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Bugs Found at Lights: Butterflies and Moths (Order Lepidoptera):
Underwing Moth
Size: Variable; wingspan 1.5–3.0 inches
ID Tips: Variable; forewings typically dark with barklike pattern and hind wings with colorful bands
Range: Throughout the United States
This is a highly distinctive and diverse group of moths with more than 100 species found in North America. Adults have stout bodies and dark, dull-colored forewings with mottled or barklike patterns that they hold over their back while at rest. As a result, they are highly camouflaged when sitting on tree trunks, a common location to find them during daylight hours. However, when disturbed, underwing moths quickly spread their wings to reveal much brighter hind wings below before flying off to a nearby tree. Colored with bands of red, pink, yellow, orange, and even white, this hind wing pattern, coupled with their rapid wing motion, may help to startle interested predators. The showy nature of this group has made them popular with collectors and naturalists alike. Active at night, underwing moths are commonly attracted to artificial lights or may readily be drawn to sugar baits.
Believe It or Not: Underwing moths have simple ears that enable them to hear the ultrasound of a night-hunting bat. This early detection helps them avoid capture; to do so, they either move away from the approaching bat or fly erratically.
Giant Leopard Moth
Size: Wingspan 2.5–3.5 inches
ID Tips: Large; elongated white forewings with a mix of solid black and hollow black spots
Range: The eastern United States
With its bold white-and-black pattern, there is absolutely no mistaking this striking insect. The sizable giant leopard moths are common at artificial lights. If disturbed, they often drop to the ground and temporarily play dead. When doing so, they curl up their plump abdomens to reveal a bold-orange-and-iridescent-blue pattern, likely serving to scare off potential predators. If further molested, the moth secretes acrid yellow droplets from glands in its thorax. The large larvae are deep black with bright red rings on their bodies. They have a broad host range, feeding on a wide assortment of different plants and may readily move from one species to another. Fully grown larvae may reach three inches in length and are often spotted wandering along the ground in fall as they search for a protected site in which to overwinter.
Believe It or Not: Aptly named, the giant leopard moth is the largest tiger moth found in eastern North America.
