Diurnal-moth
Guides
Hemileuca hualapai
Hualapai Buckmoth
Hemileuca hualapai, the Hualapai buckmoth, is a species of giant silkmoth in the family Saturniidae. It is native to Central America and North America. The species was described by Neumoegen in 1883 and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7728. As a member of the genus Hemileuca, it shares characteristics with other buckmoths including diurnal flight activity and caterpillars with urticating spines.
Hemileuca maia
buck moth
Hemileuca maia, commonly known as the buck moth, is a saturniid moth native to eastern North America. The species has expanded its range northward in recent decades. Adults are diurnal and do not feed. Larvae feed gregariously on oak foliage and possess urticating spines capable of causing painful reactions in humans and animals. The species has one generation per year, with eggs overwintering on host twigs. Recent taxonomic research has clarified the complex evolutionary relationships within the H. maia-nevadensis species complex, elevating several previously synonymized populations to species status.
Hemileuca nuttalli
Nuttall's Sheep Moth, Nuttall's Buck Moth
Hemileuca nuttalli, or Nuttall's sheep moth, is a medium-sized saturniid moth native to western North America. It is one of approximately 24 species in the genus Hemileuca, commonly known as buck moths or sheep moths. The species exhibits distinctive yellow-orange and black wing patterning and has urticating larvae that feed on woody shrubs. Adults are diurnal and do not feed. In behavioral studies, male H. nuttalli showed no attraction to Argiope aurantia spider pheromone lures, unlike some closely related species, suggesting potential predator-prey coevolutionary dynamics.
Hemileuca peigleri
Texas buck moth
Hemileuca peigleri, the Texas buck moth, is a day-flying saturniid moth endemic to central Texas. Adults are short-lived and do not feed, relying on fat reserves accumulated during larval development. The species is closely associated with oak habitats, where larvae feed on several oak species. Taxonomic status has been debated, with some authorities treating it as a subspecies of Hemileuca maia, though it is currently recognized as a distinct species.
Horama panthalon
Texas Wasp Moth
Horama panthalon, commonly called the Texas Wasp Moth, is a moth in the subfamily Arctiinae (family Erebidae) known for its striking mimicry of paper wasps. The species was described by Fabricius in 1793 and occurs across a broad Neotropical and Nearctic range. Adults are active year-round in warmer regions and possess a wingspan of 32–34 mm. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry, resembling Polistes wasps in coloration and flight behavior as a defense against predators.
Hyles lineata
white-lined sphinx, hummingbird moth
Hyles lineata is a large, abundant sphinx moth native to North and Central America, recognized for its distinctive hovering flight and striking wing pattern. Adults display a 2–3 inch wingspan with dark brown forewings marked by white longitudinal lines and black hindwings bearing a broad pink median band. The species exhibits unusual flexibility in activity patterns, flying at dusk, dawn, and occasionally during daylight hours to feed on nectar. Caterpillars show extreme color polymorphism, ranging from black with orange spots to lime green with black markings, and possess a characteristic posterior horn. This generalist feeder has been documented on over a dozen plant families and serves as a significant pollinator and occasional agricultural pest.
Lantanophaga
A genus of plume moths (Pterophoridae) established by Zimmerman in 1958. Contains four described species, with L. pusillidactylus being the most widely documented due to its role as a biological control agent of the invasive weed Lantana camara. The genus is notable for its specialized association with this host plant across multiple continents.
Lomographa vestaliata
White Spring Moth, Spring Faerie
A small, all-white geometrid moth with a wingspan of 15–23 mm. Adults are diurnal and active in spring, often associated with flowering plants. The species occurs across much of North America in dry, shrubby habitats.
Lycomorpha
black-and-yellow lichen moths
Lycomorpha is a genus of lichen moths in the family Erebidae, established by Thaddeus William Harris in 1839. The genus comprises six described species distributed primarily in North America, with some species extending into the Neotropics. Members are known for their striking black-and-yellow or black-and-orange coloration and their participation in Müllerian mimicry complexes with net-winged beetles (family Lycidae). The best-studied species, L. pholus, is exclusively diurnal and retains functional hearing despite isolation from bat predation.
Lycomorpha pholus
black-and-yellow lichen moth
Lycomorpha pholus, the black-and-yellow lichen moth, is a diurnal moth in the family Erebidae. It occurs across much of eastern and central North America, where adults are active from late summer through fall. The species participates in a Müllerian mimicry complex with net-winged beetles (family Lycidae), sharing their distinctive black-and-orange warning coloration. Larvae feed on lichens and are cryptically colored to match their substrate.
Macaria brunneata
Rannoch looper
Macaria brunneata, the Rannoch looper, is a day-flying geometrid moth with a distinctive resting posture. The species shows a disjunct distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, occurring in boreal and montane regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. In Britain, it is highly localized to mature pine forests in central Scotland. The caterpillars feed on Ericaceae, particularly Vaccinium species.
Macroglossum
Hummingbird Hawkmoths
Macroglossum is a genus of hawkmoths (Sphingidae) known for their rapid, hovering flight and diurnal or crepuscular activity patterns. The genus contains approximately 100 species distributed across the Old World, with the most extensively studied species being Macroglossum stellatarum, the Hummingbird Hawkmoth. Members possess elongated proboscises adapted for nectar feeding from tubular flowers. Several species exhibit migratory behavior, with individuals capable of long-distance movements across continental Europe and into Africa. The genus serves as an important pollinator group, with some species showing specialized coevolutionary relationships with particular plant species.
Marmara fasciella
White Pine Barkminer Moth
Marmara fasciella, commonly known as the white pine barkminer moth, is a microlepidopteran species in the family Gracillariidae. It is distributed in eastern North America, with records from Québec, Canada, and several northeastern and mid-Atlantic U.S. states. The species is associated with coniferous and broadleaf trees, with larvae feeding internally on host plants.
Nannobotys commortalis
Sunshine Bantam
Nannobotys commortalis is a small crambid moth and the sole species in its genus. It occurs in western North America from eastern Washington through California to Nevada. The common name 'Sunshine Bantam' refers to its small size and diurnal activity pattern. Adults have been observed flying during daylight hours, an uncommon trait among moths.
Neoalbertia constans
Grape Leaf Skeletonizer
Neoalbertia constans is a zygaenid moth species commonly known as the Grape Leaf Skeletonizer. The species was originally described as Lycomorpha constans by Edwards in 1881 and later transferred to the genus Neoalbertia. It is recognized as a defoliating pest of grapevines in North America. The common name reflects the distinctive feeding damage caused by larvae, which consume leaf tissue between veins while leaving the vascular framework intact.
Neocaloreas leucobasis
Neocaloreas leucobasis is a species of metalmark moth in the family Choreutidae. The genus Neocaloreas was established to accommodate species formerly placed in the related genus Caloreas, reflecting revised understanding of relationships within this group of small, often colorful moths. Choreutidae moths are characterized by their distinctive wing patterns and diurnal or crepuscular habits. This species is known from limited collection records and iNaturalist observations, primarily from western North America.
Neoprocris floridana
Laurelcherry Smoky Moth
Neoprocris floridana is a small zygaenid moth endemic to the southeastern United States, described by Tarmann in 1984. The species is primarily known from Florida, with rare records from Alabama and North Carolina. Its common name reflects a presumed association with laurelcherry (Prunus caroliniana), though direct observations of larval feeding remain limited. The moth belongs to the forester moth subfamily Procridinae, a group characterized by diurnal activity and often aposematic coloration.
Neoscythris fissirostris
Neoscythris fissirostris is a small moth in the family Scythrididae, described by Edward Meyrick in 1928. It occurs in southwestern and central North America, with records from Arizona, California, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas. The species has a wingspan of 10–15 mm and exhibits distinctive forewing patterning with a white median streak. Like other scythridids, it has been observed visiting flowers of composite plants.
Paranthrene asilipennis
Oak Stump Borer Moth
Paranthrene asilipennis, known as the Oak Stump Borer Moth, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Like other sesiids, it exhibits wasp mimicry through transparent wings and a wasp-like body form. The species has been documented across Nearctic and Neotropical regions. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are associated with woody plants.
Paranthrene simulans
Hornet Clearwing Moth, Red Oak Clearwing Borer, Oak Clearwing Borer
Paranthrene simulans is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, known for its striking resemblance to hornets or wasps. Adults are active during daylight hours and are frequently mistaken for hymenopterans due to their transparent wings, wasp-like coloration, and flight behavior. The species is distributed across eastern North America, where larvae develop as borers in oak and other hardwood trees.
Phryganidia
California Oak Moth
Phryganidia is a genus of prominent moths in the family Notodontidae, containing three species found in western North America. The genus is best known for Phryganidia californica, commonly called the California Oak Moth or California Oakworm, which undergoes periodic population outbreaks that can cause extensive defoliation of oak trees along the California coast. The genus was formerly placed in its own family, Dioptidae, but has been reclassified into Notodontidae. Adults are dull brown with weak flight, while larvae are specialized feeders on oak foliage.
Phryganidia californica
California Oak Moth, California Oakworm
Phryganidia californica, commonly known as the California oak moth or California oakworm, is a moth in the family Notodontidae. It is the only member of its subfamily Dioptinae found north of Mexico. The species is notable for periodic population outbreaks that can cause extensive defoliation of oak trees along the California coast. Adults are active from March to November, with two generations per year in northern California and occasionally three in southern California.
Phyllonorycter crataegella
Apple Blotch Leafminer Moth
Phyllonorycter crataegella is a microlepidopteran in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the apple blotch leafminer moth. It is a significant pest of apple orchards in northeastern North America, where larvae create blotch mines in leaves. The species exhibits a primarily diurnal activity pattern with sex-specific flight timing: males fly intensely in the morning for mating, while females fly in the afternoon and evening for oviposition. It has three generations per year in its core range, with overwintering adults emerging in spring triggered by accumulated degree-days above 5°C.
Pseudosphex
Pseudosphex is a genus of tiger moths (subfamily Arctiinae, family Erebidae) established by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus comprises species that exhibit exceptional mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera, particularly wasps. These moths display near-perfect morphological and behavioral convergence with their models, including wasp-waisted bodies, yellow-black coloration, transparent wings held folded at rest, and wasp-like antennae. Recent research proposes that this precise mimicry may serve not only to deter vertebrate predators but also to avoid predation by the wasps themselves, which may fail to recognize the moths as prey due to innate conspecific recognition mechanisms.
Pseudosphex leovazquezae
Pseudosphex leovazquezae is a moth in the subfamily Arctiinae (tiger moths) described by Pérez and Sánchez in 1986. The species is known from southern Texas, Mexico, and Guatemala. Adults are active from September to November in Texas. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits wasp mimicry, displaying yellow-black patterning and transparent wings that closely resemble stinging wasps.
Psychomorpha epimenis
Grapevine Epimenis Moth
Psychomorpha epimenis, commonly known as the Grapevine Epimenis Moth, is a North American noctuid moth in the subfamily Agaristinae. Adults are diurnal and display striking black-and-white wing patterns with orange-red patches. The species is associated with grapevines and related plants. It is one of only two species in the genus Psychomorpha.
Schinia carrizoensis
Carrizo flower moth
Schinia carrizoensis is a species of flower moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Osbourne in 2010. It is known only from central California. The wingspan is approximately 31 mm. As a member of the genus Schinia, it likely shares the characteristic behavior of resting on host plant flowers during the day, though specific details for this species remain limited.
Schinia chrysellus
Chrysellus Flower Moth
Schinia chrysellus is a noctuid moth native to the Great Plains of North America. The species belongs to the genus Schinia, a diverse group of flower moths known for their colorful appearance and close association with host plants. Adults are diurnal and visit flowers for nectar. The caterpillars feed on the flowers and seed pods of their host plants, a trait common to many species in this genus.
Schinia edwardsii
Schinia edwardsii is a small noctuid moth in the genus Schinia, a diverse group of flower-associated moths often called "flower moths." The species was described by Smith in 1906 and is restricted to the northwestern United States. Like other Schinia species, adults are likely diurnal and associated with specific host plant flowers.
Schinia indiana
Phlox Moth
Schinia indiana, commonly known as the Phlox Moth, is a small noctuid moth native to the Midwestern United States. The species exhibits a close ecological association with its larval host plant, Phlox pilosa, feeding on its flowers and seed pods. Adults are diurnal and often rest on the host plant flowers, where their coloration provides camouflage. The species was described by Smith in 1908.
Schinia mitis
matutinal flower moth
Schinia mitis is a day-flying noctuid moth known for its highly restricted morning activity period. Unlike most noctuids, it is active only for a few hours after dawn, coinciding with the opening of its host plant flowers. The species exhibits a narrow geographic distribution in the southeastern United States and has been documented feeding on Pyrrhopappus species as larvae.
Schinia niveicosta
Spanish Needles Flower Moth
Schinia niveicosta is a noctuid moth species found in the southwestern United States. Adults are recorded primarily in March and April, with additional records from May and September through November, as well as January and February. The species is associated with the host plant Palafoxia linearis, on which its larvae feed. The common name Spanish Needles Flower Moth reflects its presumed association with flowers of its host plant.
Schinia nr-jaguarina
Jaguar Flower Moth (near species)
Schinia nr-jaguarina is a flower moth in the family Noctuidae, closely related to or potentially conspecific with Schinia jaguarina. The 'nr' designation indicates it is near the described species, suggesting possible taxonomic uncertainty or geographic variation. Like other members of the genus Schinia, it is likely diurnal and associated with specific host plants.
Schinia obscurata
Obscure Schinia Moth, Erigeron Flower Moth
Schinia obscurata is a noctuid moth in the subfamily Heliothinae, commonly known as the obscure schinia moth or Erigeron flower moth. It is one of approximately 123 North American species in the genus Schinia, a group noted for often colorful adults that frequently rest on or near their host plant flowers. The species is distributed across central and eastern North America, with larvae that specialize on Erigeron species.
Schinia suetus californica
Schinia suetus californica is a subspecies of flower moth in the family Noctuidae, endemic to California. It belongs to the genus Schinia, which contains at least 123 species in North America north of Mexico, many of which are diurnal and exhibit striking coloration that camouflages them on their host flowers. The subspecific epithet 'californica' indicates a restricted geographic distribution within the state. Like other Schinia species, it likely has a close ecological association with specific host plants for larval development.
Schinia thoreaui
Thoreau's Flower Moth
Schinia thoreaui, commonly known as Thoreau's Flower Moth, is a small noctuid moth native to North America. Adults are active during summer months and are associated with flowers of their host plants. The species was described by Grote and Robinson in 1870 and is one of approximately 123 Schinia species found in North America north of Mexico.
Schreckensteinia festaliella
Blackberry Skeletonizer
Schreckensteinia festaliella, known as the blackberry skeletonizer, is a small moth in the family Schreckensteiniidae. Native to the Palearctic, it has been introduced to North America where it is now widespread. The species is notable for its distinctive resting posture with hindlegs raised over the abdomen, and its larvae feed on Rubus species including bramble and raspberry.
Scythris trivinctella
banded scythris moth
Scythris trivinctella is a small North American moth in the family Scythrididae, commonly known as the banded scythris moth. It is one of the most frequently observed scythridid species, with nearly 4,000 iNaturalist records. Adults are active across a broad geographic range from New England to southern British Columbia and south to Mexico. The species was described by Zeller in 1873.
Sesia
clearwing moths
Sesia is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, characterized by their wasp-like appearance due to transparent wings and narrow bodies. These diurnal moths are active during daylight hours and are often mistaken for hymenopterans. The genus includes species that develop as wood-boring larvae in various tree hosts.
Sesiini
clearwing moths
Sesiini is a tribe of clearwing moths (family Sesiidae) characterized by reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent, wasp-like appearance. The tribe contains multiple genera distributed across tropical and temperate regions. Members of this tribe are diurnal and often mimic hymenopterans in appearance and flight behavior.
Synanthedon alleri
Synanthedon alleri is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, native to the Nearctic region. The species was originally described as Thamnosphecia alleri in 1946 and later transferred to Synanthedon. As with other sesiids, it exhibits wasp-mimicking morphology and reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent appearance. The species appears to be rarely encountered, with limited observational records available.
Synanthedon culiciformis
large red-belted clearwing, Large Red-belted Clearwing Moth
Synanthedon culiciformis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic realms. Adults are active from April to August and exhibit wasp-mimicking coloration. The species develops as a wood-boring larva in deciduous trees, particularly birch and alder.
Synanthedon decipiens
oakgall clearwing, oak gall borer, Oak Gall Borer Moth
Synanthedon decipiens is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, found in eastern North America. The species develops as a borer within woody oak galls formed by cynipid wasps. Adults are active primarily in June, with a possible second generation in September in some regions. The moth exhibits effective wasp mimicry, with a slender body, narrow transparent wings, and yellow abdominal banding.
Synanthedon fatifera
Arrowwood Clearwing Moth
A clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Arrowwood Clearwing Moth. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking, with predominantly dark coloration and pale markings. The species is known for boring into the crowns of Viburnum shrubs, where larval feeding can cause significant damage to host plants. It occurs across the northern Great Plains and adjacent regions of North America.
Synanthedon fulvipes
Synanthedon fulvipes is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, first described by Harris in 1839. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits wasp-mimicking morphology with reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent appearance. The species is part of a group of wood-boring moths whose larvae develop within plant tissues. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Synanthedon pictipes
lesser peachtree borer, lesser peach tree borer
Synanthedon pictipes, commonly known as the lesser peachtree borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults are diurnal wasp mimics with narrow, nearly scaleless wings and a black-and-white color pattern. The species is a significant pest of stone fruit trees, particularly peach, with larvae boring into trunks and branches. It occurs across eastern North America from Canada to Texas.
Synanthedon pini
pitch mass borer, Pitch Mass Borer Moth
Synanthedon pini, commonly known as the pitch mass borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. It is found in eastern North America, where it develops in the wood of pine and spruce trees. The larvae create pitch-filled tunnels in the inner bark and sapwood, causing defects in lumber but not killing host trees. Adults are active in mid-summer and have distinctive mostly clear wings.
Synanthedon polygoni
Buckwheat Root Borer Moth
A clearwing moth (family Sesiidae) whose larvae bore into the roots and crowns of buckwheat and related plants. Adults exhibit wasp-like mimicry with reduced wing scaling and are primarily diurnal. The species is found across western North America from the Great Plains to the Pacific.
Synanthedon richardsi
A North American clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, distinguished by wasp-mimicking appearance and diurnal activity. Adults have reduced wing scaling that creates transparent areas, and males possess strongly bipectinate antennae. The species is rarely encountered due to limited attraction to artificial light sources.
Synanthedon viburni
Viburnum Clearwing Borer, Arrowwood Borer
A clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae that develops as a borer in viburnum shrubs. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking, with transparent wings and dark bodies. The species is a documented pest of native arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) and European cranberry bush viburnum (V. trilobum), causing crown damage that can kill established plants.