An evening of discovering moths at the Moth Festival at Taconic State Park this past weekend, has opened my eyes even wider to the beauty and rich diversity these creatures possess.  So many of us think moths are only tiny gray and brown insects that incessantly fly around our porch lights by night while by day, moth caterpillars wreak havoc on the environment.  We are somewhat mistaken.  Moths (adults and caterpillars) can be stunningly beautiful, and they are essential to the survival of the thousands of animal species who feed on them and to the plants that many of them pollinate.  When it comes to wreaking havoc on the environment, well, we all know where to look.

Top to bottom:  Tiger moths: 1,2,3:  Grammia anna?   Haploa confusa    Painted Lichen Moth    4. Tussock Moth: Gypsy Moth, male   5. Sphinx Moth: Small Eyed Sphinx

Tiger Moth sp.
Small-eyed Sphinx