Zebra Conchylodes, Box Tree Moth, Melonworm Moth, and Four-spotted Palpita
Melonworm Moth. These moths are a native species, but they are uncommon migrants to Ohio. They usually have a tuft of furry scales at the tip of their abdomen. This particular individual does not have a noticeable tuft, but the wing pattern is still recognizable. These moths typically live further south, but they occasionally stray north to Ohio. I saw this individual at Cox Arboretum on October 17, 2017. It is the only Melonworm Moth I have ever seen.
Zebra Conchylodes, a very beautiful moth.
Another Zebra Conchylodes. I have found a couple of these moths in June, July, and August, but they are not very common at my lights.
Zebra Conchylodes moths have wonderfully shiny and pearlescent wings.
Box Tree Moth, a non-native species. These moths were introduced from Asia and have established themselves very quickly in a few short years. They now have thriving populations in the Dayton and Cincinnati areas. I never saw any of these moths until 2024, but I found three of them at my lights in June and September 2024. Then, in 2025, I found numerous individuals at my lights from June through October. On some mornings, there would be dozens of Box Tree Moths at my lights, and I probably saw a few hundred individuals by the time 2025 ended!
Another Box Tree Moth. These moths only eat non-native boxwoods, so whether you consider them a "pest" probably depends on whether you have ornamental boxwoods growing in your yard. Personally, I think these are beautiful moths and I do not mind having them around. They are very similar to the migrant Melonworm Moths (below), but note that a Box Tree Moth has little white crescent-shaped markings above the white patch on each wing.
Four-spotted Palpita. A beautiful moth with translucent wings.
Four-spotted Palpita moths are uncommon in Ohio. Most observations are further to our south. I found this individual at my lights on June 23, 2024. It is the only one I have seen.
