Field Guide

Butterflies and Moths

Showing 41 - 50 of 72 results
Wavy-lined emerald moth resting on an acrylic surface, viewed obliquely showing head
Wavy-Lined Emerald
Synchlora aerata
The wavy-lined emerald is one of many Missouri moths called emeralds. The emeralds are a subfamily within the geometrid family. Note the scalloped or wavy white lines that run across the wings, pale green fringe on the wings, and a long white stripe running the length of the abdomen.
Photo of a bilobed looper moth resting on concrete, side view
Bilobed Looper
Megalographa biloba (formerly Autographa biloba)
The bilobed looper moth has a conspicuous B-shaped silvery spot on each forewing. Caterpillars of this noctuid moth eat a wide range of plants, and this species is widespread.
Three-lined flower moth resting on a window screen
Three-Lined Flower Moth
Schinia trifascia
The three-lined flower moth is a common noctuid moth. Its caterpillars eat flowers and flower buds of false bonesets, Joe-Pye weeds, thoroughworts, and blazing stars.
Adult grapevine epimenis moth perched on a leaf, viewed from above, wings outstretched
Grapevine Epimenis
Psychomorpha epimenis
The grapevine epimenis flies during daytime and would seem too colorful to be a moth, but a moth it is. They fly in springtime and love to visit wild plum blossoms.
Photo of a Horace's Duskywing
Horace's Duskywing
Erynnis horatius
Look for Horace’s duskywing at flowers and mud puddles, in forests, and along roadsides.
Photo of an unidentified grass skipper
Skippers
About 275 species in North America north of Mexico
At first glance, skippers look halfway between butterflies and moths. They are commonly seen darting among the flowers they visit on hot summer days.
Several regal fritillaries feeding on butterfly weed
Butterflies and Skippers
More than 700 species in North America north of Mexico
Learn about butterflies and skippers as a group. What makes a butterfly a butterfly? How are they different from moths? What are the major groups of butterflies?
Photo of a pearl crescent
Pearl Crescent
Phyciodes tharos
Don't let the pearl crescent’s dainty size keep you from admiring its intricate beauty.
image of a Checkered White, Twigs
Checkered White
Pontia protodice
The checkered white is named for the charcoal-colored patterns on the white wings of adults. As with the closely related cabbage white, the larvae feed on plants in the mustard family.
Photo of a dainty sulphur perched on a dried flower, side view
Dainty Sulphur
Nathalis iole
Each year, dainty sulphurs arrive in Missouri from regions to our south. They are small compared to other sulphur butterflies. The wingspan of the largest individuals reaches only about 1¼ inches.
See Also
image of Caddisfly on leaf
Caddisflies
About 1,500 species in North America north of Mexico
Adult caddisflies are mothlike. Their larvae are aquatic and build portable, protective cases out of local materials, including grains of sand, bits of leaves and twigs, and other debris.
Photo of eastern dobsonfly
Eastern Dobsonfly
Corydalus cornutus
Adult eastern dobsonflies are huge and mothlike, with large wings and a weak, fluttery flight. The fiercely predaceous aquatic larvae, called hellgrammites, are well-known to anglers, who often use them as bait.

About Butterflies and Moths in Missouri

Butterflies, skippers, and moths belong to an insect order called the Lepidoptera — the "scale-winged" insects. These living jewels have tiny, overlapping scales that cover their wings like shingles. The scales, whether muted or colorful, seem dusty if they rub off on your fingers. Many butterflies and moths are associated with particular types of food plants, which their caterpillars must eat in order to survive.