Identification-difficult
Guides
Banasa calva
Banasa calva is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species feeds on sap of trees and shrubs but is rarely, if ever, a pest. Species identification within the genus is challenging as several North American species appear nearly identical and require microscopic examination for confirmation.
Eupithecia
pug moths, pugs
Eupithecia is a large genus of small moths in the family Geometridae, commonly known as "pugs." They are characterized by narrow wings and a distinctive resting posture. The genus is notably diverse and presents significant identification challenges, with many species requiring dissection of genitalia for definitive determination. Eupithecia species are frequently attracted to lights and have been documented visiting flowers, including apple blossoms, where they contribute to nocturnal pollination.
Idaea asceta
Beautiful Wave
Idaea asceta, commonly known as the Beautiful Wave, is a species of geometrid moth described by Louis Beethoven Prout in 1910. Originally placed in the genus Ptychopoda, it was later transferred to Idaea. The species belongs to the subfamily Sterrhinae, a group of small to medium-sized moths often referred to as "waves" due to their characteristic wing patterns. As a member of the diverse genus Idaea, which contains several hundred species worldwide, I. asceta represents one of many similar-looking taxa that require careful examination for accurate identification.
Monopis crocicapitella
Pale-backed clothes moth, Bird-nest moth, Bird Nest Moth
A small tineid moth with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, first described from the eastern United States. Adults have a wingspan of 10–16 mm. The species has been documented in cave environments and serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Apanteles carpatus. Its capability to infest human dwellings remains unknown.
Xanthotype
Crocus Geometer Moths
Xanthotype is a genus of geometrid moths in the subfamily Ennominae, containing five described species distributed in North America. The genus was established by Warren in 1894. Species are commonly known as crocus geometer moths, though they cannot be reliably identified to species from photographs alone. The genus includes the well-known crocus geometer (Xanthotype sospeta), described by Drury in 1773, and several species described by Swett in 1918.