Lepidoptera in Summerville, SC

A dark caterpillar emerges from a textured tree bark against a blue sky.

Eyed Tiger Moth

By

The Eyed Tiger Moth, scientifically known as Hypercompe scribonia, is a striking species that can be found in the vibrant ecosystems around Summerville, South Carolina. This moth is particularly notable…

Read More
A small butterfly rests on dry grass and leaves, blending into its surroundings.

Burnsius oileus

By

The Burnsius oileus, a species first described by Linnaeus in 1767, is a fascinating addition to the biodiversity of Summerville, South Carolina. This species was first observed in the area…

Read More
A cluster of orange caterpillars on a web among green leaves.

Eastern Tent Caterpillar

By

The Eastern Tent Caterpillar, scientifically known as Malacosoma americana, is a fascinating species that can be observed in the wild around Summerville, South Carolina. This caterpillar is notable for its…

Read More
A small pink caterpillar rests on a wooden surface, surrounded by leaves and debris.

Heterocampa

By

The Heterocampa, a genus first described by Doubleday in 1841, is a lesser-known yet intriguing group of moths that can be observed in the Summerville, South Carolina area. This genus…

Read More
A vibrant orange butterfly rests on a reflective surface, with clouds visible in the background.

Dione vanillae

By

The Dione vanillae, commonly known as the Vanilla Butterfly, is a captivating species that can be spotted around Summerville, South Carolina. This butterfly is part of the diverse Lepidoptera order,…

Read More
A moth rests on a car window, reflecting surrounding colors and shapes.

Meal Moth

By

The Meal Moth, scientifically known as Pyralis farinalis, is a fascinating species that can be observed in the Summerville, South Carolina area. This moth is part of the Pyralidae family…

Read More
A yellow caterpillar with long hairs crawls on a white surface.

White-marked Tussock Moth

By

White-marked Tussock Moth The White-marked Tussock Moth, scientifically known as Orgyia leucostigma, is a fascinating species that can be spotted in the Summerville, South Carolina area. This moth was first…

Read More
A black and white striped caterpillar rests on a green plant stem among lush foliage.

Xanthopastis regnatrix

By

Xanthopastis regnatrix The Xanthopastis regnatrix, commonly known as the Regal Moth, is a fascinating species that adds to the rich tapestry of wildlife in Summerville, South Carolina. This moth was…

Read More
A butterfly with orange and black patterns rests among gray and brown gravel stones.

Question Mark

By

Question Mark Butterfly (Polygonia interrogationis) The Question Mark butterfly, scientifically known as Polygonia interrogationis, is a fascinating species that can be observed in the Summerville, South Carolina area. This butterfly…

Read More

Orgyia detrita

By

Orgyia detrita The Orgyia detrita, a species first described by Guérin-Méneville in 1831, is a fascinating moth that adds to the rich tapestry of wildlife around Summerville, South Carolina. This…

Read More
A cluster of orange caterpillars on a web among green leaves.

Eastern Tent Caterpillar

By

In the vibrant wildlife around Summerville, South Carolina, a fascinating creature was observed on October 4, 2025. This sighting, which marks the only observation recorded, provides a unique glimpse into…

Read More
A dark butterfly rests among vibrant green leaves in a sunlit setting.

Red-spotted Purple

By

Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) The Red-spotted Purple, a striking subspecies of butterfly, is a captivating sight for nature enthusiasts in Summerville, South Carolina. This butterfly is known for its…

Read More
A black butterfly with yellow markings rests on green grass and leaves among fallen leaves.

Laurel Swallowtail

By

Laurel Swallowtail (Papilio palamedes) The Laurel Swallowtail, scientifically known as Papilio palamedes, is a striking butterfly that can be observed in and around Summerville, South Carolina. This species is characterized…

Read More
A large, colorful moth rests on a clear plastic container with a vibrant label.

Tulip Tree Silkmoth

By

Tulip Tree Silkmoth (Callosamia angulifera) The Tulip Tree Silkmoth, scientifically known as Callosamia angulifera, is a remarkable species that can be observed in the Summerville, South Carolina area. This striking…

Read More