Generalist-herbivore
Guides
Acharia stimulea
Saddleback caterpillar, Saddleback moth
Acharia stimulea, commonly known as the saddleback caterpillar, is a North American moth in the family Limacodidae. Its larva is notable for its striking appearance—a brown shield-like marking surrounded by white on its back, resembling a saddle, with prominent projections at both ends bearing venomous urticating hairs. Contact with these spines causes painful stings and potential skin reactions in humans. The species has a broad host plant range and is parasitized by braconid wasps in the genus Cotesia.
Achatia
Quaker moths
Achatia is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as Quaker moths. The genus contains approximately 16 described species distributed primarily in North America. Species within this genus are typically spring-flying nocturnal moths attracted to light. The caterpillars are generalist feeders on deciduous trees and shrubs.
Achatia distincta
Distinct Quaker
Achatia distincta, commonly known as the Distinct Quaker, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active in early spring, with a single annual generation flying from late March to early May. The species is notable for its relatively broad host plant range, with larvae feeding on leaves of multiple deciduous tree genera including ash, birch, maple, oak, and grape.
Anagrapha falcifera
Celery Looper, Celery Looper Moth
Anagrapha falcifera, the celery looper, is a noctuid moth native to North America. The species was first described by William Kirby in 1837. Adults have a wingspan of 35–40 mm. Larvae are generalist feeders on low-growing plants including agricultural crops. The species gained scientific significance in 1985 when specimens collected in Missouri were found infected with a naturally occurring baculovirus, which became the first patented baculovirus and contributed to the development of biological insect control products.
Apamea amputatrix
Yellow-headed Cutworm, Yellow-headed Cutworm Moth
Apamea amputatrix, commonly known as the yellow-headed cutworm, is a noctuid moth native to North America with a range extending to the Arctic. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 40 mm and are active from April to October depending on location. The species is recognized as a cutworm pest, with larvae feeding on a broad range of host plants including vegetable crops. Identification to species level is challenging due to individual variation and overlap with other Apamea species.
Apantesis arge
Arge Moth, Arge Tiger Moth
Apantesis arge is a medium-sized tiger moth in the family Erebidae, formerly placed in the genus Grammia. The species occurs across much of North America, with adults active from spring through late summer depending on latitude. Larvae are generalist herbivores feeding on a diverse range of plant species including agricultural crops and weeds. The species exhibits geographic variation in voltinism, with two generations annually in southern populations and one or two in northern areas.
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.
Archips fuscocupreanus
exotic leafroller moth, apple tortrix
Archips fuscocupreanus is a leafroller moth in the family Tortricidae, native to East Asia (China, South Korea, Japan, and eastern Russia). It is an introduced species in the northeastern United States, where it has established populations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington. The species is a generalist herbivore with larvae feeding on numerous woody and herbaceous plants across multiple families. Adults are active in summer, with flight periods recorded from June to July in China.
Arctia virginalis
Ranchman's Tiger Moth, woolly bear caterpillar (larval form)
Arctia virginalis is a tiger moth species in the family Erebidae, found in western North America. The species was first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1852 and was formerly placed in the genus Platyprepia before being transferred to Arctia. Adults are brightly colored with black forewings bearing light yellow spots and orange hindwings with black bands. The larvae, known as woolly bears, are densely hairy caterpillars with distinctive orange-black-orange coloration. A 40-year population study at Bodega Bay, California, found that precipitation is the primary driver of abundance, with wet winters and wet sites supporting higher densities.
Aroga trialbamaculella
red-striped fireworm moth
Aroga trialbamaculella, commonly known as the red-striped fireworm moth, is a small gelechiid moth native to the eastern and central United States. Adults are active primarily from March to October, though records exist year-round. The species is notable for its larval feeding behavior: larvae skeletonize leaves of various woody plants and construct distinctive frass tubes between fastened leaves.
Aulocara femoratum
Whitecrossed Grasshopper, White Cross Grasshopper, White-crossed Grasshopper
Aulocara femoratum, commonly known as the whitecrossed grasshopper, is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper inhabiting western North American grasslands. It is a generalist grass feeder that occasionally reaches pest status in mixedgrass prairie habitats, though it is typically subdominant to its congener Aulocara elliotti. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in both size and feeding behavior, with males being smaller and more mobile while females are larger and more sedentary. It completes one generation annually, overwintering as eggs.
Callosamia promethea
Promethea Silkmoth, Spicebush Silkmoth
Callosamia promethea is a North American silk moth in the family Saturniidae, notable for being the only member of its family with sexually dimorphic activity patterns: males are diurnal while females are nocturnal. Adults do not feed. Larvae feed on a broad range of host plants across multiple families, including Rosaceae, Oleaceae, and Lauraceae. The species produces silk for cocoon construction and exhibits distinctive defensive behaviors including thanatosis and chemical secretion.
Campaea perlata
Pale Beauty, Fringed Looper, Light Emerald
Campaea perlata is a medium-sized geometrid moth found throughout North America, commonly known as the pale beauty. Adults are pale greenish to white with faint continuous lines across both forewings and hindwings, with females notably larger than males. The caterpillar, called the fringed looper, is an inchworm with distinctive fringe-like setae and twig-mimicking camouflage. The species has two annual generations in most of its range, with larvae overwintering on exposed tree trunks and branches.
Cerastis tenebrifera
Reddish Speckled Dart
Cerastis tenebrifera, commonly known as the reddish speckled dart, is a noctuid moth distributed across eastern and central North America. The species is univoltine, with adults active in spring. Larvae have been documented feeding on a diverse range of host plants across multiple families.
Choristoneura obsoletana
Obsolete-banded Leafroller Moth
Choristoneura obsoletana is a leafroller moth in the family Tortricidae, found across the eastern and central United States with scattered western records. Adults have a wingspan of 21–24 mm and are active from April through December. The larvae feed on a diverse range of host plants including pawpaw, huckleberry, strawberry, blackberry, cattail, and several woody species such as paper birch, leatherleaf, and chokeberry.
Choristoneura parallela
parallel-banded leafroller moth
Choristoneura parallela, commonly known as the parallel-banded leafroller moth, is a tortricid moth distributed across eastern and central North America. Adults are active from March through October, with a wingspan of 21–23 mm. The larvae feed on a diverse range of host plants including goldenrod, blueberry, rose, citrus, and various other woody and herbaceous species.
Choristoneura rosaceana
oblique-banded leafroller, rosaceous leaf roller, oblique banded leaf roller
Choristoneura rosaceana is a tortricid moth native to North America that has been accidentally introduced to other parts of the world. The species is a generalist herbivore whose larvae feed on a broad range of woody and herbaceous plants, with documented hosts spanning over 30 plant genera in more than 20 families. Caterpillars construct leaf rolls for shelter and feeding, causing damage to foliage and occasionally fruit. Adults are bivoltine in most of their range, with flight periods in early and late summer.
Disclisioprocta stellata
somber carpet, bougainvillea looper
Disclisioprocta stellata is a small geometrid moth with a broad intercontinental distribution spanning sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Ocean islands, and the Americas from Canada to South America. The species was introduced to Hawaii in 1993 and has established there. Adults are active year-round in southern regions and during late summer and fall in northern areas. The larvae feed on a variety of plants including bougainvillea, giving rise to one of its common names.
Estigmene
Ermine Moths
Estigmene is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Jacob Hübner in 1820. Species in this genus are native to North and Central America. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with many African and Asian species formerly included now separated into different genera. The most well-known species is Estigmene acrea, commonly called the saltmarsh caterpillar or woollybear, which is a widespread generalist herbivore and occasional agricultural pest.
Eumarozia malachitana
Sculptured Moth
Eumarozia malachitana, commonly known as the sculptured moth, is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 11.5–16 mm. It is widely distributed across eastern North America, with records extending from Ontario and Maine south to Florida and west to Texas and Oklahoma. The species exhibits bivoltine adult activity, with flight periods in July and from September to October. Larvae are known to feed on a diverse range of host plants including woody species and some cultivated plants.
Euxoa albipennis
White-striped Dart
Euxoa albipennis is a noctuid moth first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1876. It is distributed across southern Canada and the northern United States, with western populations extending to New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The species has a wingspan of 30–35 mm. Larval host plants include Oxytropis, Lupinus, Melilotus, Helianthus, Solanum tuberosum, and Zea mays.
Feltia jaculifera
Dingy Cutworm Moth, Bent-line Dart, Dingy Cutworm
Feltia jaculifera, commonly known as the dingy cutworm moth or bent-line dart, is a widespread noctuid moth found throughout North America. Adults are nocturnal and active from July to November, often attracted to lights. The larvae are generalist feeders known as cutworms, feeding on over forty plant species including agricultural crops and garden vegetables. The species is frequently confused with three congeners: F. herilis, F. subgothica, and F. tricosa.
Fishia yosemitae
Dark Grey Fishia Moth, Dark Grey Fishia, Grey Fishia
Fishia yosemitae is a noctuid moth distributed across western North America from the Rocky Mountains to California. Adults are nocturnal and occur in dry open habitats at low to middle elevations. Larvae are generalist herbivores feeding on herbaceous plants in several families. The species was described by Grote in 1873 and was originally placed in the genus Cucullia.
Garella nilotica
Black-olive Caterpillar Moth, Bungee Caterpillar
A small moth of the family Nolidae with a pantropical distribution spanning North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Pacific islands. The species is known for its larvae, which feed on a broad range of woody plants across at least five plant families. First described by Alois Friedrich Rogenhofer in 1881, it has become established in numerous regions through human-mediated transport or natural dispersal.
Haploa lecontei
Leconte's Haploa Moth, Leconte's haploa
Haploa lecontei, commonly known as Leconte's Haploa Moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It occurs across eastern and central North America, from Nova Scotia south to Georgia and west to Manitoba and Arkansas. The species was first described by Guérin-Méneville in 1832. Adults have a wingspan of 36–50 mm. The larvae feed on a variety of host plants including apple, blackberry, peach, spearmint, and trembling aspen.
Heliothrips
Heliothrips is a genus of thrips in the family Thripidae comprising approximately 18 described species. The genus includes economically significant pests, most notably Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (greenhouse thrips), which infests a wide range of cultivated plants. Members of this genus are characterized by their fringed wings and rasping-sucking mouthparts. Several species have been documented as polyphagous herbivores with broad host ranges spanning multiple plant families.
thripsThripidaepestagriculturehorticulturegreenhouse-thripspolyphagousHeliothrips-haemorrhoidalisbiological-control-targetquarantine-pestkiwifruit-peststrawberry-pestavocado-pestornamental-pestworldwide-distributionfringed-wingsThysanopteraPanchaetothripinaeHaliday-183618-speciesgeneralist-herbivorerasping-sucking-mouthpartsHyles lineata
white-lined sphinx, hummingbird moth
Hyles lineata is a large, abundant sphinx moth native to North and Central America, recognized for its distinctive hovering flight and striking wing pattern. Adults display a 2–3 inch wingspan with dark brown forewings marked by white longitudinal lines and black hindwings bearing a broad pink median band. The species exhibits unusual flexibility in activity patterns, flying at dusk, dawn, and occasionally during daylight hours to feed on nectar. Caterpillars show extreme color polymorphism, ranging from black with orange spots to lime green with black markings, and possess a characteristic posterior horn. This generalist feeder has been documented on over a dozen plant families and serves as a significant pollinator and occasional agricultural pest.
Hypena scabra
Green Cloverworm Moth, Black Snout, Green Cloverworm
Hypena scabra, commonly known as the green cloverworm moth or black snout, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is an abundant species across much of North America east of the Rocky Mountains, with multiple generations per year. The larvae are significant agricultural pests, particularly of soybeans and other legumes, though they feed on a wide variety of plants. Adults are active from early spring through late fall, or year-round in warmer regions.
Largus
bordered plant bugs
Largus is a genus of true bugs in the family Largidae, commonly known as bordered plant bugs. Adults are relatively large (13–17 mm), predominantly black with orange marginal markings. Nymphs are strikingly colored metallic blue-black with a central red spot. The genus occurs across much of North America with greatest diversity in the southwestern United States. These insects are generalist herbivores that occasionally feed on carrion and fecal material.
Largus cinctus
bordered plant bug
Largus cinctus is a bordered plant bug in the family Largidae, distributed across Central, North, and South America. Adults are recognized by the characteristic orange border on the shield behind the head and outlining the abdomen. Nymphs are metallic blue with a central red spot. The species is a generalist feeder on plant juices and is sometimes confused with stink bugs or leaf-footed bugs.
Largus davisi
bordered plant bug
Largus davisi is a species of bordered plant bug in the family Largidae, described by Barber in 1914. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus characterized by striking coloration: adults are typically black with orange or red marginal markings, while nymphs display metallic blue bodies with a central red spot. Like other Largus species, it is a generalist feeder on plant material.
Largus sculptilis
bordered plant bug
Largus sculptilis is a true bug in the family Largidae, commonly known as a bordered plant bug. Like other members of the genus Largus, adults are black with orange or red trim along the margins of the body. Nymphs display striking aposematic coloration: metallic blue-black with a prominent scarlet dot on the dorsal midline. The species occurs in western North America and Middle America. Adults are flightless and can be confused with stink bugs (Pentatomidae), leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae), or cotton strainers (Pyrrhocoridae).
Largus succinctus
Largus bug, bordered plant bug, red bug, Eastern Bordered Plant Bug
Largus succinctus is a true bug in the family Largidae, commonly called the Eastern Bordered Plant Bug. Adults measure 13–17 mm and display black bodies with orange marginal markings. Nymphs are strikingly different: metallic blue-black with a central bright red spot. The species is the sole eastern North American representative of its genus, ranging from New York to Florida and west to Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Colorado. It is a generalist plant feeder with two generations annually.
Manduca rustica
Rustic Sphinx
Manduca rustica, the rustic sphinx, is a large hawkmoth (Sphingidae) first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775. The species is notable for its broad geographic distribution across the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Central and South America to Uruguay. It exhibits considerable ecological flexibility, inhabiting diverse environments from rainforests to deserts, and has been documented using host plants from at least five plant families. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Morrisonia latex
Fluid Arches
A noctuid moth native to eastern and central North America, commonly known as the Fluid Arches. Adults are active in late spring and early summer. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. Larvae are polyphagous on deciduous trees and shrubs, with documented feeding on maples, birches, oaks, and other woody plants.
Orgyia leucostigma
White-marked Tussock Moth
A tussock moth species native to North America, distinguished by sexually dimorphic adults: females are flightless with reduced wings, while males are winged and active. The caterpillar is conspicuously colored with defensive hair tufts and can cause allergic reactions in humans. Multiple generations occur annually in eastern North America, with outbreaks occasionally reported on urban trees.
Orthodes majuscula
Rustic Quaker
Orthodes majuscula, commonly known as the Rustic Quaker, is a noctuid moth described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1868. It is widespread throughout the New World, ranging from eastern North America through Central America to South America. Adults are active from May to August and have a wingspan of 28–35 mm.
Orthosia hibisci
Speckled Green Fruitworm Moth
Orthosia hibisci, commonly known as the speckled green fruitworm moth, is a Noctuidae moth species found across most of North America outside desert regions. Adults are active in early spring, with a single generation per year from late March through April. The species exhibits highly variable forewing coloration and pattern, ranging from pale buff-grey to dark red-brown. Larvae are generalist feeders on hardwood trees and shrubs.
Papilio glaucus
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio glaucus, the eastern tiger swallowtail, is a large and familiar butterfly native to eastern North America. Adults are recognized by their distinctive yellow and black tiger-striped pattern; males are consistently yellow with four black stripes on each forewing, while females exhibit dimorphism with both yellow and dark morphs. The species is notable for its remarkable caterpillar defenses, including bird-dropping mimicry in early instars and snake-mimicry eyespots in later stages. Dark-morph females employ Batesian mimicry of the unpalatable pipevine swallowtail. The butterfly is highly polyphagous as a larva, feeding on numerous tree species across multiple plant families, and is an important pollinator as an adult. It produces two to three broods annually and is active from spring through fall.
Parapoynx diminutalis
Hydrilla leafcutter moth
Parapoynx diminutalis is an Asian aquatic moth in the family Crambidae, first described from southeast Asia in 1880. The species has established adventive populations in North America (first recorded Florida 1976), Central America (Panama), Africa, and Europe (United Kingdom). Larvae are aquatic and feed on submerged macrophytes, with documented development on Hydrilla verticillata, Chara vulgaris, Ottelia alismoides, Blyxa auberti, and Cyperus rotundus. Despite early interest as a biological control agent for invasive hydrilla, its generalist feeding habits precluded intentional release.
Pleuroprucha insulsaria
Common Tan Wave, common tan wave moth
Pleuroprucha insulsaria, known as the Common Tan Wave, is a small geometrid moth with a broad distribution spanning eastern North America through Central and South America to the Galápagos Islands. Adults are active from spring through fall, with timing varying by latitude. The species is notable for its generalist larval feeding habits across multiple plant families.
Prochoerodes lineola
Large Maple Spanworm Moth, Large Maple Spanworm
Prochoerodes lineola, commonly known as the large maple spanworm moth, is a geometrid moth native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of 35–50 mm and are active from April to October in southern regions and July to September in northern areas. The caterpillars are generalist feeders known to consume leaves from numerous woody and herbaceous plants. The species occurs from Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Texas and north to Alberta.
Prolimacodes badia
Skiff Moth
Prolimacodes badia, commonly known as the skiff moth, is a small moth in the family Limacodidae (slug caterpillar moths). The species is widely distributed across eastern North America. Adults are active from late spring through summer, and larvae feed on leaves of numerous woody plants.
Protolampra brunneicollis
Brown-collared Dart
Protolampra brunneicollis, the Brown-collared Dart, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1864. Adults fly from June through September, with evidence suggesting either bivoltinism or a single generation with summer aestivation. Larvae are generalist feeders on low-growing herbaceous and woody plants.
Pyrrharctia isabella
Isabella tiger moth, banded woolly bear, woolly bear, woolly worm
Pyrrharctia isabella is a tiger moth species native to North America, best known for its larval form, the banded woolly bear caterpillar. The caterpillar is recognized by its alternating black and orange-brown bands and has become famous in North American folklore as a supposed predictor of winter weather severity. The species exhibits remarkable freeze tolerance, allowing larvae to survive winter temperatures by producing cryoprotectants that prevent lethal ice crystal formation. Adults are dull yellowish to orangish moths with sparse black wing spotting and bright reddish-orange forelegs.
Scopula junctaria
Simple Wave
Scopula junctaria, commonly known as the simple wave, is a moth species in the family Geometridae. First described by Francis Walker in 1861, it is widely distributed across northern North America, occurring throughout Canada and extending southward into the northern United States. Adults are active from late May through August, with a single generation per year. The species is characterized by its relatively small size and distinctive wing pattern.
Spilosoma latipennis
Pink-legged Tiger Moth, Red-legged Diacrisia
Spilosoma latipennis, commonly known as the pink-legged tiger moth or red-legged diacrisia, is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae described by Richard Harper Stretch in 1872. It occurs across eastern North America from Georgia north to Maine and west to Iowa and Kansas. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 38 mm and are active from April through September. The larvae feed on a variety of plants including ash, dandelion, impatiens, and plantain.
Thyris maculata
Spotted Thyris, Spotted Thyris Moth
Thyris maculata, commonly known as the spotted thyris, is a window-winged moth in the family Thyrididae. It is recognized by the distinctive square or rectangular translucent spots in its wings that give the family its common name. The species exhibits a broad geographic range across North America and has been observed in both eastern and western regions. Adults are diurnal and visit flowers for nectar, while larvae are generalist feeders that roll leaves of host plants.