White moths bring an ethereal charm to gardens and wild spaces with their soft wings and delicate patterns. From fuzzy-bodied tiger moths to the feathery elegance of the White Plume Moth, these stunning insects are more than just nighttime visitors—they’re fascinating creatures with unique habits and appearances. In this article, we’ll explore 7 beautiful white moths, how to identify them, and where you’re most likely to spot them.
1. White Ermine Moth
The White Ermine Moth (Spilosoma lubricipeda) is a graceful and eye-catching species known for its silky white wings dotted with black markings. A member of the tiger moth family, it appears during late spring and early summer in gardens, meadows, and woodland edges. Despite its delicate look, it’s a hardy moth that thrives in diverse environments.
Identification
- Color: Bright white or creamy wings with scattered black spots
- Wingspan: 34 to 48 millimeters
- Body: Fuzzy and pale cream or white
- Antennae: Males have feathery antennae, females have slender ones
- Legs: Black and white striped
- Variation: Some individuals have fewer or no spots on their wings
Habitat
White Ermine Moths are found throughout Europe and parts of temperate Asia. They favor open spaces like fields, gardens, and forest edges, but can also be seen in suburban areas. Their adaptability makes them one of the more widespread moth species.
Behavior
These moths are nocturnal and often drawn to artificial lights at night. During the day, they rest on shaded leaves, tree trunks, or walls, blending in with their surroundings. Males tend to fly more actively in search of mates, while females usually remain stationary until approached.
Life Cycle
The life cycle starts in late spring when females lay eggs on host plants. The larvae, known as “woolly bears,” hatch and feed through summer. In autumn, they form cocoons in leaf litter or soil. After pupating through winter, adult moths emerge the following spring. Their life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
Diet
Adult White Ermine Moths generally do not feed and rely on the energy stored during the larval stage. The caterpillars feed on a wide variety of low-growing plants and weeds. Common food sources include nettles, dandelions, dock, and plantains. Their broad diet allows them to thrive in both wild and cultivated areas.
2. Virginia Tiger Moth
The Virginia Tiger Moth (Spilosoma virginica) is a soft, white moth with a gentle appearance and a fuzzy body. Found widely in North America, this moth is often seen near porch lights at night during summer. Despite its name, it is not aggressive and poses no harm to humans.
Identification
- Color: White wings, occasionally with faint gray dots
- Wingspan: 30 to 50 millimeters
- Body: Furry, white body with a yellow-orange underside
- Antennae: Males have feathery antennae
- Larvae: Known as yellow woolly bear caterpillars, orange to yellow and bristly
Habitat
Virginia Tiger Moths are common across North America, especially in fields, gardens, open woodlands, and grassy roadsides. They are highly adaptable and thrive near human habitation.
Behavior
These moths are active at night and often fly toward lights. During the day, they remain still and blend in with light-colored surfaces. Their fuzzy caterpillars are commonly seen crawling across sidewalks and driveways during fall.
Life Cycle
After mating in late spring or early summer, females lay clusters of eggs on host plants. The caterpillars feed actively during summer and pupate in cocoons spun in debris or soil. Adults emerge after a few weeks or overwinter in the pupal stage depending on the region.
Diet
The larvae feed on a wide variety of plants including clover, plantains, dandelions, and many grasses. Adults rarely feed, focusing mainly on reproduction.
3. Satin Moth
The Satin Moth (Leucoma salicis) is known for its pure white wings that shimmer with a silky, satin-like gloss. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, it has also spread to North America. This moth is especially noticeable at night due to its reflective wings.
Identification
- Color: Bright white wings with a satin sheen
- Wingspan: 37 to 50 millimeters
- Body: Fuzzy white body with a smooth, soft appearance
- Antennae: Dark, comb-like in males
- Legs: Black with white bands
Habitat
Satin Moths are commonly found near willow and poplar trees, which serve as primary host plants. They inhabit wooded areas, parks, and riverbanks. In North America, they’re often seen in cooler northern regions.
Behavior
These moths are nocturnal and are strongly attracted to light. Their silky wings make them easy to spot on dark surfaces. They may be seen resting in clusters on tree trunks or siding during the day.
Life Cycle
Satin Moths lay eggs in clusters on tree bark. The larvae feed on leaves, especially of willow and poplar. After feeding through summer, they spin cocoons and pupate in crevices or bark folds. Adults emerge the following spring or summer.
Diet
Larvae feed primarily on willow and poplar leaves, sometimes causing defoliation during heavy infestations. Adults do not feed and live only a short time after emerging.
4. Leopard Moth
The Leopard Moth (Zeuzera pyrina) is an elegant species known for its distinctive white wings marked with bold black or blue-black spots. Though beautiful, its larvae are wood-borers and considered pests in orchards and hardwood trees. Adults are harmless and mostly seen in summer.
Identification
- Color: White wings with numerous black or dark blue spots
- Wingspan: 35 to 60 millimeters
- Body: Long, slender, and also marked with dark spots
- Antennae: Males have feathery antennae
- Larvae: Creamy-white with a dark head, bores into wood
Habitat
Leopard Moths are distributed across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. They prefer orchards, woodlands, parks, and gardens where host trees like apple, cherry, elm, and willow grow.
Behavior
Nocturnal by nature, adult moths are often seen near lights. They are not strong fliers and usually stay close to their emergence sites. During the day, they rest quietly on tree trunks or shaded surfaces.
Life Cycle
Females lay eggs on tree bark or in cracks. Once hatched, larvae burrow into trunks and branches, where they feed for up to two years. Pupation takes place inside the wood, and adults emerge in summer.
Diet
While adult Leopard Moths do not feed, the larvae feed internally on wood. Their feeding tunnels can cause structural damage to host trees, making them a concern for fruit growers and landscapers.
5. Fall Webworm Moth
The Fall Webworm Moth (Hyphantria cunea) is a small white moth often associated with the distinctive silky web nests its caterpillars build on tree branches in late summer. Despite its appearance, it is not closely related to true silk moths.
Identification
- Color: Pure white wings, sometimes with black or dark spots
- Wingspan: 25 to 35 millimeters
- Body: Covered in fine white hairs
- Antennae: Thin and straight, with a slight curve
- Larvae: Yellow to greenish with tufts of long hairs and black spots
Habitat
Native to North America and now found in Europe and parts of Asia, Fall Webworm Moths live in wooded areas, orchards, and urban environments. They prefer deciduous trees such as mulberry, walnut, and cherry.
Behavior
Adults are nocturnal and drawn to lights. The larvae create noticeable webs at the ends of tree branches, where they feed and live in groups. These webs expand as the larvae grow.
Life Cycle
Females lay eggs on the undersides of leaves in midsummer. Caterpillars hatch and form communal silk tents where they feed and grow. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter, and adults emerge the following season.
Diet
The caterpillars feed on the leaves of over 100 species of hardwood trees. While their feeding may look alarming, it rarely kills trees unless infestations are severe. Adult moths do not feed.
6. Pale Tussock Moth
The Pale Tussock Moth (Calliteara pudibunda) is a fuzzy white moth known for its dramatic, brush-like caterpillar and soft, pale appearance. While the adults are modestly colored, the larvae are vibrant and easily recognized. This species is found in Europe and parts of western Asia.
Identification
- Color: Pale whitish-grey to creamy wings with subtle markings
- Wingspan: 40 to 60 millimeters
- Body: Fluffy and thick-bodied
- Antennae: Strongly feathered in males
- Larvae: Bright yellow-green with thick tufts of hair and a red tail spike
Habitat
Pale Tussock Moths live in deciduous woodlands, gardens, hedgerows, and parks. They are especially common in areas with oak, birch, hazel, and beech trees—their primary larval host plants.
Behavior
Adults are nocturnal and drawn to lights in late spring and early summer. They rest during the day, often hidden on bark or leaves. The larvae are more visible and may be spotted crawling across walls or paths in autumn.
Life Cycle
Females lay eggs on leaves. The caterpillars feed through summer and pupate in a cocoon made of silk and body hairs, typically attached to bark or branches. Adults emerge the following spring.
Diet
The larvae feed on a wide variety of broadleaf trees and shrubs, including oak, willow, and hazel. Adults do not feed and have a short lifespan focused on reproduction.
7. White Plume Moth
The White Plume Moth (Pterophorus pentadactyla) is instantly recognizable due to its unusual T-shaped posture and fringed wings that resemble feathers or plumes. Its delicate appearance and pure white color make it a favorite among moth watchers.
Identification
- Color: Pure white with finely divided plume-like wings
- Wingspan: 24 to 35 millimeters
- Body: Slender and elongated
- Antennae: Long and thread-like
- Resting Pose: Wings held out at right angles, forming a “T” shape
Habitat
White Plume Moths are found across Europe, parts of Asia, and temperate North America. They favor gardens, meadows, and areas with dense vegetation—especially where their larval food plants, like bindweed and convolvulus, grow.
Behavior
These moths are active during dusk and early night. They are weak fliers and tend to flutter low among plants. Their unique wing shape gives them excellent camouflage among grasses and flowers.
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid on the leaves of host plants. The green larvae feed along the leaf veins and pupate along stems or under leaves. Adults appear from late spring to early autumn.
Diet
The caterpillars feed on bindweed and related plants. Adults do not feed much and live a short life focused on reproduction.
