The main reason the lepidoptera, and most particularly the moths, have become so numerous and diverse as species, is that they have found so many ways for their larvae to exploit the world of plants and to divide that world into specialized uses of plant parts. Some moth specialize in munching foliage from without and within (leafminers). Others live mainly as borers within the stems or stalks of low-growing plants or in the trunks of trees. Still others exploit root systems, fruits, buds, cones, seeds and other plant parts. A much smaller group of moths make their livings in other ways, developing through the use of lichens, fungi, beehives, animal fur and even the stored products of man.

In my yard and garden I can discover at least one species of moth that utilizes almost every plant that I can identify including my lawn grasses and weeds, every ornamental shrub, perennial and annual flowering plant and vine, and vegetable raised for our own consumption. There have also been a few species that are occasionally found in our kitchen and pantry and in the produce brought home from the supermarket. All in all it is really no surprise to have so far found more than 700 species of adult moths in my yard. Many of them are shown in the listing that follows below.