Grass-feeder
Guides
Euxoa aurulenta
Dune Cutworm Moth, dune cutworm
Euxoa aurulenta, the dune cutworm, is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1888. It is distributed across central and western North America, with adults active from May to July. The species has a single annual generation and is associated with dune grass habitats. The larvae are suspected to feed on beach grasses including Ammophila breviligulata and Calmovilfa longifolia.
Helcystogramma fernaldella
Fernald's Helcystogramma Moth
Helcystogramma fernaldella is a small gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1903. It is distributed across northern North America, from Alaska and Yukon eastward to New Brunswick and New England. The species inhabits open grassland environments and completes its life cycle with larval overwintering.
Helcystogramma hystricella
Lanceolate Helcystogramma Moth, Lanceolate Moth
A small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 13–15 mm, distributed across the eastern and central United States. The species name references its larval host plant Elymus hystrix (formerly Hystrix patula). Larvae are specialized grass feeders that roll leaves for shelter and overwintering.
Heliocheilus lupatus
Spotted Straw Moth, Lupatus Straw Moth, Purple Topper
Heliocheilus lupatus is a small noctuid moth native to the eastern and southeastern United States. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 28 mm. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1875 and was formerly treated as a synonym of Heliocheilus turbata. Larvae are grass-feeders, and adults have one generation per year.
Hermeuptychia
Hermeuptychia is a genus of small brown satyrine butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, distributed across the Neotropical realm and eastern North America. The genus is notable for its cryptic species diversity, with multiple species that are virtually indistinguishable by wing patterns alone but readily separable by genital morphology and DNA sequences. Recent genetic studies have revealed substantially greater species diversity than previously recognized, including the discovery of two new North American species in 2014 that had been hiding in plain sight due to their near-identical wing patterns to the common Carolina Satyr.
Hermeuptychia sosybius
Carolina Satyr
Hermeuptychia sosybius, the Carolina Satyr, is a small brown butterfly in the family Nymphalidae described by Fabricius in 1793. It is one of the most common butterflies in the eastern United States and is frequently found in shaded, wooded habitats. The species has a wingspan of 32–38 mm and is characterized by eyespots along the wing edges. It was historically considered conspecific with H. hermes but is now recognized as a distinct species based on morphological and genetic evidence.
Herpetogramma phaeopteralis
dusky herpetogramma moth, tropical sod webworm, dark sod webworm
Herpetogramma phaeopteralis is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of approximately 18 mm, originally described by Guenée in 1854. It is known by multiple common names including dusky herpetogramma moth, tropical sod webworm, and dark sod webworm. The species has an exceptionally broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents. Larvae feed on grass leaves, and the species is occasionally referenced in turfgrass pest management and biological control research.
Heteropterinae
Skipperlings
Heteropterinae is a subfamily of Hesperiidae (skippers) containing approximately 150 described species, commonly known as skipperlings. The subfamily is distinguished by specific morphological traits and includes genera such as Metisella in the Afrotropical region. Larvae of studied species feed exclusively on grasses (Poaceae). The subfamily occurs worldwide but is particularly documented from African and Malagasy regions.
Lethe anthedon
Northern Pearly-eye
Lethe anthedon, the northern pearly-eye, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Satyrinae. It is found in eastern North America from central Saskatchewan and Nebraska east to Nova Scotia, south to central Alabama and Mississippi. The species inhabits riparian forests and moist woodland edges where larvae feed on grasses and adults forage for nutrients at sap flows and animal dung.
Marimatha nigrofimbria
Black-bordered Lemon Moth
Marimatha nigrofimbria, the Black-bordered Lemon Moth, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of 18–22 mm. It is characterized by yellowish forewings with distinct black borders along the outer margins. The species is widespread in eastern North America, with populations extending west to Arizona and California. It is listed as Critically Imperiled in New York State due to its position at the northern range limit.
Megacraspedus
large twirler moths
Megacraspedus is a genus of small to medium-sized moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as large twirler moths. The genus is primarily Palearctic in distribution and has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with 44 new species described in 2018 alone. Members are characterized by relatively short wings, protruding labial palps, and frequent female flightlessness. Many species inhabit high-elevation mountain habitats up to 3,000 meters.
Megisto cymela
Little Wood Satyr
Megisto cymela, commonly known as the Little Wood Satyr, is a butterfly species in the subfamily Satyrinae found across eastern North America. Adults are characterized by their light brown wings with distinctive yellow-rimmed black eyespots. The species inhabits woodland edges, forest clearings, and brushy areas, where it flies low among vegetation with a slow, bouncing flight pattern. Fourth-instar caterpillars overwinter in leaf litter before completing development in spring.
Megisto rubricata
Little Wood Satyr
Megisto rubricata, the Little Wood Satyr, is a small to medium-sized satyrine butterfly found in eastern North America. The species was originally described by William Henry Edwards in 1871 and has been transferred to the genus Euptychia in some taxonomic treatments, though Megisto remains widely used in North American literature. Adults are characterized by their brown coloration with distinct eyespots on the wings. The species inhabits woodland edges and openings where its larval host grasses grow.
Mermiria bivittata bivittata
Twostriped Slantfaced Grasshopper
Mermiria bivittata bivittata is a large, long-winged grasshopper widely distributed across North America, with its center of abundance in the tallgrass prairie. It is a specialist feeder on native grasses, reaching densities up to one adult per square yard in undisturbed habitat. Despite its potential as a pest due to high individual consumption rates, populations typically remain at low densities and rarely cause significant economic damage. The subspecies exhibits late hatching, relatively slow nymphal development, and strong flight capabilities.
Mermiria bivittata maculipennis
Twostriped Slantfaced Grasshopper
Mermiria bivittata maculipennis is a subspecies of the twostriped slantfaced grasshopper, a large, long-winged grasshopper widely distributed in North America with its center of distribution in the tallgrass prairie. It is a specialized grass-feeder inhabiting tall grass communities, particularly big bluestem, yellow indiangrass, and switchgrass. The subspecies is characterized by specific wing patterning as indicated by the epithet 'maculipennis' (spotted wings). It is a late-hatching species with relatively slow nymphal development, and while capable of reaching outbreak densities, it rarely becomes a significant economic pest due to generally low population densities in its productive grassland habitats.
Mesapamea secalis
common rustic
Mesapamea secalis, the common rustic, is a noctuid moth found across Europe, north-west Africa, Turkey, and northern Iran. It was first described by Linnaeus in 1758 and was formerly treated as conspecific with Mesapamea didyma and M. remmi, all three now recognized as distinct species. Adults fly from July to August, with larvae feeding on grass stems.
Mocis latipes
Small Mocis Moth, Striped Grass Looper
Mocis latipes is a moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the Small Mocis Moth or Striped Grass Looper. It has a broad distribution across the Americas, from southern Canada through the United States and into Central and South America. The species is notable for its grass-feeding larval stage, which can include agricultural crops such as rice and corn.
Mocis marcida
Withered Mocis
Mocis marcida, the withered mocis, is a moth species in the family Erebidae. It occurs across the southeastern United States with multiple generations per year. The species is associated with grassland habitats where its larvae develop on grasses.
Mocis texana
Texas Mocis Moth, Texas mocis
Mocis texana, commonly known as the Texas Mocis Moth, is a species of moth in the family Erebidae. It is distributed across eastern North America, ranging from southern Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota. The species has a wingspan of 42–50 mm and is active as an adult from April through September. Larvae feed on Digitaria species (crabgrass).
Neocrepidodera ferruginea
European rusted flea beetle, Altise ferrugineuse européenne
Neocrepidodera ferruginea is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to Europe and introduced to North America. Adults are brown in color and feed on a variety of herbaceous plants, particularly grasses and composites. The species inhabits meadows and grasslands, and has been recorded from numerous host plants including Poaceae, Asteraceae, and various weeds. Larvae develop within roots and central stems of host plants. In North America, it was first documented in Ontario and Québec in the 1970s and has since spread northeastward, where it is considered a potential agricultural pest.
Neomegamelanus
Neomegamelanus is a genus of delphacid planthoppers established by McDermott in 1952. The genus comprises five described species distributed in North America. Members are associated with grassland and marsh habitats, with several species linked to Spartina cordgrass hosts.
Ochlodes
Ochlodes is a Holarctic genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, tribe Hesperiini. The genus contains approximately 25 species distributed across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of the Caribbean. Several species have been subject to taxonomic revision, with some forms debated as subspecies or synonyms. The woodland skipper (Ochlodes sylvanoides) and large skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus) are among the most frequently referenced species in ecological studies.
Ochlodes sylvanoides
Woodland Skipper
Ochlodes sylvanoides, the Woodland Skipper, is a small orange-brown skipper butterfly found across western North America. Adults are active from midsummer through fall and feed on flower nectar. Larvae develop on various grass species in the family Poaceae. The species occupies diverse habitats including woodlands, grasslands, and urban gardens.
Oeneis uhleri uhleri
Uhler's Arctic
Oeneis uhleri uhleri is a subspecies of Arctic butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It occurs in the western United States and Canada, inhabiting high-elevation mountain environments. Like other members of the genus Oeneis, it is associated with alpine and subalpine habitats. The species has been documented from the Rocky Mountain region northward into the Canadian prairie provinces.
Oligoria maculata
Twin-spot Skipper
A small skipper butterfly with rounded, brown-black wings marked by distinctive transparent spots. Adults fly from spring through late summer, with multiple generations per year. The species is restricted to coastal and near-coastal habitats of the southeastern United States, where larvae feed on grasses and adults visit flowers for nectar.
Orphulella speciosa
slant-faced pasture grasshopper, Pasture Locust
Orphulella speciosa, commonly known as the slant-faced pasture grasshopper, is a small, long-winged grasshopper species in the family Acrididae. It is widely distributed across North American grasslands east of the Rocky Mountains, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. The species is particularly abundant in tallgrass and mixed-grass prairies, where it often becomes numerically dominant in short-grass patches. It exhibits considerable color variation, with individuals ranging from green to brown and tan.
Panoquina ocola
Ocola Skipper, long-winged skipper
Panoquina ocola is a skipper butterfly with an exceptionally long forewing relative to its body, giving it a distinctive elongated silhouette. It ranges from Paraguay through tropical America and the West Indies to the southern United States, with occasional strays reaching as far north as Canada. The species is strongly associated with cultivated grasses and has been documented feeding on rice, sugarcane, and related wetland grasses.
Paraulacizes
sharpshooters
Paraulacizes is a genus of sharpshooters (leafhoppers) in the family Cicadellidae, established by Young in 1968. The genus comprises approximately 11 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Species in this genus are relatively large, robust leafhoppers with distinctive coloration patterns. Paraulacizes irrorata, the speckled sharpshooter, is among the most recognizable and well-studied species, serving as a representative for understanding the biology of this genus.
Paraulacizes irrorata
speckled sharpshooter
A large and distinctive North American sharpshooter leafhopper, readily recognizable by its size and speckled pattern. Adults feed on phloem of grasses and are active from early spring through summer. Eggs are laid in woody twigs, stems, or petioles, where they are vulnerable to parasitism by the egg parasitoid *Gonatocerus fasciatus*.
Pelitropis
Pelitropis is a genus of tropiduchid planthoppers in the family Tropiduchidae, established by Van Duzee in 1908. The genus contains approximately five described species, distributed primarily in the Neotropical region including the Caribbean and southern United States. At least one species, Pelitropis rotulata, has been documented feeding on grasses in the family Poaceae. The genus is classified within the tribe Tangiini and subtribe Neotangiina.
Photedes
Photedes is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Lederer in 1857. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed primarily across the Palearctic region, with some representation in North America. At least one species, Photedes minima (Small Dotted Buff), has been subject to genomic study, revealing a chromosome count of 31 (30 autosomes plus Z chromosome). Species in this genus are generally small to medium-sized moths associated with moist habitats.
Plusia putnami
Putnam's Looper Moth, Lempke's Gold Spot
Plusia putnami is a noctuid moth with a trans-Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern Eurasia from Japan to western Europe and throughout much of North America. Adults are active from July to August in western Europe and May to October in northern North America. The species is notable for requiring genitalic dissection to reliably distinguish it from the similar Plusia festucae, as wing pattern differences between the two are not constant. The wingspan ranges from 32–42 mm.
Poanes
Poanes is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, erected by Samuel Hubbard Scudder in 1872. The genus is distributed throughout North and Central America. In 2019, several species were transferred to the new genus Lon, reducing Poanes to six recognized species. The genus is characterized by larvae that feed on grasses and sedges.
Poanes viator
Broad-winged Skipper
Poanes viator, commonly known as the broad-winged skipper, is a skipper butterfly native to North America. The species ranges across a broad geographic area from the southern United States through eastern Canada. Larvae develop on specific host plants including sedges and common reed.
Polites draco
Draco Skipper, Rocky Mountain Skipper, Dragon Skipper
Polites draco, commonly known as the Draco Skipper or Rocky Mountain Skipper, is a small butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is distributed across the Rocky Mountain region from Arizona north to the Yukon Territory. The species has one generation per year, with adults active from June to early August. Its larvae feed on grasses, while adults visit flowers for nectar.
Pseudopomala
Pseudopomala is a monotypic genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, containing a single described species, P. brachyptera. The genus is classified within the subfamily Gomphocerinae and tribe Mermiriini. It is native to North America, with records from the northeastern and north-central United States.
Pseudopomala brachyptera
short-winged toothpick grasshopper, bunch grass locust, bunchgrass grasshopper
Pseudopomala brachyptera is a slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the short-winged toothpick grasshopper or bunch grass locust. It is most abundant in northeastern Wyoming but occurs wherever taller grasses are present. The species overwinters as eggs in the soil, with adults present from mid-July through August. Despite being a grass feeder, it rarely causes significant rangeland damage due to low population densities and restricted habitat requirements.
Rhabdocephala brunnea
Rhabdocephala brunnea is a planthopper species in the family Fulgoridae, described by Van Duzee in 1929. The species is known from limited distributional records in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Nymphal stages have been described in detail, with five instars ranging from 2.5–3.0 mm in first instar to 10.0–12.5 mm in fifth instar. The species has an exceptionally broad host plant range, feeding on numerous grass species across multiple genera including agricultural crops such as corn, sorghum, rice, and sugarcane.
Rhyacia quadrangula
Quadrangle Dart
Rhyacia quadrangula, commonly known as the Quadrangle Dart, is a noctuid moth with a transcontinental distribution spanning the Arctic and boreal regions of Eurasia and North America. The species exhibits a disjunct range, occurring in Iceland, Greenland, central Asia including the Pamir Mountains, and across northern Canada and the northwestern United States. Adults are active during late summer, with flight records from July through September.
Sphenophorus
billbugs
Sphenophorus is a large genus of weevils commonly known as billbugs, containing approximately 278 species. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of turfgrass, corn, and orchardgrass. The genus is taxonomically challenging due to morphological similarity among species, especially at larval stages. Research has focused on developing molecular identification tools to distinguish species and understand their variable seasonal biology across regions.
Stenocranus
delphacid planthoppers
Stenocranus is a genus of delphacid planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, containing more than 70 described species. Species within this genus exhibit wing polymorphism, with macropterous (long-winged) and sub-macropterous forms occurring in at least some species. Several species are documented crop pests, particularly of corn, rice, and sugarcane. The genus has a broad distribution with records from Europe, North America, and Asia, though individual species vary in their geographic ranges. Some species have shown invasive potential, with range expansions into new regions documented in recent decades.
Thaumatopsis pexellus
Woolly Grass-veneer, Woolly Grass-veneer Moth
Thaumatopsis pexellus is a grassland moth in the family Crambidae, commonly known as the woolly grass-veneer. It occurs across most of North America and is active during late summer. The species was described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1863. Multiple subspecies have been recognized, including forms restricted to Colorado, California, Alberta, and Mexico.
Thymelicus lineola
Essex Skipper, European Skipper
Thymelicus lineola is a small skipper butterfly native to Europe and introduced to North America prior to 1910. In Europe it is known as the Essex Skipper; in North America it is called the European Skipper. The species has spread extensively across eastern Canada and the northern United States, with populations established as far west as British Columbia. It is univoltine with five larval instars. Adults are active in summer and exhibit thermoregulatory basking behavior. Males use perching and patrolling strategies to locate mates and release pheromones from androconial scent scales during courtship.
Trachelus
stem sawflies
Trachelus is a genus of stem sawflies in the family Cephidae. Species are internal feeders in grass stems, with several species recognized as significant agricultural pests of wheat and barley. The genus occurs across the Palearctic region, with documented species in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Larval development occurs entirely within host plant stems, causing characteristic damage often called 'whiteheads' in cereal crops.
Trigonotylus
rice leaf bug
Trigonotylus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, tribe Stenodemini, containing approximately 18 described species. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with species in North America, Europe, Asia, and Hawaii. Several species are associated with grasses (Poaceae), with T. caelestialium being a significant agricultural pest of rice in Japan. The genus exhibits variation in host plant use, oviposition behavior, and seasonal life history strategies.
Troyus
Troyus is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, subtribe Moncina. The genus was established in 2012 and contains Neotropical species distributed from the Caribbean to the Amazon basin. At least two species are recognized: T. turneri from Jamaica and T. phyllides from the Peruvian Amazon.
Urola nivalis
Snowy Urola Moth
Urola nivalis, commonly known as the snowy urola moth, is a small crambid moth found across eastern and central North America. Adults are active from May through September, producing two generations annually. The species has a wingspan of 15–23 mm. Larvae feed on grasses and have been recorded as pests of Ligustrum species.
Xanthippus corallipes altivolus
Red shanks
Xanthippus corallipes altivolus is a subspecies of the redshanked grasshopper found from foothills to timberline in Colorado and western North America. Adults are medium to large, tan-colored grasshoppers with distinctive red inner hind femora and orange hind tibiae. This subspecies is distinguished from other X. corallipes subspecies by its high-elevation habitat. Populations can cause significant damage to rangeland grasses during outbreak years.
Xanthippus corallipes corallipes
Redshanked Grasshopper, Red Shanks
A large rangeland grasshopper of western North America, adults are present in spring and are conspicuous due to loud crepitation during evasive flight. The subspecies exhibits strong flight capability and feeds almost exclusively on grasses and sedges. Populations normally remain at low densities but occasionally erupt into outbreaks that damage rangeland and crops. Northern populations have a two-year life cycle while southern populations complete development in one year.
Xanthippus corallipes leprosus
Redshanked Grasshopper
Xanthippus corallipes leprosus is a subspecies of the redshanked grasshopper, a large rangeland species native to western North America. Adults are conspicuous in spring, producing loud crepitation during evasive flight and displaying yellow, dark-banded wings. The subspecies exhibits geographic variation in life cycle duration, with northern populations completing development in two years and southern populations in one year. Adults feed almost exclusively on grasses and sedges, and while typically present at low densities, populations occasionally erupt to damaging levels.