Grass-feeder
Guides
Acrolophus mortipennella
Long-horned Grass Tubeworm Moth
Acrolophus mortipennella is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae, described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. It belongs to a genus commonly known as "grass tube moths" due to larval behavior of spinning silken tubes at grass bases or roots. The species occurs across the southeastern and central United States, with adults active during summer months. It is attracted to ultraviolet light sources at night.
Ageneotettix
slant-faced grasshoppers
Ageneotettix is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by McNeill in 1897. The genus contains at least three described species: A. brevipennis, A. deorum, and A. salutator. Species in this genus are characteristic inhabitants of western North American grasslands, where they serve as important components of grasshopper assemblages. Ageneotettix deorum, the white-whiskered grasshopper, is particularly notable for its widespread distribution and frequent dominance in mixedgrass prairie communities, where it has been recorded contributing over 50% of total grasshopper population density in some locations.
Agriphila straminella
Pearl Veneer, Straw Grass-veneer moth
Agriphila straminella is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of 16–20 mm, found across Europe and the Palearctic region. Adults are active from June to September, with flight timing varying by location. The species is attracted to light traps. Larvae feed on grasses including sheep's fescue, smooth meadowgrass, and wheat.
Amblyscirtes aesculapius
Lace-winged Roadside-Skipper
A small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, found in the southeastern and south-central United States. Adults have a wingspan of 30–38 mm and are active from March through September, with two generations per year. The common name refers to the lacy pattern on the wings.
Amblyscirtes vialis
Common Roadside-Skipper, Common Roadside Skipper
Amblyscirtes vialis, the Common Roadside-Skipper, is a small grass skipper (Hesperiidae) distributed across much of North America. Adults fly from March through July, with a partial second generation in southern populations extending into September. The species is listed as endangered in Connecticut.
Amphitornus coloradus
striped slant-face grasshopper, striped grasshopper
Amphitornus coloradus is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper distributed across western North American grasslands. It is a significant pest of rangeland, feeding almost exclusively on grasses and sedges. The species is characterized by distinctive chocolate brown stripes running above the compound eyes and onto the pronotum. It is an early-hatching species with strong flight capabilities, though it rarely achieves dominant population status in grasshopper assemblages.
Anerastia lotella
Sandhill Knot-horn, Sandhill Knot-horn moth
Anerastia lotella, commonly known as the Sandhill Knot-horn moth, is a small pyralid moth with a chromosome-level genome assembly available. Adults are active in July and are single-brooded. The species shows phenotypic variation between coastal and inland populations, with coastal individuals typically larger and paler.
Anicla forbesi
Forbes' Dart
Anicla forbesi (Forbes' Dart) is a noctuid moth species distributed across northeastern and north-central North America. Adults are active during summer months, with flight records from June through August. The species has a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. Larvae have been successfully reared on timothy grass (Phleum pratense) and likely feed on various native grasses in natural habitats.
Anicla illapsa
Snowy Dart
Anicla illapsa, commonly known as the snowy dart, is a moth in the family Noctuidae. It occurs across eastern and central North America, with adults active from spring through fall. The species has a wingspan of 29–35 mm and produces two generations per year.
Anicla tepperi
Black-girdled Dart
Anicla tepperi is a moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the Black-girdled Dart. The species occurs in central North America, ranging from eastern Manitoba and the Alberta foothills south to southern Colorado. Adults have a wingspan of 36–40 mm and fly from June to July. The larvae feed on grasses in the family Poaceae.
Anisostena gracilis
Anisostena gracilis is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae (tortoise beetles and allies). Adults measure approximately 3–3.7 mm in length and are distinguished by orange-red or yellowish coloration with a black sutural stripe. The species has been documented feeding on Panicum maximum (guinea grass). It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Anisostena nigrita
black tortoise beetle
Anisostena nigrita, commonly known as the black tortoise beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It has been recorded across a broad geographic range in North America, from Canada to the southern United States. The species has been observed feeding on grasses in the genus Andropogon and Schizachyrium scoparium. It belongs to the tortoise beetle subfamily Cassidinae, characterized by a body form adapted for clinging to leaf surfaces.
Apamea antennata
Apamea antennata is a noctuid moth species widespread in the forests of western North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 44 mm and fly during early and midsummer. The larval stage feeds on grasses. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate A. a. antennata and A. a. purpurissata restricted to British Columbia.
Apamea plutonia
Dusky Apamea Moth, Dusky Quaker
Apamea plutonia, known as the Dusky Apamea Moth or Dusky Quaker, is a small noctuid moth native to northern North America. First described by Grote in 1883, it is characterized by its very dark, nearly black forewings and forewing length of 16–17 mm. The species occurs primarily in boreal regions with scattered populations extending southward. Its larvae are cutworms that feed on grasses.
Apamea remissa
Dusky Brocade
Apamea remissa, commonly known as the dusky brocade, is a noctuid moth species with a wingspan of 36–42 mm. It occurs across the Palearctic region from Europe through Siberia to Japan, with disjunct populations in Alaska. The species exhibits considerable variation in wing markings, making identification challenging in some forms.
Apamea unanimis
Small Clouded Brindle
Apamea unanimis, commonly known as the small clouded brindle, is a noctuid moth first described by Jacob Hübner in 1813. Native to Europe, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and western Siberia, it has been introduced to North America and is established in parts of Canada and the northern United States. The species is associated with wetland habitats where its larval host plants grow.
Arrhenopeplus brunneus
Bruner slantfaced grasshopper
Arrhenopeplus brunneus is a medium-sized, colorful grasshopper of the slantfaced subfamily Gomphocerinae, widely distributed in the hills and mountains of the northwestern United States. The species inhabits mixedgrass and bunchgrass prairies, mountain meadows, parklands, and alpine tundra at elevations from 1,600 to 11,100 feet. During population irruptions, it becomes a serious pest of mountain and foothill grasslands, capable of causing considerable damage to range grasses. The species exhibits a two-year life cycle in mountain meadows and northern grasslands, with hatching occurring in June and adults appearing in July or August depending on seasonal temperatures.
Arugisa lutea
Common Arugisa Moth
Arugisa lutea is a small moth in the family Erebidae, first described by John B. Smith in 1900. It is widely distributed across the eastern and central United States. The species exhibits extended adult activity in southern portions of its range, with year-round flight recorded in Florida.
Balclutha
Balclutha is a large genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, with over 100 species and a cosmopolitan distribution. The genus is named after Balclutha, Scotland. These small insects are primarily associated with grasses and sedges (Poaceae), and several species have become economically significant as pests of cereal crops, particularly rice. Some species are known vectors of plant pathogens, including phytoplasmas affecting grapevine and other crops. The genus includes both native and introduced species, with several documented cases of recent range expansion through international trade.
Boopedon
boopies, ebony grasshopper (B. nubilum), yellow-belly boopie (B. flaviventris), prairie boopie (B. gracile), short-winged boopie (B. auriventris)
Boopedon is a genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, commonly known as boopies. The genus contains at least eight described species distributed across western North American grasslands. Species in this genus are notable for pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males typically winged and darkly colored while females are often larger, flightless, and paler. Several species, particularly B. nubilum (the ebony grasshopper), are significant rangeland pests capable of reaching outbreak densities.
Bruneria
slant-faced grasshoppers
Bruneria is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the subfamily Gomphocerinae, native to northwestern North America. The genus contains at least three described species: Bruneria brunnea (Bruner slant-faced grasshopper), Bruneria shastana (Shasta slant-faced grasshopper), and Bruneria yukonensis (Yukon slant-faced grasshopper). These grasshoppers inhabit mountain meadows, mixedgrass prairies, and alpine tundra at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 11,100 feet. The best-studied species, B. brunnea, is primarily a grass-feeder that can become a serious pest during population irruptions.
Bruneria brunnea
Bruner slant-faced grasshopper, Bruner's Grasshopper
Bruneria brunnea is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper native to western North America. It inhabits mountain meadows, mixedgrass prairies, and alpine tundra at elevations from 1,600 to 11,100 feet. The species is a specialized grass and sedge feeder that becomes a serious rangeland pest during population irruptions. It has been documented to reach densities of 15 adults per square yard and contributed to a historic outbreak covering 2,000 square miles in British Columbia in 1920.
Calpodini
Calpodini is a tribe of satyrine butterflies distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. The group includes medium-sized species with relatively plain wing patterns compared to other satyrines. Members are associated with forested and semi-open habitats in Central and South America. The tribe has received less taxonomic attention than related groups such as the Euptychiina, and its internal phylogenetic relationships remain partially unresolved.
Capsus ater
black plant bug
Capsus ater is a plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the black plant bug. It is widely distributed across North America, Europe, and northern Asia, with evidence suggesting North American origin followed by introduction to other regions. The species inhabits dry to moderately moist open habitats and feeds on various grasses without apparent preference for particular species or genera.
Carterocephalus
skipperlings, chequered skippers, Arctic skippers
Carterocephalus is a Holarctic genus of small skipper butterflies (skipperlings) in the family Hesperiidae. The genus contains approximately 20 described species, with the majority endemic to China. The most widely distributed species, C. palaemon (chequered skipper), has been the focus of conservation efforts in Europe following its extinction in England in 1976 and subsequent reintroduction from Belgium in 2018.
Cercyonis pegala
Common Wood-Nymph, Wood-Nymph, Grayling, Blue-Eyed Grayling, Goggle Eye
Cercyonis pegala is a widespread North American satyrine butterfly commonly known as the Common Wood-Nymph. It occupies diverse open habitats including grasslands, meadows, and woodland edges across much of the continent. The species exhibits notable variation in wing pattern across its range, with coastal and interior populations showing consistent differences in eyespot size and number. Unlike some congeners, it remains common and broadly distributed, though habitat loss affects local populations.
Chalepus bicolor
Chalepus bicolor is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. It is widely distributed across eastern North America, ranging from Ontario, Canada southward throughout the eastern and central United States. Adults are small beetles, measuring 6.3–7.6 mm in length, with distinctive coloration featuring a red pronotum and dark elytra. The species has been documented feeding on several grass species in the genus Dichanthelium and Panicum.
Chionodes figurella
Chionodes figurella is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 15–21 mm, distributed along the Pacific coast of North America from Washington to California and Nevada. The species is recognized by its distinctive wing pattern featuring ochreous forewings obscured by stone-grey and dark ochreous scaling, with pale veins appearing as thin whitish lines. The larvae are known to feed on Elymus grasses, including blue wildrye (Elymus glaucus).
Chytonix palliatricula
Cloaked Marvel Moth, Cloaked Marvel
Chytonix palliatricula is a small noctuid moth found across North America from southern Canada to Panama. Adults have a wingspan of 28–33 mm and are active in late spring and summer. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852 and is commonly known as the Cloaked Marvel Moth.
Coenonympha tullia inornata
Inornate Ringlet, Common Ringlet (inornata subspecies)
Coenonympha tullia inornata is a subspecies of the Common Ringlet butterfly, a member of the family Nymphalidae. This subspecies occurs in North America, where it inhabits peatland and bog habitats. The species has been documented in association with blanket bog ecosystems, where it serves as an indicator of intact peatland conditions. Like other members of the genus, it is associated with grasses as larval host plants.
Cosmopterix attenuatella
Cosmopterix attenuatella is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1864. It exhibits an exceptionally broad geographic distribution spanning tropical and subtropical regions across both the Old and New World. The species is notable for its leaf-mining larvae that feed on grasses and sedges. Adults are diminutive, with a wingspan of approximately 9 mm.
Crambus
sod webworm moth, crambid snout moth
Crambus is a genus of approximately 155 species of crambid moths distributed globally. Adults are small snout moths with elongated labial palps, while larvae are known as sod webworms—significant pests of turfgrass and pasture grasses. The genus exhibits considerable variation in life history strategies, with some species bivoltine and others univoltine. Larval feeding damage is most pronounced during drought conditions and in closely mown turf.
Crambus laqueatellus
Eastern Grass-veneer
Crambus laqueatellus, commonly known as the Eastern Grass-veneer, is a moth species in the family Crambidae. It was described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. The species is widespread across eastern and central North America, with adults active from spring through late summer. Larvae are grass-feeders, making this species a typical member of the grass-veneer group within Crambus.
Crambus multilinellus
multinellus grass-veneer
Crambus multilinellus is a small crambid moth known as the multinellus grass-veneer, described by Fernald in 1887. It is found in eastern North America, with records from the southeastern United States through the Great Lakes region to Ontario. Adults have a wingspan of 20–22 mm and are active from March to September. The larvae feed on grasses (Gramineae).
Ctenucha brunnea
Brown Ctenucha, Brown-winged Ctenucha
Ctenucha brunnea is a diurnal moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Richard Harper Stretch in 1872. It is endemic to coastal California, where it replaces the closely related Ctenucha multifaria in central to southern regions. Adults are notable for their metallic blue bodies, red heads, and brown wings. The species has a documented association with specific host plants for both adult nectar feeding and larval development.
Dargida procinctus
Girdler Moth, Olive Green Cutworm
Dargida procinctus is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Girdler Moth or Olive Green Cutworm. It occurs across western and central North America from the Canadian prairies to the southwestern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 40 mm. Larvae feed primarily on grasses, with Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass) documented as a preferred host.
Delphacidae
Delphacid Planthoppers, Planthoppers
Delphacidae is a large family of planthoppers in the order Hemiptera, comprising approximately 2000 species distributed worldwide. Members are distinguished from other "hoppers" by a prominent spur on the tibia of the hindleg—a diagnostic morphological feature unique to this family. All species are phytophagous, with many species occurring on grasses and several serving as significant agricultural pests and vectors of cereal pathogens. Notable pest species include the rice brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), the white-backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera), and the sugarcane planthopper (Perkinsiella saccharicida).
Delphacini
Delphacini is a tribe of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, characterized by a worldwide distribution and ecological significance as agricultural pests. Members are phytophagous, feeding primarily on grasses including cereal crops. Several species are economically important as direct pests through feeding damage or as vectors of plant pathogens. Notable pest species include the rice brown planthopper (*Nilaparvata lugens*), white-backed planthopper (*Sogatella furcifera*), and sugarcane planthopper (*Perkinsiella saccharicida*).
Delphacodes
delphacid planthoppers
Delphacodes is a large genus of delphacid planthoppers comprising over 230 described species with worldwide distribution. Species in this genus are phloem-feeding herbivores primarily associated with grasses and cereal crops. Several species are economically significant as vectors of plant viruses affecting maize, wheat, and other gramineae, including Mal de Río Cuarto virus and maize rough dwarf virus. The genus exhibits wing dimorphism, with both brachypterous (short-winged) and macropterous (long-winged) forms occurring within populations.
Delphacoidea
planthopper superfamily, delphacid planthoppers
Delphacoidea is a superfamily of planthoppers within the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, comprising approximately 2,000 described species across two families: Delphacidae (the largest family of planthoppers) and the smaller Achilixiidae. Members are characterized by a movable spur on the hind tibia, a feature unique among planthoppers. The superfamily has a global distribution and includes numerous economically significant agricultural pests, particularly rice planthoppers in the genus *Nilaparvata*.
Diarsia rosaria
Freeman's Dart, Rosy Dart
Diarsia rosaria is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 30 mm. It occurs across much of Canada from Yukon to Newfoundland and Labrador, extending south to northern California and eastern Oregon. The species is abundant in wet conifer forests and has two recognized subspecies: D. r. rosaria and D. r. freemani.
Draeculacephala
Draeculacephala is a genus of sharpshooter leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae) comprising at least 25 described species distributed throughout the New World. Adults are typically 6–11 mm in length with distinctive triangular heads that project forward to a point. Most species exhibit green coloration, though some are straw-colored. The genus is economically significant due to its association with grasses and cereals, with several species acting as vectors of plant pathogens including Xylella fastidiosa. Draeculacephala robinsoni, recently introduced to Europe, represents an emerging threat to Mediterranean agriculture.
Elachista albidella
cottongrass sedge-miner
Elachista albidella is a small microlepidopteran moth in the family Elachistidae, described by William Nylander in 1848. It has a wingspan of 9–10 mm and is characterized by white forewings with distinctive fuscous markings and a large black plical stigma. The species is widely distributed across Europe and also occurs in North America. Larvae are specialized miners of sedges and grasses in wetland habitats.
Elachista subalbidella
buff grass-miner
Elachista subalbidella is a small moth in the family Elachistidae with a wingspan of 10–13 mm. It is characterized by ochreous-yellow forewings and dark grey hindwings. The species is widely distributed across Europe and North America, where its larvae mine the leaves of various grasses and sedges. Adults are active in June. The common name "buff grass-miner" refers to both its coloration and larval feeding habit.
Elymana
Elymana is a genus of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) established by DeLong in 1936. Species occur in Europe and North America, with at least one European species (E. sulphurella) introduced to North America. The genus includes grass-feeding species with documented host plant associations in Poaceae. Taxonomic revisions have synonymized several previously described species.
Encoptolophus sordidus
clouded grasshopper, dusky grasshopper, dusky locust
Encoptolophus sordidus is a medium-sized band-winged grasshopper native to North American grasslands. Adults are sexually dimorphic in body size, with females substantially larger than males. The species exhibits strong dietary specialization for native grasses and sedges, with documented ontogenetic shifts in food preferences between nymphal instars and adults. It is primarily a rangeland species, occasionally reaching dominant population status in favorable habitats. The species possesses long wings enabling dispersal flight, and has been observed migrating from depleted rangeland into adjacent crop areas.
Erebia epipsodea
Common Alpine
Erebia epipsodea, commonly known as the Common Alpine, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Satyrinae. It is distributed across North America from Alaska through the Rocky Mountains to northern New Mexico, and eastward across the Canadian prairie provinces to southwest Manitoba. The species inhabits alpine and montane environments, with adults active from mid-June to early August. Larvae feed on various grass species.
Erebia rossii
Ross's Alpine, Arctic Alpine
Erebia rossii is a circumpolar butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Satyrinae. It occurs in Arctic and subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia. The species shows sexual dimorphism in eyespot patterns and has been documented with multiple subspecies across its broad range.
Erebia vidleri
Vidler's Alpine, Northwest Alpine
Erebia vidleri is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Satyrinae, found in western North America. The species inhabits moist alpine and subalpine meadows in mountainous regions of Washington and British Columbia. It is characterized by dark wings with distinctive orange bands and eyespots. Larvae feed on grasses in the family Poaceae.
Euchromius ocellea
Belted Grass-veneer, necklace veneer
Euchromius ocellea is a cosmopolitan migratory moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Haworth in 1811. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, with occasional rare migrations to temperate areas such as the UK and Netherlands. The species is notable for its ornate wing patterning and its larval association with grass crops including maize and sorghum.