North America is home to some of the most stunning and diverse moth species in the world. From tiny pink and yellow gems to huge wingspans that rival small birds, these moths are a wonder of nature. Here are 12 beautiful North American moths you have to see:
1. Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia)
One of the largest North American moths, with a striking red, white, and black wing pattern. Despite its grand appearance, it doesn’t eat at all as an adult—just flutters through summer nights in search of love before its short, magical life ends.
DIgital Template and Instructions
2. Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa Rubicunda)
The rosy maple moth, found in North American, is the smallest of the silk moths. Its pink and yellow wings make it look like candy, and its fluffy little body gives off major cuddle vibes—if cuddling moths were a thing.
DIgital Template and Instructions
3. Luna Moth (Actias luna)
The Luna Moth or moon moth is the ethereal queen of the night. With its ghostly green wings and delicate tails, it’s the kind of beauty that feels almost otherworldly, like it belongs in a dream. Sadly, it lacks a mouth or a digestive system, living only about a week after leaving the cocoon.
DIgital Template and Instructions
4. White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata)
The white-lined sphinx moth, known as a hummingbird moth because of its ability to hover mid-air while sipping nectar with its long proboscis. It’s like a jet in the insect kingdom. Its sleek, streamlined design and racing-stripe wings give it a high-speed look, perfect for a creature that’s always on the move.
DIgital Template and Instructions
5. Regal Moth (Citheronia regalis)
Regal moth is one of the largest moth in North America. Bold yellow wings with black and white markings. Its caterpillars are called “hickory horned devils”.
DIgital Template and Instructions
6. Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis)
Imperial Moths are big and bold. Its broad yellow and orange wings with purple spots look like autumn leaves in flight.
DIgital Template and Instructions
7. Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)
Known for its enormous eyespots, the Polyphemus Moth uses these patterns to scare off predators. Their wingspan can reach over 6 inches, making them one of the largest moths in the region.
DIgital Template and Instructions
8. Garden Tiger Moth (Arctia caja)
Cute but fierce, the Garden Tiger Moth blends candy colors with bold stripes. A perfect mix of fun and wild for your crafting adventures. The bold patterns on its wings aren't just for show—they warn predators that its body fluids are poisonous!
DIgital Template and Instructions
9. Giant Leopard Moth (Hypercompe scribonia)
Bold and stylish, this black-and-white beauty is a true fashion icon of the moth world. It's active at night and strongly attracted to bright lights.
DIgital Template and Instructions
10. Promethea Moth (Callosamia promethea)
Promethea Moths are dimorphic: males are dark brown, almost black, while females range from reddish-brown to light brown.
DIgital Template and Instructions
11. Clymene Moth (Haploa clymene)
Its bold black, yellow, and white wings are strikingly beautiful. When its wings are closed, they create a pattern reminiscent of the Holy Cross.
DIgital Template and Instructions
12. Io Moth (Automeris io)
Vibrant and dramatic, the Io Moth flashes giant eyespots when startled. This paper version is full of attitude and color—tiny but fierce!
DIgital Template and Instructions
Why Paper
♥ Easy to Maintain
♥ Make as Many as You Want
♥ Cruelty-Free and Eco-Friendly
♥ Educational and Fun
Interested in paper faux taxidermy? Check out this moths collection
Creepy crafting!
