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Moths & Butterflies

Stylized illustration of moths & butterflies

By The Pest Guide Team · Updated
Edited by Fellipe Antequera · Editorial policy

What ties these insects together isn't just the dusty wings you see fluttering toward the porch light at night, but a remarkably hungry life cycle where the adult mostly sips nectar while the caterpillar stage does all the heavy structural or garden damage. Across all the species in this group, from the pantry visitor chewing through your flour to the green hornworm stripping your tomatoes bare, you are looking at creatures that undergo complete metamorphosis and rely on chewing mouthparts and specialized silk glands during their larval run.

While science groups them all under moths and butterflies, you are really dealing with very different worlds here, including pantry cupboards, bedroom closets, lawns, vegetable patches, and tree canopies. If you find a crawling pest in the house and want to make sure it actually belongs in this group rather than being a beetle grub or a fly maggot, check the belly. True caterpillars in this family have three pairs of jointed legs up front and fleshy abdominal prolegs equipped with tiny gripping hooks further back, which instantly separates them from legless maggots or multi-legged sawfly larvae.

Explore moths & butterflies

Illustration of Indianmeal mothIndianmeal mothPlodia interpunctellaIllustration of Mediterranean flour mothMediterranean flour mothEphestia kuehniellaIllustration of Webbing clothes mothWebbing clothes mothTineola bisselliellaIllustration of Casemaking clothes mothCasemaking clothes mothTinea pellionellaIllustration of Sod webwormsSod webwormsFamily CrambidaeIllustration of Squash vine borerSquash vine borerMelittia cucurbitaeIllustration of Imported cabbagewormImported cabbagewormPieris rapaeIllustration of Tomato hornwormTomato hornwormManduca quinquemaculataIllustration of Tobacco hornwormTobacco hornwormManduca sextaIllustration of Codling mothCodling mothCydia pomonellaIllustration of Spongy mothSpongy mothLymantria disparIllustration of Browntail mothBrowntail mothEuproctis chrysorrhoeaIllustration of Box tree mothBox tree mothCydalima perspectalisIllustration of BagwormBagwormThyridopteryx ephemeraeformisIllustration of Eastern tent caterpillarEastern tent caterpillarMalacosoma americanumIllustration of Forest tent caterpillarForest tent caterpillarMalacosoma disstriaIllustration of Fall webwormFall webwormHyphantria cuneaIllustration of Household casebearer (plaster bagworm)Household casebearer (plaster bagworm)Phereoeca uterella

Questions about moths & butterflies

Moths & ButterfliesWhat does an oak processionary moth nest look like?An oak processionary moth nest is white silk webbing on oak trunks or large limbs, bright as cotton candy at first, then dull gray or brown.Moths & ButterfliesCan oak processionary moth caterpillars cause a rash?Yes. Oak processionary caterpillars shed tiny hairs with an irritating protein that cause a severe rash, even without touching them.Moths & ButterfliesHow do you get rid of pantry moths?Learn how to identify pantry moths, eliminate infestations safely, and prevent them from returning.Moths & ButterfliesWhat do pantry moth eggs and larvae look like?Pantry moth eggs are tiny white ovals on dry food. Larvae are whitish to pinkish caterpillars with brown heads, up to half an inch long.Moths & ButterfliesDo pantry moth traps solve an infestation?No. Pheromone traps only catch adult males, not the larvae or egg-laying females in your food. Here is the cleanup that actually ends it.Moths & ButterfliesHow do you get rid of clothes moths?Learn how to get rid of clothes moths effectively by targeting destructive larvae, cleaning vulnerable textiles, and avoiding common shortcuts.Moths & ButterfliesWhat do clothes moth eggs and larvae look like?Clothes moth eggs are translucent ovals under 1 mm in fabric folds. Larvae are cream caterpillars up to half an inch with dark brown heads.Moths & ButterfliesPantry moths vs clothes moths: how can you tell?Learn how to distinguish pantry moths from clothes moths by examining wing patterns, flight habits, and feeding behaviors.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does sod webworm damage look like?Learn what sod webworm damage looks like in your lawn, how to identify the caterpillars, and practical steps for management and when to call a professional.Moths & ButterfliesHow are sod webworms treated?Learn how sod webworms are treated through accurate identification, soap testing, biological options, and strict application timing.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does a browntail moth caterpillar look like?A browntail moth caterpillar is about 1.5 inches long, dark brown to black, with white hair tufts on each side and two red-orange spots near the rear.Moths & ButterfliesCan browntail moth caterpillars cause a rash?Learn why browntail moth caterpillars cause a severe rash, how to identify the pests, and what safety steps to take.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does a spongy moth caterpillar look like?Spongy moth caterpillars hatch as tiny dark larvae in spring. Their colors, hair tufts and spots change as they grow. Here is what to look for.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does a spongy moth egg mass look like?A spongy moth egg mass is a firm, oval patch about 30 to 60 mm long that looks like tan felt or a dried apricot slice covered in hairs.Moths & ButterfliesWhat is the life cycle of a spongy moth?The spongy moth has one generation a year: egg masses overwinter on trees, caterpillars feed from mid-spring, then pupate and become moths.Moths & ButterfliesHow do you get rid of bagworms on trees?Handpick and destroy bagworm bags in fall, winter or early spring. In late spring, spray small bags under half an inch with Bt or an insecticide.Moths & ButterfliesWhat do bagworms on arborvitae look like?A blunt, everyday guide on what bagworms look like on arborvitae trees, including identification cues and practical management decisions.Moths & ButterfliesWhen are bagworms most vulnerable to treatment?Learn when bagworms are most vulnerable to treatment, how to identify them correctly, and what steps to take for effective control.Moths & ButterfliesWhat are eastern tent caterpillars?Eastern tent caterpillars are native moth larvae that build silk tents in tree forks in early spring. They are hairy and dark with a white back stripe.Moths & ButterfliesWhat are forest tent caterpillars?Forest tent caterpillars are native moth larvae that feed on broadleaf trees without spinning tents. They have a row of white spots down the back.Moths & ButterfliesWhat do tent caterpillars turn into?Tent caterpillars spin a silk cocoon, pupate and emerge as plain brownish moths whose only job is to mate and lay eggs.Moths & ButterfliesDo tent caterpillars kill trees?Tent caterpillars rarely kill healthy trees, which grow new leaves. Defoliation two or three years in a row can weaken a tree, though.Moths & ButterfliesHow is browntail moth rash treated?Wash browntail moth rash with soap and cool water, then use hydrocortisone, calamine, cool baths and antihistamines. There is no antidote.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does browntail moth rash look like?Browntail moth rash shows up as red bumps, welts or inflamed patches, often mistaken for poison ivy. Heavy exposure spreads it widely and it itches.Moths & ButterfliesHow is box tree moth damage treated?Learn how box tree moth damage is identified, managed, and treated on boxwood shrubs.Moths & ButterfliesWhat do box tree moth caterpillars eat?Box tree moth caterpillars eat only boxwood (Buxus). Young larvae graze leaf undersides, while older ones strip the green tissue between veins.Moths & ButterfliesWhy are tiny moths in the pantry?Tiny pantry moths are almost always Indian meal moths that came home as eggs or larvae in flour, grains, pet food or birdseed.Moths & ButterfliesHow do you deal with small moths in a pantry?Comprehensive guide on identifying and eliminating pantry moths using an everyday tone.Moths & ButterfliesWhat temperature affects clothes moths?Freezing at -4°F for 7 days, or 0°F for 48 to 72 hours, kills clothes moths at every stage. So does moist heat of 131°F or more for an hour.Moths & ButterfliesWhat do pantry moths eat?Discover what pantry moths eat, how to identify an infestation, and practical steps to get rid of them safely from your kitchen.Moths & ButterfliesAre plaster bagworms harmful to people?No. Plaster bagworms cannot bite, sting or carry disease. Seeing them on walls usually points to damp air or hidden mold. Here is what to do.Moths & ButterfliesWhat are plaster bagworms?Learn what plaster bagworms are, how to identify them on walls and baseboards, and practical steps to manage them safely in your home.Moths & ButterfliesWhy are plaster bagworms in the house?Plaster bagworms move in where humidity is high and there is damp material, mold and organic debris for the larvae to eat.Moths & ButterfliesWhat are the signs of clothes moths?Learn how to identify clothes moth infestations through damage patterns, frass, and adult behaviors, and discover practical eradication steps.Moths & ButterfliesWhy are plaster bagworms on walls?Plaster bagworms crawl on damp walls that grow mold and gather dust. When done feeding, the larvae climb to high corners to pupate.Moths & ButterfliesWhat can an oak processionary moth rash mean?Explains the meaning of an oak processionary moth rash, how to identify the pest, what practical steps to take, and when to seek professional or medical help.Moths & ButterfliesAre bagworms common in Oklahoma?Yes. Bagworms are common in every part of Oklahoma, and eastern redcedar, junipers and arborvitae take the worst of it. How to spot them and when control works.Moths & ButterfliesAre sod webworms common in Florida lawns?Learn if sod webworms are common in Florida lawns, how to identify them through signs and tests, and when to seek professional help.Moths & ButterfliesHow do you get rid of carpet moths in the UK?To get rid of carpet moths in the UK, combine deep vacuuming, clearing infested areas and targeted treatments. Catch it early, or call in help.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does a squash vine borer egg look like on a stem?Learn what a squash vine borer egg looks like on a stem, how to find it, and what practical steps to take next.Moths & ButterfliesWhat are the early signs of squash vine borer damage?Learn to identify the early warning signs of squash vine borer damage before your garden plants collapse.Moths & ButterfliesWhen in the squash vine borer life cycle does prevention matter most?Learn when prevention matters most in the squash vine borer life cycle and how to protect your garden crops effectively.Moths & ButterfliesSquash vine borer moth vs other orange-and-black moths: what differs?Learn how to distinguish the squash vine borer moth from other orange-and-black garden insects, spot the damage early, and make the right control decisions.Moths & ButterfliesHow can you check a squash plant stem for borer damage?Learn how to inspect your squash plants for borer damage, spot the warning signs at the base of the stem, and decide what to do next.Moths & ButterfliesHow can sod webworm activity be distinguished from grub damage?Learn how to distinguish sod webworm damage from grub activity in your lawn through simple identification tests and proper management.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does sod webworm damage look like early in the season?Learn what early sod webworm damage looks like in your lawn, how to spot the caterpillars hiding in the thatch, and what practical steps to take next.Moths & ButterfliesWhen should a lawn be inspected for sod webworm larvae?Learn when to inspect your lawn for sod webworm larvae, how to confirm their presence using a simple test, and what treatment steps to take.Moths & ButterfliesHow can bagworms damage arborvitae?Learn how bagworms damage arborvitae trees through defoliation and branch girdling, and discover how to identify, treat, and know when to call a professional.Moths & ButterfliesBagworm cases vs ordinary plant debris: how can you tell?Learn how to distinguish between protective bagworm cases and harmless plant debris on your trees and shrubs.Moths & ButterfliesWhat should you check before treating bagworms on a tree?Learn what to check before treating bagworms on trees, from timing and case size to manual removal versus spraying.Moths & ButterfliesWhy are bagworms appearing on pine trees?Learn why bagworms appear on pine trees, how to identify these camouflaged pests, and what steps to take for removal and safe treatment.Moths & ButterfliesWhat do spongy moth caterpillars eat in a landscape?Spongy moth caterpillars prefer oak and apple, but when numbers surge they also eat maples, poplars, other broadleaf trees and even conifers.Moths & ButterfliesWhat should you know before scraping a spongy moth egg mass?Learn what to look for, how to scrape spongy moth egg masses safely, and when you should call a professional.Moths & ButterfliesEastern vs forest tent caterpillars: do they build the same kind of tent?Discover the key behavioral and visual differences between Eastern and forest tent caterpillars, including their contrasting nest-building habits.Moths & ButterfliesWhat do tent caterpillars mean for a defoliated tree?Understand what tent caterpillars mean for defoliated trees, how to identify them, and when to seek professional help.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does box tree moth caterpillar damage look like?Learn what box tree moth caterpillar damage looks like on boxwood shrubs, from early windowpane feeding to severe skeletonization and webbing.Moths & ButterfliesHow do you inspect boxwood for box tree moth larvae?Learn how to inspect boxwood hedges for box tree moth larvae, identify key signs of damage, and know when to seek professional help.Moths & ButterfliesHow is a box tree moth report handled in a newly affected area?Learn how authorities handle a box tree moth report in newly affected areas, from initial identification to official quarantine responses.Moths & ButterfliesWhen do browntail moth winter webs become visible in Maine?Learn when browntail moth winter webs become visible in Maine, how to identify them correctly, and what steps to take safely.Moths & ButterfliesHow should suspected browntail moth caterpillars be distinguished from harmless lookalikes?Learn how to distinguish the invasive and toxic browntail moth caterpillar from harmless lookalikes using identification markers and nest architecture.Moths & ButterfliesTomato hornworm vs tobacco hornworm: what markings differ?Learn the visual differences between tomato and tobacco hornworms, how to identify them correctly, and what steps to take for garden control.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does a tomato hornworm egg look like?A tomato hornworm egg is a smooth, pale green sphere about 1 mm across, laid singly on tomato and other nightshade leaves.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does a tomato hornworm turn into?The tomato hornworm becomes a sphinx moth, also called a hawk moth, after pupating in a small chamber in the soil.Moths & ButterfliesWhy are white cocoons found on a tomato hornworm?Discover why white cocoons appear on tomato hornworms, what they mean for your garden, and how to manage beneficial parasitic wasps.Moths & ButterfliesHow can you inspect tomato plants for hornworm feeding?Learn how to inspect tomato plants for hornworm feeding, identify the caterpillars, and choose the right control method safely.Moths & ButterfliesTomato hornworm damage vs other chewing insects: what differs?Learn how to tell tomato hornworm damage apart from other garden pests through observable clues and identification tips.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does a cabbage looper caterpillar look like?Learn what a cabbage looper caterpillar looks like, how to identify it by its unique movement, and how to manage it safely in the garden.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does a cabbage looper moth look like?A blunt, friendly guide on identifying the cabbage looper caterpillar, its habits, and how to manage infestations safely.Moths & ButterfliesCabbage looper vs other green caterpillars on brassicas: what differs?Learn how to distinguish cabbage loopers from other green caterpillars on brassicas, with practical identification and management guidance.Moths & ButterfliesSquash vine borer vs squash bug: which signs point to each?A squash vine borer causes sudden wilting with a hole and frass at the stem base. Squash bugs feed outside and leave bronze egg clusters on leaves.Moths & ButterfliesApple maggot vs codling moth: what kind of fruit damage differs?Learn the key differences in fruit damage between apple maggots and codling moths, including identification, management choices, and safety warnings.Moths & ButterfliesWhat do apple maggot larvae look like inside fruit?Learn what apple maggot larvae look like inside fruit, how to identify their damage, and what practical steps to take next.Moths & ButterfliesWhen are apple maggot traps used for monitoring?Learn when to hang apple maggot traps for monitoring, how to identify the flies, and what steps to take when numbers rise.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does a codling moth larva do inside an apple?A codling moth larva chews into the apple, tunnels to the core to eat flesh and seeds, and pushes brown, crumbly frass out of the entry hole.Moths & ButterfliesWhat are codling moth traps measuring in a home orchard?Codling moth traps measure adult male flight activity to set a biofix date for timing orchard sprays, rather than catching pests to reduce populations.Moths & ButterfliesCodling moth vs false codling moth: why does geography matter?Compare codling moth and false codling moth, understand why geography dictates management, and learn practical identification and control strategies.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does a fall armyworm larva look like on turf?Learn what a fall armyworm larva looks like on turf, how to identify it, and what practical steps to take next.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does a fall armyworm egg mass look like?Learn how to identify fall armyworm egg masses, where to find them, and what steps to take when you spot them in your yard.Moths & ButterfliesWhy can fall armyworm damage appear suddenly in a lawn?Understand why fall armyworm damage appears so quickly in lawns, how to identify the caterpillars, and how to manage them safely.Moths & ButterfliesFall armyworm vs sod webworm: what damage clues differ?Learn how to tell fall armyworm and sod webworm damage apart, use simple tests, and decide on the best control approach.Moths & ButterfliesHow do you inspect wool clothes for moth larvae?Learn how to inspect wool clothes for moth larvae, identify fabric damage, and safely treat infested garments.Moths & ButterfliesClothes moth eggs vs pantry moth eggs: why does the food source matter?Clothes moths lay eggs only on wool, silk and other animal fibers, while pantry moths target grains and dry food. The food source tells you which.Moths & ButterfliesWhat should you remove when pantry moths keep returning?Learn what to remove and clean when pantry moths keep returning to your kitchen cupboards.Moths & ButterfliesWhy are pantry moth larvae on the kitchen ceiling?Learn why pantry moth larvae crawl onto the kitchen ceiling, how to identify an infestation, and practical steps to deal with the problem safely.Moths & ButterfliesIndian meal moth vs other pantry moths: what can you identify?Learn how to distinguish the Indian meal moth from clothes moths and other lookalikes, with practical identification cues and clear household management steps.Moths & ButterfliesWhat do Indian meal moth larvae look like in stored food?Learn what Indian meal moth larvae look like in stored food, how to identify infestations, and practical steps for management.Moths & ButterfliesWhere do Indian meal moth larvae hide outside a food package?Learn where Indian meal moth larvae hide outside food packages, how to identify them, and what practical steps to take next.Moths & ButterfliesWhat do Indian meal moth eggs look like?Learn what Indian meal moth eggs look like, how to identify an infestation, and practical steps to clear them out of your pantry.Moths & ButterfliesDo Indian meal moth traps remove the food source?Discover why Indian meal moth traps do not remove the food source and learn how to properly identify, clean, and prevent pantry moth infestations.Moths & ButterfliesWhy are pantry moths appearing after a pantry was cleaned?An explanation of why pantry moths continue to emerge after a thorough kitchen cleaning, with identification tips and practical next steps.Moths & ButterfliesWhat should you inspect when pantry moths are found in pet food?Learn what to inspect, how to identify, and how to safely handle pantry moths found in pet food storage areas.Moths & ButterfliesAre small moths in a kitchen pantry moths or clothes moths?Small moths in a kitchen pantry are almost always pantry moths like the Indian meal moth. Clothes moths eat wool and silk, not food.Moths & ButterfliesWhy do pantry moth larvae travel up walls before pupating?Discover why pantry moth larvae crawl up walls before pupating and how to handle an infestation safely.Moths & ButterfliesWhere do clothes moth larvae hide in a wardrobe?Find out where clothes moth larvae hide in wardrobes, how to identify the damage, and practical steps to deal with them safely.Moths & ButterfliesWhat fabrics are most vulnerable to clothes moth larvae?Discover which fabrics clothes moth larvae target, how to identify the damage, and the practical steps to protect your wardrobe.Moths & ButterfliesDo clothes moth traps tell you where larvae are feeding?Discover why clothes moth traps do not show where larvae are feeding, how to locate the actual infestation, and what practical steps to take next.Moths & ButterfliesWhy are clothes moths returning after adult moths are trapped?Pheromone traps catch only adult males. Larvae keep chewing fabric, and mated females have already laid eggs that hatch into a new wave.Moths & ButterfliesHow do you get rid of plaster bagworms in a house?Vacuum thoroughly, remove infested material and get indoor humidity below 50%. Sprays only help briefly if the hidden moisture stays.Moths & ButterfliesHousehold casebearer vs plaster bagworm: are they the same?Discover whether household casebearers and plaster bagworms are the same, how to identify them, and what practical steps to take next.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does a household casebearer moth look like?Learn what the household casebearer moth looks like, how to identify its portable silk case, and practical steps to protect your wardrobe.Moths & ButterfliesWhat do plaster bagworm cases look like?Learn what plaster bagworm cases look like, how to identify casemaking clothes moth larvae, and what practical steps to take next.Moths & ButterfliesWhat does a browntail moth winter nest look like in Maine?Learn what a browntail moth winter nest looks like in Maine, how to identify it, and how to safely handle removal or call for professional help.Moths & ButterfliesWhen should Maine residents check county browntail moth updates?Learn when Maine residents should check county browntail moth updates, how to identify the pest across seasons, and what practical steps to take next.Moths & ButterfliesHow is a browntail moth caterpillar different from other Maine caterpillars?Learn how to tell a browntail moth caterpillar apart from other Maine caterpillars and how to manage the severe health risks they pose.Moths & ButterfliesWhat do spongy moth eggs look like on Canadian trees?Learn what spongy moth egg masses look like on Canadian trees, how to identify them, and what practical steps to take next.Moths & ButterfliesWhat should you do if you find oak processionary moth caterpillars?Oak processionary moth caterpillars carry irritating hairs and are a regulated pest. Do not touch them, keep people and pets away, and report the sighting.Moths & ButterfliesAre clothes moths damaging wool in a UK wardrobe?Find out if clothes moths are damaging wool in your UK wardrobe, how to identify the culprits, and practical steps to stop them.Moths & ButterfliesWhich stored foods should you inspect after finding pantry moths?Learn which stored foods to inspect after discovering pantry moths, how to identify them, and what steps to take for complete eradication.Moths & ButterfliesCarpet moth vs clothes moth: are they the same pest?Learn the differences and similarities between carpet moths and clothes moths, and how to deal with textile pests effectively.Moths & ButterfliesGrub damage vs sod webworm damage: what should you inspect first?A blunt and practical guide to inspecting lawns for sod webworm and white grub damage.Moths & ButterfliesSpongy moth vs tent caterpillar: how can you tell?Learn the key differences between spongy moths and tent caterpillars, how to identify them in your yard, and the right steps to manage them safely.

Research sources

This page was researched with publications from these institutions, then written and reviewed by The Pest Guide Team: