17 Common MOTHS in Washington (2025)
What kinds of moths can you find in Washington?
Many people find moths creepy, but they’re also fascinating! These winged insects vary in size, color, shape, and behavior.
There are at least 160,000 species of moths in the world! Since it would be impossible to list all of the ones in Washington in this article, I chose the most common and exciting species to share with you today. 🙂
35 moths in Washington:
#1. Isabella Tiger Moth
- Pyrrharctia Isabella
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults have a wingspan of 1.75-2.5 in (4-6 cm).
- Their coloring is orange-yellow to yellowish-brown, with sparse black spotting on their wings, a line of black spots down their abdomen, bright orange forelegs, and small heads.
- Females’ hindwings are often pinkish or more brightly orange than males.
These moths in Washington adapt to a wide range of habitats.
Isabella Tiger Moths moths have an interesting lifecycle that allows them to thrive even in some of the world’s coldest regions like the Arctic! As caterpillars, their hearts stop beating, and they produce a cryoprotectant in their tissues, which allows them to survive winter and thaw out in the spring when temperatures rise.
Then, they build their cocoons and pupate into adult moths. Adult Isabella Tiger Moths emerge after about one month, only to mate, lay eggs, and die within days. The eggs hatch in two weeks, and the cycle begins again.
Like other Tiger Moths, they have a tymbal organ on their thorax that they can vibrate to make ultrasonic, high-frequency clicks. While we humans can’t hear them, these clicks serve as an important warning that they’re toxic to predators. Incredibly, researchers believe the clicks may also interfere with bats’ echolocation, helping these little moths stay safe as they fly through the night.
While you may not recognize the adult stage of the Isabella Tiger Moth, you probably know its caterpillar! They’re cute, fuzzy brown and black caterpillars, usually known as Wooly Bears. When they feel threatened, they roll into a ball to protect themselves.
According to urban legend, these caterpillars can predict the coming winter. Each of their 13 segments corresponds to the 13 weeks of winter. More orange bands mean a milder winter, while more black bands mean a snowier, harsher winter.
#2. Virginian Tiger Moth
- Spilosoma virginica
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults’ wingspans are 1.25-2 in (3-5 cm).
- They have pure white wings marked with a few black dots.
- Their abdomens are white with stripes of yellow and rows of black dots, and males have large, feathery antennae.
You can find Virginian Tiger Moths in Washington in various habitats.
Look for them in hardwood forests, coastal rainforests, agricultural areas, grasslands, and urban areas. If you’re up late, you can probably find some flying around your porch light or another outdoor light source.
Finding mates can be tough, so Virginia Tiger Moths have developed unique communication methods. Females have a special organ that they use to emit a pheromone, and males are equipped with large, feather-like antennae that allow them to sense these chemicals.
The males spend their nights flying in zig-zag patterns in search of females until they pick up the pheromones. After mating, the male repeats the process, mating with as many females as possible. They tend to have multiple broods yearly, and the last brood will overwinter in the caterpillar stage.
#3. Polyphemus Moth
- Antheraea polyphemus
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults’ wingspans are 4-6 in (10-15 cm).
- The upper surface of the wings is reddish-brown, gray, light brown, or yellow-brown, and each hindwing has a large yellow eyespot ringed with blue.
- They have hairy bodies, and the front wings have a smaller yellow spot.
Polyphemus Moths are easily recognized for their large, stunning eyespots. While we may find their pattern beautiful, predators find it frightening. The pattern on their upper wings resembles the face of a great horned owl. It helps to distract, confuse, and startle predators.
In Washington, you can find Polyphemus Moths in forests, orchards, wetlands, and urban areas. Even though they’re easily spotted, these beauties are short-lived. Polyphemus Moths have an extremely short lifespan as adults, living only about four days.
They emerge from the cocoon ready to mate, and females put out pheromones to attract males. The males use their large feathery antennae to smell the pheromones and locate females. They’re so intent on procreating that they don’t eat or even have a mouth!
#4. Fall Webworm Moth
- Hyphantria cunea
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults’ wingspans are 1.4-1.7 in (3.5-4.3 cm).
- Their forewings may be completely white or have varying gray or black rectangular or wedge-shaped spots.
- They have a bright white hairy body and may have some orange markings on the body and legs.
The caterpillars of Fall Webworms are generalists known to feed on over 100 species of hardwood trees! They construct tents around the leaves at the tips of branches so that they remain sheltered while they eat. It also conserves heat and helps them avoid predators!
Depending on where you live, you may see these moths in Washington between April and September. In northern areas, Fall Webworm Moths have one brood per year but may have two or three broods in southern climates. Females deposit enormous egg masses, up to 1,500 iridescent green eggs, on the underside of the leaves. They die immediately after laying their eggs.
In the fall, the last brood overwinters in the pupa stage as a hard brown cocoon. This tough shell is made of woven silk and detritus, hidden in the leaf litter at the base of a tree. Once spring arrives, the metamorphosis into a moth continues.
#5. Yellow-collared Scape Moth
- Cisseps fulvicollis
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults’ wingspans are 1-1.5 in (2.53.8 cm).
- They have black forewings and black or bluish-black bodies with an orange or yellow collar.
Yellow-collared Scape Moths are fairly common in Washington.
You can find them in wet meadows, parks, prairies, gardens, and forest edges. Adult moths are active during the day, so you have a very good chance of seeing them out and about!
These moths are well-known for being excellent pollinators. They visit and drink nectar from various flowers, including milkweed, asters, and goldenrod. Occasionally, they’re also active at night, and you may spot them around outdoor lights.
Their intense coloring is a defense mechanism known as wasp-mimicry. This threatening appearance helps scare off predators while they visit flowers during the day. It’s a clever way of saying, “Leave me alone!”
Adults are usually active between April and October. Depending on the regional climate, they might have one or up to three generations per breeding season. The last brood will overwinter in the larval stage as immature caterpillars in cocoons made primarily from their own body hairs.
#6. Salt Marsh Moth
- Estigmene acrea
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults’ wingspans are 1.75-2.69 in (4.4-6.8 cm).
- Their forewings are white with black spots, and their hindwings are orange in males and white in females.
- They have a white head and thorax, and their abdomen is orange with a row of black spots.
Salt Marsh Moths have a terrible reputation in Washington!
Despite their pretty appearance, their caterpillars are agricultural pests that feed on several important crops. Farmers must protect corn, tomatoes, tobacco, cotton, cabbage, peas, carrots, beets, onions, beans, and apple, walnut, and cherry tree leaves. Keeping these moths away can be a full-time job!
Adults are active between May and August, though you might spot them year-round in the deep south. Salt Marsh Moths have one brood per year in the northern part of their range and up to four in the southern regions. Their caterpillars hatch from eggs and have the incredible ability to “windsurf!” If they sense a threat, they expel a strand of silk that acts as a parachute, and the wind propels them away from danger.
#7. White-lined Sphinx
- Hyles lineata
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults’ wingspans are 2-3 in (5-7.6 cm).
- They have a large, stout, furry brown body with six white stripes.
- Their forewings are olive-brown with thick tan stripes intersected by thin white stripes, while their hindwings are black and bright reddish-pink in the middle.
White-lined Sphinx Moths in Washington are sometimes mistaken for hummingbirds. They can rapidly beat their wings to hover at flowers and reach in to sip nectar with their long proboscis. Their favorite flowers include Cardinal Vine, Jimsonweed, Petunia, Phlox, Lilac, Hostas, Honeysuckles, Evening Primroses, and Penstemon.
In the spring, the females lay hundreds of eggs on host plants. Occasionally, explosive outbreaks of this species occur, and during these times, you might see large groups of caterpillars moving together. They have even been reported to cover entire sections of roadways!
These caterpillar migrations aren’t well understood, but they usually occur right before metamorphosis. Researchers believe that the caterpillars may be seeking looser soil or a better food selection.
The caterpillars pupate in burrows underground. Pupation takes about two to three weeks, and when they’re close to finished, they wiggle up closer to the surface of the soil before emerging as adult moths.
#8. Large Yellow Underwing
- Noctua pronuba
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults’ wingspans are 1.57-2.36 in (4-6 cm).
- They have light or dark brown forewings with darker markings across them.
- Their hindwings are yellow-orange with a black band near the bottom edge.
These moths in Washington might not have the most creative name, but it’s certainly accurate! At rest, their brown forewings usually cover their brightly colored hindwings, but you’ll see a flash of color when they take off! This flash helps to confuse and startle would-be predators.
You’re most likely to find Large Yellow Underwings in open or shrubby areas, but they are habitat generalists that can adapt to various conditions. For example, they’re happy in urban and suburban areas, fields, agricultural areas, yards, and parks. They’re mostly nocturnal and are attracted to outdoor lights. You may occasionally spot large groups of these moths around bright lights.
Large Yellow Underwings have a longer lifespan than many other moth species. In captivity, males live an average of 55 days, and females live about 75 days. Despite their long lifespan, they only have one new generation per year.
#9. Ceanothus Silk Moth
- Hyalophora euryalus
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults’ wingspans are 3.5-5 in (9-12.7 cm).
- They have bulbous orange bodies with white stripes, and their wings are reddish brown with a white and black stripe on each wing.
- The forewings have black eyespots near the outer edge and elongated white spots near their body, while the hindwings feature white comma-shaped markings.
This species may be the most beautiful moth in Washington!
Ceanothus Moths vary widely in appearance across their range, but their beautiful coloring and patterns are always a sight to behold. The easiest way to identify this species is the comma-shaped marking on their wings, sometimes likened to the “Nike Swoosh.”
These large moths occupy a variety of habitats at high and low elevations. You may spot them in coastal forests, montane woodlands, mixed hardwood forests, and hilly brushland. They have just one brood per year between January and July. The timing varies greatly with their location, elevation, and seasonal variation.
Once mature, the caterpillars spin their cocoons on an outer part of a host plant, attaching it to a twig by half its length. They overwinter in this stage and emerge in spring as adult moths.
#10. Spotted Tussock Moth
- Lophocampa maculata
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults’ wingspans are 1.38-1.69 in (3.5-4.3 cm).
- They have yellow or tan forewings with brown stripes and veins, while their hindwings are plain pale cream or yellow.
- They have a cream or tan furry body and legs.
Spotted Tussock Moths are in the tiger moth family, named for their patterns of alternating dark and light colors. These moths and their caterpillars are what’s known as polymorphic, meaning that they come in many color variations.
You’re most likely to find Spotted Tussock Moths in Washington in deciduous forests with plenty of food for their caterpillars. Researchers have found that Spotted Tussock Moths have a regional taste for cuisine, just like people! Caterpillars from certain regions often prefer specific tree species.
After about two months of feeding, the caterpillars pupate. They spin brown silk cocoons attached to leaves where they will overwinter, emerging as adults the following spring.
#11. Alfalfa Looper
- Autographa californica
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults’ wingspans are 1.42-1.65 in (3.6-4.2 cm).
- Their forewings are mottled pale gray with a dark middle and a silvery white fish-hook-shaped spot. Their hindwings are pale gray by their body and fade to a darker, sooty gray or black.
- They have hairy bodies with a silvery sheen, and young individuals are sometimes purplish.
This moth can be tough to spot in Washington!
Despite their shiny appearance, the Alfalfa Looper is an expert at hiding in open habitats. Their intricate patterns and grayish coloring help them blend with flowers, grasses, and trees. These moths are active day and night, feeding on the nectar from various low-growing plants. At night you may spot them around outdoor lights.
In southern areas, it’s common to see adult Alfalfa Loopers from February to November, but in northern regions, they’re generally only active between May and October. Alfalfa Loopers have several broods per year, depending on how long the warm season is.
Alfalfa Loopers have an incredibly short lifecycle. Newly laid eggs hatch in just three to five days. The caterpillars feed for about two weeks before creating cocoons and then emerge as adults in about seven days. They begin mating quickly after emerging, and females usually deposit eggs within three days. The entire brood can go from birth to death in as little as 30 days!
#12. Pandora Pinemoth
- Coloradia pandora
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults’ wingspans are 3.25-3.88 in (8.3-9.9 cm).
- Their forewings are brownish gray, and their hindwings are light pinkish gray. Each wing is marked with a black spot near the center above a wavy line.
- They have heavy, thick bodies.
The Pandora Pinemoth is one of the pickiest in Washington!
As their name suggests, their caterpillars feed almost exclusively on pine trees. They will occasionally feed on Douglas Fir if their preferred food is scarce. Most of the time, you’ll find these moths in Ponderosa Pine forests. However, during years of population booms, they move into surrounding forest areas with other types of pine trees.
Unlike many moths that reproduce quickly, the Pandora Pine Moth needs at least two years to complete their life cycle! Adult female moths emerge and let the males come to them, waiting to fly until after mating. Then they lay about 80 eggs on the needles or bark of pine trees.
The eggs take 40 to 50 days to hatch, and the young caterpillars feed through autumn before overwintering at the base of a clump of needles amongst some strands of silk. The caterpillars resume moving and feeding when the weather warms in the spring. At this stage, they grow rapidly.
When they mature in July or August, the caterpillars crawl down the tree and burrow into the soil near the base to pupate. The pupae are dark reddish or purplish-brown. Generally, pupation lasts about one year, but a portion will remain in the soil for two to five years.
Due to their unique lifecycle, Pandora Pinemoths have population booms every 20 to 30 years which may last for six to eight years. Outside of these outbreaks, it’s rare to spot one of these moths in the wild.
#13. Cinnabar Moth
- Tyria jacobaeae
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults’ wingspans are 1.3-1.7 in (3.3-4.3 cm).
- They have a black body and black forewings with red stripes down the top of them and two red spots near the bottom.
- Their hindwings are red or pinkish-red with a black border.
These stunning red and black moths get their name from the mineral Cinnabar. Occasionally, individuals may display different colors, including completely black forewings, predominantly red coloring, or yellow color rather than red.
Their bright colors warn predators that these moths are toxic! Cinnabar Moths store toxic alkaloids from the plants they eat, then pass them on to predators.
Cinnabar Moths were introduced to control ragwort in Washington.
This fast-growing weed is a host plant for Cinnabar caterpillars. Look for the moths anywhere ragwort grows, particularly in open and grassy habitats, gardens, and mature dunes. Unlike many moths, Cinnabar Moths are active during the night and day.
#14. Police Car Moth
- Gnophaela vermiculata
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults’ wingspans are about 2 in. (5 cm) on average.
- They have black wings with large white patches outlined with black veins.
- Their black bodies and heads have white spots and bright orange around their wing bases and forelegs.
Police Car Moths in Washington are strikingly beautiful.
Their distinctive coloring isn’t just for show; it serves an important purpose. The bright, bold pattern and colors tell predators that these moths should be avoided.
In addition to the alkaloids they eat and store, Police Car Moths synthesize toxic chemicals called biogenic acids. Both of these compounds are toxic to many predators.
Like some other Tiger Moths, Police Car Moths also have a unique feature called a tymbal organ. It’s used to make ultrasonic clicks to interfere with bats’ echolocation. These defenses are tough to get past and allow this species to safely move about during the day or night.
Police Car Moths have just one brood per year. The females deposit eggs on leaves and hatch in as little as seven days. They overwinter in their caterpillar phase before pupating the following season.
#15. Western Tent Caterpillar Moth
- Malacosoma californica
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults’ wingspans are 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm).
- Their wings are brown, tan, yellow, or gray, with two lines across their forewings.
- They have furry bodies.
Western Tent Caterpillar Moths in Washington have just one generation per year. In the fall, the females lay about 150 to 250 eggs in oval-shaped masses. They cover the eggs with spumaline, which helps hold in heat and absorbs rainwater to prevent the eggs from drying out. It also protects the eggs from parasitoid wasps.
Even though it only takes three to four weeks for the caterpillars to mature, they must overwinter in this stage before pupating into moths. Their name comes from the silken tent they create to protect themselves from extreme cold during this time.
These caterpillars have a voracious appetite and can quickly defoliate trees during a population outbreak. While it may be unsightly, the trees usually recover just fine. Interestingly, these caterpillars have regional tastes, and the specific trees they prefer are highly dependent on their location.
#16. Forest Tent Caterpillar Moth
- Malacosoma disstria
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults’ wingspans are 1-1.75 in (2.5-4.4 cm).
- Their wings are yellow, tan, or buff-brown, with two darker lines running parallel across their forewings, sometimes appearing to form a single dark band.
- They have stout, furry bodies.
The Forest Tent Caterpillar Moth is the most widely distributed tent caterpillar in Washington. Their populations fluctuate in cycles, so you may go years without seeing any and then see multiple in one season. Their populations reach outbreak proportions every 6-16 years and remain high for 4-6 years.
Adult Forest Tent Caterpillar Moths are active in July, don’t feed, and live for ten days. Especially in outbreak years, you might spot large groups clustered around outdoor lights.
Unlike other tent caterpillars, Forest Tent Caterpillars don’t spin true tents. Instead, they spin silk mats on the tree’s trunk or branches where they rest when they’re not feeding.
#17. Pale Beauty
- Campaea perlata
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adult wingspans are 1.1-2 in (2.8-5 cm).
- Their wings and body are pale green to grayish white but may fade to yellow as they age.
- The wings have faint, dark grayish lines accented with white.
These little moths may seem small and unassuming. However, their luster and pale green coloration set them apart from other moths in Washington.
You’re most likely to spot Pale Beauties from late spring to early autumn, though they may only be active for a few weeks in cool weather. They’re readily attracted to outdoor lights. They inhabit deciduous woodlands and surrounding areas with plenty of available host plants.
Pale Beauties have one generation per year in the northern parts of their range and two in the south. They overwinter as caterpillars on their host trees. Once they mature, the caterpillars pupate. The pupae are reddish brown to black and easy to spot on bare winter trees.
Which of these moths have you seen in Washington?
Leave a comment below!
If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out these other guides!
-
33 Common BIRDS in Washington! (ID Guide)
-
21 Types of SPIDERS in Washington!
-
8 Kinds of SNAKES That Live in Washington! (Includes venomous species)
