Vermont is home to over 2,200 documented moth species, and new ones are discovered regularly. From tiny delicate specimens to giant silk moths with wingspans reaching six inches, you’ll find an incredible diversity of these nocturnal insects throughout the Green Mountain State.
Whether you’re drawn to outdoor lights on warm summer evenings or exploring deciduous forests during the day, recognizing these 25 beautiful moths will enhance your appreciation for Vermont’s rich biodiversity.
Moths play vital ecological roles as pollinators and as food sources for bats, birds, and other wildlife. Their caterpillars are especially important for feeding nestling songbirds, making these insects essential to Vermont’s dawn chorus.
Understanding the moths in your backyard connects you to a larger ecosystem that supports the state’s natural heritage.
1. Tobacco Hornworm Moth
The tobacco hornworm moth (Manduca sexta) displays a mottled gray-brown coloration with intricate zigzag patterns across its wings. You’ll recognize this sphinx moth by its robust body and narrow wings that span 3.75 to 4.75 inches. The forewings feature irregular dark and light bands, while the abdomen shows distinctive orange-yellow spots along each segment.
This species thrives in gardens, agricultural areas, and anywhere tomato family plants grow throughout Vermont. The adult moths are active from late spring through early fall, visiting flowers at dusk with their long proboscis to feed on nectar. Their caterpillars, the recognizable green hornworms with diagonal white stripes, feed voraciously on tomato, tobacco, and pepper plants.
Pro Tip: Look for these moths hovering near petunia and moonflower blooms during twilight hours. Their flight pattern resembles hummingbirds, making them fascinating to observe.
2. Cabbage Looper Moth
The cabbage looper moth (Trichoplusia ni) presents mottled brown and gray forewings marked with a distinctive silvery-white figure-eight or question mark shape in the center. Adults measure 1.5 inches in wingspan and have a characteristic hunched posture when resting. Their coloring provides excellent camouflage against tree bark and dried vegetation.
You’ll find these moths in vegetable gardens, agricultural fields, and areas with cruciferous plants across Vermont from spring through fall. Multiple generations occur each year in warmer months. The green caterpillars move in a characteristic looping motion, arching their bodies as they crawl, which gives this species its common name.
The larvae feed on cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and related crops, making them significant agricultural pests. Adult moths are attracted to outdoor lighting and can be spotted feeding on flower nectar during evening hours.
3. Fall Armyworm Moth
Fall armyworm moths (Spodoptera frugiperda) feature mottled gray-brown forewings with subtle patterns and lighter hindwings. The wingspan reaches 1.5 inches, and males typically display more prominent wing markings than females. A key identification feature includes white spots near the wing tips and a pale band along the outer margin.
These moths inhabit grasslands, agricultural areas, and lawn spaces throughout Vermont, with peak activity from late summer into fall. They’re strong fliers capable of migrating significant distances, which explains their periodic population surges in northern regions. The caterpillars vary in color from green to brown with distinctive stripes running along their bodies.
Despite their name, fall armyworm caterpillars feed on a wide variety of plants beyond just fall crops. They consume grasses, corn, and numerous garden vegetables. Vermont residents may notice increased moth activity around outdoor lights during migration periods.
4. Yellow Underwing Moth
The yellow underwing moth (Noctua pronuba) displays brown mottled forewings that blend seamlessly with bark and leaf litter. When disturbed, this moth reveals its namesake feature: bright yellow-orange hindwings with a distinctive black border. This flash coloration serves as a defense mechanism to startle predators. The wingspan measures 2 to 2.5 inches across.
Originally from Europe, this species has established populations throughout Vermont in various habitats including gardens, fields, and woodland edges. Adults fly from June through October, with peak activity in midsummer. They’re strongly attracted to artificial lights and sugar-based baits.
The caterpillars are brown or greenish “cutworms” that feed at night on plant roots and stems near ground level. You’ll find them curled in a C-shape when disturbed. They’re generalist feeders that consume various herbaceous plants and vegetables.
5. Luna Moth
Luna moths (Actias luna) rank among Vermont’s most spectacular insects with their pale green wings spanning 3 to 4.5 inches. Each hindwing extends into an elegant curved tail, and all four wings feature transparent eyespots with yellow, purple, and blue coloring. Their white furry bodies and feathery antennae complete their ethereal appearance.
These moths inhabit deciduous forests, orchards, and suburban areas with suitable host trees throughout Vermont. Adults emerge in late spring and early summer, flying primarily after midnight. They’re attracted to lights but don’t feed as adults since they lack functioning mouthparts. Their entire adult lifespan lasts only about one week, devoted entirely to reproduction.
Key Insight: Luna moth caterpillars feed on birch, hickory, walnut, and other hardwood leaves. The caterpillars are bright green with yellow lines and small orange spots, eventually spinning papery brown cocoons that fall to the forest floor.
6. Polyphemus Moth
Polyphemus moths (Antheraea polyphemus) command attention with their impressive 4 to 6 inch wingspans and prominent eyespots. Each wing displays a large circular eyespot resembling an owl’s face, with the hindwing spots being most dramatic. The wings range from reddish-brown to yellow-brown with pink and purple accents near the eyespots.
You’ll encounter these moths in forests, orchards, wetlands, and urban areas across Vermont during late spring and summer. Males have larger, more feathery antennae than females, which they use to detect female pheromones from miles away. Like luna moths, adults don’t eat and survive only about four days after emerging from their cocoons.
The caterpillars are bright green and exceptionally large, feeding on oak, maple, birch, and various other tree leaves. They spin dense silken cocoons that typically fall to the ground and overwinter before the moths emerge in spring.
7. Cecropia Moth
The cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia) holds the title of North America’s largest native moth, with wingspans reaching 5 to 7 inches. The wings display bands of red, white, and tan with crescent-shaped white spots outlined in red on all four wings. The body is robust and furry with red and white banding across the abdomen.
Vermont’s deciduous forests, orchards, and areas with abundant hardwood trees provide ideal habitat for cecropia moths. They fly from late May through early July, with males actively searching for females at night. The moths rest with wings spread flat, making their impressive size even more apparent.
Caterpillars start black with bristly spines but develop into bright green larvae with colorful tubercles as they mature. They feed on maple, cherry, birch, and various other trees. The large brown cocoons, which may reach 3 inches long, are firmly attached to twigs and remain visible throughout winter.
8. Io Moth
Io moths (Automeris io) display striking sexual dimorphism in their coloring. Males have bright yellow forewings while females feature reddish-brown forewings, but both sexes show dramatic eyespots on their hindwings. The large eyespots have black centers surrounded by white, blue, and black rings. The wingspan measures 2.5 to 3.5 inches.
These moths inhabit woodlands, gardens, and areas with diverse vegetation throughout Vermont from May through September. When disturbed, they flash their hindwing eyespots to startle potential predators. Males fly during the day searching for mates, while females are nocturnal and release pheromones to attract males.
Common Mistake: Avoid touching io moth caterpillars. The green caterpillars are covered with branching spines that deliver a painful, venomous sting. The caterpillars feed on various plants including willow, cherry, and oak.
9. Promethea Moth
Promethea moths (Callosamia promethea) show dramatic differences between males and females. Males have dark brown to black wings with pale tan borders and wingspan of 3 to 4 inches. Females display larger, reddish-brown wings with more prominent pale markings. Both sexes feature a distinctive four-lobed pattern near the wing center.
Vermont’s deciduous forests and areas with cherry, ash, and tulip trees provide suitable habitat for this species. Adults fly from late June through August, with males actively flying during afternoon hours—unusual for giant silk moths. They locate females through chemical signals rather than light attraction.
The caterpillars are pale bluish-green with four distinctive red tubercles near the head, two yellow ones mid-body, and one yellow tubercle near the tail. They feed on spicebush, sassafras, cherry, and ash leaves. The cocoons hang from host plant branches wrapped in a leaf, secured by a silk peduncle that keeps them attached through winter.
10. Imperial Moth
Imperial moths (Eacles imperialis) showcase beautiful yellow wings decorated with variable purple-brown spots and shading. The wingspan ranges from 3 to 7 inches, making them one of Vermont’s larger moth species. The amount of dark purple-brown coloring varies considerably between individuals, with some appearing mostly yellow and others heavily marked with dark patches.
These moths prefer mixed deciduous-coniferous forests and areas with pine, oak, maple, and sweet gum trees throughout Vermont. Adults emerge from late June through August and are attracted to lights. They don’t feed as adults and live only long enough to mate and lay eggs.
The caterpillars are impressive, reaching 4 inches long when mature. They vary in color from green to brown or burgundy and feature sparse long hairs across their bodies. Young caterpillars are orange-red with black spines. They feed on a wide variety of tree leaves before burrowing into soil to pupate.
11. White-Lined Sphinx Moth
White-lined sphinx moths (Hyles lineata) are easily recognized by their distinctive wing pattern and hovering flight behavior. The brown forewings feature buff-colored stripes running from base to tip, while the pink hindwings have black bands. The body shows alternating tan and black stripes. Wingspan measures 2.5 to 3.5 inches.
You’ll find these moths in gardens, fields, deserts, and suburban areas across Vermont from spring through fall. They’re exceptional fliers, capable of sustained hovering like hummingbirds while feeding from flowers with their long proboscis. They visit a wide variety of flowers, showing particular fondness for petunias, honeysuckle, and four o’clocks at dusk.
The caterpillars display variable coloring—green, yellow, or black—with distinctive yellow or orange spots along their sides and a prominent horn at the rear. They feed on various plants including evening primrose, purslane, and garden vegetables.
12. Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
Hummingbird clearwing moths (Hemaris thysbe) are remarkable daytime fliers that closely resemble hummingbirds. They have transparent wings bordered in reddish-brown, olive-green bodies, and a rusty-red abdomen band. The wingspan reaches 1.5 to 2.25 inches. Their rapid wing beats and hovering flight at flowers often fool observers into thinking they’ve spotted a small hummingbird.
Vermont’s gardens, meadows, and woodland edges with abundant flowering plants host these fascinating moths from spring through fall. Unlike most moths, they fly actively during daylight hours, especially favoring morning and late afternoon. They feed on nectar from bee balm, phlox, honeysuckle, and various other tubular flowers.
The caterpillars are pale green with yellow dots and a blue horn at the rear. They feed on honeysuckle, hawthorn, and related plants. Before pupating, the caterpillars turn brownish-purple and burrow into leaf litter.
13. Snowberry Clearwing Moth
Snowberry clearwing moths (Hemaris diffinis) closely resemble their hummingbird clearwing relatives with transparent wings bordered in dark brown or black. The body is stouter with a more pronounced black-and-yellow banded appearance on the abdomen. The wingspan measures 1.5 to 2 inches, slightly smaller than hummingbird clearwings.
These day-flying moths inhabit gardens, meadows, and areas with abundant flowering plants throughout Vermont during warmer months. They demonstrate similar hovering flight behavior while feeding on nectar from various flowers. Their preference for snowberry plants gives them their common name, though they visit many other nectar sources.
Distinguishing between hummingbird and snowberry clearwings can be challenging. Look for the snowberry clearwing’s darker, more contrasting leg coloring and slightly different body proportions. The caterpillars are pale green with granular skin texture and feed on snowberry, honeysuckle, and dogbane.
14. Blinded Sphinx Moth
Blinded sphinx moths (Paonias excaecata) feature soft pink-brown or gray-brown coloring with scalloped wing edges. The hindwings display blue and black eyespots, though these markings are less prominent than in related species—hence the “blinded” name. The wingspan reaches 2 to 3 inches. The overall appearance is subtle and well-camouflaged against tree bark.
Vermont’s deciduous forests and areas with willow, poplar, and birch trees provide ideal habitat. Adults fly from May through August and are attracted to lights. They feed on nectar from various flowers using their moderately long proboscis.
The caterpillars are green or brown with diagonal white stripes and granular skin texture. A horn projects from the rear segment. They feed on willow, poplar, birch, cherry, and related trees. When mature, they burrow into soil to pupate, overwintering as pupae before emerging as adults.
15. Small-Eyed Sphinx Moth
Small-eyed sphinx moths (Paonias myops) display brown to gray-brown wings with subtle mottled patterns and wavy lines. The hindwings feature small blue-and-black eyespots—smaller and less conspicuous than many other sphinx moths. The wingspan measures 1.75 to 3 inches. The body is robust with a pointed tip, typical of sphinx moths.
These moths inhabit deciduous and mixed forests throughout Vermont where cherry, poplar, and related trees grow. They’re active from May through July, flying at dusk and into the night. Adults visit flowers for nectar and are sometimes attracted to artificial lights.
The caterpillars vary in color from green to reddish-brown and feature a distinctive horn at the rear. They show granular skin texture and diagonal stripes along the sides. The larvae feed on wild cherry, poplar, birch, and hawthorn leaves before descending to pupate in soil.
16. Twin-Spotted Sphinx Moth
Twin-spotted sphinx moths (Smerinthus jamaicensis) showcase gray-brown forewings with darker mottling and irregular patterns. The hindwings display the characteristic twin blue-and-black eyespots that give this species its name. When at rest with wings closed, these moths are well-camouflaged, but they dramatically reveal their eyespots when disturbed. The wingspan reaches 2 to 3 inches.
Vermont’s deciduous forests, orchards, and areas with apple, willow, and poplar trees provide suitable habitat. Adults emerge from May through July and are nocturnal, though they’re less frequently attracted to lights than some sphinx moth relatives. They feed on tree sap and rotting fruit rather than flower nectar.
The caterpillars are green with white diagonal stripes and a blue horn at the rear. They feed on apple, willow, birch, and various other trees. The pupae overwinter in soil, with adults emerging the following spring.
17. Tomato Hornworm Moth
Tomato hornworm moths (Manduca quinquemaculata) closely resemble tobacco hornworm moths with mottled gray-brown wings spanning 4 to 5 inches. Key identification features include five pairs of yellow-orange spots along the abdomen rather than the tobacco hornworm’s six pairs. The wings show irregular dark and light patterns with zigzag lines.
Gardens, agricultural areas, and anywhere tomato family plants grow throughout Vermont host these sphinx moths. Adults are active from late spring through early autumn, feeding on nectar from deep-throated flowers at dusk. They’re powerful fliers with hovering abilities that allow precise flower feeding.
The caterpillars are the familiar green hornworms with V-shaped white markings along their sides and a black horn at the rear. They can reach 4 inches in length and consume significant amounts of tomato, tobacco, and pepper foliage. The pupae overwinter in soil and are sometimes disturbed during spring gardening.
18. Giant Leopard Moth
Giant leopard moths (Hypercompe scribonia) display striking white wings covered with hollow black and blue spots, creating a leopard-like pattern. The abdomen is iridescent blue with orange bands visible between segments. The wingspan ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 inches. This bold coloration makes them unmistakable among Vermont’s moth species.
These moths inhabit various environments including forests, fields, gardens, and suburban areas across Vermont. Adults fly from spring through fall and are strongly attracted to lights. During the day, they rest with wings spread flat, displaying their dramatic pattern. When disturbed, they may curl up and “play dead” while revealing their colorful abdomen.
Key Insight: The caterpillars, known as woolly bears, are covered in stiff black bristles with red bands between body segments. Unlike their colorful adult form, the caterpillars appear uniformly black at a distance. They feed on various plants including plantain, dandelion, and violet.
19. Virgin Tiger Moth
Virgin tiger moths (Grammia virgo) feature bright yellow-orange forewings with black markings that vary in pattern between individuals. The hindwings are pink-red with black spots near the outer edges. The abdomen displays black and yellow banding. The wingspan measures 1.75 to 2.5 inches, making this a medium-sized tiger moth.
Vermont’s fields, meadows, and open woodlands provide habitat for this species during summer months. Adults are nocturnal and readily attracted to lights. When threatened, they may display their colorful hindwings and secrete distasteful chemicals that deter predators—a defense mechanism common among tiger moths.
The caterpillars are densely covered with tufts of black, orange, and white bristles. They’re generalist feeders consuming various herbaceous plants and low-growing vegetation. The caterpillars overwinter and resume feeding in spring before pupating.
20. Banded Tussock Moth
Banded tussock moths (Halysidota tessellaris) display pale yellow to cream-colored wings with bands of darker spots running across both forewings and hindwings. The body is bright yellow and furry. The wingspan reaches 1.25 to 2 inches. This species is nearly identical to sycamore tussock moths, and even experts often require DNA analysis to distinguish them reliably.
You’ll find these moths in deciduous forests throughout Vermont, particularly areas with oak, hickory, and walnut trees. They’re active from May through August and may appear around outdoor lights near forested areas. Adults feed on flower nectar, displaying more active feeding behavior than many related species.
The caterpillars are striking with yellow and black striped bodies covered in white, gray, and black tufts of hair. Four distinctive white hair pencils project upward from the back, and longer black hair tufts emerge from both ends. They feed on various hardwood trees and store defensive chemicals from their diet that persist into adulthood.
21. Isabella Tiger Moth
Isabella tiger moths (Pyrrharctia isabella) display yellow-orange to yellowish-brown wings with sparse black spotting. A line of black spots runs down the yellow abdomen, and the small head and bright orange forelegs add to their distinctive appearance. Females often show brighter pink or orange coloring on the hindwings than males. The wingspan ranges from 1.75 to 2.5 inches.
These hardy moths inhabit various environments across Vermont including fields, gardens, and woodland edges. They’re active from late spring through fall and can survive in some of the coldest regions. As caterpillars, their remarkable freeze tolerance allows them to survive Arctic conditions—their hearts actually stop beating as they produce cryoprotectant chemicals that prevent ice crystal formation in their tissues.
The caterpillars are the famous “woolly bears” with distinctive rusty-orange middle bands and black ends. Folk tradition claims their color bands predict winter severity, though this isn’t scientifically supported. The caterpillars feed on various herbaceous plants and overwinter before pupating in spring.
22. American Dagger Moth
American dagger moths (Acronicta americana) feature gray forewings with wavy dark lines and markings resembling tiny daggers—hence their common name. The hindwings are lighter gray or white. The wingspan measures 2 to 2.5 inches. When resting, these moths hold their wings in a tent-like position over their bodies, displaying excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Vermont’s deciduous forests, parks, and areas with maple, oak, birch, and poplar trees host this species. Adults fly from May through September and are nocturnal, often appearing at lights. They feed on tree sap and decaying fruit rather than flower nectar.
The caterpillars are among Vermont’s most distinctive, covered in long yellow hairs and featuring several prominent black hair pencils—one pair near the head and three single pencils along the back. Despite their fuzzy appearance, handling these caterpillars can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. They feed on various hardwood tree leaves.
23. Hickory Tussock Moth
Hickory tussock moths (Lophocampa caryae) display white wings with semi-transparent areas and rows of dark spots. The body is white and furry with a black line running down the back. The wingspan reaches 1.5 to 2.25 inches. Adults appear delicate and almost ghostly in their pale coloring.
These moths inhabit deciduous forests throughout Vermont, particularly areas with hickory, walnut, and oak trees. Adults emerge in June and remain active through early August. They’re nocturnal and attracted to lights. Interestingly, adult hickory tussock moths don’t feed at all—they lack functional mouthparts and survive entirely on energy stored from their caterpillar stage.
The caterpillars are white and densely covered with long white hairs and distinctive black tufts near the head and rear. The hairs can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation in some people. Female moths lay large egg masses containing over 100 eggs on leaf undersides. The caterpillars may remain in groups when young, causing localized defoliation.
24. Gypsy Moth (Spongy Moth)
Gypsy moths (Lymantria dispar), now commonly called spongy moths, show striking differences between sexes. Males have brown wings with darker markings and a wingspan of 1.5 inches, while females are white with dark markings and span about 2.5 inches. Females are too heavy to fly despite having wings, instead climbing tree trunks to attract males with pheromones.
This invasive species from Europe has established throughout Vermont, particularly in areas with oak and other deciduous trees. Adults emerge in July and August. The species is infamous for causing significant forest defoliation during population outbreaks, which occur cyclically. Vermont has experienced periodic infestations requiring management efforts.
The caterpillars are gray with blue and red spots arranged in pairs down their backs and covered in bristly hairs. They feed on over 300 plant species but prefer oak leaves. High populations can completely defoliate forests, stressing trees and leaving them vulnerable to other problems. Vermont residents can help control populations by scraping and destroying tan, fuzzy egg masses found on trees, outdoor furniture, and buildings.
25. Salt Marsh Moth
Salt marsh moths (Estigmene acrea) display white to pale yellow wings, often with a few small black spots. Males typically show more spotting than females. The abdomen is bright yellow-orange with a row of black spots down the center. The wingspan ranges from 1.75 to 2.5 inches. Despite the name, these moths aren’t restricted to salt marshes and occur in various habitats.
You’ll find these moths in fields, meadows, gardens, and weedy areas throughout Vermont during summer and early fall. They’re nocturnal and strongly attracted to lights. Multiple generations can occur in a single season in favorable conditions, with populations sometimes reaching notable numbers in late summer.
The caterpillars, called salt marsh caterpillars or woolly bears, are covered in dense tufts of yellowish to reddish-brown hairs. They’re generalist feeders consuming numerous plant species including agricultural crops, garden vegetables, and wild herbaceous plants. The caterpillars are highly variable in color depending on their diet and environment.
Want to contribute to Vermont’s moth research? Consider joining the Vermont Atlas of Life on iNaturalist to document moth sightings and help scientists track distribution patterns.
Vermont’s 2,200+ documented moth species represent incredible biodiversity, with new species still being discovered.
By learning to identify these 25 common and beautiful species, you’re connecting with an essential part of the Green Mountain State’s natural heritage that supports songbirds, bats, and countless other wildlife.
