pale yellow wings, orange hindwings |
| Painted Lichen Moth | 1.25-1.5 inches | Intricate patterns, cryptic coloration |
11. Brown-tail Moth
The Brown-tail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea) is another invasive species of concern in New England, though less widespread than Gypsy moths. Native to Europe, Brown-tail moths have established populations in parts of Massachusetts and are slowly spreading.
The adult moths are small (wingspan 1.25 to 1.5 inches) and mostly white with brown coloring on the tips of their abdomen—hence the common name.
What makes Brown-tail moths significant is the defensive capability of their caterpillars. The caterpillar hairs contain a toxin that can cause skin irritation, rashes, and respiratory problems in humans.
Contact with caterpillars or even inhalation of shed hairs can trigger reactions. During years of high Brown-tail moth populations, public health warnings are issued in affected areas.
Important Note: If you encounter Brown-tail moth caterpillars (hairy, dark-colored caterpillars usually found in silken webs in late spring), avoid direct contact. Wear gloves and long sleeves if you must remove them from your property, and consider contacting local pest management services for assistance.
12. Winter Moth
The Winter moth (Operophtera brumata) is an invasive species from Europe that has become increasingly common in New England over the past two decades.
Unlike most moths that are active in warmer months, Winter moths have a unique life cycle—adults emerge in late fall and early winter, flying on mild nights between October and December.
Adult Winter moths are relatively small with a wingspan of about 1 inch. Males are gray-brown and capable of flight, while females are either short-winged or wingless and cannot fly.
Females produce pheromones that attract males, and after mating, they crawl up tree trunks to lay eggs in bark crevices. This happens in late winter, just as trees are preparing to leaf out.
The caterpillars emerge in spring and feed voraciously on emerging leaves, particularly oak and apple leaves. Severe Winter moth infestations can cause significant defoliation.
Understanding the Winter moth cycle is important for New England land managers who want to implement control strategies at appropriate times.
13. Cabbage Looper Moth
The Cabbage Looper moth (Trichoplusia ni) represents a different type of moth of concern to gardeners and farmers—an agricultural pest. The adult moth is relatively small with a wingspan of 1.25 to 1.5 inches and brown coloring with a distinctive silvery figure-eight or hourglass marking on each forewing.
The larvae of Cabbage Looper moths are the primary concern. These caterpillars feed on cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, and many other vegetables and ornamental plants.
They’re called “loopers” because of their characteristic looping movement (lacking some of the middle legs, they move by drawing their rear end up to meet their front end). In New England, there are typically two to three generations per year, depending on temperature.
Common Mistake: Many gardeners assume all caterpillars on vegetables are pests. While Cabbage Looper caterpillars do require management, not all green caterpillars in your garden are harmful.
Learning to identify them helps distinguish between pest species and beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that may be attacking pests.
14. Fall Armyworm Moth
The Fall Armyworm moth (Spodoptera frugiperda) has become an increasingly significant agricultural pest in New England in recent years. The adult moth has a wingspan of 1.25 to 1.5 inches and relatively nondescript gray and brown coloring, but the larvae are highly destructive.
Fall Armyworm caterpillars are called “armyworms” because of their tendency to congregate in large groups and move together across fields like an army, consuming vegetation in their path. These caterpillars have a diverse diet, feeding on corn, grasses, vegetables, and many other plants.
The moth typically overwinters in warmer regions and migrates north into New England, where it can produce multiple generations in a single season under warm conditions.
Key Insight: The increasing presence of Fall Armyworms in New England is linked to climate change. As temperatures warm, the moths can complete more generations and survive further north than they historically could. Monitoring for this species is becoming an important part of regional agricultural management.
15. Yellow Underwing Moth
Yellow Underwing moths (Noctua pronuba and related species) are common nocturnal moths found throughout New England. The adults have gray-brown forewings that provide excellent camouflage on tree bark and lichen, but when they fly, bright yellow hindwings with black bands flash dramatically.
This sudden color display startles predators and can help the moth escape. Yellow Underwing moths are medium-sized with wingspans of 1.5 to 1.75 inches. They’re attracted to lights and are often among the most abundant moths at night lights in late summer and fall.
The caterpillars are generalist feeders, consuming a wide variety of plants, which allows them to maintain large populations across diverse habitats.
The sudden flash of bright color when these moths fly is called a “flash display” and is thought to disorient predators. If you see a gray moth on a wall suddenly reveal bright yellow wings as it flies away, you’ve likely spotted a Yellow Underwing.
16. Rustic Sphinx Moth
The Rustic Sphinx moth (Manduca rustica) is a medium-sized sphinx moth with a wingspan of 2.75 to 3.5 inches. Unlike many sphinx moths, this species has cryptic gray-brown coloration with intricate patterns that provide excellent camouflage.
The common name “rustic” reflects this subtle, earth-toned appearance. Rustic Sphinx moths are attracted to lights and active during warm evenings in late spring through summer.
The caterpillars feed on plants in the figwort family, which isn’t common in most gardens, so you’re less likely to encounter the larvae than with some other sphinx moth species. However, adults can be regular visitors to outdoor lights in suitable habitat.
To identify Rustic Sphinx moths, look for the characteristic sphinx moth body shape and wing posture, combined with the gray-brown cryptic coloration. The pattern on the wings is intricate, with subtle markings that help them blend in with bark and lichen.
17. White-marked Tussock Moth
The White-marked Tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) is notable for its dimorphic adults—males and females look strikingly different. Males are small with brown wings and a wingspan of only about 1.25 inches, while females are mostly wingless with a fuzzy, grub-like appearance and a distinctive white marking on their abdomen.
The wingless females lay their eggs in egg masses covered with scales and froth, often laid right on their empty cocoons. These visible egg masses can be found on tree bark throughout winter and serve as an indicator of where new caterpillars will emerge in spring.
The caterpillars are among the most striking in New England—they’re colorful with tufts of hair on their head and rear end (earning the “tussock” common name) and a pair of longer thread-like appendages. While the caterpillars look fuzzy and harmless, their hairs can irritate skin in sensitive individuals.
The caterpillars feed on a wide variety of trees and shrubs and can sometimes reach pest status on ornamental plants.
Pro Tip: If you find White-marked Tussock moth egg masses on your property in winter or early spring, you can remove them to reduce the population of caterpillars that will emerge. Simply scrape the egg mass into a bag and dispose of it, or crush it if you’re managing populations in a limited area.
18. Forest Tent Caterpillar Moth
The Forest Tent Caterpillar moth (Malacosoma disstria) is the adult form of one of New England’s most visually apparent insect species. During years of high populations, the caterpillars can completely defoliate large forest areas, creating dramatic gaps in the canopy.
Adult Forest Tent Caterpillar moths are relatively small with a wingspan of 1.25 to 1.5 inches. They’re brown with two pale bands running across the wings and are typically active in early summer. They’re attracted to lights, making them easy to observe during their active season.
The caterpillars are gregarious and feed together in silken tents or mats on branches. Unlike Eastern Tent Caterpillars (which create more substantial web-like structures), Forest Tent Caterpillars create flatter, less visible silk mats.
The caterpillars feed on a wide variety of deciduous trees, particularly oaks, birches, and maples.
| Characteristic | Forest Tent Caterpillar | Eastern Tent Caterpillar |
|---|---|---|
| Web Structure | Flat silk mat | Tent-like web |
| Activity Pattern | Dispersed on branches | Congregated in tent |
| Primary Hosts | Oak, birch, maple | Apple, cherry, willow |
| Frequency | Sporadic outbreaks | More common annually |
19. Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth
The Eastern Tent Caterpillar moth (Malacosoma americanum) is closely related to the Forest Tent Caterpillar moth but has some important differences. The adult moth is similar in size (wingspan 1.25 to 1.5 inches) and brown coloration with two pale bands across the wings.
What distinguishes Eastern Tent Caterpillars is their highly visible tent-like web structures created in branch forks of cherry, apple, and crabapple trees. These distinctive silken tents are one of the most recognizable signs of caterpillar activity in New England.
During spring and early summer, when these tents appear in yards and parks, they often attract attention from people who mistake them for wasp or hornet nests.
The caterpillars emerge from overwintering eggs in early spring, just as host trees begin to leaf out. They feed on new leaves and congregate in their distinctive tent structures during rest periods.
Unlike many caterpillar species that are solitary feeders, Eastern Tent Caterpillars are highly social and can sometimes develop quite large populations.
Important Note: While these caterpillars can be a nuisance, they rarely cause permanent damage to trees. A single tree can survive defoliation by Eastern Tent Caterpillars, and the trees typically leaf out again within a few weeks. Removing tents by hand, wiping out egg masses in winter, or using targeted management only when populations are particularly high are more sustainable approaches than widespread pesticide application.
Conclusion
You now have the knowledge to identify 20 of New England’s most fascinating moth species and understand what drives their seasonal presence throughout the year.
From the spectacular Luna moths of early summer to the unexpected adults of Winter moths on unseasonable warm nights in December, the world of moths offers continuous discoveries across all four seasons.
Finding, identifying, and attracting moths requires minimal equipment—a porch light, an interest in observation, and some basic knowledge of where and when to look.
By maintaining native plants in your landscape, creating suitable habitat, and reducing unnecessary pesticide use, you directly support moth populations while enjoying their presence in your yard.
The next time you see a moth, take a moment to observe it closely. Notice the intricate patterns, the clever camouflage, the remarkable adaptations.
Whether you’re drawn to the ethereal beauty of a Luna moth, the dramatic flash display of a Yellow Underwing, or the delicate hovering of a Hummingbird Clearwing, these creatures deserve your appreciation and protection.
