Moths in Texas
The entire state of Texas, particularly the eastern and central parts, is inhabited by moths belonging to different families, Sphingidae family in the majority. One would find some prettiest moths here, like the green luna moth with majestic flowing tails. The pandora sphinx moth is another, having gorgeous pink eye spots against a greenish-gray body.
Most moths present here are not dangerous, especially to humans, barring a few. The tussock moth caterpillar dwells mostly in south Texas that is otherwise harmless but may sting if touched.
The cactus moth inhabiting parts of Texas requires a special mention, as it plays a significant role in biological control because of its ability to diminish the cacti species.
Common Moths: Black Witch Moth, Luna Moth, Polyphemus Moth
Large Moths: Io Moth, Polyphemus Moth, Ailanthus Webworm Moth
Here is the list of moths found in Texas arranged in order of the family they belong.
Hawk Moths
- Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (Hemaris thysbe)
- Vine Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha vitis)
- Pandora Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha pandorus)
- Banded Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha fasciatus)
- Achemon Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha Achemon)
- Rustic Sphinx Moth (Manduca rustica)
- Tersa Sphinx (Xylophanes tersa)
- Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis)
- White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineate)
Legume Moths
Erebidae Moths
- Black Witch Moth (Ascalapha odorata)
- Texas Wasp Moth (Horama panthalon)
- Thin-lined Owlet Moth (Isogona tenuis)
- Bagworm Moth (Psychidae)
- Evergreen Bagworm Moth (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis)
- White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma)
Saturniidae Moths
- Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia)
- Luna Moth (Actius luna)
- Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)
- Io Moth (Automeris io)
- Gaudy Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha labruscae)
- Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropi)
Tropical Ermine Moths
- Ailanthus Webworm Moth (Atteva aurea)
Pyralid Moths
- Cactus Moth (Cactoblastis cactorum)
