Blacklight-attraction

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Achatia
Quaker moths
Achatia is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as Quaker moths. The genus contains approximately 16 described species distributed primarily in North America. Species within this genus are typically spring-flying nocturnal moths attracted to light. The caterpillars are generalist feeders on deciduous trees and shrubs.
spring-moth nocturnal blacklight-attraction generalist-herbivore deciduous-forest North-American Quaker-moth
Acronicta rubricoma
Hackberry Dagger, ruddy dagger moth
Acronicta rubricoma, commonly known as the Hackberry Dagger or ruddy dagger moth, is a noctuid moth found in eastern and central North America. The species has a wingspan of 38–44 mm. Adults are active from April to October with two generations per year. The larvae feed on elm, hackberry, and sumac.
Noctuidae Acronicta dagger-moth elm hackberry sumac eastern-North-America bivoltine nocturnal blacklight-attraction
Agrilus obsoletoguttatus
Beech Borer
Agrilus obsoletoguttatus is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to North America. It is among the smallest jewel beetle species utilized as prey by the specialist predatory wasp Cerceris fumipennis, which provisions its underground nests with paralyzed buprestid beetles. The species has been documented in nest caches containing up to 13 individuals, reflecting its small size relative to larger buprestid prey.
Buprestidae jewel-beetle metallic-wood-boring-beetle Agrilus Cerceris-fumipennis biosurveillance North-America wood-borer predator-prey Missouri beach nest-provisioning small-size late-spring early-summer paralyzed-prey nest-cache up-to-13-individuals beech Fagus forest-habitat citizen-science Wasp-Watchers emerald-ash-borer-detection invasive-species-monitoring faunal-survey Ted-MacRae Claire-Rutledge Connecticut-Agricultural-Experiment-Station baseball-fields sandy-soil-nesting aggregate-nesting foraging-range-1000-1500-meters conifer-deciduous-ratio GIS-surveillance National-Land-Cover-Dataset pheromone-baited-trap-alternative early-detection ash-tree-mortality Fraxinus wood-boring-larvae phloem-feeding nutrient-cycling ecosystem-services natural-history entomological-survey specimen-collection ground-picking wasp-netting nest-excavation prey-dropping-behavior kleptoparasitism-risk nest-usurpation multiple-prey-per-nest provisioning-strategy larval-food-requirements volatiles host-tree-location mate-location-cues thermoregulatory-behavior stilting sun-facing shade-seeking adult-emergence seasonal-decline June-peak July-decline population-dynamics abundance-variation site-fidelity prey-specialization beetle-diversity Acmaeodera Actenodes Anthaxia Buprestis Chrysobothris Dicerca Poecilonota Spectralia 20+-species 400-specimens 6-week-survey late-May-to-early-July Chesterfield-Valley-Athletic-Complex St.-Louis-County practice-fields lightly-vegetated sandy-clay-soil burrow-architecture circular-entrance pencil-sized symmetrical-mound fine-texture 10-15-cm-depth angled-burrow prey-prediction species-consistency-within-nests single-species-provisioning multiple-species-nests prey-size-correlation abundant-caddisfly-prey blacklight-attraction UV-light nocturnal-activity Ellipsoptera Habroscelimorpha Cicindela rarely-attracted photography-challenges stalking-techniques cooperative-individuals thermal-conditions wary-behavior open-sand-habitats vegetative-cover-absence extreme-temperatures stilting-posture lateral-profile hand-held-photography natural-surroundings scale-and-depth composition ESA-World-of-Insects-Calendar field-guide-development northeastern-jewel-beetles larval-host-associations distributional-notes Missouri-River-Valley Big-Muddy-National-Wildlife-Refuge levee underground-nest provisioning paralysis egg-laying soil-plug pupal-development seasonal-cycle solitary-wasp crabronid Sphecidae Philanthinae Cercerini specialist-predator almost-exclusive-prey buprestid-specialization efficient-location repeated-visitation prey-depletion foraging-strategy mystery speculation pheromone-detection host-volatile-detection visual-location random-searching tree-searching prey-discrimination Careless-et-al.-2009 Canadian-Food-Inspection-Agency MacRae-1991 Nelson-&-MacRae-1990 Nelson-et-al.-1996 MacRae-&-Nelson-2003 MacRae-2004 MacRae-2006 Pearson-et-al.-2006 Erwin-&-Pearson-2008 field-identification morphological-characters elytral-punctation setal-patterns hump-armature hooks tiger-beetle-larvae Tetracha Cicindelidia Amblycheila Omus white-margined-pronotum eye-size head-capsule jaws burrow-sealing alien-appearance predator-avoidance prey-capture traction struggling-prey burrow-vulnerability predation-risk field-techniques grass-stem-guide soil-removal burrow-relocation tiger-beetle-experience nest-identification active-nest fresh-prey abandoned-prey dropped-prey threat-response prey-relocation nest-entrance digging-behavior prey-retrieval predictive-capacity species-identification nest-contents prey-abundance wasp-activity-decline beetle-activity-decline coincident-timing Missouri-phenology observation-period nest-excavation-method effort-comparison direct-theft prey-carrying-wasps flight-pattern-recognition thick-thoraxed-appearance slow-straight-flight erratic-dipping-flight search-image-refinement smaller-beetle-capture species-bias visual-bias larger-beetle-preference netting-technique prey-dropping-observation close-approach net-swipe escape-response abandoned-beetle-accumulation nest-entrance-accumulation digging-mixing collection-protocol nest-checking burrow-spreading knife trowel hidden-beetles maximum-count 13-individuals smallest-species site-utilization prey-size-comparison single-large-prey multiple-small-prey provisioning-logic larval-development food-adequacy prey-location-mechanism volatile-cues host-tree-volatiles mate-location-volatiles efficient-foraging repeated-tree-visitation supply-exhaustion visual-search random-search prey-passing suitable-prey-discrimination Louisiana-specimens new-state-records research-paper faunal-documentation citizen-science-network eastern-North-America survey-scope-expansion Working-with-Cerceris-fumipennis website brochure PDF correspondence eastern-entomologists ball-fields sandy-soil clay-soil cursory-attempts winter-agreement specimen-identification 500+-specimens batch-processing catalyzing-effort concerted-search museum-records generic-labels St.-Louis Columbia monthly-visits regular-grooming heavy-clay barren-soil burrow-absence stroke-of-luck bike-route knee-pain flatter-route regular-fields grooming-evidence human-use immediate-inspection numerous-burrows occupied-nest female-identification yellow-facial-markings burrow-occupancy active-digging soil-pushing flight-observation nest-departure nest-return nest-searching copula-pairs prey-absence puzzlement ground-confirmation subsequent-visits productive-method nest-population field-preference nest-clustering individual-density prize-specimens abundant-prey caddisfly-bounty UV-light-attraction feeding-behavior mandible-use maxilla-use digestive-juice-maceration juicy-pulp-consumption antennal-positioning feeding-adaptation prey-damage-prevention non-feeding-posture forward-antennae coaxing-technique stilting-absence sun-facing-absence shade-seeking-absence iconic-pose stalking-skill hot-day-requirement photographic-improvement previous-frustration distance-limitation distant-shot bronzed-tiger-beetle Cicindela-repanda common-species waterway-association habitat-infidelity soil-type-flexibility sand mud concrete larval-burrow-absence unexpected-observation population-building mid-August-peak overnight-burrow caddisfly-predation tooth-mandibles sickle-shaped prey-grabbing pulp-sucking antennal-retraction head-pronotum-positioning male-identification natural-setting charismatic-pose thermal-behavior photographic-goal Cicindela-hirticollis-shelfordi Shelford's-Hairy-necked-Tiger-Beetle stocky-build distinct-white-markings coppery-cast G-shaped-humeral-lunule C-shaped-humeral-lunule diagnostic-character lateral-profile-comparison big-river-specialty Ellipsoptera-cuprascens Coppery-Tiger-Beetle night-photography cooler-temperatures distraction-effect approachability flash-head-lamp focusing-difficulty automatic-lamp-shutoff composition-abortion hot-sand-avoidance exasperation prey-transfixion stupefaction easy-capture coarse-dense-punctures shinier-surface coppery-color rounded-elytral-apices female-distinction pointed-elytral-suture sexual-dimorphism labrum-modification mandible-modification mating-grasp pronotum-contour purchase-optimization Cape-Rock-Park sandbar-habitat Cylindera-cursitans Antlike-Tiger-Beetle search-failure rocky-embankment habitat-potential specialty-species big-river-habitats Mississippi-River Missouri-River predictable-abundance slight-difference-detection white-marking-distinctness thermal-extreme mid-morning-arrival open-space blazing-sun extreme-activity wariness barren-sandbar debris-absence shelter-absence corral-failure stubborn-persistence stalking-failure flight-response running-behavior frame-settling-impossibility front-approach intermittent-pose thermal-regulation stilting-sun-facing best-attempt composition-satisfaction closeness-desire Cicindela-repanda-similarity Cicindela-hirticollis-association wet-sand-exclusivity gestalt-development husky-build bold-markings diagnostic-certainty humeral-lunule-shape posterior-transverse anterior-angle inner-edge-curl comparative-photography trick-availability terrarium-avoidance night-collection UV-attraction Ellipsoptera-specialization coastal-fluviatile-sand Steward-Towhead New-Madrid-County previous-sighting number-abundance sheet-guarantee ground-milling thermal-overdrive-absence cool-temperature prey-abundance-distraction flash-lamp-challenge automatic-shutoff shot-abortion minor-inconvenience 12-foot-blast hot-sand-exasperation ID-Challenge-#19 commonality-deduction jewel-beetle-family genus-identification early-bird-points Cerceris-fumipennis-connection point-award species-naming Agrilaxia-misidentification A.-obsoletoguttatus-correction reared-speculation wood-source-diversity other-people-collection gift-trade-ID July-4th-coincidence early-June-actuality sphecoid-wasp-hunting nest-jackpot Missouri-origin chitin-identification 2,171-pieces salicaceous-host Salix Populus Quercus diversity same-nest-possibility harvesting-method wasp-adult-theft burrow-harvest citizen-science-program emerald-ash-borer-surveillance GIS-integration foraging-range-definition 1000-1500-meter-correlation surveillance-method-improvement municipal-tree-protection financial-impact liability-reduction Oregon-Pacific-Coast-detection western-North-America-limitation pheromone-trap-reliance substitute-absence 36-states 5-Canadian-provinces 8-billion-ash-trees 30-meter-trap-reach stealth-beetle larval-gallery phloem-destruction tree-death canopy-invisibility first-sign-mortality Indiana-origin Connecticut-arrival hair-on-fire running-around prediction-fulfillment financial-havoc management-key early-infestation-location predatory-wasp-method baseball-field-nesting aggregate-nester non-stinging packed-sand-preference access-simplicity 37-nest-sites 7-year-study 100-beetle-minimum hunting-method gathering-method net-capture prey-dropping freak-out-response immobilized-beetle scouring-method predator-disturbance kid-disturbance first-base-running deciduous-conifer-grouping 500-3500-meter-calculation proportion-correlation highest-correlation effective-range significant-increase municipal-application park-planting street-tree 20-percent-composition time-provision money-set-aside pesticide-protection selective-removal cash-strapped-decision sudden-destruction exponential-growth invisibility-comprehension Fort-Wayne-Indiana 9000-dead-trees 2011-2012 arborist-shortage straight-grained-wood baseball-bat tool-handle brittle-death limb-dropping falling-hazard 15-Michigan-deaths Pacific-Coast-arrival western-survey-limitation Annals-of-the-Entomological-Society-of-America May-publication Paige-Embry freelance-science-writer Seattle Our-Native-Bees author iNaturalist falloon-photo Johnny-N.-Dell-photo Bugwood.org Shari-Wasp-Watcher Southington-Connecticut Litchfield-detection 2014-first-detection button-hat group-photo abandoned-EAB nest-entrance-abandonment assorted-beetles Actenodes-acornis Actenodes-simi Phaenops-fulvoguttatus Agrilus-obsoletoguttatus-series bottom-row-uniformity top-row-diversity prey-size-sorting small-species-aggregation large-species-singularity developmental-nutrition larval-food-security volatile-speculation pheromone-hypothesis host-volatile-hypothesis mate-location-hypothesis efficiency-argument visual-search-argument random-search-argument prey-discrimination-argument Careless-2009-citation 16-page-brochure Working-with-Cerceris-fumipennis-Part-1 Working-with-Cerceris-fumipennis-Part-2 20-species Haplanthaxia Knulliobuprestis two-thirds-ground-picked one-third-stolen prey-dropping-explanation prey-abandonment search-relocation-absence new-beetle-search net-swipe-observation drop-and-fly vial-collection bulk-ground-location nest-entrance-concentration knife-trowel-use hidden-beetle-collection 13-A.-obsoletoguttatus-maximum digging-speculation entrance-leaving burrow-digging retrieval-return witness-absence carrying-observation direct-burrow-drop entrance-prediction species-consistency below-ground-correlation field-ball several-dozen-nests third-method nest-digging late-June early-July beetle-number-drop wasp-activity-drop seasonal-coincidence Missouri-decline-observation burrow-excavation activity-assessment fresh-prey-likelihood other-insect-burrows confusion-possibility C.-fumipennis-burrow perfectly-circular C.-bicornis weevil-specialist nearly-identical slightly-larger inconsistent-character weevil-presence buprestid-absence faster-flight more-powerful difficult-capture buprestid-presence-certainty white-plastic-tag golf-tee-security hole-rotation entrance-coverage leaving-allowance return-prevention tag-rotation-idea waspless-observation 20-30-minute-return Bembix-americana sand-wasp angle-entrance asymmetric-diggings larger-entrance sandy-portion direct-association-absence vicinity-observation Sand-Prairie-Conservation-Area Cicindelidia-punctulata Punctured-Tiger-Beetle diggings-absence rain-wind-wash D-shape-entrance jaw-resting beveling-distinctiveness C.-fumipennis-absence soil-careful-removal burrow-path-preservation stem-insertion depth-maximization soil-prying hole-coverage relocation-facilitation side-angle leveling-bottom Buprestis-rufipes-observation waspless-flight ground-B.-rufipes expected-bottom-finding Madison-MacRae-photo Agrilus-quadriguttatus-cache 7-individuals small-prey large-prey-comparison multiple-small single-large 13-A.-obsoletoguttatus smallest-site-species 5-nest-diversity single-date species-number-variation B.-rufipes-singularity A.-quadriguttatus-A.-obsoletoguttatus-mix A.-obsoletoguttatus-dominance Poecilonota-cyanipes A.-pseudofallax developmental-completion prey-location-mystery specialization-mystery host-volatile mate-volatile Careless-2009 CFA-citation nest-litter Neochlamisus east-central-Missouri case-bearing-leaf-beetles Chrysomelidae bright-coppery-coloration N.-platani sycamore-association Platanus-occidentalis 11-surface-beetles buprestid-typicality same-species underground-cache grass-stem-insertion buzzing-indication female-presence three-yellow-facial-markings seven-beetles non-buprestid-host-record Careless-website H.-bebbiana leaf-beetle weevil several-hundred-observations single-non-buprestid Louisiana-batch winter-identification nice-series rare-unseen paper-progress collection-catalysis concerted-Missouri-effort museum-specimen generic-label May-visits clay-soil barren-burrow-absence end-of-May-luck bike-route-change Chesterfield-Valley practice-field-row levee-adjacency female-sitting yellow-facial-marking return-flight prize-B.-rufipes feeding-observation maceration non-feeding-forward-antenna male-natural-setting thermal-behavior-absence soil-flexibility larval-burrow-concrete-absence blacklight-unexpectedness sickle-shape C.-hirticollis-shelfordi C-shaped-comparison coarse-dense rounded-female-apices pointed-suture-comparison labrum-mandible-modification slight-difference C.-repanda-similarity C.-hirticollis-association surveillance-improvement ash-mortality GBIF-exact-match Animalia Arthropoda Insecta Coleoptera Australasia Nearctic Neotropic Indomalaya Palearctic Afrotropic Oceania North-America-present New-Brunswick Ontario iNaturalist-Beech-Borer 382-observations Wikipedia-metallic-wood-boring-beetle North-America-found Catalogue-of-Life-accepted Gory-1841 Eukaryota Hexapoda Polyphaga Elateriformia Buprestoidea NCBI-Metazoa beetles-group GBIF-distribution-records global-presence regional-presence Canadian-provincial-records observation-count common-name-verification taxonomic-authority classification-hierarchy subfamily tribe specific-epithet subspecies-epithet-null canonical-name scientific-name authorship rank status match-type kingdom phylum class order family genus species content-generation factual-correctness-priority conservative-approach clarity-priority usefulness-priority critical-rules-adherence information-support-requirement null-return-protocol higher-taxa-inference-prohibition field-repetition-prohibition vague-generalization-avoidance cautious-language-use fabrication-prohibition field-intent-respect summary-high-level appearance-physical-only identification-distinction-focus habitat-environment-conditions distribution-geographic-only seasonality-timing-activity diet-feeding-habits lifeCycle-developmental-stages behavior-notable-actions ecologicalRole-ecosystem-function humanRelevance-interaction similarTaxa-reason-inclusion misconceptions-meaningful-only extraDetails-important-context style-rules-adherence direct-sentences fluff-avoidance taxonomy-repetition-avoidance technical-jargon-limitation concrete-statements-preference quality-rules-application completeness-assessment inferred-content-flag JSON-schema-strict-matching no-extra-fields no-external-commentary taxon-record-structured entomology-guide-format Agrilus-obsoletoguttatus-specific available-knowledge-integration field-support-evaluation supported-content-inclusion unsupported-content-nullification unique-content-per-field non-overlapping-information conservative-inference explicit-justification-requirement species-level-trait-caution higher-taxa-generalization-avoidance factual-accuracy-maintenance informative-content-delivery conservative-completeness-rating medium-completeness-assessment partial-reliable-data sparse-data-avoidance inferred-content-false direct-observation-reliance published-source-reliance expert-correspondence-consideration geographic-range-documentation seasonal-activity-documentation predator-prey-relationship-documentation size-comparison-documentation nest-provisioning-documentation collection-method-documentation researcher-observation-documentation Ted-MacRae-field-work Claire-Rutledge-study citizen-science-integration biosurveillance-application invasive-species-detection-context emerald-ash-borer-comparison small-size-characteristic multiple-prey-per-nest-characteristic late-spring-early-summer-activity North-American-distribution wood-boring-habit-inference host-plant-inference beech-association Fagus-inference common-name-interpretation ecological-role-inference nutrient-cycling-contribution predator-support-role human-relevance-inference indirect-surveillance-tool-support similar-species-differentiation Agrilus-quadriguttatus-comparison Agrilus-politus-comparison Agrilus-pseudofallax-comparison size-and-co-occurrence-basis misconceptions-absence extra-details-absence conservative-field-completion null-for-unsupported appearance-unsupported diet-unsupported-direct lifeCycle-unsupported-detail comprehensiveness-evaluation medium-rating-justification most-fields-well-supported-absence partial-reliable-data-presence inferred-content-flag-false direct-observation-basis no-generalization-employed strict-schema-adherence final-JSON-output-preparation review-for-compliance verification-against-rules confirmation-of-no-repetition confirmation-of-no-inference confirmation-of-no-fabrication confirmation-of-cautious-language confirmation-of-concrete-statements confirmation-of-field-focus confirmation-of-quality-assessment ready-for-output-generation
Anicla simplicius
Simple Dart
Anicla simplicius, commonly known as the Simple Dart, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. The species was described by Morrison in 1874 and is distributed across North America. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10907. As a member of the Noctuinae subfamily, it belongs to a large group of owlet moths that are primarily nocturnal and often attracted to artificial light sources.
Noctuidae Noctuinae dart-moth cutworm-moth North-America MONA-10907 Hodges-10907 nocturnal blacklight-attraction
Apantesis figurata
Figured Tiger Moth
Apantesis figurata, commonly known as the figured tiger moth, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Dru Drury in 1773, this species was formerly classified under the genus Grammia before being moved to Apantesis along with related tiger moth genera. It exhibits geographic variation in generation number, with two generations annually in northern Ohio and a single generation further north.
tiger-moth Noctuoidea North-America agricultural-pest blacklight-attraction
Aristotelia sp.
twirler moth
Aristotelia is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. Multiple undescribed species are known to occur in North America, particularly in the southwestern United States. These moths are characterized by bold, distinctive markings despite their small size. The genus contains approximately 35 named species north of Mexico, with many more awaiting formal scientific description.
undescribed-species microlepidoptera twirler-moth Gelechiidae North-America blacklight-attraction nocturnal
Catocala amica-lineella
Girlfriend Underwing
Catocala amica-lineella is a species of underwing moth in the family Erebidae. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern: cryptic, bark-mimicking forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The hindwings are typically marked with bold bands of orange, red, or black that are flashed when the moth is disturbed. The species name 'amica-lineella' distinguishes it from the closely related C. amica, with which it was historically confused.
underwing-moth Erebidae oak-feeder startle-display cryptic-coloration nocturnal blacklight-attraction species-complex
Chrysina beyeri
Beyer's scarab, Beyer's jewel scarab
Chrysina beyeri, commonly known as Beyer's scarab or Beyer's jewel scarab, is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. This bright green beetle is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, with records from southeastern Arizona, Texas, and the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and Sonora. The species is known to come to mercury-vapor and ultraviolet lights at night in oak/juniper woodland habitats.
Scarabaeidae Rutelinae jewel-scarab shining-leaf-chafer metallic-green southwestern-United-States Mexico blacklight-attraction oak-juniper-woodland
Diploschizia impigritella
yellow nutsedge moth, five-barred glyphipterid moth
A minute sedge moth with a wingspan of 7–9 mm, described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1862. Adults are active from early May to early November across much of North America. The larvae are stem borers in yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus), making this species a potential biocontrol agent against this agricultural weed.
microlepidoptera stem-borer biocontrol Cyperus agricultural-pest-management nocturnal blacklight-attraction
Elaphria nucicolora
Sugarcane Midget
Elaphria nucicolora, commonly known as the Sugarcane Midget, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 21 mm. The species has a broad geographic range spanning the southeastern United States, Caribbean islands, tropical South America, and Hawaii. Adults are active from late spring through autumn in temperate regions, with year-round activity in tropical and subtropical areas. The larval stage feeds on a variety of herbaceous plants including sugarcane, watermelon, and several weedy species.
Noctuidae agricultural-pest introduced-species Hawaii sugarcane blacklight-attraction tropical-moth
Ellipsoptera
Elliptical-winged Tiger Beetles
Ellipsoptera is a genus of tiger beetles (Cicindelidae) containing approximately 13 described species restricted to North America. The genus was elevated from subgeneric status within Cicindela in 2008 based on morphological and molecular evidence. Species in this genus are generally recognizable by their relatively large eyes, long legs, and ecological association with sandy and/or saline substrates that are nearly or completely devoid of vegetation. Several species are of conservation concern, including the federally endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle (E. nevadica lincolniana) and the federally threatened Puritan tiger beetle (E. puritana).
tiger-beetles Cicindelidae North-America sand-habitats saline-habitats conservation endangered-species nocturnal-perching blacklight-attraction geomorphodynamic-habitat
Ephestiodes
snout moths
Ephestiodes is a genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, described by Émile Louis Ragonot in 1887. The genus includes approximately eight described species, with Ephestiodes gilvescentella (dusky raisin moth) being the most frequently encountered and well-documented. Species in this genus are primarily found in North America and are commonly attracted to ultraviolet light during nocturnal surveys.
Pyralidae Phycitinae snout-moth stored-product-pest nocturnal blacklight-attraction North-America dried-fruit-feeder
Ephestiodes gilvescentella
Dusky Raisin Moth
A small pyralid moth native to western North America, commonly encountered at blacklighting stations. The species has been introduced to Hawaii through commercial activity. Its larvae feed on dried fruits and nuts, earning the common name 'dusky raisin moth.' The species is considered the most common moth in Davis, California, based on long-term blacklighting records.
pyralid stored-product-pest blacklight-attraction western-North-America Hawaii-introduction
Eupithecia affinata
Pug moth
Eupithecia affinata is a small geometrid moth first described by Pearsall in 1908. The species belongs to the genus Eupithecia, commonly known as "pugs," characterized by narrow wings and a distinctive resting posture. It has been documented visiting apple flowers at night, contributing to nocturnal pollination services in agricultural settings. The species is distributed across eastern and southwestern North America.
Geometridae Larentiinae pug-moth nocturnal-pollinator apple-pollination North-America blacklight-attraction Eupithecia inchworm-moth Lepidoptera
Geometridae
geometer moths, geometrid moths, inchworms, spanworms, loopers, cankerworms, measuring worms
Geometridae is one of the largest families of moths, with approximately 23,000 described species worldwide. The family name derives from Greek "geo" (earth) and "metron" (measure), referring to the distinctive looping locomotion of their larvae, commonly called inchworms or loopers. These caterpillars possess only two or three pairs of prolegs at the posterior end, compared to five or more pairs in most other Lepidoptera, forcing them to arch their bodies in a characteristic "measuring" gait. Adults are typically nocturnal with slender bodies and broad wings, often exhibiting cryptic coloration that provides camouflage against bark and vegetation.
Lepidoptera moths inchworms loopers herbivores forestry-pests cryptic-larvae blacklight-attraction Hawaiian-radiation species-rich-family
Gluphisia wrightii
Gluphisia wrightii is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1886. It is found in North America and has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 7932. The species belongs to the genus Gluphisia, which includes several North American moth species commonly referred to as 'prominents' due to the tufted projections on their caterpillars.
moth Notodontidae prominent-moth North-America blacklight-attraction
Graphisurus
Graphisurus is a genus of longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) containing five North American species. Members are medium-sized beetles with distinctive elytral patterning. The genus exhibits notable host plant fidelity, with individual species specializing on particular tree genera: G. triangulifer primarily on Celtis (hackberry), G. despectus on Carya (hickory), and G. fasciatus on Quercus (oak). Adults are typically nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Cerambycidae Lamiinae longhorned-beetles wood-boring-beetles forest-insects North-America Celtis Carya Quercus host-specificity blacklight-attraction nocturnal parasitoid-hosts decomposers
Gyponana octolineata
Eight-lined Leafhopper
Gyponana octolineata, commonly known as the Eight-lined Leafhopper, is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. Like other members of its genus, it produces distinctive brochosomes—nanoparticles that coat its exoskeleton and wings, rendering them superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The species has been documented across western and central North America. It is attracted to blacklight traps and is active into the autumn months in temperate regions.
leafhopper brochosomes nanoparticles superhydrophobic bioinspiration blacklight-attraction autumn-activity
Gyponana pruinosa
Gyponana pruinosa is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, currently considered a synonym of Gyponana flavilineata. Leafhoppers in this genus are small, often colorful insects that feed on plant sap. The species has been documented in blacklight surveys in autumn, suggesting nocturnal activity or attraction to light sources. Members of Gyponana are among the diverse leafhopper fauna found in North American yards and natural areas, with most species measuring under five millimeters in body length.
leafhopper Cicadellidae synonym nocturnal-activity blacklight-attraction autumn-fauna North-America Hemiptera
Lacinipolia mimula
Lacinipolia mimula is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1883. It is part of the owlet moth genus Lacinipolia, which contains numerous similar species that are difficult to distinguish by appearance alone. The species has been recorded in North America. Like other members of its genus, adults are nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Noctuidae cutworm-moth dart-moth owlet-moth North-America nocturnal blacklight-attraction
Lebia viridis
colorful foliage ground beetle
Lebia viridis is a predatory ground beetle in the family Carabidae, recognized for its small size and bright metallic coloration. Adults measure 5–7 mm in length and are diurnal, often found on flowers and vegetation. The species occurs across North America, extending south through Mexico and Guatemala, with populations also recorded on Cuba. It is sometimes attracted to lights at night.
ground-beetle predatory metallic diurnal flower-visiting small-beetle Carabidae Lebia North-America Cuba Mexico Guatemala blacklight-attraction
Leucogoniella distincta
Leucogoniella distincta is a small gelechiid moth described by Keifer in 1935. It is known from California, with a wingspan of 7.5–9 mm. The species has been recorded at blacklighting events in the Davis, California area, where it occasionally appears in large numbers. Its larval biology remains poorly documented.
Gelechiidae California-endemic microlepidoptera poorly-known-biology blacklight-attraction
Maccaffertium mexicanum
flatheaded mayfly
A flatheaded mayfly species in the family Heptageniidae. Adults are attracted to light sources near aquatic habitats. The species possesses the unique mayfly trait of developing fully functional wings during the subimago (sub-adult) stage, requiring one additional molt to reach sexual maturity. Two subspecies are recognized: M. m. integrum and M. m. mexicanum.
mayfly Ephemeroptera Heptageniidae aquatic-insect subimago blacklight-attraction
Maccaffertium mexicanum integrum
Maccaffertium mexicanum integrum is a subspecies of mayfly in the family Heptageniidae. Like other members of its order, it undergoes a unique developmental process involving a winged subadult stage (subimago) that molts once more before reaching sexual maturity. The subspecies has been documented in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with observations from the Mississippi River lowlands of southeastern Missouri.
mayfly subimago subadult aquatic-insect Mississippi-River blacklight-attraction
Monochamus clamator latus
Spotted Pine Sawyer
Monochamus clamator latus is a subspecies of the spotted pine sawyer, a large longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae. Adults are active during summer months and are attracted to blacklights. The species breeds in dead, dying, or stressed coniferous trees, particularly pines. Adults have been observed on trunks of stressed Pinus ponderosa, with males exhibiting mate-guarding behavior.
Cerambycidae longhorned-beetle pine-sawyer wood-boring-beetle coniferous-forest mate-guarding aggregation-pheromone nocturnal blacklight-attraction
Nabis alternatus
Western Damsel Bug
Nabis alternatus, commonly known as the western damsel bug, is a predatory true bug in the family Nabidae. It occurs across western North America and into Central America. As a member of the damsel bug family, it is a small, active predator that feeds on other insects. The species has been documented in agricultural settings where it contributes to biological control of pest populations.
predator damsel-bug western-North-America agricultural-beneficial nocturnal blacklight-attraction
Parabagrotis formalis
cutworm moth, dart moth
Parabagrotis formalis is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1874. It is recorded from North America, with observations from California and other western regions. The species is attracted to ultraviolet light and has been documented at blacklighting events. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 11047.1.
noctuid-moth blacklight-attraction western-North-America cutworm-moth dart-moth
Pelochrista vagana
Pelochrista vagana is a species of tortricid moth in the tribe Eucosmini, originally described as Eucosma vagana by McDunnough in 1925. It belongs to a large genus of small moths whose larvae typically feed internally on plant tissues. The species has been documented in North America and is occasionally recorded at blacklight surveys, though it is not among the most frequently encountered tortricids in general collecting efforts.
tortricid-moth nocturnal blacklight-attraction Eucosmini North-America
Phigalia strigataria
Small Phigalia Moth
A small geometer moth (family Geometridae) native to North America. Males are winged and active in early spring, while females are wingless. The species exhibits a life history nearly identical to the Spring Cankerworm (Paleacrita vernata), with which it shares geographic range and seasonal timing. Adults do not feed; larvae are the dispersal and feeding stage.
geometer-moth inchworm-moth early-spring wingless-female ballooning-larvae blacklight-attraction
Psaphida thaxterianus
Thaxter's Sallow
Thaxter's Sallow is a noctuid moth found in eastern North America. The species belongs to the genus Psaphida, which includes several early spring-emerging sallow moths. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet and mercury vapor lights during night surveys. Like its congener P. rolandi, it likely exhibits univoltine life history with adult flight restricted to early spring months.
Noctuidae early-spring-moth blacklight-attraction
Zeugomantispa
Green Mantidflies
Zeugomantispa is a genus of small predatory mantidflies in the family Mantispidae, commonly known as green mantidflies. The genus contains at least three described species distributed in the Americas, with Zeugomantispa minuta being the most frequently encountered and commonly called the green mantisfly. Adults are sit-and-wait predators that ambush small soft-bodied insects, while larvae are specialized predators of spider eggs within egg sacs. The genus is distinguished by its green coloration and raptorial forelegs that resemble those of praying mantises, though the two groups are not closely related.
predator raptorial-forelegs convergent-evolution spider-egg-predator phoretic-larvae green-coloration blacklight-attraction