Erebidae
Guides
Abablemma
Abablemma is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Nye in 1975. The genus contains at least six described species distributed from the southern United States through Central America. Species were historically classified in the subfamily Acontiinae of Noctuidae, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revisions in the noctuoid moths. The genus is represented by 817+ observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate documentation of its occurrence.
Abablemma bilineata
Abablemma bilineata is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1916. It is found in North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Acontiinae, a group of moths often characterized by relatively simple wing patterns and nocturnal habits. Based on iNaturalist records, it has been documented in at least 121 observations, suggesting it is not exceptionally rare within its range.
Abablemma duomaculata
double-eyed algibelle
Abablemma duomaculata is a moth species in the family Erebidae, subfamily Acontiinae. It was first described by Barnes and Benjamin in 1925, originally under the genus Phobolosia. The species is known from southern Texas extending into Mexico. It is commonly referred to as the double-eyed algibelle.
Acritogramma metaleuca
Acritogramma metaleuca is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Hampson in 1913. It belongs to the subfamily Erebinae, a diverse group of nocturnal moths. The species is known from North America. It is assigned Hodges number 8682 in the MONA (Moths of North America) numbering system.
Acsala anomala
Rockslide Lichen Moth
Acsala anomala, commonly known as the Rockslide Lichen Moth, is a rare and poorly known species of lichen moth in the family Erebidae. It represents the sole member of its genus and the monotypic tribe Acsalina. The species is endemic to Alaska, where it inhabits rocky alpine environments. Its biology and ecology remain largely undocumented due to its restricted range and apparent rarity.
Aglaonice otignatha
Aglaonice otignatha is a moth species in the family Erebidae, subfamily Hypeninae, described by Hampson in 1924. The genus Aglaonice is small and poorly documented in the literature. Records indicate presence in North America. Available information on its biology, appearance, and ecology is extremely limited.
Agylla septentrionalis
Agylla septentrionalis is a moth species in the family Erebidae, described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1911. It is recorded from North America, with specific localities including Arizona and South Carolina. The species has a wingspan of approximately 37 mm. It belongs to the subfamily Arctiinae (tiger moths) and tribe Lithosiini (lichen moths).
Anomis editrix
Gulf scalloped moth
Anomis editrix, known as the Gulf scalloped moth, is an owlet moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Achille Guenée in 1852, this species occurs in North and Central America. It is assigned Hodges number 8553 in the North American moth classification system.
Anomis erosa
Yellow Scallop Moth, Abutilon Moth
Anomis erosa is a small moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the yellow scallop moth or abutilon moth. First described by Jacob Hübner in 1818, it occurs primarily in southeastern North America, with migrants occasionally reaching as far north as Manitoba, Quebec, and Maine. The species has a wingspan of approximately 27 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on plants in the family Malvaceae, including cotton, hibiscus, and okra.
Anomis gentilis
Anomis gentilis is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Schaus in 1912. It is known from North America, with 37 documented observations on iNaturalist. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 8552. Available information about this species is limited; no detailed studies of its biology, ecology, or morphology have been documented in the provided sources.
Antiblemma carolae
Antiblemma carolae is a moth species in the family Erebidae, described by Troubridge in 2020. The species belongs to the genus Antiblemma, a group of underwing moths within the subfamily Eulepidotinae. As a recently described species, detailed information about its biology and distribution remains limited.
Anticarsia
Anticarsia is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus contains approximately 12 described species distributed primarily in the New World. The most economically significant species is Anticarsia gemmatalis, commonly known as the velvetbean moth or velvetbean caterpillar, which is a major pest of soybean and other leguminous crops throughout the Americas. Several species have been subjects of scientific research, including studies on the effects of microgravity on flight behavior in space.
Aon
Aon is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae. The genus was established by Neumoegen in 1892. Species in this genus are nocturnal lepidopterans within the diverse Erebidae family, which includes many underwing and related moth groups.
Aon noctuiformis
Aon Moth
Aon noctuiformis, commonly known as the aon moth, is the sole species in the monotypic genus Aon within the family Erebidae. First described by Berthold Neumoegen in 1892, this moth is known exclusively from the US state of Texas. The species epithet 'noctuiformis' suggests a resemblance to owlet moths (Noctuidae), though it belongs to the related family Erebidae.
Apantesis
tiger moths
Apantesis is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1855. Following phylogenetic research published in 2016, the genera Grammia, Holarctia, and Notarctia were merged into Apantesis, substantially expanding its species diversity. The genus is found in North and Central America, with some species documented in other regions including Iraq. Members are characterized by bold color patterns typical of tiger moths, including striped forewings and often brightly colored abdomens that serve as aposematic signals.
Apantesis allectans
Apantesis allectans is a small tiger moth in the family Erebidae, originally described as Grammia allectans by Douglas C. Ferguson in 1985. The species was later transferred to Apantesis as part of a broader reclassification of tiger moth genera. It has a restricted distribution in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, where it inhabits montane pine forests at moderate elevations.
Apantesis blakei
Blake's Tiger Moth
Apantesis blakei, commonly known as Blake's Tiger Moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1864, this species was formerly classified under the genus Grammia but was transferred to Apantesis along with related genera. It is native to the North American Great Plains and southern prairie provinces of Canada, where its larvae feed on a documented range of grass and sedge species.
Apantesis doris
Doris tiger moth
Apantesis doris, commonly known as the Doris tiger moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It was first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1869. The species exhibits a transcontinental distribution across North America, with populations in the western region (British Columbia, Alberta, northern Idaho, and western Montana) and eastern populations spanning from Atlantic Canada to Florida and west to central Texas. The species was transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis as part of a broader taxonomic reclassification involving multiple genera.
Apantesis edwardsii
A tiger moth in the family Erebidae, Apantesis edwardsii was described by Stretch in 1872. It has a highly restricted distribution, known only from the San Francisco area of California and Klamath County in Oregon. The species was transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis in a taxonomic revision that consolidated several related genera.
Apantesis hewletti
Apantesis hewletti is a small tiger moth species in the family Erebidae, originally described from southwestern California in 1918. It was formerly classified under the genus Grammia but was reassigned to Apantesis following taxonomic revisions that consolidated several related genera. Adults are characterized by striking coloration with black forewings bearing pale bands and bright yellow to orange-red hindwings. The species has been documented in May, though comprehensive data on its biology and ecology remains limited.
Apantesis nais
Nais tiger moth
Apantesis nais, commonly known as the Nais tiger moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Dru Drury in 1773, this medium-sized moth is distinguished by its striking black-and-cream forewing pattern and variable reddish or yellow hindwings with bold black spotting. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing pattern, with males displaying more extensive pale markings than females. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America.
Apantesis nevadensis superba
Grammia nevadensis superba
Apantesis nevadensis superba is a subspecies of tiger moth in the family Erebidae, originally described as Arctia superba by Stretch in 1874. It belongs to a group of tiger moths formerly placed in the genus Grammia. The subspecies is part of the Apantesis nevadensis species complex, which includes moths with distinctive striped forewing patterns characteristic of tiger moths. Like other members of its genus, it possesses defensive compounds as a chemical defense against predators. The subspecies has been documented through limited observations, with records in iNaturalist indicating it is encountered infrequently.
Apantesis ornata
Ornate Tiger Moth, Achaia Moth
Apantesis ornata is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, originally described by Packard in 1864 under the name Callarctia ornata. The species was long classified in the genus Grammia before being transferred to Apantesis in a 2016 revision that consolidated several related genera. It occurs across western North America from southern British Columbia to southern California and eastward to the Rocky Mountain states. Adults are active during summer months and are attracted to light. The species exhibits the bright warning coloration typical of tiger moths, though specific details of its biology remain incompletely documented.
Apantesis phyllira
Phyllira Tiger Moth
Apantesis phyllira, commonly known as the Phyllira Tiger Moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Dru Drury in 1773, this moth was formerly classified under the genus Grammia but was transferred to Apantesis along with related species. It occurs across a broad range of North America from eastern Canada to the southern United States and west to the Great Plains. The species is listed as endangered in Connecticut, reflecting conservation concerns in parts of its range.
Apantesis virguncula
Little Virgin Tiger Moth
Apantesis virguncula, commonly known as the Little Virgin Tiger Moth, is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae. The species was originally described by W. Kirby in 1837 under the name Callimorpha virguncula, and has undergone several taxonomic revisions, most recently being transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis. It is widely distributed across southern Canada and the United States, with adults active primarily from mid-June to late July. The larvae feed on various herbaceous plants, particularly members of the family Asteraceae.
Apantesis vittata
Banded Tiger Moth
Apantesis vittata, commonly known as the banded tiger moth, is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1787. It occurs in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, with adults active from early spring through autumn. The species has a wingspan of 32–42 mm and larvae feed on various herbaceous plants including dandelions.
Apantesis williamsii
Williams' Tiger Moth
A tiger moth of the family Erebidae found across northern North America. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light. The species was transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis during a taxonomic revision that consolidated several related genera. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and A. w. tooele from central Utah.
Apeplopoda mecrida
Apeplopoda mecrida is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. First described by Herbert Druce in 1889, this species occurs from the southwestern United States through Central America. It belongs to the subtribe Euchromiina, a group of tiger moths often characterized by bright coloration and diurnal activity. The species has been recorded in multiple countries, suggesting a relatively broad geographic range within its habitat zone.
Arachnis
Arachnis is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae (tiger moths). The genus was established by Geyer in 1837. Members of this genus are part of the diverse tiger moth assemblage, characterized by aposematic coloration and chemical defenses derived from host plant compounds. The genus is not to be confused with the orchid genus Arachnis Blume, 1825, which is a homonym in a different kingdom.
Arachnis citra
Arachnis citra is a moth in the family Erebidae, described by Berthold Neumögen and Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1893. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of Arachnis picta but is now recognized as a distinct species. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and has two recognized subspecies.
Arctia alpina
Arctic Tiger Moth
Arctia alpina is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, distributed across high-latitude and high-altitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The species inhabits northern Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska, northwestern Canada, and mountainous areas of southern Siberia and northern Mongolia. Adults have a wingspan of 42–50 mm. Larvae feed on specific host plants including dandelion, Vaccinium species, and dwarf willow. The species was transferred from the genus Acerbia to Arctia in a broader taxonomic revision of tiger moth genera.
Arctia yarrowii
Yarrow's tiger moth, Mountain Tiger Moth
Arctia yarrowii, commonly known as Yarrow's tiger moth or Mountain Tiger Moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It was first described by Richard Harper Stretch in 1874. The species inhabits high-elevation alpine environments in western North America, specifically barren rocky fellfields and slides above the timberline. Adults are active during mid-summer, with forewings approximately 22 mm in length.
Arctiinae
Tiger Moths and Allies, Tiger Moths, Woolly Bear Moths, Footmen, Lichen Moths, Wasp Moths
Arctiinae is a large and diverse subfamily of moths within the family Erebidae, comprising approximately 11,000 species worldwide. The subfamily includes tiger moths, footmen, lichen moths, and wasp moths. Many species are characterized by aposematic coloration, chemical defenses, and the production of ultrasonic sounds for defense and communication. The group was formerly classified as the family Arctiidae but was reclassified as a subfamily of Erebidae based on phylogenetic studies.
Argyrostrotis erasa
Erasa Chocolate Moth
Argyrostrotis erasa is a small moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Guenée in 1852. It occurs in the southeastern United States, ranging from North Carolina southward through Florida and west to Texas. The species is commonly known as the Erasa Chocolate Moth. The wingspan measures approximately 30 mm.
Arugisa lutea
Common Arugisa Moth
Arugisa lutea is a small moth in the family Erebidae, first described by John B. Smith in 1900. It is widely distributed across the eastern and central United States. The species exhibits extended adult activity in southern portions of its range, with year-round flight recorded in Florida.
Ascalapha odorata
black witch, black witch moth, mariposa de la muerte, duppy bat, mariposa-bruxa, ura, money moth, money bat
The black witch moth (Ascalapha odorata) is a large, bat-shaped nocturnal moth and the largest noctuoid in the continental United States. Females reach wingspans up to 24 cm, while males are smaller at approximately 12 cm. The species ranges from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to Brazil and Argentina, with migratory populations reaching as far north as Canada. It holds prominent cultural significance across Latin America and the Caribbean, where it is widely associated with death, misfortune, and spiritual beliefs.
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Athyrma ganglio is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae, distributed across North and South America. The species was described by Jacob Hübner in 1825. It is assigned to the subfamily Eulepidotinae, a group of generally medium-sized nocturnal moths. The MONA (Moths of North America) or Hodges number for this species is 8583.1.
Azeta repugnalis
repugnant azeta moth
Azeta repugnalis is a moth species in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the repugnant azeta moth. It is classified within the subfamily Erebinae, a diverse group of owlet moths. The species was first described by Jacob Hübner in 1825. It is recorded from North America and has been documented in citizen science observations.
Azeta schausi
Azeta schausi is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Barnes and Benjamin in 1924. It is native to North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 8576. The species was originally described under the basionym Anticarsia schausi. It should not be confused with Bulia schausi, a different moth species from the family Noctuidae that has been intercepted at U.S. ports of entry.
Bandelia
Bandelia is a genus of moths established by Lindsey in 1923, currently classified in the family Erebidae. The genus contains two described species: Bandelia angulata and Bandelia dimera. Its taxonomic placement has been revised multiple times, having previously been assigned to Phytometrinae within Erebidae or Acontiinae within Noctuidae. The genus is known from North America.
Bandelia angulata
Bandelia angulata is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Acontiinae, first described by Barnes and Lindsey in 1922. The species is known from North America, with records indicating presence across parts of the continent. As a member of the Acontiinae, it belongs to a diverse group of small to medium-sized noctuoid moths.
Baniana
Baniana is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Walker in 1858. The genus was previously placed in the subfamily Calpinae of the family Noctuidae before taxonomic reclassification. It contains approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropics. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing venation and palp structure.
Baniana minor
Baniana minor is a small moth species in the family Erebidae, described by Lafontaine and Walsh in 2010. The species is known from open woodland and grassland scrub habitats in southeastern Arizona, with additional records from Guanacaste Province in Costa Rica. Adults are active during mid-summer in Arizona and have been recorded across multiple months in Costa Rica.
Bendisodes aeolia
Bendisodes aeolia is a moth species in the family Erebidae, representing the sole member of the monotypic genus Bendisodes. Originally described by Druce in 1890 as Isogona aeolia, the species was later placed in its current genus by Hampson in 1924. It is distributed in North America.
Biturix
Biturix is a genus of moths in the subfamily Arctiinae, family Erebidae. It was established by Francis Walker in 1855. The genus contains eight recognized species distributed in the Neotropical region. Species are characterized by distinctive wing patterns and venation.
Bleptina flavivena
Bleptina flavivena is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Herminiinae, described by Troubridge in 2020. It belongs to a genus of litter moths, though specific details about its biology remain limited due to its recent description. The species epithet 'flavivena' suggests a yellowish vein pattern on the wings, a characteristic feature of this taxon.
Bleptina verticalis
Bleptina verticalis is a species of litter moth in the family Erebidae, described by James T. Troubridge in 2020. It belongs to the subfamily Herminiinae, a group of moths commonly known as underwing or litter moths due to their typical resting posture with wings folded tent-like over the body. The species is part of a genus whose members are generally associated with moist, forested habitats where their larvae feed on decaying plant matter. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Bulia
Bulia is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Walker in 1858. The genus contains six recognized species distributed in the Americas, with at least one species (Bulia schausi) documented as an agricultural pest intercepted at U.S. ports of entry. Species in this genus were historically classified in Noctuidae but have been reassigned to Erebidae following modern taxonomic revisions.
Bulia deducta
Deduced Graphic
Bulia deducta is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae, first described by Herbert Knowles Morrison in 1875. It is distributed across western and central North America from central Mexico northward to the Great Plains and western United States. The species is notable for its association with Prosopis (mesquite) as a larval host plant and its extended adult flight season in arid regions.
Bulia similaris
Similar Graphic
Bulia similaris is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae, described by Richards in 1936. It is native to arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species has a wingspan of approximately 32 mm. It is not known to be an agricultural pest, unlike some congeners.