There are about 10 times more moth species than butterfly species.
According to Bug Guide, there are about 165,000 moth species in the world. There are more types of moths than butterflies, also in the lepidoptera order. Moths can range anywhere from small, unassuming and brown, to large and colorful. To help with identification, moths are divided into families that boast different kinds of moths.
Saturniidae Family
The Saturniidae family includes 1,000 species of the largest and most colorful moths. This family notably includes silk moths, which are quite large.They have wingspans of up to 6 inches, according to Backyard Nature. Silk moths gained their namesake due to the fact they wrap their cocoons in silk. When the cocoons are gathered and boiled, the silk can be unwound and treated to make clothing and accessories. The luna moth, a type of silk moth, is found in the U.S., Mexico and sometimes in Canada. According to Project Silk Moth, you can find these light green moths on white birch, alder or beech trees. The rosy maple moth, another member of the Saturniidae family, has a soft rosy color on its wings. According to Backyard Nature, the rosy maple moth has a wingspan of up to 2 inches. This moth likes to reside on maple trees in the U.S. and southern Canada.
Arctiidae Family
This family is diverse and has around 11,000 species, with almost half of them being neotropical. Most famously, the tiger moth is part of this family. The tiger moth is found in southeastern Canada and has bright colors and markings. According to Zipcode Zoo, many species in this family have "hairy" caterpillars. The neighbor moth, another member of the Arctiidae family and the species contigua, has bold wing patterns in black and white. This patterning serves as camouflage, making it difficult for predators to see the moth clearly. This moth is found in North America, notably Arkansas, Ohio and North Carolina.
Sphingidae Family
There are about 1,000 members of the Sphingidae family found in the world, including South and Central America and southern parts of the U.S. Hawkmoths, also known as sphinx moths, are the most notable in this family. The pink-spotted hawkmoth feeds on nectar with a protruding proboscis. These moths gain their sphinx namesake because they have large larvae that hold their bodies erect in a sphinx-like position. Hawkmoths are robust fliers and, according to Nature Haven, have been seen out at sea.
Lymantriidae Family
This family consists of 2,500 members worldwide. Most notably, the gypsy moth resides in North America. They were introduced in the 19th century, having escaped from being brought over for the purpose of silk production. Today, gypsy moths are considered pests in North American forests. Gypsy moths vary in color and pattern depending on gender. Females have a white or creamy color, while males are dark brown. Male gypsy moths also fly in the daytime, while the females rarely fly at all.
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