Agaristinae
Guides
Alypia langtoni
Langton's Forester, Six-spotted Forester
Alypia langtoni, known as Langton's Forester or the Six-spotted Forester, is a diurnal moth in the family Noctuidae. First described by William Couper in 1865, this species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing spotting pattern. Males possess eight white spots on black wings, while females have six. The species has a broad transcontinental distribution across North America, with larvae that feed on fireweed (Chamaenerion species). Adults are active during daylight hours, an unusual trait among noctuids.
Alypia mariposa
Mariposa Forester
Alypia mariposa, the Mariposa Forester, is a day-flying moth in the family Noctuidae, first described in 1868. It is endemic to California's Coast Ranges and Sierra foothills, with a distribution spanning from Kern County northward to Placer County. Adults are active in spring, flying during April through June. The species is distinguished from its congener Alypia ridingsii by wing pattern differences.
Alypia wittfeldii
Wittfeld's Forester
Alypia wittfeldii, commonly known as Wittfeld's Forester, is a small noctuid moth endemic to the southeastern Atlantic coastal plain of the United States. First described by Henry Edwards in 1883, this species is notable for its restricted distribution, occurring almost exclusively in Florida (excluding the western panhandle), coastal Georgia, and South Carolina. Adults are active during the winter and early spring months, with forewings measuring 13–14 mm in length. The species belongs to the forester moths (genus Alypia), a group characterized by bright coloration and diurnal activity patterns that contrast with the typically nocturnal habits of most noctuids.
Alypiodes
forester moths
Alypiodes is a genus of noctuid moths in the subfamily Agaristinae, commonly referred to as forester moths. The genus contains five described species distributed in North America. Members are diurnal and often brightly colored, resembling butterflies in appearance. The genus was established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883.
Alypiodes bimaculata
Two-spotted Forester
Alypiodes bimaculata, commonly known as the two-spotted forester, is a diurnal moth in the family Noctuidae. Despite its common name, it bears more than two spots; the name refers specifically to the single small spot on each hindwing. The species was first described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1853 and occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Alypiodes geronimo
Geronimo Forester
Alypiodes geronimo is an owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes in 1900. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing pattern, with females bearing two spots on the forewing and males possessing a third additional spot. Larvae feed on leaves of Boerhavia species. It occurs in North America and Mexico.
Eudryas
Eudryas is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Agaristinae, established by Boisduval in 1836. The genus contains three recognized species, including the well-known beautiful wood nymph (Eudryas grata) and pearly wood nymph (Eudryas unio). These moths are characterized by their distinctive wing patterns and are found in North America.
Eudryas unio
Pearly Wood-nymph
Eudryas unio, the pearly wood-nymph, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active from May through August and have a wingspan of 26–35 mm. The species was historically confused with Eudryas brevipennis, but genitalia differences in both sexes confirm their separation. Isolated populations occur in central Utah and California, with the California population potentially representing a distinct subspecies.
Euscirrhopterus
purslane moth
Euscirrhopterus is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Agaristinae. The genus contains six described species distributed in North America, with the best-known being Euscirrhopterus gloveri, commonly called the purslane moth. Larvae of E. gloveri feed on plants in the portulacaceous family, particularly Portulaca species. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Some species exhibit a startle defense behavior, flashing brightly colored hindwings when disturbed.
Gerra radicalis
Gerra radicalis is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Agaristinae. First described by Francis Walker in 1865, this moth occurs in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9302 in the North American moth classification system. Available information on its biology and ecology remains limited.
Neotuerta
Neotuerta is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Agaristinae. The genus was established by Sergius G. Kiriakoff in 1976. It comprises at least five described species distributed across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America and the Caribbean to South America. The genus appears to be associated with dry or sandy habitats based on species epithets and collection localities.
Xerociris wilsonii
Wilson's Wood-nymph Moth
Xerociris wilsonii, commonly known as Wilson's Wood-nymph Moth, is a monotypic species in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Agaristinae. The genus was erected by Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell in 1904, with the species originally described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1863. It is found in the US state of Texas and has been recorded in North America.