Conifer-feeder
Guides
Abagrotis mirabilis
Abagrotis mirabilis is a noctuid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1879. It occurs in western North America from British Columbia to California. The species has a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. Larvae feed on Juniperus and Cedrus species.
Acleris
Acleris is a large genus of tortrix moths in the family Tortricidae, containing approximately 241 species as of 2007. The genus includes several economically significant forest pests, notably the black-headed budworm complex (A. gloverana-variana), which causes periodic outbreaks in North American coniferous forests. Some species are also agricultural pests, such as A. comariana on strawberries. The genus has a Holarctic distribution with records from North America, Europe, and Asia.
Aplectoides condita
Large-spotted Dart
Aplectoides condita is a noctuid moth native to North America, commonly known as the Large-spotted Dart. The species has a transcontinental distribution across central and southern Canada, with southern extensions into the eastern United States and the Rocky Mountain region. Adults are active from late spring through mid-summer. Larvae have been successfully reared on conifer hosts, showing a documented preference for tamarack over balsam fir.
Chionodes continuella
Spring Oak Leafroller Moth
Chionodes continuella is a small gelechiid moth with a Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, and North America. Adults are active during summer months in western Europe. The species has been misnamed 'spring oak leafroller' despite larvae feeding on conifers and lichens rather than oak.
Choristoneura albaniana
Choristoneura albaniana is a tortricid moth first described by Francis Walker in 1863. The species occurs across boreal and montane regions of North America and the northern Palearctic. Larvae feed on Prunus pennsylvanica (pin cherry) and Larix species (larches), making it a conifer and hardwood specialist within its genus.
Choristoneura spaldingiana
Choristoneura spaldingiana is a species of leafroller moth in the family Tortricidae. The genus Choristoneura includes several economically significant conifer-feeding species, most notably the spruce budworm (C. fumiferana), a major forest pest in North America. While specific details about C. spaldingiana remain sparse in the provided sources, congeners in this genus are known for caterpillars that feed on conifer foliage and display characteristic leaf-rolling behaviors for shelter.
Coleotechnites atrupictella
Spruce Micromoth
A small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 9–10 mm, recognized by its distinctive blackish forewing fasciae. The larvae are folivores on conifers, feeding on spruce, pine, hemlock, Douglas-fir, and subalpine fir. The species is univoltine, with adults active from April to September and larvae present in June and July. It overwinters as an egg.
Coleotechnites coniferella
Conifer Needleminer
Coleotechnites coniferella is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of approximately 9 mm. The species is distributed across North America, with records from California to the northeastern United States and Canada. Larvae are known to feed on Pinus species, earning the common name Conifer Needleminer.
Dasychira grisefacta
Grizzled Tussock Moth, Pine Tussock
Dasychira grisefacta is a tussock moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1911. Males have functional wings with a wingspan of approximately 42 mm, while females are wingless. The species is associated with coniferous forests and has a broad distribution across western North America. Larvae feed on several genera of conifers including Douglas-fir, hemlock, spruce, and pine.
Dioryctria clarioralis
Blister Coneworm Moth
Dioryctria clarioralis, commonly known as the blister coneworm moth, is a species of pyralid moth found in the eastern United States. The larvae feed on various Pinus species, particularly attacking flower clusters and shoots. The species is part of a genus whose members are generally known as coneworm moths due to larval feeding habits in conifer cones and shoots.
Dioryctria westerlandi
Westerland's Coneworm Moth
Dioryctria westerlandi is a small coneworm moth species described in 2002 from California. Adults are pale with strongly contrasting dark transverse bands and reddish patches on the wings. The species is active in late summer and fall, with adults flying from July through October. Larvae are suspected to feed on Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi).
Egira hiemalis
Egira hiemalis is a noctuid moth species native to western North America. Adults are active during winter and early spring, an unusual seasonality for Lepidoptera. The species is notable for its cold-weather activity pattern and association with coniferous and hardwood host plants. It was first described by Grote in 1874 under the basionym Xylomiges hiemalis.
Elaphria versicolor
Variegated Midget
Elaphria versicolor, commonly known as the variegated midget, is a small noctuid moth native to north-eastern North America. The species has a wingspan of approximately 22 mm and is active from May to July. Larvae feed on conifers and certain hardwood trees.
Epinotia zandana
Epinotia zandana is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae. Originally described by Kearfott in 1907 as Eucosma zandana, it was later transferred to the genus Epinotia. Like other members of this genus, it is likely a small moth associated with coniferous hosts, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Eufidonia notataria
Powder Moth
Eufidonia notataria, commonly known as the powder moth, is a North American geometrid moth with a wingspan of 22–27 mm. Adults are active from May to July with a single annual generation. The larvae feed on coniferous trees including balsam fir, eastern hemlock, eastern larch, and spruces.
Eupithecia annulata
larch pug moth
Eupithecia annulata, commonly known as the larch pug moth, is a small geometrid moth first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. The species is notable for its broad distribution across North America, ranging from the Yukon to Newfoundland and south to California and Colorado. Adults are active in spring, with larvae feeding on a diverse array of coniferous and some deciduous host plants including larch, spruce, fir, Douglas-fir, and western red cedar.
Eupithecia niphadophilata
A small geometrid moth in the genus Eupithecia, commonly known as a "pug." First described in 1904, this species ranges across western North America from British Columbia to New Mexico. Adults fly in late summer, while larvae feed on coniferous trees including juniper and western redcedar. The species overwinters as an egg.
Eupithecia olivacea
A North American geometrid moth described by Taylor in 1906. The species is notable for its uniform olive-brown forewings and early spring flight period. Larvae are associated with coniferous trees including firs, spruces, and hemlocks, as well as hawthorn. The species has been documented as a nocturnal visitor to apple flowers, suggesting potential pollination activity.
Eupithecia palpata
small pine looper
Eupithecia palpata, commonly known as the small pine looper, is a moth in the family Geometridae. First described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1873, this species occurs across Canada and the northeastern United States. The larvae feed on conifers including balsam fir, eastern hemlock, eastern larch, pines, and spruces. Adults have been observed visiting flowers, including apple blossoms, suggesting a role in nocturnal pollination.
Eupithecia placidata
Eupithecia placidata is a small geometrid moth in the pug group, first described by Taylor in 1908. It occurs in western North America from British Columbia to California. The species has a wingspan of approximately 20 mm and is active as an adult from February through October. Its larvae feed on a diverse range of coniferous and deciduous trees including junipers, cedars, poplars, pines, Douglas-fir, firs, hemlocks, and birches.
Eupithecia russeliata
A small North American geometrid moth first described in 1908. Adults are active from May through October and have been documented visiting apple flowers at night, contributing to nocturnal pollination. The species is widespread across Canada and the United States, with larvae feeding on spruce and possibly other conifers.
Eupithecia unicolor
Pug Moth
Eupithecia unicolor is a small geometrid moth native to western North America. Adults are active from spring through late autumn, with a wingspan of approximately 21 mm. The species is notable for its narrow wings and characteristic resting posture typical of pug moths. Larvae feed on coniferous trees including juniper, western redcedar, and Alaska cedar.
Feralia comstocki
Comstock's Sallow
Feralia comstocki, commonly known as Comstock's Sallow, is a noctuid moth found across northern and western North America. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874. Adults fly in spring, with larvae feeding on pine species. One subspecies, F. c. columbiana, is recognized.
Feralia jocosa
jocose sallow, joker moth
Feralia jocosa is a noctuid moth known as the jocose sallow or joker moth. It occurs across boreal and temperate forests of North America from Newfoundland to coastal British Columbia, though it is replaced by the related Feralia deceptiva in the lower mainland and Vancouver Island. The species is a spring flyer with a narrow wingspan of 30–32 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on Pinus species, with documented use of Tsuga canadensis in some populations.
Hypsopygia thymetusalis
spruce needleworm moth, paler dolichomia moth
Hypsopygia thymetusalis is a small pyralid moth known commonly as the spruce needleworm moth. The species was described by Francis Walker in 1859 and occurs across northern North America. Larvae are specialized feeders on spruce (Picea), constructing rolled leaf shelters. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 22 mm.
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.
Lophocampa argentata
Silver-spotted Tiger Moth
Lophocampa argentata, the silver-spotted tiger moth, is a univoltine moth species in the family Erebidae, native to western North America. Caterpillars are densely hairy with distinctive black and yellow hair tufts and feed on conifer needles, particularly Douglas-fir. Adults have reddish-brown wings marked with silvery spots. The species has been documented forming larval colonies in forest canopies and can cause noticeable defoliation of host trees.
Macaria graphidaria
Bold-marked Granite
Macaria graphidaria is a North American moth species in the family Geometridae, described by George D. Hulst in 1887. Adults display distinctive wing patterning with bold, dark markings on a lighter background. The species is associated with coniferous forests and has been documented across western North America. Larval stages feed on conifer foliage.
Nepytia canosaria
False Hemlock Looper Moth, false hemlock looper
Nepytia canosaria is a North American geometrid moth commonly known as the false hemlock looper. The species occurs across a broad transcontinental range from northeastern Alberta to the Atlantic provinces, extending south through New England. Adults are active in late summer, with flight records from August through September. The larval stage feeds primarily on conifers including balsam fir, eastern hemlock, and various spruce species.
Parasa
slug moths
Parasa is a pantropical genus of slug moths (family Limacodidae) characterized by adults with green-banded forewings and larvae possessing stinging hairs. The genus was established by Frederic Moore in 1860 and contains numerous species distributed across Asia, the Americas, and other tropical regions. Recent taxonomic revisions have clarified the identity of the type species P. chloris and used DNA barcoding to resolve relationships among morphologically similar species. The genus includes both generalist and specialist herbivores, with at least one species documented as the first conifer-feeding specialist in the family.
Patalene olyzonaria
Juniper Geometer Moth, juniper-twig geometer
Patalene olyzonaria, commonly known as the juniper-twig geometer or Juniper Geometer Moth, is a small geometrid moth native to eastern North America. It is notable for its association with coniferous host plants, particularly junipers. The species exhibits an extended flight period with multiple generations per year, making it a common late-season moth at blacklight stations.
Protoboarmia porcelaria
Porcelain Gray, Dash-lined Looper
Protoboarmia porcelaria is a Geometrid moth commonly known as the Porcelain Gray or Dash-lined Looper. Adults are medium-sized with brown-gray wings marked by crossed curved lines and a distinctive black blotch. The species occurs throughout North America except the far north, with one generation annually in northern regions and two in southern areas. Larvae feed primarily on conifer foliage and overwinter in their penultimate instar stage.
Rhyacionia duplana
summer shoot moth, Elgin shoot moth
A small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 14–18 mm, Rhyacionia duplana is known for larval damage to young pine trees. Adults emerge in early spring, with flight beginning in March in warmer regions and April elsewhere. The species has a broad distribution across northern and central Europe through eastern Russia to East Asia, with subspecies recognized in Europe and Japan.
Rhyacionia sonia
Rhyacionia sonia is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae, and tribe Eucosmini. Described by Miller in 1967, this species belongs to a genus of small moths commonly known as pine shoot borers or tip moths. The genus Rhyacionia is primarily associated with coniferous hosts, with larvae typically feeding on pine shoots and buds.
Syngrapha angulidens
Syngrapha angulidens is a noctuid moth described by Smith in 1891. It is distributed across montane regions of western North America from Alaska to New Mexico. The species has a single annual generation with adults active in mid-summer.
Syngrapha celsa
plain silver Y, western conifer looper
Syngrapha celsa is a noctuid moth known as the plain silver Y or western conifer looper. The species was described by Henry Edwards in 1881 and occurs in western North America. Larvae are specialized feeders on coniferous trees in the families Pinaceae and Cupressaceae.
Syngrapha rectangula
Salt-and-pepper Looper Moth, Salt and Pepper Looper, Angulated Cutworm
Syngrapha rectangula is a noctuid moth species found across northern North America, from eastern Canada through the Great Lakes region and westward to the Pacific Northwest. Adults are active during summer months, with larvae feeding on coniferous trees including balsam fir, western hemlock, white spruce, and Douglas-fir. The species exhibits two recognized subspecies with distinct geographic distributions.
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.
Zale curema
Black-eyed Zale Moth, Northeastern Pine Zale, Black-eyed Zale
Zale curema is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by John Bernhard Smith in 1908. The species is strongly associated with pitch pine forests in eastern North America. It has one generation per year, with larvae feeding preferentially on young needles of pitch pine. The species is listed as endangered in Connecticut but considered globally secure.
Zale duplicata
Pine False Looper Moth, Pine False Looper, Banded Similar-wing, Grey Similar-wing
Zale duplicata is a noctuid moth native to North American coniferous woodlands. Adults have a wingspan of 34–36 mm and are active from late May through June, with a single annual generation. The species was first described by Charles J. S. Bethune in 1865 and occurs across a broad geographic range from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, extending south to Georgia and Texas.
Zale strigimacula
Little Lined Zale
Zale strigimacula, commonly known as the Little Lined Zale, is a species of moth in the family Erebidae. It belongs to the genus Zale, a group of owlet moths whose caterpillars feed on various woody plants. The species is part of the diverse North American noctuid fauna and is known to be a host for parasitoid wasps including Ammophila nigricans. The genus Zale is taxonomically complex with many similar species, making field identification challenging.
Zeiraphera
larch bud moths, spruce bud moths
Zeiraphera is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae, comprising approximately 35 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. The genus includes economically significant forest pests, notably the larch bud moth (Z. diniana) and spruce bud moth (Z. canadensis), which undergo periodic population outbreaks causing defoliation of coniferous hosts. Several species exhibit complex ecological traits including host race formation, pheromone polymorphism, and long-distance wind-mediated dispersal. The genus is characterized by larval feeding on conifer needles and a tendency toward cyclic population dynamics in certain species.