Class Insecta, Order Lepidoptera Butterflies and Moths Lepido- = scale and -ptera = winged. Wings of these insects are partially or totally covered in scales. Their bodies are also clothed in scales or modified scales that look like hairs or bristles (setae). Various colors come from pigments contained in the scales OR---in the case of Morpho butterflies---from the physical reflection of only blue or violet light to our eyes (the scales absorb other colors. Morpho butterflies, from Central or South America butterfly-guide.co.uk nhm.ac.uk Peggy Greb, USDA-ARS,bugwood.org
Swallowtail Butterfly Metamorphosis: Complete Photo: D.B. Richman Wing span to 100mm. With clubbed antennae, no terminal hooks. Hind wings usually with tails. Wings usually striped or spotted;often with blue or green marks, especially on hind wings.
Sulfur Butterfly Metamorphosis: Complete Both Photos: D.B. Richman Includes whites & orange-tips. Small to medium sized (to 50mm wingspan) with clubbed antennae lacking hooks. Colors usually yellow, orange or white, marked with black and/or orange.
Gossamer Winged Butterfly Metamorphosis: Complete All Photos: D.B. Richman Small (wingspan <35mm), delicate butterflies. Antennae clubbed, lack hooks. Some species With hair-like tails on hind wings. Color variable by species: metallic blue, purple, gray with Red eyespots or orange & black. Some of our smallest butterflies.
Brush-footed Butterfly Metamorphosis: Complete Both Photos: D.B. Richman Highly variable in size & color. Front legs small, making butterfly appear to have 4-legs. Antennae Clubbed, lacking hooks. Many common species in this group.
Skipper Metamorphosis: Complete Photo: D.B. Richman Least skipper Photo: Charles T. Bryson, USDA ARS, Bugwood.org uga1115102 Sachem skipper Photo: Charles T. Bryson, USDA ARS, Bugwood.org uga1115108 Antennae clubbed and WITH a hook. Head as wide or wider than thorax. Hind leg with 2 prs. Of spurs. Usually 10-20mm long. Color black, brown, spotted or orange.
Metamorphosis: Complete Sphinx Moth Rustic Sphinx White-lined Sphinx Photo: D.B. Richman Joe Pase III, TX For Serv, bugwood.org uga1274048 Great Ash Sphinx Jberger, bugwood.org uga538774 Medium to large moths (to 100mm wingspan). Antennae thickened, sometimes slightly hooked but not clubbed. Body typically bullet-shaped, broad.
Giant Silkworm Moth Metamorphosis: Complete Mouthparts: None! uga1241621 Pandora moth. Photo: USDA For ServArchive, USDA FS, Bugwood.org Range caterpillar. Photo: D.B. Richman Medium to large moths, winspan >100mm. Antennae threadlike in females, feathery in males. Wings broad, body heavy. Adults do not feed. Polyphemus moth. uga 1309003 Photo: WCiesla, For Health Mgmt Int, Bugwood.org
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org Geometer Moth Metamorphosis: Complete Small to medium moths, often with angulate, scalloped or fringed wings. Wings light gray, yellowish, tawny or green. Western false hemlock looper Photo: STunnock, USDA-FS, bugwood.org uga1241559 Western oak looper. Uga2252041 Photo:JEDewey, USDA-FS, bugwood.org
Tiger Moth Metamorphosis: Complete Small to medium moths, often brightly colored or white with black spots or stripes. Some are pure white. On many, second pair of wings may be brightly colored. Abdomens may be brightly colored, also. Antennae filamentous, lacking hooks. Both Photos: D.B. Richman
Noctuid Moth Metamorphosis: Complete Fall armyworm Photo: Billy R Wiseman, USDA-ARS, Bugwood.org Black witch Photo: D.B. Richman Most species small to medium-size. Underwings with wing spans to Army cutworm Photo: JBerger, bugwood.org 60mm. Black witch moth with wingspan of 100mm. Antennae uga1368044 Filamentous. Colors vary, but most species are gray, brown or mottled With various patterns. Underwings have pink, red or orange wings marked with black.
Pyralid Moth Metamorphosis: Complete uga0796020a Coneworm.Photo: HOYates III, USDA-FS,bugwood.org uga12650 63 Cactus moth. Photo: DHerbison-Evans, UnivSydney,bugwood.org uga1246075 Indian mealmoth. Photo: WCranshaw, COStUniv, bugwood.org Pecan nut casebearer,uga1223045 Photo: LTedders, USDA-ARS, bugwood.org Most species small, wingspans <25mm. Antennae filamentous. Palpi usually long, resembling a snout. Adults usually light tan to gray or white.
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