Moths in Mississippi

Mississippi has moths of different families distributed throughout the state. The largest moths belong to the Saturniidae family, including the yellowish io moth with prominent eyespots and the tan-colored polyphemus moth.

The gypsy moth feeding over 300 shrubs and trees is a major pest of the state, causing severe damage.

Large Moths: Io Moth, Polyphemus Moth,Black Witch Moth

Hawk Moths

• Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (Hemaris thysbe)
• Snowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis)
• Blinded Sphinx Moth (Paonias excaecatus)
• Pink-spotted Hawkmoth (Agrius cingulata)
• Banded Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha fasciatus)
• Pawpaw Sphinx Moth (Dolba hyloeus)

Saturniidae Moths

• Io Moths (Automeris io)
• Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)

Erebidae Moths

• Black Witch Moth (Ascalapha odorata)
• Giant Leopard Moth (Hypercompe scribonia)
• Agrippina Underwing Moth (Catocala Agrippina)
• Clymene Moth (Haploa clymene)
• Painted Lichen Moth (Hypoprepia fucosa)
• Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar)

Owlet Moths

• Pearly Wood-nymph Moth (Eudryas unio)