Forest-moth
Guides
Acleris nigrolinea
Black-lined Acleris
Acleris nigrolinea is a tortricid moth native to North America, commonly known as the Black-lined Acleris. The species exhibits broad geographic distribution across Canada and the United States. Adults are active nearly year-round in suitable climates. Larvae feed on a diverse range of woody plants including birch, cherry, poplar, fir, pine, and willow.
Acronicta fragilis
Fragile Dagger, fragile dagger moth
Acronicta fragilis, commonly known as the fragile dagger moth, is a small noctuid moth native to North America. First described by Guenée in 1852, it ranges from Newfoundland south to Florida and west across Canada. The species is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut. Adults are active in early summer, with larvae feeding on several deciduous tree species.
Acronicta hamamelis
witch hazel dagger moth, puzzling dagger moth
Acronicta hamamelis is a noctuid moth first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. The species is closely associated with witch-hazel (Hamamelis), which serves as the larval host plant. It occurs in eastern North America, with records from Canada and the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. The common name "puzzling dagger moth" reflects historical identification challenges.
Acronicta hasta
forked dagger moth, speared dagger moth, cherry dagger moth, dart dagger moth
Acronicta hasta is a noctuid moth native to eastern North American deciduous woodlands. Adults have a wingspan of 35–45 mm and are active from April to September, with multiple generations in southern portions of the range. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852; Acronicta furcifera was synonymized with it in 1998. Three subspecies are recognized: A. h. hasta, A. h. telum, and A. h. manitoba.
Acronicta innotata
Unmarked Dagger, birch dagger, unmarked dagger moth
Acronicta innotata, commonly known as the unmarked dagger moth or birch dagger, is a noctuid moth species first described by Guenée in 1852. It is widely distributed across northern North America, from Newfoundland to British Columbia, with southern extensions along the eastern United States. The species is named for its relatively plain wing pattern compared to other dagger moths, and its larvae feed on the leaves of several deciduous tree species.
Acronicta insita
Large Gray Dagger, Fingered Dagger
Acronicta insita, commonly known as the Large Gray Dagger or Fingered Dagger, is a noctuid moth found across North America from Newfoundland to the Pacific coast. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1856. Formerly, Acronicta hesperida and Acronicta dactylina were treated as separate species but are now recognized as synonyms. Adults have a wingspan of 45–55 mm and fly from May to July.
Acronicta lanceolaria
lanceolate dagger moth, pointed dagger
Acronicta lanceolaria is a noctuid moth native to North America, ranging from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1875. Adults fly in early June in a single generation. It is listed as a species of special concern and believed extirpated in Connecticut.
Acronicta lithospila
Streaked Dagger, streaked dagger moth
Acronicta lithospila is a noctuid moth commonly known as the streaked dagger moth. Described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874, this species occurs in eastern North America from Canada south to the United States. Adults fly during summer months, and larvae feed on hardwood trees including hickory, oak, and chestnut.
Acronicta longa
long-winged dagger moth
Acronicta longa is a North American noctuid moth commonly known as the long-winged dagger moth. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. Adults have a wingspan of 32–44 mm. Larvae feed on the foliage of several woody plant species including birch, oak, and willow.
Actias
Moon Moths, Asian-American Moon Moths
Actias is a genus of Saturniid moths commonly known as moon moths, distributed across Asia and the Americas. The genus is distinguished by elongated hindwing tails and includes well-known species such as the Luna moth (A. luna) of North America and the Spanish moon moth (A. isabellae) of Europe. Adult moths lack functional mouthparts, limiting their lifespan to several days to one week after emergence. Caterpillars feed on leaves of various woody plants including sweetgum, pine, hickory, walnut, and birch.
Alarodia slossoniae
Packard's White Slug Moth
Alarodia slossoniae, known as Packard's White Slug Moth, is a North American moth in the family Limacodidae. The common name refers to the slug-like appearance of its caterpillar, a trait characteristic of this family. Adults are small moths with white or pale coloration. The species was originally described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1893 under the genus Eupoeya before being transferred to Alarodia.
Archips grisea
Gray Archips Moth, Black Shield Leafroller
Archips grisea is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 18–22 mm, found across central and eastern North America. Larvae feed on hickory species (Carya), rolling or tying leaves for shelter. Adults are active during summer months. The species is also known as the black shield leafroller, referring to larval feeding damage.
Archips strianus
striated tortrix moth, striated leafroller
Archips strianus, commonly known as the striated tortrix moth or striated leafroller, is a leafroller moth in the family Tortricidae. It is native to North America, with records from Canada and the northern United States. The species is associated with coniferous hosts, particularly spruce species.
Argyrotaenia dorsalana
Argyrotaenia dorsalana is a small tortricid moth of western North America, with a wingspan of 18–24 mm. The species is associated with coniferous forests, where its larvae feed primarily on Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western larch. Adults emerge in late June following a brief larval period in spring and overwintering in the egg stage.
Autographa mappa
Wavy Chestnut Y Moth, Wavy Chestnut Y
Autographa mappa, commonly known as the Wavy Chestnut Y Moth, is a North American noctuid moth first described by Grote and Robinson in 1868. Adults have a wingspan of 35–40 mm and are active from June to August, with one generation per year. The species inhabits wooded regions across Canada and the northern United States.
Caloptilia blandella
Walnut Caloptilia Moth
Caloptilia blandella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the Walnut Caloptilia Moth. It has a wingspan of approximately 9 mm. The species is distributed across eastern North America, with records from Canada (Québec) and several U.S. states including Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maine, Maryland, Texas, and Kentucky. Larvae are leaf miners that feed on shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) and black walnut (Juglans nigra).
Catocala angusi
Angus' Underwing
Catocala angusi, known as Angus' Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is distinguished by its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a characteristic defense mechanism of underwing moths. The species occurs across the eastern and central United States, with adults active from July through October. Larval development is tied to hickory trees, specifically pecan and shagbark hickory.
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 concumbens
Pink Underwing, Sleepy Underwing
Catocala concumbens, commonly known as the pink underwing or sleepy underwing, is a medium-sized moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1858. It is distinguished by its cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings, a characteristic defensive trait of the genus Catocala. The moth occurs in eastern North America, extending westward across the Prairie Provinces to eastern Alberta. Adults are active in August, with larvae feeding on Populus and Salix species.
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
Ilia Underwing, Beloved Underwing, Wife Underwing
Catocala ilia is a nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Pieter Cramer in 1776. The species is notable for its highly variable forewing patterns and strikingly colored hindwings, which are typically concealed at rest. It occurs across eastern North America with a disjunct population in the southwestern United States represented by a distinct subspecies.
Catocala insolabilis
Inconsolable Underwing
Catocala insolabilis, commonly known as the inconsolable underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species was described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It is characterized by the typical underwing morphology: cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings when at rest. Adults are active from June to August with one generation per year.
Catocala muliercula
Little Wife Underwing
Catocala muliercula, known as the Little Wife Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is one of more than 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly called underwing moths due to their habit of concealing brightly colored hindwings beneath cryptic forewings when at rest. This species occurs across eastern and central North America, from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Texas and New Mexico. Like other underwings, it is primarily nocturnal and attracted to lights.
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.
Ceranemota fasciata
Ceranemota fasciata is a moth in the family Drepanidae (hook-tip moths) described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1910. It occurs in western North America from coastal southern Alaska through British Columbia to northern California. The species inhabits coastal rainforests, mixed hardwood forests, and montane riparian areas. Larvae feed on Amelanchier alnifolia and various Prunus species including P. ilicifolia and P. virginiana.
Chionodes bicostomaculella
Two-spotted Chionodes Moth
Chionodes bicostomaculella is a small gelechiid moth found in eastern North America. Adults display distinctive dark forewings with ochreous costal spots and irregular transverse banding. Larvae are known to feed on oak species (Quercus). The species was described by Chambers in 1872.
Choristoneura carnana
Choristoneura carnana is a species of tortricid moth first described from the western United States in 1920. It is a conifer-feeding specialist with documented larval associations with fir and Douglas-fir species. The species exhibits a relatively broad adult flight period spanning late spring through summer. Two subspecies are recognized, differing in geographic distribution within the species' range.
Choristoneura orae
spruce budworm
Choristoneura orae is a small tortricid moth found in North America, commonly known as the spruce budworm. The species has a wingspan of approximately 24 mm. Larvae feed on Picea (spruce) species. It belongs to the genus Choristoneura, which includes several economically important forest pests.
Choristoneura retiniana
Modoc budworm
Choristoneura retiniana is a conifer-feeding tortricid moth known as the Modoc budworm. It occurs in California, Nevada, and Oregon, where it feeds primarily on true firs (Abies spp.), particularly white fir. The species is sympatric with the western spruce budworm (C. occidentalis) in mixed conifer stands, and the two species hybridize in nature. Larvae are characteristically green, distinguishing them from the brown larvae of C. occidentalis. The species exhibits density-dependent parasitoid complexes that may serve as indicators of population trends.
Cladara limitaria
mottled gray carpet moth, Mottled Gray Carpet
Cladara limitaria is a geometrid moth found across North America from Alaska to Newfoundland and south to Alabama. Adults are active in spring, with a wingspan of 21–28 mm. Larvae feed on sheep laurel and conifers. The species inhabits deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forests and is attracted to light.
Conservula anodonta
Sharp Angle Shades
Conservula anodonta, known as the sharp angle shades, is a noctuid moth species native to North America. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive wing markings and are active during summer months. The species is associated with forested habitats and exhibits typical nocturnal behavior of its family, including attraction to light sources.
Coptodisca ostryaefoliella
Coptodisca ostryaefoliella is a small moth in the family Heliozelidae, described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1861. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are leaf miners, creating distinctive blotch mines on host plant foliage. The species is found in North America, with records from Ohio and surrounding regions.
Crambidia xanthocorpa
Yellow-bodied Lichen Moth
Crambidia xanthocorpa, commonly known as the Yellow-bodied Lichen Moth, is a species of lichen moth in the family Erebidae. Described by Lewis in 2014, it is a relatively recently recognized species within the genus Crambidia. The species is characterized by its distinctive yellow coloration, which is reflected in both its specific epithet (xanthocorpa, meaning 'yellow body') and its common name. It belongs to a genus of moths whose larvae are known to feed on lichens.
Cyclophora pendulinaria
sweetfern geometer moth, pearly-grey wave
A small geometrid moth with wingspan 17–26 mm, found across much of North America from Newfoundland to the Yukon and south to Georgia. Adults are active from spring through fall, with larvae feeding on sweetfern (Comptonia) and alder (Alnus) leaves. The species inhabits moist to mesic forests.
Dasychira basiflava
Yellow-based Tussock Moth, yellow-based tussock
Dasychira basiflava, commonly known as the Yellow-based Tussock Moth, is a species of tussock moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1864, this species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in size, with females substantially larger than males. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with populations extending from southeastern Alaska to the southern United States. The species shows geographic variation in voltinism, with one generation per year in northern regions and partial second generations in the south.
Diarsia esurialis
Diarsia esurialis is a noctuid moth species native to the Pacific coast of North America. It is abundant in wet coastal forests from Alaska through California. Adults fly in midsummer and have a wingspan of approximately 33 mm. The larvae feed on foliage of Corylus (hazelnut) and Alnus (alder).
Eacles imperialis imperialis
Imperial moth
Eacles imperialis imperialis is a subspecies of giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae. Adults are large, colorful moths with yellow and purple-brown patterning. Unlike many related silk moths, larvae do not spin silk cocoons; instead they burrow into soil to pupate. The subspecies has experienced significant population declines in parts of New England, including extirpation from Connecticut, though it remains widespread across much of North, Central, and South America.
Ellida caniplaga
Linden Prominent, linden prominent moth
Ellida caniplaga, the linden prominent moth, is a North American notodontid moth distributed across eastern and central United States and Canada. Adults fly from April through September with two generations annually in southern populations. The species is strongly associated with Tilia (linden/basswood) trees, upon which larvae feed.
Epimecis hortaria
tulip-tree beauty
Epimecis hortaria, commonly known as the tulip-tree beauty, is a geometer moth native to North America. It is one of the larger species in its family, with a wingspan reaching 43–55 mm. The species exhibits two distinct color morphs and has a broad flight season spanning early spring through autumn.
Epinotia radicana
Red-striped Needleworm Moth
Epinotia radicana is a small tortricid moth known for its association with coniferous forests across northern North America. The species is recognized by its common name referencing the reddish larval stripes and needle-feeding habits. It has been documented from western Canada through to the northeastern United States, with a life cycle tightly synchronized to the phenology of its host trees. The species is not considered a significant forest pest despite its widespread occurrence in spruce-fir ecosystems.
Episimus tyrius
Maple Tip Borer Moth, Maple Leaftier Moth
Episimus tyrius, commonly known as the Maple Tip Borer Moth or Maple Leaftier Moth, is a tortricid moth species described by Heinrich in 1923. The species is primarily associated with maple trees, with larvae that bore into leaf tips or tie leaves together. It occurs in the eastern United States, where it has been documented from New York south to Florida and west to Texas. The species is relatively well-documented, with over 500 observations recorded.
Eugonobapta nivosaria
Snowy Geometer Moth, Snowy Geometer
Eugonobapta nivosaria, commonly known as the Snowy Geometer Moth, is a species of geometrid moth found in eastern North America. The species was first described by Guenée in 1857 and is recognized by its distinctive white or pale coloration. It is a well-documented species with over 3,600 observations recorded on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively common and conspicuous within its range. The moth occurs in deciduous and mixed forest habitats where its larvae feed on various woody plants.
Eupithecia annulata
larch pug moth
Eupithecia annulata, commonly known as the larch pug moth, is a small geometrid moth first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. The species is notable for its broad distribution across North America, ranging from the Yukon to Newfoundland and south to California and Colorado. Adults are active in spring, with larvae feeding on a diverse array of coniferous and some deciduous host plants including larch, spruce, fir, Douglas-fir, and western red cedar.
Eupsilia schweitzeri
Schweitzer's Sallow
Eupsilia schweitzeri is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, described in 2016 from the northeastern United States. It belongs to the sallow moth genus Eupsilia, which are medium-sized noctuid moths active during late fall, winter, and early spring. The species was named in honor of entomologist Dale F. Schweitzer. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a cold-season active adult with larvae feeding on woody plants.
Euxoa costata
Euxoa costata is a noctuid moth species found in the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is particularly abundant in ponderosa pine forests east of the Cascade Mountains. The species has a wingspan of approximately 34 mm. Like other members of the genus Euxoa, it is a nocturnal species attracted to light.
Fascista
Fascista is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Busck in 1939. The genus contains three described species found in North America, including the redbud leaffolder moth (F. cercerisella), whose larvae are known to fold leaves of eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) as feeding shelters. These moths are part of the diverse gelechiid fauna associated with deciduous forest habitats.
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').
Gabriola
Gabriola is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae, established by Taylor in 1904. The genus comprises approximately 20 described species distributed primarily in western North America. These are medium-sized geometrid moths typically associated with forested and shrubland habitats. The genus name is derived from Gabriola Island in British Columbia, Canada.
Hydrelia albifera
fragile white carpet moth, Fragile White Carpet
Hydrelia albifera is a small geometrid moth with a wingspan of 16–18 mm, found across much of North America from Newfoundland to British Columbia. Adults are active from May to August, with one generation annually in northern regions and two in the south. The larvae feed on specific host plants including red-osier dogwood, alternate-leaved dogwood, and paper birch.