Are you a fan of moths? If so, then you’ll love exploring the diverse types of moths in North Carolina.
North Carolina is home to a variety of beautiful and unique moths.
From the ever-popular Luna Moth to the smaller and lesser-known species, you’ll find an array of moths in the Tar Heel State.
Here, we’ll explore some of the most common types of moths in North Carolina and learn more about each one.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a curious reader, or just looking for fun facts about moths, you will find something interesting here!
So, read on and get ready to be amazed by the beauty of these amazing creatures!
1. Bold-Feathered Grass Moth
The Bold-feathered Grass Moth (Herpetogramma pertextalis) is the first on this list of the types of moths in North Carolina.
These moths are identifiable by their gray-brown wings with small, dark spots and yellow-tipped scales on the edges of their wings.
The Bold-feathered Grass Moth is usually active during the warmer months of April to October and can often be found near grassy areas and open fields.
The larvae of the Bold-feathered Grass Moth are light green with a black head and four stripes along the body.
They feed on various grasses, sedges, and other low-growing vegetation.
Although they typically do not cause severe damage to crops, large numbers of these moths can become a nuisance in agricultural areas.
If you have a problem with Bold-feathered Grass Moths, there are several ways to eliminate them.
Spraying insecticides, trapping adult moths, and removing the host plants from your property are all effective methods of controlling their population.
2. Yellow-Vested Moth
The yellow-vested moth (Rectiostoma xanthobasis) is native to the United States, including North Carolina.
It is found in forests, gardens, and grassy fields throughout the state. These moths typically have a wingspan of one to two inches.
They have a yellow or white band on their abdomen, giving them the appearance of wearing a vest.
The larvae of the yellow-vested moth, the second on this list of the types of moths in North Carolina, are small and black, with white stripes.
They can cause significant damage to plants, as they feed on plant leaves and stems.
They feed for about six weeks before pupating into adults, usually in late summer or early fall.
Adult yellow-vested moths feed primarily on nectar from flowers but also on other plant material.
To get rid of them, you can use insecticides that are designed to target caterpillars and moths.
With a handheld vacuum cleaner, you can also use sticky traps or vacuum up these particular types of moths in North Carolina.
3. Yellow-Headed Looper Moth
The Yellow-headed Looper Moth, Lambdina pellucidaria, is a common moth in North Carolina.
It is usually active from July to October in the late summer and early autumn months.
The adult moths have yellowish-brown wings with a narrow white stripe running along each edge.
They are types of moths in North Carolina that are quite small, with a wingspan of about 1 inch.
The larvae are green in color with a light brown head and black spiracles.
Yellow-headed Looper Moths primarily inhabit woodlands and other natural areas, particularly those with plenty of deciduous trees.
They feed on the foliage of these trees, causing damage to the plants.
Heavy infestations can cause serious damage to some trees, including defoliation and eventual death.
If you have an infestation of Yellow-headed Looper Moths, it is best to use an insecticide specifically formulated for moths.
This will help to control the population and prevent further damage to your trees.
4. Yellow-Collared Slug Moth
The yellow-collared slug moth, also known as Apoda y-inversum, is a small but distinctive moth that can be found in North Carolina.
This species, on our list of the types of moths in North Carolina, has a wide variety of habitats, including wet woodlands and swamps.
The wingspan of the yellow-collared slug moth can range from 18 to 28mm.
Its most distinguishing feature is its bright yellow collar, which gives it its name.
The larvae of the yellow-collared slug moth can be very damaging to garden and landscape plants.
They feed on the foliage of many species of trees and shrubs, including oaks, maples, willows, and ash trees.
They can cause serious damage by stripping off the foliage, leaving just the veins and veins of the leaves.
The larvae can also bore into the bark, which can sometimes cause extensive damage to tree trunks and branches.
If you spot any signs of a yellow-collared slug moth infestation, it is important to take action immediately.
There are several methods of controlling these types of moths in North Carolina.
These include chemical treatments, handpicking larvae, and pruning affected branches.
Pruning is especially effective for controlling larvae since it removes their food source and reduces their population.
If chemical treatments are necessary, always make sure to read and follow the instructions on the product label.
You can help keep your garden and landscape safe from this destructive pest by taking the proper steps to control yellow-collared slug moths.
5. Yellow Slant-Line Moth
This small yellow moth (Tetracis crocallata) is found in the forests and fields of North Carolina.
The adults have a wingspan of about 2cm, with dark bands along their front wings and yellow spots along their back wings.
They are usually seen flying close to the ground or on vegetation during the day.
Their larvae feed on the foliage of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, creating a series of slanting lines on the leaves.
Damage from the larvae can range from slight to severe, depending on how many larvae are present.
If you spot these types of moths in North Carolina on your property, you should immediately prevent them from spreading and causing further damage.
6. White-Striped Black Moth
The White-striped Black Moth (Trichodezia albovittata) is one of the most common types of moths in North Carolina.
These small moths have a wingspan of about a half inch, and their bodies are black with a white stripe down their back.
The white stripes can be broken into several small, parallel bands or lines.
The moth is nocturnal and can be found near light sources, especially in summer.
They prefer to feed on nectar from flowers such as daisies and lilies, but they can also eat rotting fruit, sap, and sap-sucking insects.
7. Salt-and-Pepper Looper Moth
The Salt-and-pepper Looper Moth (Syngrapha rectangula) is also one of the most common types of moths in North Carolina.
This species of moth has a wingspan of about 1 inch and is typically light brown with white markings throughout.
They usually fly from late April to early August and can be seen during the day or at night.
These moths feed on many plants, including trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses.
They are types of moths in North Carolina also known to feed on vegetable crops like beans, corn, and tomatoes.
Although they don’t cause significant crop damage, they can still be considered a nuisance since they often congregate in large numbers and may be difficult to manage.
The best way to get rid of them is to use insecticides specifically made for moths or to keep the area clean and free of potential food sources.
8. Saddled Prominent Moth
The Saddled Prominent Moth (Cecrtia guttivitta) is not left off the list of the most common types of moths in North Carolina.
The adult moths of this species have a wingspan of 1.75 to 2.25 inches and a body length of 1.2 inches.
The wings of these moths are typically yellowish-brown, with two dark patches on each forewing and three along the hindwing.
Furthermore, the undersides of their wings are mottled yellow and white.
These moths usually emerge in the spring months and fly until early autumn.
They can be found near fields and meadows where they feed on nectar from flowers. They also feed on sap exuding from trees and rotting fruit.
The Saddled Prominent Moth is an important pollinator in North Carolina, helping to spread pollen between flowering plants.
These moths lay eggs on leaves, and the larvae feed on foliage in the summer months before pupating in the soil.
This species is fairly common throughout the state and can be seen flitting around gardens and meadows during the year’s warmer months.
9. Ruddy Dagger Moth
The Ruddy Dagger Moth, or Acronicta rubricoma, is a medium-sized moth found throughout North Carolina.
It has an overall rusty-red color with some white markings on its wings. The wingspan of these types of moths in North Carolina can reach up to three inches.
The Ruddy Dagger Moth is usually seen during the summer months between May and September when it flies at night in search of food sources like flowers, tree sap, and carrion.
During the day, it will often rest on tree trunks or foliage, appearing as if it is sleeping.
The larvae of this species can be found from early spring through late summer and feed on various trees and shrubs, such as maple, birch, willow, and elm. They are dark grey with small spines on their bodies.
This species is generally considered not to be a major pest, although its larvae can sometimes cause damage to trees by feeding on leaves.
Removing the infested leaves and treating the trees with a suitable insecticide is best in these cases.
Overall, the Ruddy Dagger Moth is an interesting species found throughout North Carolina.
It is important to remember that while they may cause minor damage to trees, they do not typically cause any major problems.
10. Rose Hooktip Moth
The Rose Hooktip Moth (Oreta rosea) is a medium-sized moth found in North Carolina.
The wingspan of this species can range from 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches, with males being slightly smaller than females.
The forewings are dark gray or brown with a pinkish hue, while the hind wings are mostly white.
The wings of these types of moths in North Carolina also have prominent reddish-brown markings, making them easy to identify.
The larvae of this species feed on oak leaves, making it an important species for maintaining healthy oak forests in the area.
The adults feed on nectar from flowers, helping with pollination and plant reproduction.
11. Riding’s Fairy Moth
This moth (Adela ridingsella) is quite common in North Carolina and other southeastern US states.
It has a wingspan of about 1 inch, and its wings are brownish-gray with mottled spots. The moth’s body is white, and the antennae are reddish-brown.
Its caterpillar is slender and greenish-yellow in color and can be found on oaks and other hardwood trees.
The adult moth typically emerges in May and June and can sometimes be seen near lights in the evening.
They feed on nectar from flowers but also have a fondness for certain plants like violets, goldenrods, and clovers.
12. Regal Moth
The regal moth (Citheronia regalis) is one of the most beautiful types of moths in North Carolina.
Its bright red and yellow coloring makes it hard to miss in the wild. This species is also known as the royal walnut moth or the hickory horned devil.
It’s found in wooded areas throughout the state and can be seen in late summer and early fall.
The larval stage of this moth is a large green caterpillar that can grow up to five inches in length.
This species feeds on walnut, hickory, and other hardwood trees and shrubs.
The larvae emerge from eggs laid on the bark of trees and then make their way into the tree’s interior.
As the larvae feed, they form intricate tunnels through the tree’s wood, often causing extensive damage.
Adult moths are nocturnal, so they fly at night and can be attracted to lights.
The regal moth is a unique species that has been around for centuries, and it’s considered a symbol of good luck by some cultures.
It’s worth a closer look if you spot one of these types of moths in North Carolina while out exploring the state.
13. Red-Waisted Florella Moth
We are still discussing the various types of moths in North Carolina, and this is another.
The Red-waisted Florella Moth (Syngamia florella) is a small, nocturnal moth native to North Carolina. It is known for its red-orange, black body and white-tipped wings.
These moths are active at night, typically in deciduous forests, fields, and residential areas.
As larvae, these moths feed on the leaves of many plants, including oak, maple, apple, and willow trees.
They can often be seen resting on tree trunks and foliage during the day.
14. Pseudexentera Moth
Pseudexentera moths (Pseudexentera spp.), also known as False Hemlock Looper moths, are small but distinct types of moths in North Carolina.
These moths are members of the Geometridae family and are easily identified by their pale green wings, dark brown borders, and distinctive yellow streaks across the body.
The larvae of this species feed on hemlock needles, which they strip off and roll into tubes to create a hiding spot during the day.
As such, they are considered an important species in maintaining the health of hemlock forests.
Pseudexentera moths can be found in wooded areas throughout North Carolina during the spring and summer months.
15. Primrose Moth
The Primrose Moth (Schinia florida) is a small, yellow, and brown-colored moth found throughout North Carolina.
The adults typically measure around one inch long, with the males having larger wings than the females.
The wings are mostly yellow with black spots, while the body of the Primrose Moth is dark brown or black.
This species is active during the day, especially in sunny weather, and can be seen near flowers, particularly primroses, where it gets its name.
They feed on nectar from flowers and use their long proboscis to suck up the sweet liquid.
Primrose moths, one of the types of moths in North Carolina, play an important role in pollinating flowering plants.
16. Pondside Pyralid
The Pondside Pyralid Moth (Elophila icciusalis) is a member of the Pyralidae family of moths in North Carolina and parts of South Carolina.
This moth has a wingspan ranging from 13 to 18 mm, and its coloration varies depending on location.
This species is considered a wetland specialist, often found near rivers, ponds, marshes, and swamps.
The Pondside Pyralid Moth feeds on decaying organic matter and aquatic vegetation, which it uses for food.
The larvae of the Pondside Pyralid Moth are unique in that they live within silk cocoons attached to the bottom of rocks or logs, just above the water line.
The larvae will stay in their cocoons until they pupate then emerge as adult moths.
Adult Pondside Pyralid Moths have a light yellowish-brown to light reddish-brown coloring with small brown spots.
The moths have a broad, pointed forewing slightly wider at the base. The males of the species have a distinctive yellowish band on the inner portion of the forewing.
The Pondside Pyralid Moth is important in many ecosystems because it helps keep aquatic vegetation healthy and provides food for other organisms.
It is also an important pollinator, especially of wetland flowers. All in all, it is on this list of several types of moths in North Carolina!
17. Tersa Sphinx Moth
The Tersa Sphinx Moth (Xylophanes tersa) is a type of moth native to North Carolina and other parts of the United States.
Its unique, hourglass-shaped pattern on its wings is easily identifiable, with a darker coloration towards the center.
Its forewings are usually tan or yellowish-brown, while its hindwings are usually whitish.
These types of moths in North Carolina have a wingspan of up to four inches and can be seen from April through August in the state.
The larvae of this moth feed on many species of plants, including oak, willow, hickory, elm, and apple trees.
The adults feed on nectar from flowers such as thistles and mallows.
This species is an important pollinator for these plants and can help support healthy ecosystems in the region.
The Tersa Sphinx Moth is not considered a pest and is beneficial to the environment.
Therefore, it should be protected and supported in North Carolina so it can continue to play its important role in the ecosystem.
18. Stained Lophosis Moth
The Stained Lophosis Moth (Lophosis labeculata) is a large, colorful moth found in North Carolina.
It has a wingspan of about 4 inches and can be easily identified by its unique markings.
The forewings are predominantly yellowish-orange with brown spots and white lines. The hindwings are mainly gray with a yellowish edge.
These particular types of moths in North Carolina are often seen resting during the day and are most active at night.
They feed on flower nectar and other plant materials, particularly those of willows, elms, and maples.
The Stained Lophosis Moth is one of the most common types of moths in North Carolina and can be seen in the summer months.
It can be seen in many open areas such as meadows, fields, or roadsides.
This species is considered to be widespread and relatively common throughout its range.
19. Southern Emerald Moth
The Southern Emerald Moth (Synchlora frondaria) is a unique species native to North Carolina.
It is a small to medium-sized moth with a wingspan ranging from 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 inches.
The adults are mainly grayish-green in color, with a distinctive black line running along the edge of the wings.
The caterpillars of this species have bright green bodies and long tufts of hairs on their head and thorax.
These hairs deter predators and irritate their skin if they try to eat them. The adults feed on flower nectar, while the caterpillars feed on trees like oaks and pines.
These types of moths in North Carolina are common in the springtime when they can be seen fluttering around flowers.
They typically lay their eggs on the leaves of the plants they feed on. As larvae, they will form a cocoon until they emerge as adults in the following spring.
This species on our list of the types of moths in North Carolina is a great example of an amazing creature that can be found in the Tar Heel State.
They provide a unique aesthetic and help pollinate flowers and trees throughout the region.
20. Laugher Moth
The Laugher Moth (Charada deridens) is one of the many moths in North Carolina.
It is identified by its distinctive orange and black coloring, which has earned it its nickname of “The Laugher” due to the resemblance of its pattern to a laughing face.
This species is often found near wooded areas and can reach up to 1.5 inches long. Its wingspan is usually around 2.3 inches.
The Laugher Moth feeds on various plants, such as dandelions, brambles, and dogwoods.
Its larva is yellow and green, with brownish-black heads and reddish-brown legs.
These larvae feed on the leaves of various shrubs and trees, such as maples, oaks, and willows.
Adult moths emerge during the summer and are most active at night.
The Laugher Moth can be an important part of the North Carolina ecosystem, helping to pollinate flowers and fruit trees and aiding in the decomposition of plant matter.
They can also provide an important food source for birds, bats, and other animals.
Those who wish to attract the Laugher Moth to their yard or garden should plant native North Carolina wildflowers and trees to provide nectar sources for the moths.
Other helpful steps include reducing the use of pesticides and keeping lights off near the area where you want the moths to congregate.
With just a few simple steps, you could soon find yourself with a variety of these beautiful types of moths in North Carolina in your backyard!
21. Mottled Grass-Veneer Moth
The Mottled Grass-Veneer Moth (Neodactria luteolellus) is a moth species found in North Carolina.
It is small and grayish with black markings along the edges of its wings and a white “Y”-shaped pattern near its abdomen.
The Mottled Grass-Veneer Moth is active during the day and often seen resting on vegetation or flying in gardens and other areas where the grass is plentiful.
This species’s larvae feed on grass and grass-like plants, including bluegrass, rye, and fescue.
The Mottled Grass-Veneer Moth, also one of the different types of moths in North Carolina, is an important pollinator of wildflowers, making it an integral part of the ecosystem.
As such, preserving their natural habitats and maintaining healthy populations is important.
To do this, gardeners should consider planting native grasses that provide food and shelter for the Mottled Grass-Veneer Moth and other pollinators.
By doing this, gardeners can help ensure the survival of this species and its contribution to the North Carolina ecosystem.
22. Oval-Based Prominent Moth
This species (Peridea basitriens) of moth can be found in North Carolina and is part of the Notodontidae family.
Its distinctive yellowish-brown body and long, slender wings can identify this particular species.
Its wingspan can measure up to 2 inches in length, making it one of the larger types of moths in North Carolina.
The Oval-based Prominent Moth is active in the summer months, typically flying around in the evening.
During the day, they can rest on foliage or tree bark. This species is a caterpillar before becoming an adult moth and feeds on various types of leaves, including maple, oak, and hickory.
As adult moths, they are capable of feeding on nectar from flowers.
Due to their size and coloration, these particular types of moths in North Carolina are a favorite among many local gardeners.
They are known to be quite docile and will not cause any harm if encountered in gardens.
23. Orange-Tufted Oneida Moth
The Orange-tufted Oneida Moth (Oneida lunulalis) is a species of moth found in North Carolina.
This moth is easily recognized by its orange tufts at the tips of its wings, which are lighter and grayer towards the base.
The adult moths have a wingspan of 1-1.5 inches and fly from June to August.
The larval stage of this species on this list of the types of moths in North Carolina is even more interesting.
The caterpillars are green or yellow with black or brown stripes and are about an inch long.
They feed on plants such as grasses and sedges. They also construct “tents” out of leaves that they attach using silk from their mouths.
This behavior helps to protect them from predators and extreme weather conditions.
If you’re looking for a unique moth to observe in your backyard, the Orange-tufted Oneida Moth might be the one for you!
24. Abbreviated Button Slug Moth
This (Tortricidia flexuosa) is a small, white, and yellow moth that can be found throughout the state of North Carolina.
Its wingspan is only about half an inch long, making it one of the smallest types of moths in North Carolina.
It’s named for its unique pattern of white stripes and yellow spots on its wings, resembling an abbreviated button.
These moths fly close to the ground day and night, typically near fields and gardens where they feed on flower nectar and other plants.
While they may be small, their bright colors make them hard to miss.
25. Attentive Crocus Moth
The Attentive Crocus Moth, also known as Xanthotype attenuaria, is a species of moth found in North Carolina.
This moth species has a wingspan of up to 1.7 inches and can be identified by its orange coloration, with brown and white stripes running along the edges of its wings.
The Attentive Crocus Moth, one of the types of moths in North Carolina, is most commonly seen between April and August in areas near woods, meadows, and gardens.
This moth species feeds primarily on nectar from flowers, particularly from aster family members, such as daisies, sunflowers, and asters.
They can often be seen hovering around flowering plants and drinking nectar from the flowers.
The Attentive Crocus Moth is an important pollinator for many species of plants, as it helps them spread their pollen from flower to flower and ensures that the plants can reproduce.
Although this moth species is not considered threatened or endangered, protecting them and their habitats is still important.
Conservation efforts should include protecting their habitat and reducing pesticide use in areas where they are known to exist.
We can help ensure this species continues to thrive in North Carolina with continued conservation efforts.
26. Banded Woollybear Caterpillar Moth
The Banded Woollybear Caterpillar Moth (Pyrrharctia isabella) is a species of moth found in North Carolina and most other parts of the United States.
The adults are generally seen flying during the late summer and early fall months, usually during the day, although they can also be seen at night.
They have a wingspan of about 2 inches and a body that ranges in color from yellow to reddish brown.
Their forewings are usually darker than their hindwings, which are usually pale.
The larvae of this species are best known for their woolly bear-like appearance, with a long, segmented body and a mix of orange, black, and brown bristles covering them.
These types of moths in North Carolina feed on grasses, low-lying plants, and vegetable crops such as potatoes.
The adults do not feed at all and live only for a few days, but the larvae are known to survive through the winter months.
This species is not considered to be a pest and does not cause any harm to crops or humans.
27. Bidens Borer Moth
This medium-sized moth (Epiblema otiosana) has a wingspan of around 3.2 cm and can be found throughout North Carolina.
The forewings are usually light to dark brown, with a black pattern along the edge and distinct yellow spots near the base. The hindwings are a more uniform orange color.
Bidens Borer Moths are active from May to October and lay their eggs on the leaves of Bidens, a genus of flowering plants.
They feed on the leaves and sometimes the flowers of these plants. They are types of moths in North Carolina that also tend to overwinter as adults.
The Bidens Borer Moth is quite common in the Carolinas, although they may not be visible due to their size.
As their name suggests, they can be found around Bidens flowers, laying their eggs and feeding on the leaves and flowers.
They are considered beneficial to the environment, as they provide food for various other species, including birds and some predatory insects.
However, due to their small size, they can easily become overlooked in gardens and wooded areas.
28. Black-Edged Dichomeris Moth
The Black-edged Dichomeris Moth (Dichomeris heirguronis) is a species of moth found in North Carolina.
Its distinct black edges on its wings and yellowish-brown body can identify it.
The adults have a wingspan of around 2 inches and are active from late spring to early summer.
They tend to feed on flower nectar and can be found near wooded areas.
The larvae of this species tend to feed on various plants, including corn, sorghum, and ragweed.
In North Carolina, they are found in the eastern part of the state and tend to fly from June to August.
These types of moths in North Carolina are an important part of the ecosystem as they help pollinate flowers and other plants. They also provide food for birds, bats, and other insects.
29. Yucca Moth
The Yucca Moth (Tegeticula, Greya, and Prodoxus spp.) is a family of moths commonly found in North Carolina and can be identified by their whitish-gray bodies, small wingspan (2-3 cm), and their large antennae.
These types of moths in North Carolina are important pollinators for the yucca plant, from which they derive their name.
The adult female Yucca Moth lays eggs inside the yucca flower, and the caterpillar feeds off the seeds and eventually emerges as an adult moth.
These moths are active during the spring and summer months and can be found in the central and eastern parts of the state.
30. Yellow-Striped Armyworm Moth
The yellow-striped armyworm moth (Spodoptera ornithogalli) is a type of insect commonly found in North Carolina.
It is most recognizable by its striking yellow and black stripes.
The yellow-striped armyworm moth is found in many habitats, including grasslands, open fields, and forests.
The yellow-striped armyworm moth feeds on various plants, including corn, beans, and clover.
It is one of the types of moths in North Carolina that is usually seen in late summer and fall when it is most active.
Its larvae can damage crops and gardens, so it is important to keep an eye out for them.
The adult yellow-striped armyworm moth has a wingspan of around 2 cm and a distinctively shaped body.
Its head is small and black, while its wings are yellow with black markings along the outer edges. Its body is also covered in yellow and black stripes.
The yellow-striped armyworm moth is an important part of the ecosystem in North Carolina, as it helps to control pest populations and contributes to pollination.
If you see one of these types of moths in North Carolina in your garden or field, don’t worry—they do more good than harm!
31. Yellow-Necked Caterpillar Moth
The Yellow-necked Caterpillar Moth, also known as Datana ministra, is a moth species found in North Carolina.
They have a wingspan of approximately 2 inches and are usually found between April and October.
They have a yellowish head with black stripes on the side of their thorax and a solid yellow patch at the back of the neck.
Their wings are light brown with darker brown markings and white spots along their bodies and legs.
The caterpillars of this moth can be found in the late summer and early fall, and they feed on various types of trees and shrubs.
They are considered pests as they can cause damage to leaves and fruit trees, especially apple and pear trees.
They can also feed on ornamental plants and vegetables such as tomatoes.
To control them, gardeners should hand-pick any larvae they find on the plants or use an insecticide such as carbaryl or malathion.
Overall, the Yellow-necked Caterpillar Moth is one of the interesting and unique types of moths in North Carolina to look for when out exploring the countryside.
Their bright colors make them easy to spot, and although they can cause damage to plants, they are still beautiful to behold.
32. Yellow-Collared Scape Moth
The Yellow-collared Scape Moth (Cisseps fulvicollis) is a moth found in North Carolina and the eastern United States.
The adult moth is medium-sized, with a wingspan of around 1-1.5 inches.
Its wings are a mottled brown or gray, with a yellow line running along the edges near the collar. The abdomen also has a yellowish band along the sides.
The larvae of this species feed on grasses and other low vegetation, making it a pest in agricultural areas.
The larval stage can last up to two years, and they overwinter as pupae in the soil. These types of moths in North Carolina are most active in the spring and summer months.
The Yellow-collared Scape Moth is an important pollinator in agricultural fields and can be seen flying near flowers and crops during the day.
This species is also known for being one of the few moths attracted to artificial light at night, making it easy to observe and identify.
33. White-Marked Tussock Moth
The White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma) is a moth species found in North Carolina.
This moth species is widely distributed throughout North America, extending from southern Canada to Central America.
The adult moth of this species has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches and is predominantly white with black spots on its forewings. Its hindwings are a grayish color with a yellow fringe.
The larva of this species is about an inch long and is densely covered with white, orange, and black hairs.
The White-marked Tussock Moth prefers to feed on the leaves of deciduous trees, such as oak, elm, and maple.
The larvae often feed together in small groups, where they can strip large areas of foliage and cause significant damage to trees.
As the larvae mature, they form a cocoon in which they will eventually metamorphose into an adult moth.
The White-marked Tussock Moth is a significant agricultural pest and can cause considerable damage to crops and trees when present in large numbers.
In addition to their damaging feeding habits, the larvae can also be vectors of disease and parasites.
So it’s important to be aware of these types of moths in North Carolina if you live in or visit an area with a high population.
34. White-Banded Toothed Carpet Moth
This moth (Epirrhoe alternata) is native to North Carolina and can be seen throughout the state.
It is often mistaken for a butterfly, but it has a unique characteristic of a white band across its wings.
The body of this moth is gray with thin black stripes and a white collar. Its wings are light brown with thin, dark lines between the white bands.
These types of moths in North Carolina prefer to feed on grasses, grains, and other low-growing plants.
When at rest, they often fold their wings in half or tuck them behind their back, making them difficult to spot in the wild.
They are typically active during the day and can be found in fields, meadows, gardens, and other open spaces.
35. Waterlily Leafcutter Moth
The Waterlily Leafcutter Moth (Elophila obliteralis) is a species of moth found throughout North Carolina.
This small, dark-colored moth has a wingspan of up to 3 cm and is easily identified by its distinctive yellow spots on the wings.
These types of moths in North Carolina feed on various aquatic plants, including water lilies and pondweeds, and are particularly fond of feeding on their leafy parts.
The larvae of this species are greenish with yellow stripes and have been known to chew through the leaves of water lily plants to create shelters for themselves.
Waterlily Leafcutter Moths are active during the summer months, particularly from June through August, and can be found near ponds, lakes, and other areas with abundant aquatic vegetation.
36. Walnut Sphinx Moth
The Walnut Sphinx Moth (Amorpha juglandis) is an impressive sight in North Carolina, with its bold markings and long wingspan.
It has a black head and body with a bright white stripe running down the middle.
Its wings are a mottled combination of red, yellow, and brown with a white fringe.
It’s often found in wooded areas, especially near walnut and hickory trees, which it uses as a food source.
This species of moth is capable of flight, but they rarely stray far from their host plants.
The adult moths can be seen between April and August in North Carolina.
During this time, they lay their eggs on the leaves of their host plants. The larvae then hatch and feed on the plant leaves until they are ready to pupate.
When these particular types of moths in North Carolina emerge as adults, they feed on nectar from flowers until they die.
The Walnut Sphinx Moth is an important species to North Carolina’s ecosystem, as it helps to pollinate many different types of plants and flowers.
37. Virginia Ctenucha Moth
The Virginia Ctenucha Moth (Ctenucha virginica) is a small yet stunning moth found in North Carolina.
It is a member of the Erebidae family and has a bright orange-brown to tan body with a white stripe running along the top of its wings.
The larvae of this moth feed on the leaves of oak and walnut trees, making it a frequent visitor to gardens.
The adult Virginia Ctenucha moths are usually active from late spring to mid-summer, often flying around during the day.
They are attracted to lights at night and can be seen visiting flowers during their search for nectar.
The males of this species have a distinct wing pattern of light and dark stripes that makes them easy to identify.
Uniquely, they are one of the different types of moths in North Carolina that you should know of.
The caterpillars of the Virginia Ctenucha moth feed on the leaves of oak and walnut trees, consuming large parts of the leaf surface.
They are usually gray-green and may have either red or yellow spots on their body.
In addition to being a beautiful species, the Virginia Ctenucha Moth is an important part of the ecosystem.
It helps maintain the balance between predators and prey in the environment and provides food for other species.
As a result, it is important to keep these moths safe to ensure that their populations remain healthy.
38. Variable Tussock Moth
The Variable Tussock Moth (Dasychira vagans) is a type of moth that can be found in North Carolina.
It is a medium-sized moth with a wingspan of about 1 to 2 inches. Its forewings are grayish-brown in color, and its hindwings are yellowish-white.
The moth has a distinctive tuft of pale hairs on its back.
The Variable Tussock Moth is usually seen flying around in late spring and summer and prefers humid and moist areas.
The adults feed on nectar from flowers like the aster and goldenrod.
The larvae of this species feed on various trees and shrubs, including oak, birch, maple, elm, apple, and cherry.
Of all the types of moths in North Carolina, it is considered an agricultural pest, as it can cause damage to crops.
The Variable Tussock Moth can be a nuisance in North Carolina, as it often comes into homes and gardens.
However, they can easily be controlled by spraying with insecticides or using traps to capture them.
If you have this type of moth in your area, it is important to control them effectively.
39. Variable Antepione Moth
The Variable Antepione Moth (Antepione thisoaria) is a type of moth found in North Carolina.
This species is part of the Geometridae family of moths, which are generally small and often brightly colored.
The Variable Antepione Moth is no exception; it has light tan or yellowish wings intricately patterned with dark brown, white, and gray.
This species can also be identified by its distinctively shaped abdomen, which is wide at the base and narrows towards the end.
The Variable Antepione Moth is found throughout the eastern United States but is particularly common in North Carolina.
It is generally seen in wooded areas in late summer, usually between July and September.
This species of the types of moths in North Carolina feeds on various plants, including oaks, maples, and lindens.
If you are interested in seeing the Variable Antepione Moth, it is best to look for these types of moths in North Carolina during the evening hours.
They tend to be more active at night and can often be seen fluttering around lights or resting on trees and shrubs.
Although they are fairly small, their brightly colored wings make them easy to spot.
40. Unadorned Carpet Moth
The Unadorned Carpet Moth(Hydrelia inornata), a member of the Geometrid family, is a distinctive moth found in North Carolina.
Its small size, between 1⁄4 and 3⁄8 inches long, is one of the features that sets it apart from other types of moths in North Carolina.
The wings are light to medium gray, with a yellowish-brown stripe in the middle. The hindwing is usually darker than the forewing.
The Unadorned Carpet Moth is found mostly in deciduous woodlands and along the edges of swamps and marshes.
It feeds on the foliage of many trees and shrubs, including oak, willow, elm, and birch. Its larvae can also be found on oaks and other hardwood trees.
The Unadorned Carpet Moth, on this list of the different types of moths in North Carolina, is considered a “flicker-style” flier.
This means it flits and darts around in short bursts before returning to rest.
It also habitually perches on vertical surfaces such as tree trunks, walls, and other objects during the day.
This is often done to help hide from predators. This species is active from May to August, with most adults appearing in June and July.
The adults are nocturnal and are most often found near lights at night. They are important pollinators for various plants and flowers in their habitat.
41. Tulip-Tree Silkmoth
This moth (Callosamia angulifera) is found in the eastern United States and Canada, from Florida to southeastern Ontario.
It is a medium-sized moth with a wingspan of about 2.5 inches (6 cm).
The forewings are dark brown with a white patch in the center and four distinct yellow stripes.
The hind wings of these types of moths in North Carolina are white with yellow spots along the edges.
The adults are active at night, and the caterpillars feed on the leaves of the tulip tree, sweetgum, and other hardwoods.
In North Carolina, it can be found in wooded areas and gardens throughout the state.
Its larvae can cause minor damage to trees but rarely cause significant harm.
The tulip-tree silkmoth is an interesting addition to the wildlife of North Carolina and adds color to our state’s forests and gardens.
Conclusion
North Carolina is home to many moth species, some of which are found only in the region.
In this article, we explored the most common types of moths in North Carolina.
From the colorful Luna Moth to the large Polyphemus Moth, these are a fascinating part of the state’s ecology and are important pollinators.
We also provided an overview of each type of moth in North Carolina and discussed their habits, habitats, and behaviors.
