How to Identify Moths in Texas

Identifying moths in Texas can be a rewarding and even exciting experience for interested outdoor adventurers. Obtaining a basic understanding of the different insects that fill our natural world is easily accomplished with the study of moths and other common creatures. By using clear guidelines, moth identification can be successfully made.

Things You'll Need

  • Insect net
  • Gloves
  • Magnifying glass
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Instructions

    • 1

      Search for moths in wooded areas at dawn and dusk hours as they are the most active during these times. When looking for moths, look for any shape that resembles a butterfly and capture it by gently netting it with an insect net. When you do this, be sure not to injure the specimen's wings as this will cripple it for life.

    • 2

      Place your specimen on a flat surface. Simply cup one gloved hand around the Wearing your gloves ensures that the natural human oils secreting from your skin will not brush against the moth's wings and accidentally harm it. Observe its wingspan through the magnifying glass held in your free hand. Attempt to identify any "peach fuzz" on the wings, but do not stroke the wings to feel the texture. If you are able to identify "peach fuzz" along the wingspan with certainty, you have identified a moth.

    • 3

      Examine the specimens head and feet if you are unable to identify any "peach fuzz" on the wings. If you find eyes that are black and are larger than the size of a pinhead, examine the antenna to see if you see large frayed hairs at the end. If you are able to successfully identify these frayed hairs on the antenna and legs, you have successfully identified a moth.