Backyard Biodiversity
What moth is that?
Pick what you see. Get a name, a role, and a plan. This guide helps you identify common moths from your porch light or garden without needing a science degree.
Identify a Moth
Select the traits you can see. The results update as you go. Click any match to see the full species profile.
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Try widening your filters. Pick "Any" for pattern or color to see more results.
Your Saved Species
Species you bookmark appear here. Saved species stay in your browser and are not sent anywhere.
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Click the bookmark icon on any species card to save it for later.
How This Guide Works
Filter by what you see
Pick the wing pattern, size, color, and region. You do not need to know scientific names. The guide narrows down matches as you go.
See the role and the caterpillar
Each species shows whether it is beneficial, neutral, or a pest. You also get a description of the caterpillar stage so you can recognize it earlier.
Plan for the season
Each profile shows when the adult moth is most active and which native plants support it. Use this to plan a garden that brings in more of the good ones.
What to look for when you find a moth
Start with the wings. Are they plain, banded, spotted, or do they have eyespots? Note the main color and the wingspan compared to a coin or your thumb. Check where you are and what time of year it is. These four clues will narrow most common species down to a handful of matches.
If you can, take a photo from above. A clear top-down view of the wings is the single most useful shot for identification. Avoid flash if you can. Flash washes out the subtle patterns that separate similar species.
Common mistakes
Many people assume every moth is a pest. Most are not. Adult moths do little damage. The caterpillar stage is where feeding happens, and even then, many caterpillars eat plants you do not care about. Another common mistake is confusing small moths with small butterflies. Check the antennae. Feathery or thread-like antennae usually mean moth. Club-tipped antennae usually mean butterfly.
When to act and when to wait
If a species is marked as a pest, look at the caterpillar description before doing anything. A few caterpillars on a healthy plant are usually fine. Large numbers or defoliated plants may need action. For beneficial and neutral species, the best move is usually to leave them alone and enjoy the wildlife.