Diurnal-moth
Guides
Adela septentrionella
Ocean Spray Fairy Moth, Fairy Longhorn Moth
Adela septentrionella is a small fairy longhorn moth in the family Adelidae, described by Walsingham in 1880. The species is characterized by the exceptionally long antennae typical of male adelids, with forewings measuring 4.5–5.7 mm. Adults are active from mid-April to mid-July across their western North American range. The larvae are specialized feeders on the buds of Holodiscus discolor (ocean spray), a woody shrub in the rose family.
Adelidae
Fairy Moths, Fairy Longhorn Moths
Adelidae, commonly known as fairy longhorn moths or fairy moths, is a family of small monotrysian moths in the infraorder Heteroneura. Males are distinguished by extraordinarily long antennae, often 1–3 times the length of the forewing, while females have antennae about twice the forewing length. Most species exhibit metallic coloration and are diurnal, though some are crepuscular with drab coloration. The family was first described by Charles Théophile Bruand d'Uzelle in 1851 and was formerly treated as a subfamily (Adelinae) of Incurvariidae.
Albuna fraxini
Virginia Creeper Clearwing
Albuna fraxini, commonly known as the Virginia Creeper Clearwing, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. The species is native to the northern United States and southern Canada. Adults are active during summer months and are notable for their wasp-mimicking appearance. The larvae develop within the stems of woody host plants including Virginia creeper and various ash species.
Albuna pyramidalis
Fireweed Clearwing Moth
Albuna pyramidalis, commonly known as the fireweed clearwing moth, is a sesiid moth species native to North America. It belongs to the clearwing moth family Sesiidae, whose members are known for wasp-mimicking appearance and diurnal activity. The species is associated with fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) as a larval host plant. It is assigned Hodges number 2533 in the North American moth numbering system.
Alcathoe
Alcathoe is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, restricted to the New World tropics and extending north into the southern United States. These moths are notable for their striking wasp mimicry, with five species currently recognized north of Mexico. Males possess distinctive morphological features including highly bipectinate antennae and often a single tail-like appendage from the abdomen tip that approximates the dangling legs of wasps. The genus is rarely encountered due to diurnal activity and general disinterest in light traps.
Alcathoe carolinensis
Alcathoe carolinensis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, first described from the Carolinas region of the southeastern United States. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits wasp mimicry with reduced wing scaling that creates transparent areas. The species is part of a small genus of New World tropical clearwing moths that extends into the southern United States. Males possess distinctive morphological features including specialized abdominal appendages.
Alcathoe caudata
Clematis Clearwing Moth
Alcathoe caudata is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Clematis Clearwing Moth. The genus Alcathoe is restricted to the New World tropics and southern United States, with five species occurring north of Mexico. This species exhibits wasp mimicry, with transparent wings and a body form resembling spider wasps. Males possess a distinctive single tail-like appendage from the abdomen tip. The caterpillars are stem borers in Clematis plants.
Alcathoe pepsioides
Alcathoe pepsioides is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, known for its striking wasp mimicry. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and is one of five Alcathoe species found north of Mexico. Males possess a distinctive single tail-like abdominal appendage that approximates the dangling legs of spider wasps. The genus is otherwise restricted to the New World tropics.
Alcathoe verrugo
Alcathoe verrugo is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, native to the New World tropics and southern United States. Like other sesiids, it exhibits wasp mimicry, with transparent wings and a slender body that resembles hymenopterans in flight. The genus Alcathoe contains five species north of Mexico, all rarely encountered. Males possess a single tail-like abdominal appendage that approximates the dangling legs of wasps.
Alypia
forester moths, eight-spotted forester
Alypia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, native to North America. These moths are notable for their striking coloration—generally dark to black with contrasting yellowish or white spots—and their diurnal activity, which is unusual for noctuids. The genus includes approximately five described species, with A. octomaculata (eight-spotted forester) being the most familiar. Larvae feed on plants in the grape family (Vitaceae), including Virginia creeper and ampelopsis.
Alypia langtoni
Langton's Forester, Six-spotted Forester
Alypia langtoni, known as Langton's Forester or the Six-spotted Forester, is a diurnal moth in the family Noctuidae. First described by William Couper in 1865, this species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing spotting pattern. Males possess eight white spots on black wings, while females have six. The species has a broad transcontinental distribution across North America, with larvae that feed on fireweed (Chamaenerion species). Adults are active during daylight hours, an unusual trait among noctuids.
Alypia octomaculata
Eight-spotted Forester, Eight-spotted Forester Moth
Alypia octomaculata, the eight-spotted forester, is a day-flying moth in the family Noctuidae. Adults are strikingly colored with black bodies and eight contrasting spots on their wings—two per wing in white, cream, or yellow shades. The species is notable for its diurnal activity, unusual among noctuids, which frequently leads to misidentification as a butterfly. Larvae feed on grape family plants and are considered minor pests in vineyards.
Alypia wittfeldii
Wittfeld's Forester
Alypia wittfeldii, commonly known as Wittfeld's Forester, is a small noctuid moth endemic to the southeastern Atlantic coastal plain of the United States. First described by Henry Edwards in 1883, this species is notable for its restricted distribution, occurring almost exclusively in Florida (excluding the western panhandle), coastal Georgia, and South Carolina. Adults are active during the winter and early spring months, with forewings measuring 13–14 mm in length. The species belongs to the forester moths (genus Alypia), a group characterized by bright coloration and diurnal activity patterns that contrast with the typically nocturnal habits of most noctuids.
Alypiodes bimaculata
Two-spotted Forester
Alypiodes bimaculata, commonly known as the two-spotted forester, is a diurnal moth in the family Noctuidae. Despite its common name, it bears more than two spots; the name refers specifically to the single small spot on each hindwing. The species was first described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1853 and occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Amphion
nessus sphinxes
Amphion is a genus of sphinx moths (family Sphingidae) established by Hübner in 1819. The genus includes the Nessus Sphinx moth (Amphion floridensis), a widespread North American species known for its diurnal flight behavior and wasp-mimicking appearance. The genus name derives from Greek mythology, shared with several mythological figures including the builder of Thebes.
Anania funebris
White-spotted Sable
Anania funebris is a diurnal day-flying moth in the family Crambidae, commonly known as the white-spotted sable. It is widespread across Europe, northern Asia, and North America. The species exhibits a distinctive black-and-white wing pattern and has two recognized subspecies separated by geography: A. f. funebris in Eurasia and A. f. glomeralis in North America.
Anisota oslari
Oslar's oakworm moth
Anisota oslari is a saturniid moth native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults are day-flying and active during summer months, with a single annual generation. The larvae are specialized feeders on oak species (Quercus), with documented hosts including sandpaper oak (Q. pungens), Mexican blue oak (Q. oblongifolia), and shrub live oak (Q. turbinella). Larvae exhibit gregarious behavior when young, becoming solitary as they mature. The species overwinters as pupae in shallow underground chambers.
Anisota peigleri
yellowstriped oakworm, yellow-striped oakworm moth
Anisota peigleri is a saturniid moth native to the southeastern United States, described by Jules C. E. Riotte in 1975. Previously misidentified as Anisota senatoria, this species is distinguished by its diurnal adult activity and specific geographic range. The larvae are specialized oak feeders that develop in gregarious clusters, causing noticeable but generally non-lethal defoliation of host trees. The species completes one generation annually, with adults active from mid-July through late August.
Annaphila abdita
Annaphila abdita is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Rindge and Smith in 1952. It belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae, a group that includes day-flying moths. The species is found in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely diurnal, though direct observations of this specific species are limited.
Annaphila lithosina
Annaphila lithosina is a day-flying moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1875. It belongs to the Lithosina-casta species complex within the genus Annaphila, a group of small, attractive moths that are active during daylight hours rather than at night. The species is part of the subfamily Amphipyrinae and tribe Annaphilini. Limited published life history studies exist for this species.
Atteva aurea
Ailanthus Webworm Moth, Ermine Moth
Atteva aurea, commonly known as the ailanthus webworm moth or ermine moth, is a small, colorful moth native to Central America and the southern United States that has expanded its range northward following the introduction and spread of its host plant, the invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). The adult moth displays striking orange, black, and white coloration and is active during daylight hours, feeding on nectar from flowers such as ageratum. The larval stage, known as the ailanthus webworm, constructs communal silken webs on host plants and feeds on leaves, with the potential to defoliate small trees. The species has been proposed as a potential biological control agent for the invasive Tree of Heaven.
Carmenta ithacae
Ithaca Clearwing Moth
A clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by William Beutenmüller in 1897. The species occurs across much of North America and is active in mid-summer. Larvae feed on composite plants including Helenium and Aster species. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking in appearance.
Carmenta mariona
Carmenta mariona is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by William Beutenmüller in 1900. The species occurs in the western and central United States, with adults active during summer months. Larvae are root-feeding specialists on plants in the family Boraginaceae.
Carmenta pyralidiformis
Boneset Borer, Boneset Borer Moth
Carmenta pyralidiformis, commonly known as the boneset borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. First described by Francis Walker in 1856, this species occurs in the eastern and midwestern United States. The larvae are specialized root borers of Eupatorium species. Adults are active during daylight hours, a trait common among clearwing moths that mimic wasps or hornets.
Cauchas dietziella
fairy longhorn moth
Cauchas dietziella is a species of fairy longhorn moth in the family Adelidae, described by William D. Kearfott in 1908. It belongs to a group characterized by males with exceptionally long antennae. The species occurs in eastern North America. It remains poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited observational records.
Cauchas simpliciella
Cauchas simpliciella is a species of fairy longhorn moth in the family Adelidae. It was described by Walsingham in 1880. The species is found in western North America, ranging from Montana to the Pacific Northwest and south along the coast to California. As with other adelid moths, adults are characterized by extremely long antennae, particularly in males.
Cisseps
scape moths
Cisseps is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by John G. Franclemont in 1936. The genus contains three described species, with Cisseps fulvicollis (yellow-collared scape moth) being the most widely recognized. These moths are notable for their daytime flight activity and aposematic coloration, typically featuring a bright yellow or orange collar against a black body.
Composia fidelissima
Faithful Beauty, Uncle Sam moth
Composia fidelissima, commonly known as the Faithful Beauty or Uncle Sam moth, is a strikingly colored moth in the family Erebidae. It is notable for its bold red, white, and blue coloration and its diurnal activity pattern, unusual for most moths. The species occurs in southern Florida and the West Indies. It was first described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1866.
Ctenucha brunnea
Brown Ctenucha, Brown-winged Ctenucha
Ctenucha brunnea is a diurnal moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Richard Harper Stretch in 1872. It is endemic to coastal California, where it replaces the closely related Ctenucha multifaria in central to southern regions. Adults are notable for their metallic blue bodies, red heads, and brown wings. The species has a documented association with specific host plants for both adult nectar feeding and larval development.
Ctenucha cressonana
Cresson's ctenucha
Ctenucha cressonana, commonly known as Cresson's ctenucha, is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1863. It is a member of the genus Ctenucha, a group of tiger moths known for their wasp-mimicking appearance and diurnal activity. The species occurs in the Rocky Mountains of the southwestern United States. Adults have been observed laying eggs on grass blades, though the specific host plant for larval development remains unknown.
Ctenucha multifaria
White-margined Ctenucha Moth
Ctenucha multifaria is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, occurring in California and western Oregon. It is one of several species in the widespread genus Ctenucha, which are frequently encountered on flowers during late summer and fall. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits wasp-mimicking coloration with metallic blue-black body and contrasting markings. The species was described by Francis Walker in 1854.
Ctenucha rubroscapus
red-shouldered ctenucha moth, White-tipped Ctenucha
Ctenucha rubroscapus is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the red-shouldered ctenucha moth. It was described by Édouard Ménétriés in 1857. The species is restricted to low-elevation areas of western North America west of the Cascade Mountains. Adults are diurnal and visit flowers for nectar. The larvae feed on grasses and sedges in coastal and wetland habitats.
Ctenucha virginica
Virginia Ctenucha, Virginia Ctenucha Moth
Ctenucha virginica is a diurnal tiger moth in the family Erebidae, notable for its wasp-mimicking appearance. The species exhibits striking metallic blue-green body coloration with yellow-orange head and black to olive-brown wings. It is endemic to eastern North America with documented westward range expansion into the Canadian Rockies. Both larvae and adults are active feeders, with caterpillars consuming grasses, irises, and sedges while adults visit flowers for nectar.
Eichlinia
Eichlinia is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, established by Gorbunov in 2020. The genus belongs to the tribe Melittiini within the subfamily Sesiinae. As a recently described genus, its circumscription and included species are still being refined. Members of this genus are part of a group of moths known for their wasp-like appearance and diurnal activity patterns.
Eichlinia cucurbitae
Squash Vine Borer
Eichlinia cucurbitae, commonly known as the squash vine borer, is a sesiid moth whose larvae are a major pest of cucurbit crops. The adult moth is a diurnal clearwing that mimics wasps in appearance and behavior. Larvae tunnel into the stems of host plants, disrupting vascular tissues and causing vine wilt and death. The species has a broad distribution in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions and typically produces two generations per year in temperate climates.
Eichlinia snowii
Clearwing Borer Moth
Eichlinia snowii is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Clearwing Borer Moth. It belongs to a group of moths that exhibit Batesian mimicry of wasps and hornets through transparent wings and wasp-like coloration. The species was described by Edwards in 1882 and is native to North America. Like other sesiid moths, adults are diurnal and often visit flowers.
Epimartyria auricrinella
Goldcap Moss-Eater, goldcap moss-eater moth
Epimartyria auricrinella, commonly called the goldcap moss-eater moth, is a small moth in the family Micropterigidae. It is the first species in the North American moth numbering system (MONA 0001). The species is notable for its diurnal activity pattern and specialized larval diet on liverworts. It occurs in wet, shaded habitats of eastern North America where its host plants grow.
Euchromiina
Wasp Moths
Euchromiina is a subtribe of tiger moths (family Erebidae) established by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1876. The group comprises approximately 3,000 valid species when combined with the related subtribe Ctenuchina, with the majority occurring in the Neotropics. Members are renowned for their striking wasp-mimicking appearance, featuring bright aposematic coloration that advertises their chemical defenses. The subtribe was historically classified as tribe Euchromiini within subfamily Ctenuchinae of family Arctiidae before modern taxonomic revisions placed it within Erebidae.
Euproserpinus phaeton
Phaeton primrose sphinx moth, Phaeton Primrose Sphinx
Euproserpinus phaeton is a medium-sized sphinx moth (Sphingidae) native to arid regions of southwestern North America. Adults are diurnal nectar-feeders, flying rapidly close to ground level over desert washes and flats during early spring. The species has a single annual generation and is dependent on Onagraceae plants for larval development. Its restricted activity period and specific habitat requirements make it a notable component of spring desert ecosystems.
Harrisina
grapeleaf skeletonizer moths
Harrisina is a genus of moths in the family Zygaenidae, commonly known as grapeleaf skeletonizer moths. The genus includes several species, notably Harrisina americana (grapeleaf skeletonizer) and Harrisina metallica (western grapeleaf skeletonizer), which are significant agricultural pests of grapevines. Members of this genus are characterized by their aposematic coloration—typically black with bright red or metallic markings—and their ability to produce hydrogen cyanide as a chemical defense. The larvae feed gregariously on grape foliage, skeletonizing leaves by consuming the tissue between the veins.
Harrisina americana
Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Moth
Harrisina americana, commonly known as the Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Moth, is a day-flying moth in the family Zygaenidae. Adults are uniformly black with a distinctive bright red collar on the neck, serving as aposematic warning coloration. The species is notable among insects for its ability to produce hydrogen cyanide as a chemical defense. Larvae feed on grape family plants, skeletonizing leaves by consuming tissue between the veins. The moth is widespread in the eastern United States and is frequently observed in association with wild and cultivated grapes as well as Virginia creeper.
Heliolonche modicella
Agoseris Flower Moth
Heliolonche modicella is a small moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the Agoseris Flower Moth. It is notable for its diurnal activity, unusual among noctuid moths. The species has a wingspan of approximately 18 mm. It occurs in western North America, with confirmed records from California.
Hemaris diffinis
Snowberry Clearwing, Hummingbird Moth, Flying Lobster, Bumblebee Sphinx Moth
Hemaris diffinis is a day-flying sphinx moth notable for its bumblebee mimicry and clear, scale-free wing patches. Adults hover at flowers to feed on nectar using an exceptionally long proboscis. The species was historically confused with the cryptic Hemaris aethra in eastern North America, distinguished only recently through molecular and morphological analysis. Larvae are hornworm caterpillars that feed on various host plants including honeysuckle and snowberry.
Hemaris thetis
Rocky Mountain Clearwing, California Clearwing
Hemaris thetis is a day-flying sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain clearwing or California clearwing. The species exhibits clearwing morphology with reduced wing scaling, resembling a bumblebee in flight. Adults are active from May to August and feed on nectar from various flowers. The species was first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1855 and occurs in mountainous regions of western North America.
Hemaris thysbe
Hummingbird Clearwing, Hummingbird Clearwing Moth, Hummingbird Sphinx Moth, Common Clearwing
Hemaris thysbe is a diurnal hawkmoth known for its hummingbird-like flight and transparent wings. Adults hover at flowers to feed on nectar using an exceptionally long proboscis. The species exhibits significant color variation across its range, with northern and western populations typically showing smooth wing borders and lighter coloration, while southern and eastern populations tend toward darker colors with jagged wing borders. It is a migratory species with one generation per year in northern regions and two in the south.
Hemileuca
Sheepmoths, Buck Moths
Hemileuca is a genus of North American saturniid moths comprising approximately 32 recognized species. These moths are notable for their diurnal activity, rapid and erratic flight, and highly variable coloration ranging from muted grays and browns to bright yellows, oranges, and reds. The genus is adapted to hot, dry habitats including deserts, chaparral, and mountain regions, with life history traits synchronized to avoid harsh summer conditions. Caterpillars possess urticating spines that deliver painful stings to humans.
Hemileuca
sheep moth, buck moth
Hemileuca n-sp is an undescribed species of sheep moth or buck moth in the family Saturniidae. The genus Hemileuca comprises 24 recognized species in North America, with additional cryptic diversity likely to be resolved through ongoing DNA studies. These moths are diurnal, fast-flying, and often brightly colored, leading to frequent misidentification as butterflies. Males are subject to fatal attraction by Argiope spiders, which mimic female moth pheromones to lure prey. The genus exhibits substantial geographic variation in coloration and morphology, with some species ranging from nearly white to nearly black depending on locality.
Hemileuca chinatiensis
chinati sheepmoth, Chinati buck moth
Hemileuca chinatiensis, commonly known as the chinati sheepmoth or Chinati buck moth, is a species of giant silkmoth in the family Saturniidae. The species was described by Tinkham in 1943 and is native to North America. It belongs to the genus Hemileuca, which comprises 24 species in North America, commonly referred to as buck moths or sheep moths. These moths are diurnal and often mistaken for butterflies due to their bright coloration.
Hemileuca electra mojavensis
Hemileuca electra mojavensis is a subspecies of buck moth in the family Saturniidae, first described by Tuskes & McElfresh in 1993. As a member of the Hemileucinae subfamily, its larvae bear venomous spines characteristic of this group. The subspecies is associated with the Mojave Desert region and exhibits geographic variation typical of the Hemileuca electra species complex.
Hemileuca hera
Sagebrush Sheep Moth, Hera Buckmoth
Hemileuca hera is a large, day-flying Saturniid moth (buck moth) native to western North America. First described by Thaddeus William Harris in 1841, this species exhibits striking geographic color variation ranging from nearly white to nearly black depending on locale. Adults are diurnal, lack functional feeding mouthparts, and do not feed. The species comprises two recognized subspecies: H. h. hera (Great Basin) and H. h. marcata (Southern Oregon). Larvae feed on sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata, A. tripartita) and other plants including Lupinus and Eriogonum.