Moths in Maine
Maine has only a few moths thriving here, of which the brown-tail moth dwelling in the southern part is considered an invasive species. The detection of the first population dates back to the 1990s, and there has been a heavy outbreak since then mainly during summer.
Another moth infesting trees here, causing defoliation, is the European gypsy moth inhabiting the central and southern parts.
The beautiful cecropia moth occasionally visits Maine during June-July. However, they remain less visible to the human eye since they are nocturnal. The pretty green luna moth with flowing tails also thrives here.
Common Moths: Brown-tail Moth, European Gypsy Moth, Luna Moth
Large Moths: Cecropia Moth, Luna Moth
Here is the list of moths found in Maine arranged in order of the family they belong to.
Erebidae Moths
- Brown-tail Moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea)
- European Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar)
Flannel Moths
Prominent Moths
- Pine Processionary Moth (Megalopyge opercularis)
- Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea)
Saturniidae Moths
- Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia)
- Luna Moth (Actias luna)
Hawk Moths
- Hummingbird Moth (Hemaris diffinis)
