From the flashy Monarch to the humble Luna Moth, butterflies tend to get all the love when it comes to vibrantly-colored insects But moth species come in a rainbow of hues too – including many spectacular oranges
With over 160,000 known moth species worldwide, North America is home to hundreds of orange moths. Ranging from the large and showy to the small and subtle, orange moths display incredible diversity.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most eye-catching orange moths found across the United States We’ll explore their key identification features, behaviors, habitats, and distribution
1. Isabella Tiger Moth
One of the most well-known orange moths is the woolly bear caterpillar, which morphs into the Isabella Tiger Moth Growing up to 65 cm in wingspan, this species sports orange-yellow forewings marked with bold brown lines. As caterpillars, they are covered in long black or reddish-brown hairs.
Isabella Tiger Moths are widespread across North America, inhabiting fields and woodlands. Caterpillars feed on many plants like clover, birch, elm and asters. It’s thought the woolly bear’s brown band can predict winter severity – wider meaning milder weather.
2. Regal Moth
A giant of the moth world, female Regal Moths reach an impressive 16 cm wingspan. Their gray forewings feature vivid orange veins and bright yellow spots. The mostly orange hindwings have yellow along the edges.
Found in eastern North American deciduous forests, Regal caterpillars munch on various trees like pecan, hickory and sumac. Adults emerge in summer nights to mate then lay eggs. This show-stopper is hard to miss!
3. Pink-striped Oakworm Moth
As the name suggests, the Pink-striped Oakworm Moth is closely associated with oak trees. Females are large orange moths around 6.6 cm across, while males are smaller and darker brownish-red. Both sexes have a characteristic white spot on each forewing.
Prevalent from Nova Scotia to Texas, these moths inhabit deciduous woods and suburbs. Caterpillars feed communally on oak leaves before becoming solitary. Adults fly during the day in summer.
4. Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth
Similar looking to the Pink-striped Oakworm but slightly smaller, the Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth is another oak foliage fan. Females are yellowy-orange with a white forewing spot. Males have vivid orange-red forewings and a small translucent patch.
Ranging from Maine to Alabama, these moths stick to deciduous forest alongside their caterpillar food plants. Males patrol open woods to seek females during the day in summer.
5. Sparganothis Fruitworm Moth
With its yellow and red-brown patterned forewings and gray hindwings, the Sparganothis Fruitworm Moth really stands out. Reaching just 2 cm across, this species is considerably smaller than some orange relatives.
Sometimes called the blueberry leaf-roller, these moths inhabit eastern North America. Larvae feed on cranberry, blueberry, apple and other fruits, rolling and webbing together leaves for shelter.
6. Orange-headed Epicallima Moth
Don’t let the tiny 2 cm wingspan fool you – the Orange-headed Epicallima Moth packs a bright punch. As the name hints, these moths have orange heads and forewings marked by white lines and black edges. They are active from spring through fall.
Larvae feed on corn plants and pupate under tree bark. These moths range across eastern North America, inhabiting deciduous woods and agricultural areas. They are attracted to lights at night.
7. Maple Spanworm Moth
Earning its name from the scalloped wing edges, the Maple Spanworm Moth truly resembles a fallen autumn leaf. It displays brilliant orange-yellow wings approximately 6 cm across, dotted with brown patches.
Found throughout southern Canada and the northern U.S., it flies from midsummer into fall. Larvae feed on maple, elm, linden and other trees. It prefers deciduous forests and woodland edges.
8. Juniper Geometer Moth
As a petite geometer moth just 2.5 cm across, the Juniper Geometer Moth shows off vivid orange wings trimmed in a thin brown border. True to its name, larvae munch on juniper trees.
With a range stretching from New Hampshire to Wisconsin, this moth inhabits mixed coniferous-deciduous forests where it can find its juniper host plants. Adults are active from spring through fall.
9. Honey Locust Moth
The aptly named Honey Locust Moth relies on locust trees as its caterpillar food source. Showy orange forewings contrast with dark zigzag lines. Females reach a wingspan of 6.7 cm, larger than males.
Inhabiting deciduous forests from New Jersey to Texas, these moths take flight at night in spring and summer. Caterpillars are green with white lines and large black spots on their backs.
10. Herald Moth
This worldwide moth is identified by its gray and orange coloring. Wings have a distinct angular shape with orange median lines outlined in dark gray. Spanning 4.4 cm, herald moths are medium-sized.
As caterpillars, they feed on poplar, aspen and willow leaves. As adults, they sip on ripe fruit and flower nectar. Active from midsummer into fall, they overwinter in structures like barns and caves.
11. Orange Wing Moth
The brilliant orange hindwings of the Orange Wing Moth make it practically glow. Contrasting gray-brown forewings complete the look of this 2.1 cm species. Active during the day and night, it inhabits gardens and parks.
Caterpillars feed exclusively on locust trees, so these moths stick close to their food source. They are found across the eastern half of the U.S. from spring through fall.
12. Southern Pink-striped Oakworm Moth
Yet another orange oak-feeder, the Southern Pink-striped Oakworm Moth prefers warmer southern climes. Females shine bright orange and purple, while males are red-brown with large translucent patches on each forewing.
Living in southeastern states year-round, they frequent oak trees in urban and rural areas. Look for them patrolling suburban streets on sunny afternoons. Caterpillars are green with white dots and short black spikes.
13. Painted Lichen Moth
As a master of camouflage, the Painted Lichen Moth disappears against a backdrop of lichen and bark. Its mottled orange, brown, black and white wings perfectly mimic the lichen it feeds on as a caterpillar. Growing to 3.5 cm across, this species inhabits forests across North America.
14. Orange Beggar Moth
Shrouded in mystery, little is known about the habitat and habits of the brilliant all-orange Orange Beggar Moth. Ranging from South to North America, this moth seems to pop up anytime from spring to fall across the southern and eastern U.S.
More research is needed to uncover the life history of this dazzling yet elusive orange moth. For now, we can simply admire its vibrant beauty when we are lucky enough to encounter it.
From large and flashy to tiny and subtle, orange moths in the U.S. display impressive diversity. They fill important ecological roles as pollinators and food sources for birds and bats. If you spot a mystery orange moth fluttering by, use this guide to identify common species. Then relax and enjoy the flying orange spectacle! With so much natural beauty, moths deserve just as much appreciation as their more famous butterfly cousins.
How to identify moths
With around 2,500 species of moth in the UK, theres an amazing amount of diversity to be discovered! Moths dont just come out at night. Some species fly during the day, especially on warm and sunny days. There are actually very few differences between moths and butterflies and they all belong to one group – Lepidoptera.
Description: The black forewings have striking creamy-white stripes and the hindwings are bright red, yellow or orange. Flies on warm days. When & where: July-September. A range of habitats including rough ground, coastal cliffs and gardens. On the south coast of England, but rapidly spreading north, with a strong London population. Read more
Description: Each black forewing has a red line and two red dots, and the hindwings are bright red. Flies in sunshine and is attracted to light at night. When & where: May-August. A variety of habitats, including sand dunes, heathlands and gardens. Caterpillars feed on ragwort.
Cinnabar moth (c) Vaughn Matthews
Description: Black with slender wings. Each forewing has six red spots (the two closest to the head often look like one red smudge). Flies in the day, visiting flowers like a butterfly. When & where: June-August. Flowery grassland throughout the UK. Caterpillars feed on birds-foot trefoil.
Description: Has iridescent black forewings with white and yellow spots, and red hindwings with black markings. Flies during the day. When & where: June-July. Favours damp habitats like riverbanks and fens, but sometimes visits gardens. Most common in the south-west of England and Wales.
Scarlet tiger ©Malcolm Storey
Scarlet tiger ©Vaughn Matthews
Description: Brown with a metallic silver y-shaped mark on each forewing. One of the most commonly seen day-flying moths, easily disturbed from vegetation and often seen flying frantically as it feeds on flowers. When & where: Mostly May-September, but can be seen in other months. An immigrant that is sometimes found in large numbers on the coast, but can be seen almost anywhere, including gardens.
Silver Y by Corinne Welch
Silver Y ©Bruce Shortland
Silver Y ©Margaret Holland
Description: An elegant pale yellow moth, easily identified by the pointed tail on each hindwing. Flies from dusk and is attracted to light. When & where: June-August. Sometimes second generation September-October. Widespread in most of UK. Found in a variety of habitats including parks and gardens.
Swallow-tailed moth ©Vaughn Matthews
Swallow tailed moth by Dave Appleton
Description: A bright yellow moth with a chestnut line along the leading edge of each forewing, a mark at the tip, and a brown-edged white dash. Sometimes disturbed from vegetation in the day, flies just before dusk and comes to light at night. When & where: April-October. Common across most of the UK. In woodland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens. Read more
Brimstone moth ©Amy Lewis
Description: A broad-winged, green moth with dark blotches and wavy, white lines across the wings. Flies at dusk and is easily disturbed from vegetation during the day. When & where: May-September. Common across the UK, in most habitats including parks and gardens.
Green carpet ©Amy Lewis
Green carpet moth by Iain H Leach
Description: A large green moth with wavy white lines across the wings. The wings have wavy edges. When resting, the wings are spread and raised slightly like a butterfly. Flies at night and is attracted to lights. When & where: June-August. Common across the UK, in many habitats including woodland, scrubby grassland, parks and gardens.
Large emerald © Vaughn Matthews
Large emerald © Brian Eversham
Description: A brownish moth with wavy crosslines on the forewings and orange-yellow on the hindwings. Flies on warm days, often with other species of moth and dingy skipper butterflies. When & where: May-July. Common and widespread in southern England. Found on flowery grasslands, including meadows, verges and woodland.
Burnet companion ©Tom Hibbert
Burnet companion by Chris Lawrence
Description: A distinctive moth that rests with its wings creased. Olive green with pink-brown arrow-shaped markings. Often seen resting on vegetation, walls and fences in the day. When & where: Mainly May-October. Throughout the UK, in most habitats including parks and gardens. Read more
Angle shades ©Tom Hibbert
Description: A large moth with a wingspan up to 12cm, blackish thorax and pink and black banded abdomen. Forewings are brown and hindwings are pink and black. Feeds on flowers at night and comes to light. When & where: June-July. Common in southern England and south-west Wales, more scattered further north. A variety of habitats including gardens and hedgerows.
Description: A large, variable moth. The long, rounded forewing has a distinctive black mark on the leading edge, near the tip. The hindwings are bright yellow with a black band. Often comes to light. When & where: June-October. Found almost anywhere, but most commonly in open grassy areas.
Large yellow underwing © Emma Lusby
Description: The forewings and chunky body are grey-brown, with orange hindwings. Flits from flower to flower, hovering to feed like a hummingbird. When & where: Mostly April-September, but can be seen in other months. An immigrant from southern Europe and north Africa. Most common on south coast but can turn up almost anywhere.
Hummingbird hawkmoth by Bruce Shortland
Elephant hawkmoth by Corinne Welch
Description: Brown with white crosslines, orange blotches and scalloped wings. Adults hibernate over winter and are sometimes found in outbuildings or caves. When & where: August-November and March-June after hibernation. Throughout the UK, in woodland, parks, gardens and other places the food plants are found such as willows and poplars.
Description: A small moth that has dark purple forewings with orange markings. The markings can be quite variable, but the most consistent one is a large orange blotch, sometimes with smaller orange spots speckled around it. The hindwings are dark with a short golden band that rarely reaches the edges of the wing. When & where: Adults fly in two generations – one from April to June, a second from July to September. Found throughout England, Wales, and southern Scotland and the Inner Hebrides.
Mint moth on wild marjoram © Leanne Manchester
Mint moth by Margaret Holland
Chimney sweeper © Rachel Scopes
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FAQ
What moth is orange?
Orange moth is a common name for several species of moths and may refer to: Angerona prunaria. Thaumatotibia leucotreta, also known as false codling moth, citrus codling moth, or orange codling moth. Triodia sylvina, also known as orange swift.
Why is the Atlas moth illegal?
Atlas Moths: What You Need to Know
Regardless of where they came from, they are federally quarantined pests, meaning it’s illegal to obtain, harbor, rear or sell them without a permit.
What does seeing an orange moth mean?
Seeing an orange moth is a warning that you’re neglecting your emotional responses, instead using logic and reason; it can also mean that your emotional responses are a bit reckless to the needs of others. But an orange moth also is a signal to trust your intuition.
Are orange swift moths rare?
(Linnaeus, 1761)
It is fairly common throughout Britain, becoming less frequent in more northern areas. In common with other members of the genus, the larvae feed on the roots of a variety of plants, and the moth exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, the males being smaller and more brightly coloured than the females.
What color is an orange spotted flower moth?
The Orange-Spotted Flower Moth (Syngamia florella) boasts a vivid color trio of orange, yellow, and black. Sporting yellow and black wings, its upper body exhibits intricate patterns of the same colors. The hindwings mirror this design. A distinct orange hue characterizes the lower part of its body.
What is the size of the orange moth?
This is a large moth that can grow to 16cm in wing span. The forewing is gray with orange veins and yellow spots. The hind wing is orange with yellow at the inner margin and costa.
What moths have orange wings?
Here are some amazing moths found in the United States with orange wings: The Orange Beggar (Eublemma pantherata) is completely orange with black antennae and legs. The Black-and-yellow Lichen Moth (Lycomorpha pholus) has a blue back with the base of the wings being an orange-yellow.
What color is a tiger moth?
The vivid yellow, orange, and black hues are displayed by the tricolored Apantesis ornata, often known as the Ornate Tiger Moth. Its hindwings feature an eye-catching orange and black combination, while its bright yellow and black forewings are ornamented with intricate black designs.
Where do orange moths live?
Orange moths can be found in deciduous forests in Southern Maine, the Great Lakes, central Minnesota, central Georgia, central Alabama, Mississippi, east Texas, and Louisiana.
What trees do these orange moths defoliate?
This moth species have a large population that is enough to cause the defoliation of oaks in the areas where they are in abundance. You will encounter this orange moth in deciduous forests in Southern Maine, the Great Lakes, central Minnesota, central Georgia, central Alabama, Mississippi, east Texas, and Louisiana.