Several spectacular moths in Florida rely on specific host plants during their caterpillar stage. The luna moth (Actias luna) feeds on pecan, pignut hickory, black walnut, American beech, persimmon, sweetgum, and winged sumac. The white-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata) uses evening primrose and fuchsia, while the domesticated silk moth (Bombyx mori) depends solely on white mulberry. The tulip tree silkmoth (Callosamia angulifera) feeds only on tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), and the ornate bella moth (Utetheisa ornatrix) uses rattlebox (Crotalaria spp.), which provides chemical defenses to its caterpillars. The sweet pepperbush nola moth (Nola clethrae dyer) relies on sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia). These host plants are vital for supporting the life cycles of these striking moth species.

  • Luna Moth "Action Luna"

    Host plants: 

    • Pecan
    • Pignut Hickory
    • Black Walnut
    • American Beech
    • Persimmon, Sweetgum
    • Winged Sumac
  • White lined sphinx on white camint flower

    White Lined Sphinx Moth "Hyles Lineata"

    Host Plants:

    • Evening Primrose
    • Fuchia

  • Silk Moth "Bombyx Mori"

    Host Plant:

    • White Mulberry

  • Tulip Tree Silkmoth "Callosamia Angulifera"

    Host Plant:

    • Tulip Tree "Liriodendron Tulipifera"
  • Bella Moth " Uttheisa Oratrix" on a white flower

    Ornate Bella Moth "Utetheisa Ornatrix"

    Host Plant:

    • Rattlebox " Crotalaria"

  • Sweet Pepperbush Nola Moth "Nola Clethrae Dyer" 

    Host Plant:

    • Sweet Pepper bush

Bring a variety of moths to your yard with these plants!