Erebidae
Guides
Catocala umbrosa
Umber Underwing
Catocala umbrosa is a North American underwing moth described by Vernon Antoine Brou Jr. in 2002. Adults are active from April through August with one generation per year. The species occupies a broad geographic range across eastern and central North America.
Catocalini
underwing moths
Catocalini is a tribe of moths within the family Erebidae, most closely related to the tribe Audeini. Members of this tribe are commonly known as underwing moths due to a distinctive color pattern: cryptic, dark forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. This wing configuration serves as a defensive display against predators. The tribe contains numerous genera and is among the most species-rich groups within Erebinae.
Cecharismena cara
Cecharismena cara is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, described by Möschler in 1890. The species is known to occur in North America. It belongs to the subfamily Calpinae within the diverse noctuoid moth superfamily. Very little specific information about its biology, ecology, or appearance has been documented in accessible sources.
Cecharismena jalapena
Cecharismena jalapena is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, first described by William Schaus in 1906 from specimens collected in Jalapa, Mexico. The species was originally placed in the genus Rhaesena before being transferred to Cecharismena. It belongs to the subfamily Calpinae, a group of moths whose larvae often feed on rotting fruit or other organic matter.
Celiptera
Celiptera is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae. The genus was established by Guenée in 1852 and includes approximately 12 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region and North America. Species in this genus are characterized by their nocturnal habits and typical underwing moth morphology. Several species have been described relatively recently, with two new species added in 2003.
Celiptera frustulum
Black Bit Moth
Celiptera frustulum, known as the black bit moth, is a nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae. It occurs in eastern North America, with records extending north to Ontario. The species has two generations annually, with adults active in late spring and early summer. Its larvae are specialized feeders on black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia).
Chelis brucei
Bruce's tiger moth
Chelis brucei, commonly known as Bruce's tiger moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. Described by Henry Edwards in 1888, this moth is restricted to mountainous regions of western North America. Adults are active during a brief flight period in mid-summer, while larvae have been documented feeding on a limited set of host plants. The species was transferred from the genus Neoarctia to Chelis as part of a broader taxonomic reorganization of tiger moth genera.
Cissusa spadix
Black-dotted Brown Moth
Cissusa spadix, known as the Black-dotted Brown Moth, is a noctuid moth in the family Erebidae. It is widespread across eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Canada to the southeastern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. It has been documented in outbreak populations in Georgia.
Cisthene coronado
Cisthene coronado is a moth species in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae, tribe Lithosiini. Described by Carroll B. Knowlton in 1967, it is currently known only from the US state of Arizona. As a member of the lichen moth genus Cisthene, it likely exhibits the typical aposematic coloration and lichen-mimicking appearance characteristic of this group, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Cisthene deserta
Cisthene deserta is a small moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. First described by Felder in 1868, this species has a restricted distribution in western North America, recorded from Utah and California. Adults are active from spring through mid-summer, with forewings measuring 9–11 mm.
Cisthene kentuckiensis
Kentucky Lichen Moth
Cisthene kentuckiensis, known as the Kentucky lichen moth, is a species of lichen moth in the family Erebidae. It was described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1904. The species is found in the eastern and central United States, with larvae that feed on lichens.
Cisthene martini
Martin's Lichen Moth
Cisthene martini, known as Martin's Lichen Moth, is a small erebid moth described by Carroll B. Knowlton in 1967. It is restricted to the southwestern United States, occurring in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The species is one of approximately 40 members of the genus Cisthene in North America, a group commonly referred to as lichen moths due to their typical association with lichen-dominated habitats and cryptic coloration patterns.
Cisthene striata
Striated Lichen Moth
Cisthene striata, described by Rodrigues Ottolengui in 1898, is a small lichen moth in the family Erebidae. It is known from a limited distribution in the eastern and central United States, with records from Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and Florida. The species has a wingspan of approximately 17 mm. Adults have been recorded on wing year-round in Florida, suggesting continuous breeding activity in warmer portions of its range.
Cisthene tenuifascia schwarziorum
Cisthene tenuifascia schwarziorum is a subspecies of lichen moth in the family Erebidae. As a member of the genus Cisthene, it belongs to a group of small, often brightly patterned tiger moths. The genus Cisthene is part of the tribe Lithosiini, which includes species commonly known as lichen moths due to their frequent association with lichen-covered substrates. This subspecies was described from populations in the southwestern United States.
Cisthenina
Cisthenina is a subtribe of lichen moths within the family Erebidae, containing approximately 428 described species. Members were formerly classified as the tribe Cisthenini in the subfamily Lithosiinae of the family Arctiidae, but were reclassified following taxonomic revisions of the tiger moth group. The subtribe is characterized by its association with lichen-based camouflage patterns. It represents a well-documented lineage with substantial observational data.
Clemensia umbrata
Little Shaded Lichen Moth
Clemensia umbrata is a moth in the family Erebidae, described by Packard in 1872. It is known as the Little Shaded Lichen Moth and occurs in forested regions of North America. The species belongs to the lichen moth tribe Lithosiini, whose larvae feed on lichens. Adults are nocturnal and are attracted to light.
Colobochyla
Colobochyla is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae. Its taxonomic placement remains provisional, currently tentatively classified in the subfamily Hypeninae pending further phylogenetic analysis. The genus was previously assigned to Phytometrinae (Erebidae) or Calpinae (Noctuidae). Six species are recognized, including the swamp belle moth (C. interpuncta) and lesser belle moth (C. salicalis).
Composia
Tiger moths
Composia is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1820. The genus contains at least three described species: Composia credula, Composia fidelissima, and Composia utowana. These moths belong to the subfamily Arctiinae, a group historically treated as the family Arctiidae but now classified within Erebidae. Members are found in the Americas, with records primarily from North America and the Neotropics.
Concana
Concana is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae (subfamily Calpinae), established by Francis Walker in 1858. The genus contains at least four described species distributed from the southeastern United States through the Caribbean and Central America to Brazil. Species within this genus have been documented from Florida, Costa Rica, and various Antillean islands. The genus belongs to the diverse noctuoid moth fauna of the Neotropical and Nearctic regions.
Coxina
Coxina is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae, established by Guenée in 1852. The genus contains eight described species distributed from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, and South America to Argentina. Species in this genus are nocturnal and belong to the diverse owlet moth group.
Crambidia
Crambidia is a genus of lichen moths in the family Erebidae, tribe Lithosiini. The genus was established by Packard in 1864 and contains approximately 13 described species. Species in this genus are characterized by pale, often whitish or cream-colored wings with relatively simple patterning. They are distributed primarily in North America.
Crambidia cephalica
Yellow-headed Lichen Moth
Crambidia cephalica, the yellow-headed lichen moth, is a small erebid moth described by Grote and Robinson in 1870. It is known from the central and southern United States, where it inhabits steppes and open forests. Adults are active from March through September and produce multiple generations per year. The species has a documented forewing length of 9–15 mm.
Crambidia pallida
Pale Lichen Moth
Crambidia pallida, commonly known as the pale lichen moth, is a North American moth species in the family Erebidae. First described by Packard in 1864, it occurs across a broad geographic range spanning eastern and central North America. The species inhabits forest and woodland environments. As a member of the lichen moth tribe Lithosiini, adults are likely associated with lichen-based ecology, though specific life history details remain poorly documented in available sources.
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.
Cutina albopunctella
Cypress Looper, White-spotted Cutina Moth
Cutina albopunctella, commonly known as the cypress looper or white-spotted cutina moth, is a species of moth in the family Erebidae. It is found in North America and has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 8728. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1866.
Cutina aluticolor
leathery cutina moth
Cutina aluticolor, known as the leathery cutina moth, is a noctuid moth in the family Erebidae. The species was described by Pogue & Ferguson in 1998. It occurs in North America.
Cutina distincta
Distinguished Cypress Owlet, Distinct Cutina Moth
Cutina distincta is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae, native to North America. The species is assigned Hodges number 8729 in the North American moth numbering system. Commonly known as the distinguished cypress owlet or distinct cutina moth, it belongs to a genus of relatively small, nocturnal moths. The specific epithet 'distincta' refers to its distinguishing characteristics, though detailed morphological descriptions are not well documented in available sources.
Cycnia collaris
Unexpected Cycnia Moth
Cycnia collaris is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Asa Fitch in 1857. It is distributed across the southern United States from Arizona eastward to Florida and northward to Oklahoma. Adults are active in spring and fall, with records from April and October suggesting a bimodal flight pattern possibly representing two generations per year. The species belongs to a genus whose members are known for aposematic coloration and defensive clicking behavior against bat predation.
Cycnia oregonensis
Oregon Cycnia Moth
Cycnia oregonensis is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. Adults are nearly uniform in color and pattern throughout most of their range, with forewings measuring 19–20 mm. The species has been observed feeding on Apocynum species as larvae. A distinct subspecies, C. o. tristis, occurs in a small area near Olympia, Washington and is markedly grayer with reduced patterning.
Dasychira atrivenosa
diminutive tussock moth
Dasychira atrivenosa, commonly known as the diminutive tussock moth, is a species of tussock moth in the family Erebidae. It is native to North America and was first described by Palm in 1873 under the basionym Parorgyia atrivenosa. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 8299. As a member of the subfamily Lymantriinae, it belongs to a group commonly known as tussock moths, though specific biological details for this species remain limited in published sources.
Dasychira mescalera
Dasychira mescalera is a species of tussock moth in the family Erebidae, described by Alexander Douglas Campbell Ferguson in 1977 (published 1978). It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically in New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado. The species belongs to the genus Dasychira, a group of moths characterized by prominent tufted setae on their larvae.
Deinopa
Deinopa is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Francis Walker in 1856. The genus was formerly placed in the subfamily Calpinae within Noctuidae, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revisions in moth classification. It contains six described species distributed across Central and South America, with the type species being Deinopa notabilis Walker, 1856.
Dinumma
Dinumma is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Francis Walker in 1858. The genus contains approximately 11 described species distributed across South and Southeast Asia, with one species introduced to North America. Adults exhibit characteristic wing venation and palp structure typical of the subfamily Calpinae. Larvae of at least one species demonstrate unusual aquatic locomotion behavior.
Doryodes acta
Doryodes acta is a moth species in the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae, described by Troubridge in 2020. The genus Doryodes is part of a diverse group of noctuid-like moths within the superfamily Noctuoidea. As a recently described species, detailed information about its biology and ecology remains limited.
Doryodes fulva
Doryodes fulva is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, described by Troubridge in 2020. It belongs to the genus Doryodes, which comprises species of noctuid-like moths. The specific epithet 'fulva' refers to the tawny or yellowish-brown coloration typical of many species in this genus. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Doryodes latistriga
Doryodes latistriga is a moth in the family Erebidae described from specimens collected in coastal habitats of the northern Gulf of Mexico. It inhabits tidal creeks and salt marshes from Alabama to Louisiana. The species exhibits seasonal variation in wing coloration, with lighter spring and summer forms and darker fall and winter forms. Adults are active year-round.
Doryodes tenuistriga
Doryodes tenuistriga is a moth in the family Erebidae described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918. It is known from coastal regions of Texas and Louisiana. Sexual dimorphism in size is pronounced, with females substantially larger than males.
Drasteria
Drasteria is a genus of owlet moths in the family Erebidae. Species in this genus are known for their concealed brightly-colored hindwings, which they flash as a startle defense against predators. The genus includes multiple species distributed across North America and other regions, with some taxonomic revisions having occurred in recent decades.
Drasteria adumbrata
Shadowy Arches
Drasteria adumbrata, known as the Shadowy Arches, is a small erebid moth with a wingspan of approximately 32 mm. The species exhibits a transcontinental distribution across southern Canada and the northern United States, with two recognized subspecies occupying distinct eastern and western ranges. Adults are active during summer months. The species was first described by Hans Hermann Behr in 1870.
Drasteria convergens
Drasteria convergens is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, first described from the San Bernardino Mountains in California. It is a relatively small nocturnal moth with a wingspan of approximately 42 mm. The species belongs to a genus known for owlet moths that often employ startle defense tactics with concealed brightly-colored hindwings.
Drasteria divergens
Drasteria divergens is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Behr in 1870. The species has a wingspan of approximately 44 mm. Adults are active from March through August in California, with a broader distribution spanning from California to Colorado and northward to British Columbia. This species belongs to a genus known for underwing moths that typically display cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings used in startle defense.
Drasteria edwardsii
A moth in the family Erebidae found along the Pacific coast of North America from Washington through Oregon to California. Adults are active in late summer and fall, with bright coloration on the hindwings that is concealed at rest and flashed as a startle defense. The species is named in honor of Henry Edwards, a prominent 19th-century entomologist.
Drasteria fumosa
Smoky Arches
Drasteria fumosa, known as the Smoky Arches, is a moth species in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 34–43 mm and are active during summer months. The species was first described by Herman Strecker in 1898.
Drasteria graphica
Graphic Moth, Coastal Graphic
Drasteria graphica is a day-flying moth in the family Erebidae, found in coastal dune habitats along the Atlantic seaboard and Great Lakes shores. Adults have a wingspan of 30–35 mm and are active from May to August. The subspecies D. g. atlantica is listed as threatened in Connecticut.
Drasteria howlandii
Drasteria howlandii is a small owlet moth in the family Erebidae, distributed across western North America from southern Canada to the southwestern United States. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 35 mm and are active from early spring through late summer. The species is associated with Eriogonum host plants, with larvae feeding on these buckwheat species.
Drasteria inepta
Inept Drasteria, Inept Graphic
Drasteria inepta is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Edwards in 1881. It is a medium-sized moth with a wingspan of 35–43 mm. Adults are active from spring through summer across the southwestern United States.
Drasteria mirifica
Wonderful Graphic
Drasteria mirifica is a small owlet moth in the family Erebidae, native to western North America. It is known for its distinctive wing pattern and behavior of flashing brightly colored hindwings when disturbed. The species was first described by Henry Edwards in 1878.
Drasteria pulchra
Drasteria pulchra is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918. The species is known from California, with adults active during summer months. The wingspan ranges from 34 to 37 mm, with distinctive wing patterning featuring contrasting dark and light areas.
Drasteria sabulosa
Drasteria sabulosa is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Edwards in 1881. It is a small to medium-sized moth with a wingspan of 33–37 mm. The species is found in western North America, ranging from British Columbia through the western United States.