Blacklight
Guides
Acrolophus
grass tube moths
Acrolophus is a genus of moths in the family Acrolophidae, commonly known as "grass tube moths." The family was formerly placed in Tineidae (clothes moths and kin) but has been reclassified based on updated evolutionary relationships. Larvae of many species construct silken tubes at the base of grasses or grass roots for concealment while feeding.
Anicla
Anicla is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Grote in 1874. The genus currently comprises approximately 18 recognized species distributed across North America. Species within Anicla are divided into three subgenera: Anicla, Euagrotis (formerly treated as a separate genus), and an unassigned group. The genus includes the Green Cutworm Moth (Anicla infecta), which is frequently observed at blacklight traps during autumn.
Aristotelia
twirler moths
Aristotelia is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. These microlepidoptera are characterized by their tiny size yet bold, exotic-looking markings. The genus contains approximately 35 named species in North America north of Mexico, with many additional species awaiting formal description. Aristotelia moths are attracted to blacklights and are frequently encountered during nocturnal insect surveys. Each species specializes on a particular host plant, though collectively the genus utilizes many plant families.
Caenurgina
grass moths, loopers
Caenurgina is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, containing several species commonly known as grass moths or loopers. The genus includes widespread North American species such as the forage looper (C. erechtea), clover looper (C. crassiuscula), and cerulean looper moth (C. caerulea). These moths are associated with open habitats including lawns, meadows, and agricultural fields.
Callima
Callima is a genus of concealer moths in the family Oecophoridae, established by Clemens in 1860. The genus includes species such as Callima argenticinctella, commonly known as the orange-headed epicallima. These are small moths that are frequently encountered at blacklight setups during nocturnal surveys. The genus has been documented from multiple continents including North America and Europe.
Callima argenticinctella
Orange-headed Callima Moth, Orange-headed Epicallima Moth
A small concealer moth in the family Oecophoridae, with a wingspan of 10–13 mm. The forewings display distinctive yellowish-orange coloration with silvery black-margined lines and a deep reddish-orange basal area. The species is found in deciduous forests across eastern North America, from Nova Scotia to Texas. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light and are active from spring through autumn.
Ceratocapsus
Ceratocapsus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, containing more than 130 described species. Members of this genus are typical visitors to blacklights at night, suggesting nocturnal activity patterns. As mirid plant bugs, they possess piercing-sucking mouthparts characteristic of the family. The genus was established by Reuter in 1876.
Ceratocapsus apicatus
Ceratocapsus apicatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Van Duzee in 1921. It is known from North America, with documented records from California. As a member of the Miridae, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts characteristic of true bugs. The species is one of many in the diverse genus Ceratocapsus.
Cerodontha luctuosa
Cerodontha luctuosa is a species of leaf-miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. Larvae create mines within grass blades and the leaves of sedges and rushes. The species was first described by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1830. It has been documented in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe.
Cerodontha magnicornis
Cerodontha magnicornis is a small leaf miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. Larvae tunnel between the epidermal layers of grass blades and leaves of sedges and rushes, creating visible mines. Adults are attracted to blacklights and have been documented in early spring in North America. The genus Cerodontha contains numerous species with similar biology, many of which are difficult to distinguish without close examination.
Cerodontha saintandrewsensis
Cerodontha saintandrewsensis is a species of leaf-miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. The genus Cerodontha comprises small flies whose larvae create distinctive feeding patterns by boring between the layers of grass blades and leaves of sedges and rushes. This species was documented during blacklighting surveys in Leavenworth, Kansas, in early spring 2024.
Contacyphon
marsh beetles
Contacyphon is a genus of marsh beetles in the family Scirtidae, comprising over 100 described species. The genus was established to accommodate species formerly placed under the invalid name Cyphon. These beetles are associated with moist habitats and are frequently encountered at artificial lights.
Cymodusa distincta
Cymodusa distincta is a small species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The species was described by Cresson in 1864 and has been documented in Canada, with distribution records from Edmonton and Elbow. It has been observed during blacklighting surveys in spring, suggesting nocturnal activity patterns typical of many ichneumonid wasps.
Dicromantispa
Dicromantispa is a genus of mantidflies in the family Mantispidae, comprising approximately 10 described species. Mantidflies in this genus are predatory insects characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. They are attracted to artificial light sources and are active during warmer months. The genus was established by Hoffman in 2002.
Dicromantispa sayi
Say's mantidfly
Dicromantispa sayi, commonly known as Say's mantidfly, is a small predatory insect in the family Mantispidae. Adults measure 14–15 mm and are recognized by their raptorial forelegs resembling those of praying mantises. The species exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism in coloration, with females typically darker than males. It is found across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, where it inhabits forest edges and prairies. Adults are active from mid-July through early September, peaking at the end of July. The species has a specialized life cycle in which larvae are obligate predators of spider eggs.
Digrammia triviata
Digrammia triviata is a species of geometrid moth first described in 1917 by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough. It belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths. The species is distributed across North America. As with other members of the genus Digrammia, it is a nocturnal species attracted to ultraviolet light sources.
Diplotaxis bidentata
Diplotaxis bidentata is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is found in North America. The species is a small chafer that has been observed congregating on low vegetation, apparently to detect pheromone trails in search of mates.
Diplotaxis cribulosa
Diplotaxis cribulosa is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1856. The species is classified in the subfamily Melolonthinae and tribe Diplotaxini. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate D. c. cribulosa and D. c. sinaloa described by Vaurie in 1958. Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, this species is attracted to lights at night, where males have been observed congregating on low vegetation to detect pheromone trails of females.
Elaphria
Midgets
Elaphria is a genus of small moths in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as "midgets." The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1818 and contains approximately 100 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. These moths are typically attracted to light and are frequently encountered by entomologists using blacklight traps.
Elaphria cornutinis
Dark-winged Festive Midget
Elaphria cornutinis, known as the Dark-winged Festive Midget, is a small owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. The species belongs to a genus of moths commonly referred to as "midgets" due to their diminutive size. Like other Elaphria species, it is nocturnal and has been documented at blacklight traps. The specific epithet "cornutinis" suggests a relationship to horn-like structures, though detailed morphological descriptions are limited in available sources.
Elaphria grata
Grateful Midget, Grateful Midget Moth
Elaphria grata is a small noctuid moth commonly known as the Grateful Midget. It is widespread across eastern and central North America, with adults active from spring through fall in multiple generations. The species is frequently attracted to artificial lights and is a regular component of blacklight surveys in its range.
Elaphria trolia
A small North American owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. Adults are attracted to light sources. The species is part of the diverse Elaphria genus, which includes several similar-looking small moths often active in autumn.
Empicoris errabundus
thread-legged assassin bug
Empicoris errabundus is a thread-legged assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. It is found across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Members of this genus are small, slender predatory insects that have been observed at ultraviolet light sources, likely hunting smaller insects attracted to the light.
Eupithecia maestosa
pug moth
Eupithecia maestosa is a small geometrid moth described by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. It belongs to the diverse 'pug' genus Eupithecia, characterized by narrow wings and distinctive resting posture. The species occurs across western North America from Alberta to California and Texas, and has been documented visiting apple flowers as a nocturnal pollinator.
Flatormenis
Northern Flatid Planthopper
Flatormenis is a genus of flatid planthoppers in the family Flatidae, established by Melichar in 1923. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed across North and Central America. These planthoppers are characterized by their broad, flattened bodies and wings held in a tent-like or roof-like position over the body. They are nocturnally active and frequently attracted to artificial light sources.
Gyponana gladia
Gyponana gladia is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. Like other members of its genus, it possesses distinctive brochosomes—nanoparticles produced in the Malpighian tubules that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on the body and wings. The species has been documented at blacklight traps in autumn, suggesting nocturnal activity patterns. It is one of many small, often overlooked leafhopper species that contribute to the high diversity of Hemiptera in North American temperate regions.
Gyponana offula
Gyponana cf-offula is a small leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. Like other members of its genus, it produces brochosomes—complex protein-lipid nanoparticles that coat its body surface. These brochosomes feature angular, geometric surface pits that create superhydrophobic and anti-reflective properties. The species has been documented in blacklight trap surveys and is part of ongoing research into bioinspired materials.
Hyaliodes harti
Hart's plant bug
Hyaliodes harti is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1941. It occurs in eastern North America, with records from the United States and Canada. The species belongs to a genus of mirid plant bugs that are often associated with vegetation and can be attracted to artificial light sources. As with many mirids, specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Indiopsocus palmatus
common barklouse
Indiopsocus palmatus is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, described by Mockford & Young in 2015. Barklice in this genus are small, soft-bodied insects commonly found on tree bark and foliage. They are frequently attracted to artificial light sources at night. The species name refers to a hand-like or palmate structure, likely describing a morphological feature of the species.
Lacinipolia
owlet moths
Lacinipolia is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae. Adults are nocturnal and frequently attracted to blacklights. Species within this genus exhibit considerable variation in coloration, including mottled gray forms with reflective wing scales and green forms that likely provide camouflage against lichen-covered substrates. Species-level identification based on external appearance alone is generally not possible.
Lacinipolia spiculosa
Lacinipolia spiculosa is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Grote in 1883. It is found in North America and is one of several larger owlet moths in the genus Lacinipolia that are attracted to blacklights at night. Species in this genus are difficult to distinguish from one another by appearance alone.
Lebia cf-scapula
Lebia cf-scapula is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Lebiinae. The genus Lebia comprises colorful foliage ground beetles, many of which exhibit bright metallic coloration on their elytra. These beetles are relatively small in stature but visually conspicuous due to their reflective wing covers. They are nocturnal and frequently attracted to artificial light sources.
Lebia insulata
Lebia insulata is a species of colorful foliage ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Madge in 1967. The genus Lebia comprises relatively small beetles that draw attention with often bright metallic wing covers. Like other members of this genus, L. insulata is attracted to lights at night. The species occurs in the United States, with records from North America.
Lebia perita
Lebia perita is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Casey in 1920. It belongs to the genus Lebia, a group of small, often colorful foliage ground beetles. The species is known from North America, with records from the United States and Canada. Like other members of its genus, it is likely attracted to lights at night.
Marimatha nigrofimbria
Black-bordered Lemon Moth
Marimatha nigrofimbria, the Black-bordered Lemon Moth, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of 18–22 mm. It is characterized by yellowish forewings with distinct black borders along the outer margins. The species is widespread in eastern North America, with populations extending west to Arizona and California. It is listed as Critically Imperiled in New York State due to its position at the northern range limit.
Nectopsyche diarina
White Miller Caddisfly
Nectopsyche diarina is a species of caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, first described by Ross in 1944. The genus Nectopsyche is commonly referred to as "white millers," a name derived from the pale coloration of adults. Like other members of this genus, N. diarina is attracted to ultraviolet light, making it observable during nocturnal blacklight surveys. The species occurs in North America within the Nearctic region.
Otiocerus abbotii
Otiocerus abbotii is a species of planthopper in the family Derbidae, first described by Kirby in 1821. It belongs to a group of insects commonly attracted to blacklights during nocturnal surveys. The species is part of a genus whose members are often found in association with woody vegetation. Like other derbid planthoppers, it possesses the characteristic elongated body form and wings held roof-like over the body at rest.
Otiocerus stollii
Otiocerus stollii is a species of planthopper in the family Derbidae, a group of true bugs characterized by their distinctive wing morphology and plant-feeding habits. The species was described by Kirby in 1821 and belongs to the tribe Otiocerini within the subfamily Otiocerinae. Like other derbid planthoppers, it is attracted to artificial light sources at night. Observations indicate adult activity extends into late autumn in temperate regions.
Phyllonorycter argentifimbriella
Phyllonorycter argentifimbriella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. Adults have a wingspan of 6.5–7 mm. The species is known from eastern North America, ranging from Québec south to multiple U.S. states. Larvae feed on several oak species, creating mines within leaves.
Phyllonorycter olivaeformis
A micro-moth in the family Gracillariidae with a wingspan of approximately 6.5 mm. The species is known from the northeastern and midwestern United States. Larvae are leaf miners that feed on pecan (Carya illinoinensis).
Phytocoris corticola
Phytocoris corticola is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Stonedahl in 1988. It belongs to a genus whose members are typically gray or brown in coloration and primarily feed on plants, with occasional predation on smaller insects. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Like other Phytocoris species, it is attracted to lights at night.
Phytocoris unnamed-c
Phytocoris unnamed-c is an undescribed species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It belongs to a large genus of mostly plant-feeding true bugs. Like other members of the genus, it has been observed visiting blacklights at night. The species designation "unnamed-c" indicates it has been recognized as distinct but not yet formally described in the scientific literature.
Plagiomimicus
Plagiomimicus n-sp is an undescribed species of moth in the family Noctuidae, recorded from New Mexico, USA. The genus Plagiomimicus belongs to the owlet moths, a diverse group of primarily nocturnal Lepidoptera. As an undescribed species, its formal taxonomic status and relationships within the genus remain to be established by systematic revision. Specimens have been documented through blacklight trapping in mixed conifer forest habitat.
Prionus emarginatus
Prionus emarginatus is a species of long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, found in North America. It belongs to the subgenus Homaesthesis, one of eight species in this poorly known group primarily distributed in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. Adults are large, blackish beetles with broad pronota. Males are attracted to prionic acid lures, suggesting females emit this compound as a sex pheromone. The species is nocturnal, with males active at night and attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights.
Proteoteras crescentana
Black-crescent Proteoteras Moth
A small tortricid moth found in northern North America, with records from the Canadian prairies and Vermont. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are known to bore into maple plant tissues. Adults are attracted to light.
Reuteroscopus ornatus
ornate plant bug
Reuteroscopus ornatus, commonly known as the ornate plant bug, is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It is characterized by distinctive markings that give it its common name. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, and North America, with records from Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and multiple U.S. states including Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Texas, and West Virginia. It is frequently attracted to blacklights at night.
Rugosana
Rugosana is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, described by DeLong in 1942. The genus belongs to the tribe Gyponini and subfamily Iassinae. Species are distributed in North America. One observed species displays bright green coloration with distinctive red eyes.
Stenolophus plebejus
Red-marked Harp Ground Beetle
Stenolophus plebejus is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Red-marked Harp Ground Beetle. It is native to North America, with records from both the United States and Canada. The species belongs to the genus Stenolophus, a group of beetles often associated with moist habitats and frequently encountered in blacklighting surveys.
Synecdoche helenae
Synecdoche helenae is a species of planthopper in the family Achilidae, described by Van Duzee in 1918. As a member of the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, it belongs to a group of sap-feeding insects commonly attracted to light sources. The genus Synecdoche contains multiple species, with S. helenae being one of the named taxa within this primarily North American group.
Trigrammia quadrinotaria
Four-spotted Angle
Trigrammia quadrinotaria, commonly known as the Four-spotted Angle, is a North American geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. The species was described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1855. It is attracted to blacklight and has been documented in urban and semi-rural settings during spring surveys.