5 Colorful Moth Species That Rival Butterflies' Splendor

This pink-and-yellow fluffball looks like a piece of bubblegum with wings. It lives in deciduous forests of eastern North America, where adults rest on trees like maples (their preferred host) and occasionally on oaks.

Its caterpillars are pale green, but they transform into boldly colored adults whose bright hues may deter predators, even though the moth itself is not actually poisonous.

A European standout, this moth sports brown-and-white forewings and shocking red hindwings. The red flashes when it flies, startling predators like birds and bats.

Its body is covered in hair-like scales and it belongs to the Arctiinae subfamily, closely related to the Saturniidae family.

This large-winged moth lives across Europe and Asia. Females are bigger than males and often spotted in late afternoon or dusk from mid-July to early August. Their wings have large eye spots, a classic anti-predator trick. The caterpillars feed on shrubs like heather and willows.

This insect doesn’t just look like a hummingbird; it acts like one too. The moth hovers while feeding on nectar from flowers like honeysuckle and wildflowers. Its transparent wings beat fast, making a humming noise. Unlike many moths, it's active in daylight.

With iridescent greens, blues, and oranges, this moth rivals any butterfly in the color department. Though it looks fragile, it’s a strong flier.

Native to Madagascar, it’s part of the Uraniidae family and depends on toxic plants during its larval stage.

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