By Kait Chapman, Extension Educator in Lancaster County
While butterflies often capture our attention with their bright colors and daytime activity, moths are equally fascinating and deserve a closer look. With National Moth Week approaching (July 18–26), it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible diversity of moths found across Nebraska.
This annual event also offers a great opportunity to get involved in citizen science by photographing and documenting moth species in your area. Here are just a few of the unique and remarkable moths you might encounter in our state.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
• White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata)
• Luna Moth (Actias luna)
• Ailanthus Webworm Moth (Atteva aurea)
• Squash Vine Borer (Eichlinia cucurbitae)
• Virgin Tiger Moth (Apantesis virgo)
• Plume Moth (Family: Pterophoridae)
• Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis)
• Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)
To learn more about potential Moth Week events in your area or how to submit moth photos for identification, visit https://nationalmothweek.org.