Moths in Idaho: What's Flying Tonight

In Idaho right now, mid-summer nights feature western specialties: the Western Tent Caterpillar Moth (Malacosoma californica), the day-flying Police Car Moth (Gnophaela vermiculata), the colorful Elegant Sheep Moth (Hemileuca eglanterina), and the One-eyed Sphinx (Smerinthus cerisyi). The fast-flying White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata) also turns up at flowers and lights. Earlier in spring the mix leans toward tent caterpillar moths and the Vashti Sphinx (Sphinx vashti), and the exact species on any given night depends on your date and elevation across Idaho's varied terrain.

What's flying in Idaho right now

Idaho's summer moths reflect its sagebrush, montane forest, and riparian country. The Police Car Moth (Gnophaela vermiculata) is a black-and-white day-flier you'll spot in mountain meadows - hard to miss. The Elegant Sheep Moth (Hemileuca eglanterina) is a pink-and-yellow giant silk moth that also flies by day. At night, look for the One-eyed Sphinx (Smerinthus cerisyi), a willow-and-poplar feeder with a blue hindwing eyespot, and the Spotted Tussock Moth (Lophocampa maculata). The Western Tent Caterpillar Moth (Malacosoma californica) is abundant, and the powerful White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata) hovers at flowers like a hummingbird and comes readily to lights.

Spring vs early fall

In May, Idaho's sheet draws the Western Tent Caterpillar Moth (Malacosoma californica), the Ranchman's Tiger Moth (Arctia tigrina), the tiny day-flying Adela septentrionella fairy moth, the Vashti Sphinx (Sphinx vashti) tied to snowberry, and the White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata). The sphinx moths feed as adults on nectar and are strong, fast fliers - very different from the giant silk moths, which never feed at all.

By September, the night cools and shifts to the Spotted Tussock Moth (Lophocampa maculata), the Western Hemlock Looper (Lambdina fiscellaria), the Common Looper (Autographa californica), Enargia decolor, and the familiar Isabella Tiger Moth (Pyrrharctia isabella), whose larva is the well-known woolly bear. Fall mothing here is quieter but still productive on mild evenings.

Local mothing tips

• Elevation matters in Idaho. The same date produces different moths in a valley sagebrush flat versus a mountain forest, so note your location when you check the live tool.
• Use a UV or mercury-vapor light over a sheet. Short-wavelength light disrupts moth flight orientation far more than a white LED bulb, so it pulls in more species.
• Warm, calm, moonless nights beat cold or breezy ones. Check the good-night-for-moths score first.

See tonight's Idaho list

The live tool returns the species most likely flying at your exact location tonight from open GBIF records. New to mothing? Start with mothing for beginners, browse all states, or plan around National Moth Week (July 18-26, 2026).