Autumn-moth
Guides
Adelphagrotis indeterminata
A noctuid moth found along the Pacific coast of North America. Adults have a wingspan of 30–40 mm. The species is recognized as having two subspecies: A. i. indeterminata and A. i. innotabilis. Flight activity has been recorded from May through October, with peak occurrence in late summer and autumn.
Agrochola
Agrochola is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1821. Species are primarily autumn-flying (late August to November) with overwintering eggs. The genus includes species of conservation concern; Agrochola litura has declined substantially in Britain (73% abundance decrease 1970–2016). Long-term monitoring data from Prague showed Agrochola lychnidis exhibited significant population decrease over 29 years. Some authorities treat Sunira as a subgenus of Agrochola.
Agrochola lota
Red-line Quaker
A medium-sized noctuid moth found in damp habitats across Europe and Asia. Adults fly in autumn and are attracted to light. Larvae feed on willow and sallow, hiding in spun leaves during daylight hours. The species was introduced to Newfoundland and has been the subject of long-term population monitoring studies in Europe.
Bucculatrix ambrosiaefoliella
Bucculatrix ambrosiaefoliella is a small moth species in the family Bucculatricidae, first described by V. T. Chambers in 1875. It is distributed across North America from California to the northeastern United States. The species is notable for its leaf-mining larval stage and distinctive ribbed cocoon. Adults are active in late summer and autumn, with evidence suggesting they overwinter in the adult stage.
Ceranemota crumbi
Ceranemota crumbi is a small moth in the family Drepanidae, described by Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1938. It is restricted to a narrow geographic range in the Pacific Northwest, occurring in western Oregon and the Washington Cascade Range. The species inhabits coastal rainforests and mixed hardwood forests, with adults active in late autumn.
Choephora fungorum
Bent-lined Dart, bent-line dart
Choephora fungorum, known as the bent-lined dart, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active in autumn and possess a wingspan of 33–47 mm. The species is notable for its broad geographic range spanning from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast.
Eucirroedia pampina
Scalloped Sallow
Eucirroedia pampina, commonly known as the scalloped sallow, is a moth in the family Noctuidae. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with adults active from late summer through early winter. The species is recognized by its distinctive scalloped wing margins and moderate size. Larvae are known to feed on the leaves of several hardwood tree species.
Lacinipolia pensilis
Lacinipolia pensilis is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, distributed across the western cordilleran region of North America. Adults are active from August to September and are attracted to lights. The species can be distinguished from close relatives by its well-defined forewing markings and richer brown coloration. Larvae are thought to be ground-dwelling generalist feeders on shrubs and herbs.
Lithophane
shoulder-knot moths
Lithophane is a genus of noctuid moths commonly known as shoulder-knots. Species are characterized by their autumn to winter flight periods and cryptic forewing patterning that provides bark-mimicking camouflage. The genus includes both univoltine species that overwinter as eggs and those with prolonged adult winter diapause. Several species have expanded their ranges in recent decades, facilitated by horticultural planting of introduced conifers.
Machimia tentoriferella
gold-striped leaftier moth
Machimia tentoriferella, commonly known as the gold-striped leaftier moth, is a small moth in the family Depressariidae. Larvae construct distinctive rolled or tied leaf enclosures, a behavior reflected in the species name derived from Latin 'tentorium' meaning 'a tent'. The species is widespread in eastern North America and is associated with multiple hardwood tree hosts.
Metaxaglaea inulta
Unsated Sallow, Arrowwood Sallow
Metaxaglaea inulta, known as the unsated sallow or arrowwood sallow, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults fly in late autumn, with activity extending unusually late into the year. The species is tightly associated with Viburnum host plants, from which one of its common names derives.
Operophtera occidentalis
Western Bruce Spanworm
Operophtera occidentalis, commonly known as the Western Bruce Spanworm, is a moth species in the family Geometridae. It is native to western North America. The species is closely related to the Bruce spanworm (Operophtera bruceata), with which it shares similar ecological traits and appearance. Adults are active in late autumn, with males possessing fully developed wings while females are wingless.
Schinia sanguinea
Bleeding Flower Moth
Schinia sanguinea, commonly known as the bleeding flower moth, is a small noctuid moth native to North America. Adults are active in autumn, primarily September through October, and are characterized by their distinctive pinkish-red forewings with darker markings. The species is notable for its specialized larval association with Liatris (blazing star) species, where caterpillars feed on developing flowers and seed heads. The moth occupies a broad geographic range across eastern and central North America, with a disjunct population in Ontario.
Tetracis jubararia
October thorn moth, October Thorn
Tetracis jubararia is a geometrid moth known as the October thorn moth. It occurs in western North America with two recognized subspecies occupying distinct elevational zones. Adults fly in late summer and autumn. Larvae feed on a diverse range of woody plants including both angiosperms and conifers.
Xestia dilucida
Dull Reddish Dart, Reddish Heath Dart
Xestia dilucida is a noctuid moth occurring in eastern North America. The species was described by Morrison in 1875. Adults fly in autumn with a single annual generation. Larval host plants are restricted to Vaccinium species.
Xestia elimata
Southern Variable Dart, Variable Climbing Caterpillar
Xestia elimata is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active in autumn with a single generation per year. The species is part of a cryptic complex with X. praevia and X. badicollis, which may represent a single species based on genital and DNA similarities. Larvae feed on hard pines.