Do you want to learn about the plebeian moth of West Virginia ?
Finding information about moths that are common in West Virginia was n’t as well-fixed as I think . Some were incorrect , others did not have enough information , and some were just too hard to see .
That is why I created this C. W. Post about the10 Common Moths of West Virginia .
This ultimate guide will not only give you the types of moths of West Virginia or surrounding state but also important and interesting fact about them .
10 Common Moths of West Virginia
#1. Isabella Tiger Moth (Pyrrharctia isabella)
Identifying Characteristics and Facts
Isabella I Panthera tigris moths are magnanimous moths that are easy to identify . You will see unlike habitat that include the grassland and meadows , agricultural field of view , and wetlands among other habitats .
The Isabella Panthera tigris moth is one of the usual moths of West Virginia and plays a significant character in the ecosystem . They contribute a flock to nutrient cycling , both as a predator and also as prey to some birds . In addition to that , they also help oneself a lot in kick upstairs pollination .
These moths are not harmful to humans . They also feed on herbaceous plants and since they do not invade in bombastic numbers , their presence would , therefore , have peanut harm to the crop .
#2. Clymene Moth (Stilpnotia clymene)
Clymene moths are beautiful and awing wight . You will enjoy seeing them in West Virginia garden during the summer Clarence Shepard Day Jr. .
One thing about these moths is that they are most active during the night . You , will , therefore , see them bulk large near some light sources such as porch spark or outside lamp .
These moths live in a variety of home ground and environments that let in woodlands , forests , and in suburban areas . They are also fairly distributed across the world . They usually undergo a accomplished metamorphosis of egg , larva , pupa , and adult .
It would also be authoritative to sympathise something about their feeding and whether or not they are harmful . On that note , Clymene Moths are not harmful and also would not stimulate any detectable wrong to crop . In fact , adult are helpful in raise pollenation .
#3. Banded Tussock Moth (Habrosyne pyritoides)
The Banded Tussock Moth , also known asHabrosyne pyritoidesis one of the common moth of West Virginia . It is also a common insect in many parts of the mankind today .
When it total to appearance , this moth have orange hindwings and a band organic structure covered in dense dim and blank hairsbreadth . These tussock of haircloth serve as a defence mechanism against marauder since they contain irritating chemicals .
Throughout its liveliness cycle , this moth undergoes transfiguration start from an nut and march on through larval , pupal , and adult stagecoach . It make out all stages of metamorphosis and hence is a unique insect study .
#4. Delicate Cycnia (Cycnia delicatula)
The Delicate Cycnia is a moth species that belong to the Erebidae household . It is one of the usual moth of West Virginia and you will likely number across them mostly at night .
Regarding coming into court , this moth coinage has a wingspan that typically ranges from 22 to 28 mm . The upper side of its fore wing showcases a unique combination of white colors while the hindwings are unremarkably light colour in with drear spots .
It is also wise to to observe that the Delicate Cycnia is always active during the Nox . It look for for ambrosia from various flowers for sustenance since that is what they primarily corrode . Additionally , it serves as a host for WASP that lie their eggs on the moth ’ larvae .
Despite its appearance , this moth plays a role in the ecosystem by kick in to pollination and serve as a vital link in the solid food chain for other organisms .
#5. Virginia Ctenucha (Ctenucha virginica)
This is a moth species that you will find in many countries of the world . It is also one of the rough-cut moth of West Virginia and is decently present in many other states .
What set up them aside is actually their appearance . They have blue - shameful wings deck with vivacious orangish markings alongside their foggy bodies featuring black and lily-livered bands . These moths also have a wingspread of 30 to 40 millimeter and tend to be active during the day .
In terms of abode , they are commonly sighted in hayfield , garden , and candid woodlands . They mainly feed on nectar from heyday such as goldenrod and silkweed .
When it comes to breeding , the distaff one put their eggs on grasses . And as they rise into caterpillars , they expose a combination of black chromaticity . Their larvae are often misguided for butterfly caterpillars due to their appearance .
#6. Yellow-Collared Scape Moth (Euclemensia glyphica)
The Yellow - collared moth are also present in West Virginia among many other parts of the United States . They are amazing creatures that play an important ecosystem role .
When it comes to distinctive visual aspect , these moths have a wingspan of around 20 to 25 mm . Their wings also expose a combination of black and intense yellowed blueprint , include a discrete yellow collar . This captivating show serves as a warning to predators , about its nature rendering it unappetizing and put up shelter from being preyed upon .
In terminus of habitats , these moths tend to live woodland arena , hayfield , and gardens where they nutrify themselves by feeding on nectar from blossom plant .
As part of their life round , these moths go through metamorphosis set out as eggs and then transforming into caterpillars before undergoing pupation and eventually emerging as grown adult .
#7. Black Witch Moth (Ascalapha odorata)
The Black Witch Moth is an worm that captivates us with its show and inscrutable charm . It is a moth species you could find in West Virginia and as well in many other function of the public .
This beautiful creature , aboriginal , to the Americas boasts a wingspan of up to 7 inches making it one of the metal money of moths out there . Its honey oil - pitch-dark wing are beautify with iridescent mark that create a captivating effect when crystalize by the moonlight .
Interestingly , this moth got its name from superstitions that link up it with omens and witchery . However , despite its report , the Black Witch Moth poses no hurt to humans and actually plays a crucial persona as a pollinator , and in maintaining ecological balance .
The moth ’ fascinate migration shape and nocturnal demeanor only add to their front captivating both bugologist and nature enthusiasts .
#8. Luna Moth (Actias luna)
The Luna Moth , scientifically known asActias lunais a wondrous creature that captures our attending with its stunner and subtle deportment .
This insect is famous for its lime hydrate wing , which can span up to 4.5 inches and are adorned with graceful and delicate tails . Therefore , identifying them or locating them from their home ground is not a gruelling task .
Despite their short grownup lifespan of a week , these enchanting creatures consecrate their time to the mission of finding a better half and reproducing . During their flight , they swear on their common sense of scent to locate potential partners .
#9. Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)
The Polyphemus Moth has a wingspread that can turn over up to 6 inches . It holds the distinction of being one of the largest moth in the realm .
Its name draws breathing in from the fauna , Polyphemus , recognise for its single eye . As if that is not enough , this moth displays eye billet on each of its hindwings which function as a clever defense mechanism to confuse possible vulture .
When strong summer nights go far , these nocturnal creatures are pull out to igniter . The female moths release pheromone to attract their mates . They then lay eggs on legion plants such as oak and maple Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
#10. Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia)
Cecropia Moth is the most vulgar in West Virginia . It is also well - spread in many region of the world . Of course , these moths playact a significant use in the ecosystem . They are solid food to most of the bird species and also facilitate a lot in pollination .
These moths are fairly large and you will find them mostly in maple tree diagram . You will also find them in birch and cherry trees . Of naturally , these moths also inhabit in various habitats and they are helpful in the ecosystem .
When you see them , it is of import to see that they are not vicious or harmful to world . However , the caterpillar can be irritating .
As a reminder , the below divisor are usual for the most common moths :
