How to Identify New Jersey Moths

Before you try to determine a moth's identity, make sure that it's a moth and not a butterfly. Although they both belong to the Lepidoptera order of insects, which means "scaled wings," there are a few notable differences to consider. Butterflies tend to fly during the day, while some moths venture out at night. Night-flying moths attract their mates by scent, while butterflies catch their attractors by color. To identify a New Jersey moth, insect identification resources are available to assist you online and in the local community.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen or pencil
  • Notebook
  • Camera or web-enabled phone
  • Butterfly net
  • Jar with holes in lid
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy or borrow a bug kit if available. Some kits come with equipped with a net that's useful for catching insects such as a moth or butterfly. Once you spot the moth, sneak up behind it quietly and quickly bring the net down over it to catch it. Place it into a jar or a container with holes in the lid so you can observe and study the moth.

    • 2

      Write down your observations of the moth in a small notebook. Note the moth's color, size, shape, distinctive or odd patterns and the location where it was discovered. Although it might be more challenging to obtain a picture - as some moths fly at night - it might be helpful to capture a photo of the create with a digital camera or camera phone.

    • 3

      Visit the reference section of a New Jersey library. Ask a librarian to help you locate reference materials, such as books and videos that contain pictures and data about native New Jersey moths. Some libraries maintain special reference materials about insects in general. Browse through pictures of moths to help you identify the moth in question.

    • 4

      Go to Stillwater Woods' moths of northern New Jersey website. If you discovered the moth in the northern New Jersey area, this resource can be particularly beneficial to your search as it contains pictures and a brief description of months unique to the area. All pictures are organized by the moth's family name. Scroll through the list to view each moth's Latin and common name and photos. If you're unable to identify the moth on your own, check available resources in the community.

    • 5

      Contact your county cooperative extension office and inquire about the steps needed for insect identification. This resource provides information to the community regarding agriculture, environmental concerns, marine science and insect and plant identification. You might be required to submit your personal information and a photo of the moth. You might also need to complete paper work and pay a fee for the identification service.