Moth Gallery

Moths Seen in the Houston Area

#7827 - Walnut Sphinx (Amorpha juglandis), seen in March 

Was a bit startled to see this large moth outside the door

#4622 - Skeletonizer Moth (Harrisina coracina), seen in April

#8887 - Trichoplusia ni (Cabbage Looper Moth), seen way too often

The caterpillar (larva stage) is a constant pest of tomatoes and squash

#9670 - Spodoptera latifascia (Velvet Armyworm Moth)

Up close and personal.  Rather bear-like and cuddly.
Too bad the larva is a big pest of tomatoes in the summer.

#8601 - Melipotis cellaris (Cellar Melipotis moth), seen in May

A pretty woodgrained moth 

#8890 - Chrysodeixis includens (Soybean Looper Moth), seen in winter months

I was surprised to find this one hiding in a rosemary bush.  The whole family was there (larva, pupa)
It more or less takes over the work of the cabbage looper during the cooler moths.
The soybean looper caterpillar is similarly destructive to tomato plants.

Same garden felon. Nice underside shot. 

I believe this is #5079 - Udea rubigalis (Celery Leaftier Moth) 

I believe this is #7784 - Dolba hyloeus (Paw Paw Sphinx Moth)

Almost stepped on it in the grass.  The worn appearance made identifying difficult.

#5204 - Diaphania hyalinata (Melonworm Moth), seen in December

Caterpillar loves to chew on leaves of summer squash.

The adult is one of the most unusual moths - in pattern and appearance - that I've seen.