COLORFUL MINIATURE MOTHS
Ailanthus Webworm. Many people would mistake this insect for a beetle, but it is actually a moth, and one of the most abundant moth species in our area.
Common Spragueia moth on an ox-eye flower (false sunflower). This colorful little day-flying moth was photographed at Huffman Prairie on August 13, 2016.
Another Orange-headed Epicallima moth. This one was photographed in Adams County, but I have found several individuals at my home UV lights as well. They fly in June and July. Note that some sources are now referring to this species as the "Orange-headed Callima" because the scientific name has changed.
Common Spragueia moth, photographed in Adams County, Ohio on July 24, 2021.
Another Ailanthus Webworm. I find these moths in great numbers at my lights, and they also nectar on flowers during the daytime. They fly every month from April through November.
Orange-headed Epicallima moth - big name for such a teeny, tiny insect. I usually do not try to identify moths that are this small, but who could resist such bright colors?
Common Spragueia at Crain's Run Park, south of Miamisburg. August 12, 2023.
Suzuki's Promalactis Moth. This species is native to Asia; it was accidentally introduced and is now spreading rapidly throughout the eastern United States. The colors remind me of a clownfish.
Suzuki's Promalactis Moth. I have found several individuals at my lights from June through September.
White Pine Cone Borer moth. I have found a couple of these moths at my lights from April through July.
This is another White Pine Cone Borer moth. These are very small moths, but they have pretty orange and red colors.
Lepidotarphius perornatella. This moth is also not native to North America. It was introduced from Asia fairly recently, apparently within the last decade or so, but it has been spreading rapidly across the midwestern United States and mid-Atlantic states. These moths feed on sweet flag and possibly other related plants. They should be looked for around ponds and wetlands in our area.
Another Lepidotarphius perornatella. 2025 was the first year I have seen this species. I found a few at Spring Lakes Park in Bellbrook on May 14, 2025, and one at Siebenthaler Fen on June 15, 2025. These are very pretty, day-flying moths, but let's hope they do not become our newest imported pest!