Moths in Oregon

Of the several moths found here, one of the most significant is the Pandora pinemoth found in Central Oregon during the summer months. They easily get attracted to light sources, which perhaps led them to heavily infest the Vince Genna Stadium in 2017 when the Bend Elks Baseball game was on. Finally, the authorities cleared them away using leaf blowers.

A few other giant moths worth mentioning include the blinded sphinx moth having a brownish body and pink patches. The giant Polyphemus moth, distinguished by its prominent eyespots, also dwells in Oregon. A day visit to the Metolius Preserve could give one the privilege of spotting the Elegant Day Moth with yellow-pink-and blackish wings.

Large Moths: Polyphemus Moth, Blinded Sphinx Moth, Pandora Pinemoth

Common Moths: Pandora Pinemoth, Gypsy Moth 

Here is the list of moths found in Oregon arranged in order of the family they belong.

Saturniidae Moths

• Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)
• Ceanothus Silkmoth (Hyalophora euryalus)
• Pandora Pinemoth (Coloradia pandora)
• Elegant Day Moth (Hemileuca eglanterina)

Hawk Moths

• Blinded Sphinx Moth (Paonias excaecatus)
• One-eyed Sphinx Moth (Smerinthus cerisyi)
• Big Poplar Sphinx Moth (Pachysphinx occidentalis)

Erebidae Moths

• European Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar)
• Asian Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar asiatica)