Cutworm
Guides
Abagrotis apposita
cutworm moth, dart moth
Abagrotis apposita is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1878. It belongs to a genus of cutworm and dart moths whose larvae are known as cutworms. The species occurs in North America and has been assigned Hodges number 11037. It is part of the diverse Noctuidae family, one of the largest moth families.
Abagrotis bimarginalis
Pale-edged Dart
Abagrotis bimarginalis is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1883. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 11017.
Abagrotis cupida
Cupid dart, brown climbing cutworm
Abagrotis cupida is a noctuid moth found across southern Canada and the eastern United States. Adults have a wingspan of 33–35 mm and fly in late summer, with one generation per year. Larvae feed on woody plants including willow, apple, grape, and peach. The species is known by two common names reflecting different life stages: 'Cupid dart' for the adult moth and 'brown climbing cutworm' for the larva.
Abagrotis mexicana
Mexican cutworm, Mexican dart moth
Abagrotis mexicana is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Lafontaine in 1998. The species belongs to a genus of soil-dwelling larvae commonly known as cutworms or dart moths. It is distributed across Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available literature. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 11029.1.
Abagrotis orbis
well-marked cutworm, Barnes' climbing cutworm
Abagrotis orbis is a noctuid moth commonly known as the well-marked cutworm or Barnes' climbing cutworm. First described by Grote in 1876, this species occurs across southwestern North America with a notable disjunct population in the southern Great Lakes dune habitats. Adults are active in late summer, and larvae are recognized as orchard pests that feed on flowers of fruit trees.
Actebia
Eversmann's rustic, Portland moth
Actebia is a genus of noctuid moths established by Stephens in 1829. The genus includes several species distributed across northern regions, with notable members including Actebia fennica (Eversmann's rustic or black army cutworm) and Actebia praecox (Portland moth). Some species have been observed to respond to landscape fire smoke with altered reproductive behavior.
Admetovis oxymorus
cutworm moth, dart moth
Admetovis oxymorus is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1873. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species occurs in North America and has been frequently misidentified with related species in the genus. Its larvae are believed to be climbing cutworms that feed on woody shrubs.
Agnorisma badinodis
Pale-banded Dart, Spotted-sided Cutworm
Agnorisma badinodis is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 36 mm. It occurs in southern Canada and the eastern United States, with one generation annually. Larvae feed on a broad range of herbaceous plants and crops.
Agrotis
cutworms
Agrotis is a large genus of noctuid moths containing numerous cutworm species, many of which are significant agricultural pests. The genus was established by Ferdinand Ochsenheimer in 1816. Several species have been documented as extinct. Larvae are known as cutworms due to their habit of severing plant stems at or near the soil surface. The bogong moth (Agrotis infusa) was historically important as a seasonal food source for Indigenous Australians.
Agrotis buchholzi
Buchholz's dart moth
Agrotis buchholzi, commonly known as Buchholz's dart moth, is a noctuid moth species first described by Barnes and Benjamin in 1929. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is found in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10654.
Agrotis gladiaria
Swordsman Dart, Claybacked Cutworm
Agrotis gladiaria is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Swordsman Dart or Claybacked Cutworm. The species is distributed across eastern North America, from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States. Adults are active in autumn, with larvae feeding on a broad range of agricultural and wild plants. The larval stage functions as a cutworm, severing plant stems at or near the soil surface.
Agrotis ipsilon
dark sword-grass, ipsilon dart, black cutworm, greasy cutworm, floodplain cutworm
Agrotis ipsilon is a globally distributed noctuid moth whose larvae, known as black cutworms, are serious agricultural pests. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive black Y-shaped or epsilon-shaped markings on brown forewings. The species exhibits seasonal migration, traveling north in spring and south in fall to avoid temperature extremes. Larvae feed on a wide range of vegetable crops and grains, cutting plants at or below the soil surface and causing significant economic damage.
Agrotis malefida
Rascal Dart, Palesided Cutworm
Agrotis malefida, commonly known as the rascal dart or palesided cutworm, is a noctuid moth species distributed across the southern United States and throughout the Neotropics from Mexico to Argentina and Chile. The species exhibits notable seasonal variation in adult emergence, appearing in late January in northern portions of its range while flying year-round in southern regions. Larvae are significant agricultural pests, feeding on a broad range of broad-leaved herbaceous plants and causing damage to major crops including corn, cotton, and various vegetables.
Agrotis obliqua
Oblique Dart
Agrotis obliqua is a noctuid moth native to North America, first described by Edgar Albert Smith in 1903. The species has a wingspan of approximately 30 mm. Adults are active in spring and early summer, with a single generation produced annually. It is found across a broad geographic range from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island, extending southward to Colorado, Arizona, and California.
Agrotis orthogonia
Pale Western Cutworm Moth, Pale Western Cutworm
Agrotis orthogonia, the Pale Western Cutworm Moth, is a noctuid moth native to dry regions of western North America. Its larvae are subterranean cutworms that feed on the stems of wheat and other small grains just below the soil surface, causing significant agricultural damage during outbreaks. The species prefers loose, sandy, dry, or dusty soils and is particularly associated with wheat production systems. Adult moths emerge in late summer and fall, with most eggs hatching in late winter or early spring.
Agrotis rileyana
Riley's cutworm, Riley's dart moth
Agrotis rileyana is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Morrison in 1874. The species belongs to the genus Agrotis, a large group of noctuid moths commonly known as dart moths or cutworms whose larvae are significant agricultural pests. Adults are active in late summer. The species is native to North America with records from the Canadian prairie provinces.
Agrotis stigmosa
Spotted Dart
Agrotis stigmosa, commonly known as the Spotted Dart, is a noctuid moth species first described by Morrison in 1874. It is distributed across northern North America from New England westward through the Great Plains to eastern Alberta. The species is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut, indicating conservation attention. Adults are active in late spring and early summer, with a single generation per year.
Agrotis venerabilis
dusky cutworm, Venerable Dart
Agrotis venerabilis, commonly known as the dusky cutworm or Venerable Dart, is a noctuid moth species first described by Francis Walker in 1857. The species has a broad transcontinental distribution across North America, ranging from central Canada to Mexico. Adults are active from August to September in temperate regions, with an extended season in the Neotropics beginning as early as March. The larvae are agricultural pests known as cutworms that feed on a variety of cultivated crops and weeds.
Agrotis vetusta
Old Man Dart, Spotted-legged Cutworm, Muted Dart (for subspecies A. v. mutata)
Agrotis vetusta is a medium-sized noctuid moth commonly known as the Old Man Dart or Spotted-legged Cutworm. Adults have a wingspan of 35–42 mm and are active from August to September. The species is notable for its broad North American distribution spanning from southern Alaska to Nova Scotia and southward into Mexico. Larvae are polyphagous cutworms that feed on forbs, vegetables, and row crops, occasionally causing agricultural damage. Three subspecies are recognized, with A. v. mutata restricted to western populations.
Agrotis volubilis
Voluble Dart, Voluble Dart Moth
Agrotis volubilis, the voluble dart moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Leon F. Harvey in 1874. It has a broad distribution across North America, ranging from Newfoundland to British Columbia in Canada and from Maine to Florida west to the Pacific Coast in the United States. The species is univoltine, with adults active from May to July. Larvae are generalist feeders on a variety of herbaceous plants including agricultural crops.
Amphipoea interoceanica
Interoceanic Ear Moth, Strawberry Cutworm Moth, Strawberry Cutworm
Amphipoea interoceanica is a noctuid moth species first described by Smith in 1899. It is widely distributed across North America, occurring from coast to coast in the United States and across much of southern Canada. The species is known for its larval association with strawberry plants and other low-growing vegetation.
Anaplectoides pressus
Dappled Dart, dappled dart moth
Anaplectoides pressus, commonly known as the dappled dart moth, is a noctuid moth native to North America. The species was first described by Grote in 1874 under the basionym Eurois pressus. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is recorded in Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, as well as in the United States.
Anarta alta
cutworm, dart moth
Anarta alta is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. First described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1924, this species is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10229. Originally described under the genus Scotogramma, it was later transferred to Anarta. The specific epithet 'alta' may refer to high-elevation habitats, though this interpretation is speculative.
Anathix aggressa
cutworm, dart moth
Anathix aggressa is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1907. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is native to North America, with confirmed records from the Canadian prairie provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9963.
Anicla espoetia
Anicla espoetia is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Dyar in 1910. It belongs to a genus of moths commonly known as cutworms or darts. The species is found in both North America and Middle America. Like other members of the genus Anicla, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Anicla infecta
Green Cutworm Moth, Green Cutworm
Anicla infecta is a noctuid moth native to the Americas, ranging from southeastern Canada to South America. The species is known by two common names reflecting its life stages: the green cutworm (larva) and green cutworm moth (adult). Adults have a wingspan of 30–35 mm and are active from June through September. The species is attracted to blacklight and has been documented visiting flowers as a pollinator.
Apamea amputatrix
Yellow-headed Cutworm, Yellow-headed Cutworm Moth
Apamea amputatrix, commonly known as the yellow-headed cutworm, is a noctuid moth native to North America with a range extending to the Arctic. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 40 mm and are active from April to October depending on location. The species is recognized as a cutworm pest, with larvae feeding on a broad range of host plants including vegetable crops. Identification to species level is challenging due to individual variation and overlap with other Apamea species.
Apamea devastator
glassy cutworm moth, glassy cutworm
Apamea devastator, commonly known as the glassy cutworm moth, is a noctuid moth of northeastern North America. The adult has a wingspan of 35–40 mm and flies from May to September. The larva is a subterranean cutworm that feeds on grasses, attacking roots and basal stems. The species is economically significant as a pest of turfgrass and agricultural grasses.
Apamea lignicolora
Wood-colored Apamea Moth, Wood-coloured Quaker
Apamea lignicolora is a noctuid moth native to North America, with a wingspan of 45–50 mm. The species was described by Guenée in 1852 and occurs across much of Canada and the United States. Larvae feed on various grasses including couch grass (Agropyron repens). Two subspecies are recognized: A. l. lignicolora and A. l. quaesita.
Apamea niveivenosa
Snowy-veined Apamea Moth
Apamea niveivenosa, known as the snowy-veined apamea, is a noctuid moth native to northern North America. The species was first described by Grote in 1879. Its larvae are subterranean cutworms that feed on grasses and have been documented as pests of grain crops in interior North America. The species occurs across Canada and extends south to California.
Apamea plutonia
Dusky Apamea Moth, Dusky Quaker
Apamea plutonia, known as the Dusky Apamea Moth or Dusky Quaker, is a small noctuid moth native to northern North America. First described by Grote in 1883, it is characterized by its very dark, nearly black forewings and forewing length of 16–17 mm. The species occurs primarily in boreal regions with scattered populations extending southward. Its larvae are cutworms that feed on grasses.
Apamea remissa
Dusky Brocade
Apamea remissa, commonly known as the dusky brocade, is a noctuid moth species with a wingspan of 36–42 mm. It occurs across the Palearctic region from Europe through Siberia to Japan, with disjunct populations in Alaska. The species exhibits considerable variation in wing markings, making identification challenging in some forms.
Apamea zeta
Northern Arches, Zeta Moth
Apamea zeta is a medium-sized noctuid moth with a Holarctic distribution spanning Europe and northern North America. Adults are active from July to August in Britain and display variable gray-green forewings with distinctive black markings. The species exhibits notable morphological variation across its range, with several described forms and subspecies. Larvae are cutworms that feed on grasses, including fescues in alpine tundra habitats.
Caradrina beta
cutworm, dart moth
Caradrina beta is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1926. It is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9655.1. As a member of the genus Caradrina, it belongs to a group of moths commonly known as mottled rustic moths.
Cucullia intermedia
Intermediate Hooded Owlet, Dusky Hooded Owlet, Intermediate Cucullia, Goldenrod Cutworm
Cucullia intermedia is a noctuid moth distributed across southern Canada and the northern United States, with western populations extending to California and eastern populations reaching Pennsylvania. The species exhibits two generations annually, with adults active from May through October. Larvae feed on leaves of trees and shrubs including birch, poplar, and willow, as well as flowers of Asteraceae such as Lactuca species.
Dargida
wheat head armyworm moths
Dargida is a genus of noctuid moths containing approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. The genus includes several species whose larvae are known as wheat head armyworms, significant agricultural pests of small grains. Adult moths are medium-sized with wingspans of 1¼ to 1½ inches, typically yellow-brown with longitudinal stripes on the forewings. The genus was established by Francis Walker in 1856 and has historically included species formerly placed in the synonymized genus Faronta.
Dargida procinctus
Girdler Moth, Olive Green Cutworm
Dargida procinctus is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Girdler Moth or Olive Green Cutworm. It occurs across western and central North America from the Canadian prairies to the southwestern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 40 mm. Larvae feed primarily on grasses, with Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass) documented as a preferred host.
Dargida tetera
Wheat Head Armyworm
Dargida tetera is a noctuid moth in the genus Dargida, commonly known as a wheat head armyworm. The species is part of a group of 13 similar-looking Dargida species whose larvae feed on wheat heads. It is found in North America and is considered a minor pest of wheat, particularly in the Texas High Plains region. The moth has a wingspan of approximately 1¼ to 1½ inches.
Dichagyris arabella
cutworm, dart moth
Dichagyris arabella is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Dyar in 1901. It is classified within the subfamily Noctuinae and is native to North America. The species has been documented through limited observations, with 14 records on iNaturalist. Like other members of the genus Dichagyris, it is likely nocturnal and associated with open habitats.
Dichagyris proclivis
Dichagyris proclivis is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1887. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 10871 for North American moth identification. Records indicate presence across North America, with 70+ observations documented on iNaturalist.
Egira
Egira is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae. The genus includes species that are agricultural pests, notably Egira curialis, commonly known as the citrus cutworm. This species feeds on young citrus fruit in California groves, causing scarring damage that can render fruit unmarketable. Research indicates that caterpillar densities and associated fruit scarring are higher in larger citrus groves.
Egira alternans
Alternate Woodling
Egira alternans, commonly known as the alternate woodling, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. The species was originally described by Walker in 1857 as Hapalia alternans. It is found in North America, with distribution records including the northeastern United States. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10517.
Egira baueri
Egira baueri
Egira baueri is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Buckett in 1968. The species is found in North America and has been assigned Hodges number 10503. Very little specific information is available about its biology or ecology.
Egira crucialis
Egira crucialis is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Harvey in 1875. It is native to North America and has been recorded as an early-season pest of citrus in California's San Joaquin Valley, where it feeds on very young fruit. The species is listed under Hodges number 10508 in the Moths of North America (MONA) database.
Egira perlubens
brown woodling
Egira perlubens, known as the brown woodling, is a noctuid moth species found in North America. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species was first described by Grote in 1881 under the basionym Xylomiges perlubens. Its MONA or Hodges number is 10515.
Egira purpurea
Egira purpurea is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1910. The specific epithet 'purpurea' (Latin for 'purple') likely refers to coloration of the adult. As a member of the genus Egira, it belongs to a group of moths whose larvae are commonly known as cutworms or armyworms. The species is native to North America.
Egira rubrica
cutworm, dart moth
Egira rubrica is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. The species was described by Harvey in 1878 and is native to North America. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10514. Two subspecies are recognized: Egira rubrica rubrica and Egira rubrica rubricoides Barnes & Benjamin, 1924. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are sometimes referred to as citrus cutworms.
Elaphria fuscimacula
Cutworm Moth, Dart Moth
Elaphria fuscimacula is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Grote in 1881 and is assigned Hodges number 9675.
Epidemas cinerea
cutworm, dart moth
Epidemas cinerea is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10002. Very little specific information is available about its biology or ecology.
Eucoptocnemis fimbriaris
Fringed Dart
Eucoptocnemis fimbriaris, known as the fringed dart, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Guenée in 1852 and was originally placed in the genus Heliophobus. The species is found in North America and is assigned Hodges number 10694 in the North American moth numbering system.