Folivore
Guides
Acleris celiana
Celiana's Acleris
Acleris celiana, commonly known as Celiana's Acleris, is a small tortricid moth native to North America. Adults are active across a broad seasonal range from March through November. The species exhibits polyphagous larval feeding on woody plants in three genera: Prunus, Betula, and Salix.
Acleris semiannula
Half-ringed Acleris Moth
Acleris semiannula is a small tortricid moth found across eastern and central North America. Adults are active year-round and have a wingspan of 12–15 mm. Larvae develop on three documented host plants: red maple, silver maple, and white oak. The species was originally described as Teras semiannula by Robinson in 1869.
Acronicta impleta
yellow-haired dagger moth, powdered dagger
Acronicta impleta, commonly known as the yellow-haired dagger moth, is a noctuid moth species native to most of North America. Adults are active from April to July, with timing varying by location. The species is recognized by its moderate wingspan of approximately 42 mm. Larvae feed on the foliage of several deciduous tree genera including elm, maple, birch, willow, and oak. Two subspecies are recognized: A. i. impleta and A. i. illita.
Acronicta marmorata
marble dagger moth, Marbled Oak Dagger
Acronicta marmorata, commonly known as the marble dagger moth or Marbled Oak Dagger, is a noctuid moth species native to western North America. The species is characterized by its marbled wing pattern and moderate size, with a wingspan of approximately 43 mm. Adults are active during mid-summer months, with larvae specializing on oak foliage.
Acronicta ovata
ovate dagger moth, Epauleted Oak Dagger
Acronicta ovata is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of 28–35 mm. Adults are active from June to September, with two or more generations per year across its broad North American range. The species is known for its larval association with hardwood trees, particularly oaks.
Acronicta vulpina
vulpina dagger moth, miller dagger moth
Acronicta vulpina is a noctuid moth found across northern and western North America. Adults fly from May to July with a wingspan of 40–47 mm. The larvae feed on several deciduous tree species including aspen, birch, balsam poplar, and willow. The species was formerly considered a subspecies of the European Acronicta leporina.
Allantus nigritibialis
Allantus nigritibialis is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, described by Rohwer in 1911. Like other members of the genus Allantus, this species likely has larvae that feed on rose foliage, though specific life history details for this particular species are poorly documented. Adult sawflies are small wasp-like insects with saw-like ovipositors used to insert eggs into plant tissue. The species name 'nigritibialis' refers to dark or black tibiae (leg segments), suggesting a distinguishing color pattern on the legs.
Americerura scitiscripta
black-etched prominent, Black-etched Prominent Moth
Americerura scitiscripta, commonly known as the black-etched prominent moth, is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae. It was originally described in the genera Cerura and Tecmessa before being placed in Americerura, a genus now restricted to the New World. The species is broadly distributed across North America, with adults active from early spring through autumn depending on latitude.
Anacridium aegyptium
Egyptian grasshopper, Egyptian locust, Egyptian Bird Grasshopper
One of the largest European grasshoppers, reaching up to 70 mm in females. Distinguished by striped eyes, blue hind tibiae, and orange hind femora with dark markings. Solitary and folivorous, inhabiting warm, bright environments from sea level to 1,500 m. Active year-round with adults most visible August–September; overwinters as adults and spawns in spring.
Artipus
broad-nosed weevils
Artipus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils (Curculionidae) established by Sahlberg in 1823. The genus comprises approximately ten described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with the best-documented species being Artipus floridanus, commonly known as the little leaf notcher. Members of this genus are associated with herbaceous feeding habits, with A. floridanus documented as a pest of citrus and various weed hosts in Florida. The genus belongs to the tribe Geonemini within the subfamily Entiminae.
Caliroa lorata
Caliroa lorata is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. The genus Caliroa contains species commonly known as oak-skeletonizers due to their distinctive larval feeding behavior on oak leaves. Larvae feed on the undersides of leaves, consuming tissue between the veins while leaving the upper epidermis and veins intact, creating a skeletonized appearance. The species is part of a group of sawflies that exhibit host plant specialization, primarily associated with oaks (Quercus species).
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 cerogama
Yellow-banded Underwing
Catocala cerogama, the yellow-banded underwing, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. Adults are recognized by their brownish-gray forewings and distinctive even, deep yellow bands on the hindwings. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. Adults fly from July through October, and larvae feed on American basswood.
Catocala relicta
White Underwing, Relict
Catocala relicta, commonly known as the White Underwing or Relict, is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Francis Walker in 1858, this species is notable for its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings. Adults are active from July to September across a broad North American range spanning southern Canada to the southwestern United States. The larvae feed on multiple host plants including birch, hickory, poplar, oak, and willow species.
Cecrita cubana
Cecrita cubana is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, described by Grote in 1866. It belongs to the genus Cecrita, a group of North American moths whose larvae are known as "prominents" due to their characteristic humps or projections. The species epithet "cubana" suggests a possible Caribbean association, though the species occurs in North America. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Charadra deridens
Laugher Moth, Marbled Tuffet Moth, Laugher
Charadra deridens is a medium-sized noctuid moth commonly known as the Laugher Moth or Marbled Tuffet Moth. It is widespread across northern North America, ranging from eastern Canada to the Pacific coast, with notable absence from the southwestern United States. The species exhibits seasonal variation in flight period, with shorter activity windows in northern populations and extended seasons in southern regions such as Florida.
Chrysomela confluens
Chrysomela confluens is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Research demonstrates that this species exhibits dramatically elevated abundance in plant hybrid zones between cottonwood species (Populus), where staggered leaf phenologies create 'phenological sinks' that concentrate beetle populations. The species depends on newly flushed leaves for optimal growth and reproduction, and its distribution is strongly tied to host plant phenology rather than host plant taxonomy alone.
Cimbex americanus
elm sawfly, North American Elm Sawfly
Cimbex americanus, commonly known as the elm sawfly, is a large, non-stinging sawfly in the family Cimbicidae. Adults measure approximately 20–30 mm in body length and are among the largest sawflies in North America. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration: males have yellow-orange abdomens, while females display black abdomens with yellow transverse bands. Larvae feed on foliage of various broadleaf trees, particularly elm and willow, and can reach 50 mm in length. The species has a single generation per year, with larvae overwintering in soil cocoons before pupating in spring.
Cotalpa lanigera
Goldsmith beetle
Cotalpa lanigera, known as the Goldsmith beetle, is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Rutelinae. Adults measure 19–26 mm and are active nocturnally during late spring and early summer. The species is distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from Canada and the northeastern United States.
Cyrtepistomus castaneus
Asiatic oak weevil, Asian oak weevil
Cyrtepistomus castaneus, commonly known as the Asiatic oak weevil, is an invasive broad-nosed weevil native to Asia that was first detected in North America in 1933. Adults are folivores that feed on oak (Quercus) and red maple (Acer rubrum) leaves, while larvae develop in soil feeding on root hairs. The species has established widespread populations across eastern and central North America.
Datana diffidens
Datana diffidens is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1917. It is native to North America and is one of approximately ten species in the genus Datana found on the continent. Like other members of its genus, the larvae are likely folivorous, though specific host plant associations for this species remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded in iNaturalist with over 340 observations, suggesting it is encountered with some regularity by naturalists.
Datana perspicua
spotted datana, spotted datana moth
Datana perspicua, the spotted datana, is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae. It was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote and Coleman Townsend Robinson in 1865. The species is found in North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 7908. Three subspecies are recognized: D. p. mesillae, D. p. opposita, and the nominate D. p. perspicua.
Erannis tiliaria
Linden Looper, Linden Looper Moth, Winter Moth
Erannis tiliaria, commonly known as the linden looper or winter moth, is a North American geometrid moth described by Harris in 1841. Adult males are active in late fall and possess wings with a 32–42 mm wingspan, while females are wingless. The species has a broad distribution across eastern and central North America.
Eriocampa
woolly sawflies
Eriocampa is a small Holarctic genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae comprising approximately five to ten described extant species. The genus is characterized by larvae that produce conspicuous white waxy secretions, giving them a woolly appearance that likely serves as a defense against predators and parasitoids. Several species are economically significant as defoliators of woody plants, including Eriocampa juglandis (butternut woollyworm) on walnut and hickory, and Eriocampa ovata (woolly alder sawfly) on alder. The genus has a debated taxonomic history, with various classifications placing it in different subfamilies within Tenthredinidae.
Eriocampa ovata
alder sawfly, woolly alder sawfly
Eriocampa ovata is a sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, native to Europe and introduced to North America. Females reproduce primarily by parthenogenesis; males are unknown in North America and rare in Europe. The species is notable for its distinctive woolly larvae that feed on alder leaves.
Euchlaena johnsonaria
Johnson's Euchlaena Moth
A medium-sized geometrid moth with a wingspan of approximately 32 mm. Adults are active from May through August. The species occurs across much of North America in deciduous wooded habitats. Larvae feed on a documented range of deciduous trees and shrubs including dogwood, willow, spirea, blueberry, elm, ash, and birch.
Furcula
prominent moths
Furcula is a genus of moths in the family Notodontidae, subfamily Cerurinae. The genus contains multiple species distributed across the Holarctic region. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvae are known for their distinctive forked posterior structure, which gives the genus its name (Latin for 'little fork').
Furcula cinerea
Gray Furcula Moth
Furcula cinerea, the gray furcula moth, is a notodontid moth species first described by Francis Walker in 1865. It is found across the United States, southern Canada, and the Northwest Territories. Adults have a wingspan of 33–45 mm and are active from spring through late summer, with two generations per year in southern populations and one in northern populations. The species overwinters as pupae.
Gretchena bolliana
Pecan Bud Moth, Gray-flanked Gretchena Moth
Gretchena bolliana is a small tortricid moth native to the southern and southwestern United States. The species is an economic pest of pecan orchards, where larvae feed on foliage of Carya illinoinensis. It completes multiple generations annually in its warm-climate range.
Heterarthrini
Heterarthrini is a tribe of sawflies within the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Tenthredininae. Members are small, slender sawflies known for their leaf-mining larvae, which feed internally within leaf tissue of various host plants. The tribe includes several genera, with Caliroa being the most frequently encountered. Adults are generally inconspicuous and rarely observed compared to their more economically significant larval stages.
Leucobrephos brephoides
Scarce Infant Moth
Leucobrephos brephoides is a small geometrid moth known as the scarce infant moth. It is one of the earliest moths to appear in spring, with adults active from March through May. The species is restricted to North American boreal and montane forests, where its larvae feed on several deciduous tree species including aspen and birch.
Lophocampa maculata
spotted tussock moth, yellow-spotted tussock moth, mottled tiger, spotted halisidota
Lophocampa maculata is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the spotted tussock moth despite not being a true tussock moth (family Lymantriidae). The species was first described by Harris in 1841. Adults fly from May to July with one generation per year. The caterpillar is notable for its distinctive coloration: black at both ends with a yellow or orange middle section marked with black spots in some populations. The species is found across Canada, the western United States, and southward in the Appalachians to South Carolina and Kentucky.
Nematus
Willow Sawflies
Nematus is a genus of sawflies (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) commonly known as willow sawflies. Species within this genus are phytophagous, with larvae feeding on leaves of various host plants including willows, poplars, birches, and rhododendrons. Several species are recognized as significant economic pests of fruit bushes, trees, and ornamental plants. The genus has a wide geographic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, and North America.
Numia
Numia is a strictly Neotropical genus of geometer moths (Geometridae: Ennominae). The genus contains at least one well-documented species, N. terebintharia Guenée, which has been recorded from the Caribbean, Florida, Costa Rica, and northeastern Brazil. Caterpillars are inchworm-type with two pairs of false abdominal legs and feed externally on leaves of Ziziphus species (Rhamnaceae). Adults are small moths with wingspans around 2.5 cm; females possess a large variable apical spot on the forewings, while males have bipectinate antennae and females have filiform antennae.
Numia terebintharia
A Neotropical geometrid moth in the subfamily Ennominae, first recorded in Brazil from the Caatinga region in 2021. Adults are small green moths with approximately 2.5 cm wingspan; females possess an apical spot on the forewings. The species was previously known from the Caribbean, Florida (USA), Haiti, and Costa Rica. Caterpillars are external leaf-feeders that can cause extensive defoliation of host plants.
Olceclostera angelica
Angel Moth
Olceclostera angelica, the angel moth, is a small to medium-sized moth in the family Apatelodidae. First described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1864, it occurs across eastern North America from Quebec and Maine south to Florida, west to Texas, and north to Wisconsin and Ontario. Adults are active from May through September in deciduous forest habitats. The larval stage feeds specifically on ash (Fraxinus) and lilac (Syringa) leaves.
Pheosia rimosa
Black-rimmed Prominent, Fissured Prominent, False-sphinx
Pheosia rimosa is a moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1864. It is widely distributed across North America with a notable gap in the southeastern United States. The species exhibits a wingspan of 43–62 mm and adults are active from spring through fall. Larvae feed on leaves of Populus and Salix species. The taxon Pheosia portlandia, previously considered a distinct Pacific coastal species, has been synonymized with P. rimosa.
Phratora hudsonia
birch leaf beetle
Phratora hudsonia is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the birch leaf beetle. It is found in North America, with documented populations in Ontario, Canada, as well as Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The species feeds exclusively on birch leaves and has been the subject of biological study focusing on its seasonal occurrence, habits, and immature stages.
Phyllobius
Phyllobius is a genus of broad-nosed weevils (Curculionidae: Entiminae) containing at least 60 described species, with many distributed across Europe. Adults are primarily folivorous, feeding on leaves of broadleaved trees and occasionally causing defoliation damage in young woodlands. Larvae develop in soil, feeding on grass roots. Some species have been introduced outside their native ranges and established as nonindigenous populations in northern hardwood forests.
Pococera aplastella
Aspen Webworm Moth
Pococera aplastella is a moth species in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Epipaschiinae. Commonly known as the Aspen Webworm Moth, it occurs in western and central Canada. Larvae are web-forming caterpillars that feed on aspen and related host plants. The species has been documented in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Polygonia
comma, anglewing
Polygonia is a genus of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as commas or anglewings. Members are recognized by a conspicuous white comma-shaped mark on the underside of each hindwing and angular notches on the outer edges of the forewings. The genus exhibits remarkable seasonal polyphenism, with distinct light and dark morphs corresponding to non-diapausing and diapausing generations. Many species hibernate as adults. The genus has been alternatively classified as a subgenus of Nymphalis.
Psaphida resumens
Figure-eight Sallow
Psaphida resumens, commonly called the figure-eight sallow, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It is an early spring-emerging species with adults active from March through May. The species is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota.
Psychidae
Bagworm Moths, Bagworms, Bagmoths
Psychidae, commonly known as bagworm moths, is a family of approximately 1,350 described species of Lepidoptera. The family is distinguished by the larval behavior of constructing portable protective cases from silk and environmental materials such as twigs, leaves, or bark. These cases, which give the group its common name, are carried throughout larval development and serve as pupal shelters. Adult males are typically winged, while females of many species are flightless and remain within their cases.
Rheumaptera hastata
Spear-marked Black Moth, Argent and Sable Moth
Rheumaptera hastata is a day-flying geometrid moth with distinctive black and white coloration. It is widely distributed across the Holarctic region, with well-studied populations in interior Alaska. The species is univoltine, with adults active from early June to mid-July. Larvae are external leaf feeders with strong host preferences, particularly for paper birch.
Saucrobotys fumoferalis
dusky saucrobotys moth
Saucrobotys fumoferalis is a small crambid moth found across northern and western North America. Adults are active from spring through late summer, with a wingspan of approximately 30 mm. The species is notable for its larval association with hickory trees (Carya species), where caterpillars feed on leaves. It inhabits boreal forests, mixed forests, and woodlots across a broad geographic range from the Yukon to California and from Nova Scotia to British Columbia.
Scudderia mexicana
Mexican bush katydid
Scudderia mexicana, the Mexican bush katydid, is a phaneropterine katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. Adults measure 30–38 mm in length and possess slender wings. Nymphs are distinguished by a horn located between the antennae. The species has been documented feeding on leaves, including those of big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla).
Scudderia pistillata
Broad-winged Bush Katydid
Scudderia pistillata is a species of bush katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, commonly known as the broad-winged bush katydid. It is native to North America and is one of eight recognized species in the genus Scudderia found in the United States and southern Canada. Like other bush katydids, it is primarily nocturnal and well-camouflaged in vegetation.
Sericaglaea signata
Variable Sallow, Variable Sallow Moth
Sericaglaea signata, commonly known as the Variable Sallow Moth, is a noctuid moth species found in eastern and central North America. Adults are active from October through May, with a single generation per year and overwintering adults. The species has a wingspan of 35–43 mm. Larvae feed on the leaves of oak (Quercus), cherry/plum (Prunus), and basswood/linden (Tilia) species.
Trirhabda canadensis
goldenrod leaf beetle
Trirhabda canadensis, commonly known as the goldenrod leaf beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America and specializes in feeding on goldenrod species (Solidago). Outbreak populations can cause severe defoliation, removing 20-100% of leaf area from host plants. The species has been studied for its ecological impacts on plant communities and its interactions with other herbivores.