Erebidae
Guides
Caenurgia
Caenurgia is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Walker in 1858. The genus contains several recognized species distributed primarily in the Americas, with C. chloropha being one of the more widely documented members. Species in this genus are part of the diverse Erebinae subfamily, which includes many nocturnal moth species.
Caenurgia togataria
Caenurgia togataria is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1862. It is distributed across the southern United States and Mexico. The species has a wingspan of approximately 37 mm. It belongs to the subfamily Erebinae, a diverse group of moths commonly known as underwings and related forms.
Caenurgina
grass moths, loopers
Caenurgina is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, containing several species commonly known as grass moths or loopers. The genus includes widespread North American species such as the forage looper (C. erechtea), clover looper (C. crassiuscula), and cerulean looper moth (C. caerulea). These moths are associated with open habitats including lawns, meadows, and agricultural fields.
Caenurgina crassiuscula
Clover Looper, Range Grass Moth
Caenurgina crassiuscula, commonly known as the Clover Looper or Range Grass Moth, is a widespread moth species in the family Erebidae. First described by Adrian Hardy Haworth in 1809, it occurs across much of North America from coast to coast, with western populations extending into Alaska, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. Adults are active for much of the year, with flight periods varying by location from March through November. The species is notable for its larval association with clover and various grasses.
Callistege diagonalis
Callistege diagonalis is a small moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Harrison Dyar in 1898. It is known from the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona and New Mexico. The species has a wingspan of approximately 28 mm. It belongs to a genus of underwing-like moths whose members are often characterized by distinctive wing patterns.
Callistege triangula
Callistege triangula is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described in 1918. It occurs in the southwestern United States, with documented records from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Adults are active during late summer, with flight records from August to September. The species has a wingspan of approximately 30 mm.
Calpinae
Fruit-piercing Moths, Vampire Moths
Calpinae is a subfamily of nocturnal moths in the family Erebidae, distinguished by a highly modified proboscis adapted for piercing. Most species feed on fruit juices by piercing fruit skins, while males of several Calyptra species can pierce mammalian skin to feed on blood. The subfamily was historically classified within Noctuidae but was reclassified to Erebidae based on phylogenetic studies. It contains three monophyletic tribes: Calpini, Ophiderini, and Phyllodini. Some species reach wingspans exceeding 5 cm.
Calyptis
Calyptis is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae. The genus was established by Guenée in 1852 and contains three recognized species distributed across tropical regions. Members are nocturnal and belong to the diverse assemblage of underwing and related moths within the superfamily Noctuoidea.
Calyptra canadensis
Canadian owlet, meadow rue owlet moth
Calyptra canadensis, known as the Canadian owlet or meadow rue owlet moth, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. It is the only member of the genus Calyptra found in the New World; all other 16 species occur in the Old World. Adults feed on fruit by piercing the skin to access juices. The species is notable for its proboscis modified for piercing, though unlike some related Old World species, blood-feeding has not been documented in C. canadensis.
Capis archaia
Capis archaia is a moth species described in 2006 by Canadian entomologists Louis Handfield and Daniel Handfield. It belongs to the family Erebidae (formerly placed in Noctuidae), subfamily Calpinae. The species is known from North America. Very little published information exists regarding its biology, ecology, or specific habitat requirements.
Catocala
underwing moths, underwings
Catocala is a large Holarctic genus of moths in the family Erebidae, containing over 250 species. Adults are medium to large with cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings when at rest. The genus is renowned among collectors for its diversity of hindwing patterns in orange, red, white, blue, or black. The common name "underwings" derives from the habit of hiding the colorful hindwings beneath the dull forewings. The genus name combines Greek words meaning "beautiful below" or "beautiful hindwings."
Catocala alabamae
Alabama Underwing, Titan Underwing
Catocala alabamae, commonly known as the Alabama Underwing or Titan Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species is notable for its distinctive underwing pattern typical of the genus Catocala, where dull forewings conceal brightly colored hindwings. It occurs primarily in the southeastern and central United States, with adults active during spring and summer months. The species has been documented feeding on several host plants in the rose family as larvae.
Catocala amica-lineella
Girlfriend Underwing
Catocala amica-lineella is a species of underwing moth in the family Erebidae. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern: cryptic, bark-mimicking forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The hindwings are typically marked with bold bands of orange, red, or black that are flashed when the moth is disturbed. The species name 'amica-lineella' distinguishes it from the closely related C. amica, with which it was historically confused.
Catocala andromache
Andromache Underwing
Catocala andromache, the Andromache Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It belongs to the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, which are characterized by their cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings. The species is found in the southwestern United States, specifically from southern California to Arizona. Like other underwings, it exhibits the genus's namesake trait of concealing its vibrant hindwings beneath dull forewings at rest.
Catocala andromedae
Gloomy Underwing, Andromeda Underwing
Catocala andromedae, known as the Gloomy Underwing or Andromeda Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 40–50 mm and are active from May to August, with likely one generation per year. The species is notable for its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings—a defensive trait shared with other underwing moths. Larvae feed on a documented range of woody plants including oaks, hickories, blueberries, and Andromeda.
Catocala antinympha
sweetfern underwing moth, sweetfern underwing
Catocala antinympha, the sweetfern underwing moth, is a North American underwing moth in the family Erebidae. It is distinguished by its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait shared with other members of the genus Catocala. The species has a single generation per year and is closely associated with sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina), its sole known larval host plant. Its range spans northeastern North America from Quebec and Ontario to the mid-Atlantic states.
Catocala badia coelebs
The Old Maid Underwing
Catocala badia coelebs is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as The Old Maid Underwing. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, which are exposed when the moth is disturbed. The subspecies was described by Grote in 1874 and is known from northeastern North America.
Catocala blandula
Charming Underwing
Catocala blandula, the charming underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1884. The species is distributed across northern North America, from Nova Scotia west to central Alberta and south to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Adults have a wingspan of 42–50 mm and are active from July to September. The larvae feed on Amelanchier, Malus sylvestris, and Crataegus.
Catocala californiensis
California Underwing
Catocala californiensis is an underwing moth in the family Erebidae, endemic to southern California. Adults fly from June to July, with likely one generation per year. The larvae are specialized feeders on Quercus turbinella (scrub oak).
Catocala carissima
carissima underwing
Catocala carissima, the carissima underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of Catocala cara but is now recognized as a distinct species. The species is distributed across the southeastern United States.
Catocala clintonii
Clinton's Underwing
Catocala clintonii, commonly known as Clinton's Underwing, is a species of underwing moth in the family Erebidae. It belongs to a genus renowned for its striking coloration concealed beneath cryptic forewings. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Wisconsin. Like other underwings, it exhibits the characteristic resting posture with forewings folded together, hiding the brightly patterned hindwings until disturbed.
Catocala connubialis
Connubial Underwing
Catocala connubialis, the connubial underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is a medium-sized underwing moth with a wingspan of 37–47 mm. The species is distributed across eastern and central North America, from Ontario and the Maritime provinces south to Florida and west to Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Adults are active from June to September, with likely one generation per year.
Catocala consors
Consort Underwing
Catocala consors, the consort underwing, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. It is one of approximately 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths due to their brightly colored hindwings concealed beneath cryptic forewings. The species occurs in the eastern and central United States, with adults active in spring and early summer. Larvae feed on specific host plants including Amorpha fructicosa and Carya species.
Catocala dejecta
Dejected Underwing
Catocala dejecta, the Dejected Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is found in eastern and central North America, from Massachusetts and Connecticut south to Florida, west to Texas and Oklahoma, and north to southern Ontario. Adults have a wingspan of 56–73 mm and are active from June to October, with timing varying by location. The larvae feed on hickories (Carya glabra, Carya ovata) and oaks (Quercus species).
Catocala desdemona
Desdemona underwing
Catocala desdemona, the Desdemona underwing, is a medium-sized moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1882. This species was formerly treated as a subspecies of Catocala delilah but is now recognized as distinct. It is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait shared with other members of the genus Catocala. The species has a southwestern North American distribution extending from the United States into Central America.
Catocala faustina cleopatra
Catocala faustina cleopatra is a subspecies of underwing moth in the genus Catocala, family Erebidae. Like other underwings, it possesses cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, which are revealed when the moth is disturbed. The subspecies was described by Strecker in 1874. Underwing moths are notable for their distinctive defensive display behavior and are popular among lepidopterists.
Catocala grynea
Woody Underwing
Catocala grynea, the Woody Underwing, is an underwing moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Pieter Cramer in 1780, this species is distributed across eastern and central North America from Ontario and Quebec south to Florida and west to Texas. Adults are active from May to September, with likely one generation per year. The larvae feed on woody plants in the rose family.
Catocala herodias herodias
Herodias Underwing
Catocala herodias herodias is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae. The genus Catocala, meaning "beautiful below," comprises over 250 species known for their cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. When at rest, the forewings provide camouflage against tree bark; when disturbed, the moth reveals vivid hindwing patterns of orange, red, black, white, or blue that startle predators. This subspecies is part of the North American underwing fauna, with adults typically active during summer months. Like other Catocala, they are primarily nocturnal and often associated with wooded habitats.
Catocala ilia zoe
Ilia Underwing
Catocala ilia zoe is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae, native to western North America. It is one of several subspecies of Catocala ilia, a widespread North American underwing moth known for its cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings. The subspecies was described by Behr in 1874. Like other underwings, it is nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Catocala ilia-umbrosa
Ilia Underwing, Ilia Underwing Moth
Catocala ilia-umbrosa is a large underwing moth in the genus Catocala, family Erebidae. Like other underwing moths, it conceals brightly patterned hindwings beneath cryptic forewings at rest. The species has been documented at moth-lighting events in Colorado, including at Bear Creek Nature Center in July 2018. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet lights.
Catocala illecta
Magdalen Underwing
Catocala illecta, commonly known as the Magdalen Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1858. It is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait typical of underwing moths in the genus Catocala. The larvae feed on specific host plants including leadplant, honey locust, and black locust. Adults are active during late spring and early summer, with a single generation per year.
Catocala lincolnana
Lincoln underwing
Catocala lincolnana, the Lincoln underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae described by Auburn Edmund Brower in 1976. It belongs to the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths due to their brightly patterned hindwings concealed beneath cryptic forewings. Adults have a wingspan of 40–50 mm and are active from May to June. The species has one generation per year.
Catocala luciana
Shining Underwing, Luciana Underwing Moth
Catocala luciana is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Herman Strecker in 1874. The species is native to western North America, with a distribution spanning the Great Plains from southern Canada to the southwestern United States. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it possesses cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a characteristic defensive adaptation. Adults are active in late summer and early autumn.
Catocala meskei
Meske's Underwing, Meske's Underwing Moth
Catocala meskei is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern: cryptic, bark-mimicking forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The species has a transcontinental North American distribution spanning from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains. Adults are active during mid to late summer, and larvae feed on poplar and willow species.
Catocala micronympha
Little Nymph Underwing, Little Bride Underwing
Catocala micronympha is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae. The species is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a defensive trait common to the genus Catocala. It occurs across eastern and central North America, with adults active from spring through late summer. The larval stage feeds exclusively on oak species.
Catocala minuta
Little Underwing
Catocala minuta, commonly known as the little underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by William Henry Edwards in 1864. It is one of approximately 250 species in the genus Catocala, which are characterized by dull forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The larvae feed on species of honey locust (Gleditsia).
Catocala myristica
Myristica Underwing
Catocala myristica is a species of underwing moth in the family Erebidae, described by Kons and Borth in 2015. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it possesses cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, which are revealed when the moth is disturbed. The species is part of a diverse genus containing over 250 species worldwide, with approximately half occurring in North America.
Catocala neogama euphemia
Catocala neogama euphemia is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae. It belongs to the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, which are characterized by their cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The subspecies was described by Beutenmüller in 1907. Like other underwings, it is nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Catocala obscura-residua
Obscure Underwing
Catocala obscura-residua is a species of underwing moth in the genus Catocala, family Erebidae. Like other underwing moths, it exhibits the characteristic resting posture where dull forewings conceal brightly colored hindwings. The genus Catocala contains over 250 species, with approximately half occurring in North America. These moths are nocturnal and are typically attracted to light sources, though they often remain on the periphery of light stations rather than landing directly on sheets.
Catocala palaeogama
Oldwife Underwing, Old Wife Underwing
Catocala palaeogama is a North American underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Guenée in 1852. The species exhibits the characteristic underwing morphology: cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings when at rest. Adults are active from June through October with one generation per year. The larval stage feeds exclusively on hardwood trees in the walnut and hickory family (Juglandaceae), as well as chestnut, apple, and related species. The species ranges across eastern and central North America from Ontario to South Carolina and west to Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Catocala praeclara
Praeclara Underwing, Praeclara Underwing Moth
Catocala praeclara, commonly known as the Praeclara Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species was described by Grote and Robinson in 1866. It is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a defensive trait common to underwing moths. Adults are active in late summer, and larvae feed on specific woody plants in the rose family.
Catocala pretiosa
Precious Underwing
Catocala pretiosa, the Precious Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae first described by Joseph Albert Lintner in 1876. It was long treated as a synonym of Catocala crataegi but has been revalidated as a distinct species. The nominate subspecies is listed as a species of special concern and believed extirpated in Connecticut. Adults are active from May to June with likely one generation per year.
Catocala pretiosa texarkana
Catocala pretiosa texarkana is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae, described by Brower in 1976. As a member of the genus Catocala, it shares the characteristic trait of cryptic, bark-mimicking forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings. The subspecific epithet "texarkana" suggests an association with the Texarkana region spanning Texas and Arkansas. Like other underwing moths, it is nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Catocala retecta-luctuosa
Retecta Underwing, Luctuosa Underwing
Catocala retecta-luctuosa is a species of underwing moth in the genus Catocala, family Erebidae. Like other underwing moths, it is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings. The species is part of a diverse North American radiation of Catocala moths, many of which are challenging to distinguish without close examination. Its specific epithet reflects historical taxonomic treatment as a complex or related forms.
Catocala semirelicta
Semirelict Underwing Moth
Catocala semirelicta is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it possesses cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, which are exposed when the moth is disturbed. The species occurs across a broad North American range spanning from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific, with particular abundance in western mountainous regions.
Catocala serena
Serene Underwing
Catocala serena, the serene underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is found in eastern North America from southern Ontario and New England south to Tennessee, and west to Illinois and eastern Wisconsin. Adults are active from July to September with one generation per year. The larvae feed on shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) and black walnut (Juglans nigra).
Catocala similis
Similar Underwing
Catocala similis, commonly known as the similar underwing, is a moth species in the family Erebidae first described by William Henry Edwards in 1864. The species is characterized by its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a trait common to the genus Catocala. Adults are active during late spring and early summer across eastern North America, with larvae feeding on specific hardwood trees.
Catocala texanae
Texan Underwing
Catocala texanae, the Texan Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae described by George Hazen French in 1902. It is endemic to Texas, with adults active from May to June. Like other underwing moths, it likely exhibits the characteristic resting posture with cryptic forewings concealing brightly patterned hindwings.
Catocala ulalume
Ulalume Underwing
Catocala ulalume, the Ulalume Underwing, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Herman Strecker in 1878. It is one of approximately 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths for their habit of concealing brightly patterned hindwings beneath cryptic forewings when at rest. The species is distributed across the southeastern and south-central United States, with adults active during summer months and larvae specializing on hickory host plants.
Catocala ultronia
Ultronia Underwing, Dark Red Underwing
Catocala ultronia is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1823. It is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait shared with other members of the genus Catocala. The species occurs across eastern North America and southern Canada, with larvae feeding on a documented range of woody host plants including ash, apple, poplar, cherry, and basswood. Adults are active in August and do not typically come directly to lights, instead remaining on the periphery of illuminated areas.