Blacklight-attracted
Guides
Gluphisia severa
Banded Pebble Moth
Gluphisia severa is a North American moth in the family Notodontidae, commonly known as the banded pebble moth. First described by Henry Edwards in 1886, it is one of approximately 3,800 species of prominent moths. The species has been documented through citizen science platforms with over 475 observations, indicating it is regularly encountered by observers. Like other members of the genus Gluphisia, it is nocturnal and attracted to artificial light sources.
Graphisurus triangulifer
Graphisurus triangulifer is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Haldeman in 1847. It is one of three Graphisurus species occurring in Missouri and is distinguished by dark triangular markings on the elytra. The species exhibits a southern, lowland distribution pattern in eastern North America and is strongly associated with Celtis (hackberry/sugarberry) as its primary larval host.
Griburius montezuma
Montezuma Griburius
Griburius montezuma is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. It has been documented at ultraviolet and mercury-vapor light traps in montane oak-pine woodland habitats in southeastern Arizona.
Griburius rileyi
Bold-spotted Griburius
Griburius rileyi is a recently described species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The species was described by Sassi in 2023 and is distinguished by bold spotted patterns on its elytra. Like other members of the genus Griburius, adults are associated with oak woodlands and are attracted to ultraviolet light sources. The specific epithet honors Edward Riley, a prominent coleopterist and indefatigable collector of beetles, particularly known for his contributions to cerambycid and chrysomelid taxonomy.
Grotella soror
Grotella soror is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1912. It is a North American species with its type locality in Arizona. The species belongs to the genus Grotella, a small group of moths within the subfamily Grotellinae. Like other members of its genus, it is nocturnal and attracted to ultraviolet light sources.
Gyponana cf-salsa
Gyponana cf-salsa is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, notable for producing distinctive brochosomes—geometric nanoparticles that coat its body surface. The brochosomes of Gyponana species feature more angled, geometric pits compared to those of some other leafhopper genera. These nanoparticles render the insect's cuticle superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The species is attracted to blacklight traps and has been documented in North American collections.
Heleomyzidae
Sun flies, Heleomyzid flies
Heleomyzidae is a family of small to medium-sized flies in the order Diptera, comprising over 740 described species in approximately 76 genera. The family is distributed worldwide, with the greatest diversity in the Holarctic region. Adults are frequently observed at lights in early spring and late fall. Larval ecology is diverse, with many species associated with decaying organic matter, fungi, carrion, or bird nests.
Indiopsocus ceterus
common barklouse
Indiopsocus ceterus is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, first described by Mockford in 1974. It is a small, winged insect that inhabits bark and foliage surfaces. The species is known from the Caribbean Sea region and North America, including Cuba and the United States. It has been documented at blacklight stations, indicating nocturnal activity.
Lacinipolia
owlet moths
Lacinipolia is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by McDunnough in 1937. The genus contains approximately 80 species, primarily distributed in North America. Adults are nocturnal and frequently attracted to blacklights. Species identification typically requires examination of genitalia or other microscopic features, as external morphology alone is often insufficient for reliable determination.
Lacinipolia agnata
Lacinipolia agnata is an owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1905. Adults are attracted to blacklights at night. The species belongs to a genus whose members are difficult to distinguish visually, requiring examination of genitalia or other microscopic features for positive identification.
Lacinipolia aileenae
cutworm moth, dart moth
Lacinipolia aileenae is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Selman & Leuschner in 2001. It belongs to a genus whose members are commonly known as cutworm or dart moths. The species is documented from North America, with a MONA/Hodges number of 10406.6. Like other Lacinipolia species, adults are attracted to blacklights and show considerable variation in coloration.
Lacinipolia basiplaga
cutworm moth, dart moth
Lacinipolia basiplaga is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1905. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group, a common name referring to the soil-dwelling caterpillars that cut through plant stems at ground level. The species is found in North America. Adults are attracted to light and are among the larger moths in the genus Lacinipolia. Species-level identification within this genus typically requires examination of genitalia or other microscopic features, as visual appearance alone is insufficient.
Lacinipolia circumcincta
cutworm moth, dart moth
Lacinipolia circumcincta is a noctuid moth species native to North America, originally described by Smith in 1891. As a member of the cutworm moth group, adults are attracted to ultraviolet light sources and are active during summer months. The species is part of a genus whose members are difficult to distinguish visually from one another.
Lacinipolia cuneata
Cuneate Arches Moth
Lacinipolia cuneata, commonly known as the Cuneate Arches Moth, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It is found in North America and is one of several larger Lacinipolia species that can be attracted to blacklights. The species was originally described as Mamestra cuneata by Grote in 1873. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10371.
Lacinipolia davena
red-spot polia, Red-spot Polia Moth
Lacinipolia davena is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the red-spot polia. It is one of the larger moths in the genus Lacinipolia, which are frequently attracted to blacklights at night. The species was first described by Smith in 1901. Adults are difficult to distinguish from other Lacinipolia species by appearance alone.
Lacinipolia explicata
Explicit Arches Moth, Explicit Arches
Lacinipolia explicata, commonly known as the Explicit Arches Moth, is a small noctuid moth native to the southeastern United States. Adults have a wingspan of 28–30 mm and are active in two generations per year, appearing in April and September. The species is bivoltine, with larvae feeding on specific herbaceous plants including clovers and dandelion.
Lacinipolia leucogramma
cutworm, dart moth
Lacinipolia leucogramma is a noctuid moth species found in North America. It is one of several species in the genus Lacinipolia that are difficult to distinguish visually. Adults are attracted to blacklights and are active during summer months. The species was first described by Grote in 1873 under the name Mamestra leucogramma.
Lacinipolia lorea
bridled arches, Bridled Arches Moth
Lacinipolia lorea, commonly known as the bridled arches or Bridled Arches Moth, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It is found across North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Vermont). The species is one of several in the genus Lacinipolia that are difficult to distinguish by appearance alone. It has been observed at blacklight traps during summer moth surveys.
Lacinipolia patalis
Lacinipolia patalis is a species of owlet moth (family Noctuidae) found in North America. It was described by Grote in 1873, originally placed in the genus Xylomiges. The species is part of the subfamily Noctuinae and tribe Eriopygini. Like other members of its genus, it is nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Lacinipolia strigicollis
Collared Arches Moth
Lacinipolia strigicollis, commonly known as the collared arches moth, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. The species was described by Wallengren in 1860 and is found in North America. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10415. The genus Lacinipolia contains multiple species that are difficult to distinguish visually without close examination.
Lacinipolia viridifera
Green Owlet Moth
Lacinipolia viridifera is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1937. The species is characterized by green coloration in at least some individuals, distinguishing it from the typically gray or mottled congeners in the genus Lacinipolia. Like other members of this genus, it is nocturnal and attracted to light sources. The specific epithet 'viridifera' refers to the green coloration ('viridis' = green, 'fero' = bearing).
Lebia lecta
Lebia lecta is a species of colorful foliage ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1885. Members of the genus Lebia are relatively small beetles that draw attention with often bright metallic wing covers. The genus is known for being attracted to lights at night. This species occurs in North America, with records from the United States.
Lebia viridipennis
green-winged lebia
Lebia viridipennis, the green-winged lebia, is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in North America, including Canada and the United States. The species belongs to the genus Lebia, a group of colorful foliage ground beetles often noted for their bright metallic wing covers.
Liburniella ornata
Ornate Planthopper
Liburniella ornata, commonly known as the Ornate Planthopper, is a small delphacid planthopper species found across much of North America. The species is documented in blacklight surveys and is active during late autumn, with observations extending into October and November. As a member of the family Delphacidae, it shares the characteristic morphology of planthoppers including a distinctive head shape and wing structure. The species has been recorded in diverse habitats ranging from urban yards to natural areas, attracted to artificial light sources at night.
Maccaffertium terminatum
flatheaded mayfly
Maccaffertium terminatum is a species of flatheaded mayfly in the family Heptageniidae. It is widely distributed across Canada and the Nearctic region. The species possesses the characteristic subimago stage typical of mayflies, where sexually immature adults with opaque, milky-white wings emerge from water before undergoing a final molt to the reproductive adult stage. Two subspecies are recognized: M. t. terminatum and M. t. placitum.
Mimoschinia
rufous-banded pyralid moth
Mimoschinia is a monotypic genus of crambid moths containing a single species, Mimoschinia rufofascialis, commonly known as the rufous-banded pyralid moth or barberpole caterpillar. The species exhibits a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, western Canada, the southwestern and western United States, and Mexico. The genus is characterized by small size, with adults displaying a wingspan of 14–18 mm and showing extended seasonal activity from January through October.
Monochamus clamator
spotted pine sawyer
Monochamus clamator, the spotted pine sawyer, is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae described by LeConte in 1852. The species exhibits several recognized subspecies across western North America and has been documented in pine woodland habitats. Research indicates host plants serve as a selective pressure driving genetic divergence in this species. Adults have been observed at blacklights and on stressed or dead pine trees.
Monochamus clamator nevadensis
Spotted Pine Sawyer
Monochamus clamator nevadensis is a subspecies of the spotted pine sawyer, a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It belongs to a genus of large woodboring beetles that infest coniferous trees, particularly pines. The subspecies was described by Dillon & Dillon in 1941 and is distributed in western North America, including Nevada and surrounding regions. Like other Monochamus species, it develops in dead, dying, or stressed coniferous wood and is attracted to blacklights at night.
Neandra brunnea
pole borer, longhorned beetle
Neandra brunnea, commonly known as the pole borer, is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Parandrinae. It is unusual among cerambycids for its relatively short, bead-like antennae rather than the elongated antennae typical of the family. Adults range from 8–20 mm in length and are yellowish-brown to reddish-brown in coloration. The species is distributed across eastern North America, with adults active from March through November. Larvae bore into decaying wood, including wooden poles and posts in contact with moist soil.
Notoxus balteatus
Notoxus balteatus is a species of ant-like flower beetle in the family Anthicidae, described by Casey in 1895. The genus Notoxus is characterized by a distinctive elongated snout-like projection (rostrum) extending from the head, a trait that separates these beetles from superficially similar ant-mimicking beetles in other families. Records indicate this species occurs in North America and Middle America. Like other anthicids, adults are likely associated with flowers and vegetation where they feed on pollen and small insects.
Notoxus desertus
Desert Ant-like Flower Beetle
Notoxus desertus is a species of monoceros beetle in the family Anthicidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America, including Ontario, Canada. The species is commonly known as the Desert Ant-like Flower Beetle. Like other members of the genus Notoxus, it exhibits ant-mimicking morphology and is attracted to lights at night.
Notoxus murinipennis
Mouse-winged Anthicid
Notoxus murinipennis is a species of monoceros beetle in the family Anthicidae, commonly known as the mouse-winged anthicid. The species occurs across Central America and North America. Members of the genus Notoxus are characterized by a distinctive forward-projecting horn on the pronotum, giving them their common name of monoceros beetles. This species was first described by J.E. LeConte in 1824.
Notoxus sparsus
Notoxus sparsus is a species of ant-like flower beetle in the family Anthicidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1859. Members of the genus Notoxus are characterized by a distinctive elongated rostrum with antennal insertions located near its tip, a trait that separates them from superficially similar ant-like beetles in other families. The species occurs in North America and Middle America, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented. Like other anthicids, adults are likely active on the ground surface or in low vegetation.
Opogona omoscopa
Detritus Moth, Opogona Crown Borer
Opogona omoscopa is a small moth in the family Tineidae with a wingspan of 18–22 mm. It has a broad native distribution spanning western Australia, New Zealand, southeast Asia, Africa, and islands of the Indian Ocean, and has been introduced to Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The species is attracted to ultraviolet light and has been documented at blacklighting events in California.
Orthodes bolteri
Orthodes bolteri is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1900. The species has been documented at blacklight stations during bioblitz events in Colorado, including at Red Rock Canyon Open Space in 2019. Taxonomic placement has shifted over time, with the species formerly placed in Mamestra and Xestia. It occurs in North America and Middle America.
Otiocerus francilloni
Otiocerus francilloni is a derbid planthopper in the family Derbidae, subfamily Otiocerinae. It is one of several species in the genus Otiocerus found in North America. The species has been documented at blacklight traps, indicating nocturnal activity. Like other derbids, it belongs to a group of planthoppers that are often attracted to artificial light sources.
Parabagrotis exsertistigma
Parabagrotis exsertistigma is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, originally described by Morris in 1874. It is a member of the genus Parabagrotis, which contains several North American noctuid species. The species has been recorded in western Canada and is attracted to ultraviolet light sources, a common trait among noctuid moths. Its Hodges number is 11047.
Parabyrsopolis
Parabyrsopolis is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Rutelinae, described by Ohaus in 1915. The genus belongs to the tribe Rutelini and subtribe Areodina. Species within this genus occur in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where they have been documented at blacklight stations in montane habitats. One species, P. chihuahuae, has been recorded from Ramsey Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains of Arizona.
Pelochrista
Pelochrista Moths
Pelochrista is a Holarctic genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae. The genus contains numerous species distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. Members are small to medium-sized moths with typical tortricid wing posture at rest. The genus is taxonomically well-established with records from Europe, North America, and Asia.
Pelochrista comatulana
Pelochrista comatulana is a small tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae. It was originally described by Zeller in 1876 under the name Paedisca comatulana. The species belongs to the large genus Pelochrista, which contains numerous small, often drab-colored tortricid moths. Like other members of its family, it is a nocturnal insect attracted to ultraviolet light sources.
Pelochrista corosana
Pelochrista corosana is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, first described by Walsingham in 1884. It belongs to the large genus Pelochrista, which contains numerous small moth species often referred to as 'tortricid leafroller moths.' The species is known from the Canadian prairie provinces. As with most members of its genus, detailed information about its biology and ecology remains limited.
Pelochrista fandana
Pelochrista fandana is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, first described by Kearfott in 1907. It belongs to the large genus Pelochrista, which contains numerous small moth species. The species has been documented through limited iNaturalist observations, suggesting it is not frequently encountered or reported. As with many Pelochrista species, detailed biological information remains sparse in accessible literature.
Pelochrista sandiego
Pelochrista sandiego is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae. It was described by Kearfott in 1908. The species is part of the diverse genus Pelochrista, which contains numerous small moth species. Like other members of its family, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to ultraviolet light sources.
Pelochrista scintillana
Spangled Pelochrista
Pelochrista scintillana is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae. It is commonly known as the Spangled Pelochrista. The species was first described by Clemens in 1865 under the basionym Callimosema scintillana. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 3151.
Pelochrista serpentana
Pelochrista serpentana is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, described by Walsingham in 1895. It belongs to the genus Pelochrista, a diverse group of small moths within the subfamily Olethreutinae. The species has been documented through limited observations, with 29 records on iNaturalist. Like other members of its family, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to ultraviolet light sources.
Phyllonorycter bataviella
A small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, known from scattered records across the eastern and midwestern United States. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae typically create blotch mines within leaves. Adult moths are tiny, with wingspans characteristic of microlepidoptera.
Phyllonorycter trinotella
Red Maple Blotchminer
Phyllonorycter trinotella is a micro-moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the Red Maple Blotchminer. The species has a wingspan of approximately 5 mm. Larvae are leaf miners that feed on several Acer species, creating blotch mines on the leaves. The species is known from eastern Canada and the northeastern and midwestern United States.
Phytocoris minituberculatus
Phytocoris minituberculatus is a plant bug species in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1968. It belongs to a large genus of mostly plant-feeding true bugs, with some species known to occasionally prey on smaller insects. The species has been documented in the western United States, specifically Nevada and California. Like other members of the genus Phytocoris, it is attracted to lights at night.
Phytocoris salicis
Phytocoris salicis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1920. It is a small, typically gray or brown true bug that feeds primarily on plants. The species is known to occasionally prey on smaller insects, a behavior observed in other Phytocoris species. It is attracted to lights at night and has been documented in blacklight surveys in Colorado.
Polyphylla diffracta
diffracted lined June beetle
Polyphylla diffracta is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as a lined June beetle. It belongs to a genus characterized by large, robust beetles with distinctive fan-like antennae in males. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like other Polyphylla species, males are attracted to lights at night and use their enlarged, lamellate antennae to detect female sex pheromones.