Afrida is a genus of moths in the family Nolidae, constituting the sole genus of the subfamily Afridinae. The genus was established by Möschler in 1886 and contains approximately nine described species. Historically, Afrida was classified within the tribe Lithosiini in the subfamily Arctiinae (now Erebidae: Arctiinae), but was subsequently transferred to Nolidae. The genus is known from the Neotropical region.
Remington's Giant-Skipper, Coahuila Giant Skipper
Agathymus remingtoni is a species of giant skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It was described by Stallings and Turner in 1958, originally placed in the genus Megathymus. The species is known from Central America. Like other members of the genus Agathymus, it is part of a group of large-bodied skippers commonly referred to as giant skippers.
California giant skipper, California Giant-Skipper
Agathymus stephensi, commonly known as the California giant skipper, is a species of giant skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species was described by Skinner in 1912 and was originally described as a subspecies of Megathymus neumoegeni before being elevated to full species status. It belongs to the genus Agathymus, which comprises large, robust skippers commonly referred to as giant skippers. The species is found in both Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published literature.
Agdistis is the sole genus in the subfamily Agdistinae, a group of plume moths within the family Pterophoridae. These moths are characterized by distinctive wing modifications that create a plumed or feathery appearance. The genus contains multiple species distributed across various regions, though specific details for many species remain limited in published literature.
Ageroniini is a tribe of butterflies within the subfamily Biblidinae (Nymphalidae), commonly known as the tropical brushfoots. The tribe includes genera such as Ageronia and Hamadryas, species of which are known for their rapid, erratic flight patterns and often cryptic underside wing patterns that resemble dead leaves. Members of this tribe are primarily Neotropical in distribution.
flat-body moths
Agonopterix is a genus of small moths in the family Depressariidae, superfamily Gelechioidea. Species are commonly known as "flat-body moths" due to their characteristic flattened resting posture. The genus exhibits considerable cryptic diversity, particularly in Mediterranean and temperate regions, with many species distinguished by subtle differences in wing pattern and genitalia structure. Several species have been studied for their specialized host plant relationships, including some with potential as biological control agents.
Agrotis apicalis is a noctuid moth described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1868. It has a wingspan of approximately 38 mm. The species is restricted to the Caribbean region and Florida, with records from the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Florida. Like other members of the genus Agrotis, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Agrotis gravis is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1874. It is restricted to a highly specialized coastal habitat, occurring exclusively on sandy ocean beaches with foreshore dunes along the Pacific coast of North America. The species has been documented from British Columbia southward through California, with 22 iNaturalist observations recorded. Its narrow ecological niche and specific substrate requirements make it vulnerable to coastal habitat disturbance.
Agrotisia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Hampson in 1908. The genus contains three described species: Agrotisia evelinae (Benjamin, 1933), Agrotisia subhyalina (Hampson, 1908), and Agrotisia williamsi (Schaus, 1923). It belongs to the tribe Eriopygini within the subfamily Noctuinae. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited information available on its biology and ecology.
Agylla septentrionalis is a moth species in the family Erebidae, described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1911. It is recorded from North America, with specific localities including Arizona and South Carolina. The species has a wingspan of approximately 37 mm. It belongs to the subfamily Arctiinae (tiger moths) and tribe Lithosiini (lichen moths).
Ahmosia is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae, established by Heinrich in 1926. The genus contains two described species: Ahmosia aspasiana and Ahmosia galbinea. These moths are part of the diverse Tortricidae family, commonly known as leafroller moths. The genus is rarely encountered, with limited observational records available.
Many-plumed and False Plume moths
Alucitoidea is a superfamily of small Lepidoptera comprising many-plumed moths (Alucitidae) and false plume moths (Tineodidae). The superfamily contains approximately 160 described species, with the majority belonging to Alucitidae. These moths are distinguished by their unique wing structure, where each wing consists of multiple narrow strips of membrane radiating from major veins rather than forming a continuous surface. The superfamily occupies a basal position within Apoditrysia, though its precise phylogenetic relationships remain disputed.
orange-edged roadside skipper
Amblyscirtes fimbriata, the orange-edged roadside skipper, is a grass skipper in the butterfly family Hesperiidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species was described by Plötz in 1882, originally as Hesperia fimbriata. Two subspecies are recognized: A. f. fimbriata and A. f. pallida.
Toltec Roadside-Skipper, Toltec Roadside Skipper
Amblyscirtes tolteca, commonly known as the Toltec Roadside-Skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It was described by Scudder in 1872. The species is found in Central America and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: A. t. prenda (Evans, 1955) and the nominate A. t. tolteca (Scudder, 1872).
Amolita roseola is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1903. It belongs to the subfamily Acronictinae and is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9821, a standardized numbering system for North American Lepidoptera. Like other members of the genus Amolita, it is a nocturnal moth with typical owlet moth characteristics.
Amorbia vero is a tortricid moth species described by Powell & Brown in 2012. It is endemic to southern Florida, where it inhabits subtropical environments. As a member of the genus Amorbia, it belongs to the leafroller moth group, though specific ecological details remain undocumented.
Amorophaga is a genus of moths in the family Tineidae, established by Zagulyaev in 1966. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal published information on its constituent species, biology, or ecology. Records indicate it belongs to the diverse group of tineid moths, many of which are associated with detritus or keratinous materials.
Amydria californica is a species of clothes moth in the family Tineidae. The species is known from California and is documented by a single observation record on iNaturalist. As a member of the Tineidae, it belongs to a family whose larvae typically feed on keratinous materials including wool, fur, feathers, and other animal-derived substances, though specific biology for this species remains undocumented.
A small moth in the family Tineidae, described by William G. Dietz in 1905. Records indicate presence at blacklighting events in California, suggesting nocturnal adult activity. The genus Amydria contains species whose larvae are often associated with detritus or plant material, though specific biology for this species remains poorly documented.
Anacampsis sp-four is an undescribed or provisionally numbered species within the gelechiid moth genus Anacampsis. The genus comprises small moths with narrow, lanceolate forewings and distinctive genitalia used for species-level identification. As a numbered provisional species, its formal taxonomic status remains unresolved pending detailed morphological or molecular study.
Anacampsis n-sp-two is a species of gelechiid moth in the genus Anacampsis. As an undescribed species designated by a provisional name, formal taxonomic description and detailed biological information remain unpublished. Members of this genus are small moths with distinctive wing patterns and are associated with various host plants. The species is recognized from specimens collected in specific geographic areas pending formal description.
Green Arches
A medium-sized noctuid moth with distinctive green forewings marked by dark green or blackish patterning. The species exhibits notable color polymorphism, with forms ranging from pale whitish-green to dark brownish-grey. Adults are active from May to August across a broad Holarctic distribution. Larvae are broad generalist feeders on both herbaceous plants and hardwood trees.
Edwards' Beach Moth
Anarta edwardsii is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It occurs in North America and Oceania, including Hawaii. The species was described by Smith in 1888. It belongs to the genus Anarta, which comprises numerous noctuid moth species.
Red-headed Ancylis Moth
Ancylis muricana is a small tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, commonly known as the Red-headed Ancylis Moth. The species was described by Walsingham in 1879 from specimens collected in North America. It is a member of the diverse genus Ancylis, which contains many species of leaf-roller moths. The common name refers to the distinctive reddish coloration of the head in adult specimens.
Ancylis subaequana fergusoni is a subspecies of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae. It belongs to the large genus Ancylis, which comprises small leafroller moths. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological differentiation from the nominate form. As a member of the Tortricidae, it likely exhibits the characteristic bell-shaped resting posture and forewings with a squared-off apex typical of the family.
Anemosella nevalis is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae. It was described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1925. The species is known from arid regions of the southwestern United States.
Exuberant Dart
Anicla exuberans is a noctuid moth known as the Exuberant Dart, first described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1898. It is characterized by a moderate wingspan of 37–41 mm and a univoltine life cycle with adults active during summer months. The species occupies dry interior habitats across western North America, ranging from central Mexico to the Canadian prairies.
Animomyia morta is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, described by Dyar in 1908. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, one of the largest subfamilies within Geometridae. The species is known from North America. Very little specific information has been published regarding its biology, appearance, or ecology.
Annaphila ida is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Rindge and Smith in 1952. It is a member of the genus Annaphila, a group of primarily day-flying moths within the otherwise largely nocturnal Noctuidae. The species is found in North America, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Yellow Scallop Moth, Abutilon Moth
Anomis erosa is a small moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the yellow scallop moth or abutilon moth. First described by Jacob Hübner in 1818, it occurs primarily in southeastern North America, with migrants occasionally reaching as far north as Manitoba, Quebec, and Maine. The species has a wingspan of approximately 27 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on plants in the family Malvaceae, including cotton, hibiscus, and okra.
Anomis gentilis is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Schaus in 1912. It is known from North America, with 37 documented observations on iNaturalist. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 8552. Available information about this species is limited; no detailed studies of its biology, ecology, or morphology have been documented in the provided sources.
Anoncia venis is a small moth species in the family Cosmopterigidae, described by Ronald Hodges in 1978. The species is known from a limited geographic range in the southwestern United States, with records from Arizona and California. Like other members of the genus Anoncia, it likely has narrow, elongated forewings and a relatively plain appearance typical of many cosmet moths.
Antaeotricha baboquivariensis is a species of moth in the family Depressariidae, subfamily Stenomatinae. It was described by Ferris in 2013. The species belongs to the genus Antaeotricha, a group of small to medium-sized moths found primarily in the New World. As a recently described species, detailed information about its biology and ecology remains limited.
A species of geometrid moth in the subfamily Larentiinae, first described from North America in 1918. The species is recognized under the genus Antepirrhoe, though some sources have historically placed it in the genus Eustroma. It is a member of the diverse carpet moth group within Geometridae.
Pale-banded Crescent, Tulcis Crescent
Anthanassa tulcis, commonly known as the Pale-banded Crescent or Tulcis Crescent, is a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It was described by Henry Walter Bates in 1864. The species ranges from Argentina northward through Central America and Mexico to southern Texas, with occasional strays to west Texas. Some taxonomic authorities treat A. tulcis as a subspecies of A. frisia (the Cuban Crescent), but it is widely accepted as a distinct species in modern classifications.
Gray Marble
Anthocharis lanceolata, commonly known as the gray marble, is a butterfly species in the family Pieridae. First described by Hippolyte Lucas in 1852, this species occurs along the west coast of North America from Canada to the United States. Like other members of the genus Anthocharis, males typically display orange or yellow wing tips. The species is part of a group known for hilltopping behavior, where males patrol ridge tops and summits seeking females.
Santa Catalina Orangetip
A subspecies of the Sara Orangetip butterfly endemic to Santa Catalina Island, California. The Santa Catalina Orangetip is distinguished by its island-restricted distribution and subtle morphological differences from mainland populations. Like other orangetips, it displays the characteristic orange wing tips in males, though specific distinguishing features for this subspecies require careful examination.
Anurapteryx is a genus of moths in the family Sematuridae, established by Hampson in 1918. Members of this genus belong to a small, specialized family of Lepidoptera characterized by distinctive wing venation and resting postures. The genus is part of the superfamily Geometroidea, though Sematuridae is often treated as a distinct lineage within this group. Anurapteryx species are poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited published information on their biology and ecology.
Aon is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae. The genus was established by Neumoegen in 1892. Species in this genus are nocturnal lepidopterans within the diverse Erebidae family, which includes many underwing and related moth groups.
glassy cutworm moth, glassy cutworm
Apamea devastator, commonly known as the glassy cutworm moth, is a noctuid moth of northeastern North America. The adult has a wingspan of 35–40 mm and flies from May to September. The larva is a subterranean cutworm that feeds on grasses, attacking roots and basal stems. The species is economically significant as a pest of turfgrass and agricultural grasses.
Apamea maxima is a noctuid moth species native to western North America. It was described by Harrison G. Dyar in 1904, originally placed in the genus Polia. The species occurs in a range extending from British Columbia southward to California. Like other members of the genus Apamea, it is part of the diverse cutworm moth group within the family Noctuidae.
Spalding's Quaker
Apamea spaldingi, commonly known as Spalding's Quaker, is a noctuid moth native to interior western North America. First described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1909, it is a relatively small cutworm moth with distinctive early-season flight timing compared to congeners. The species is recognized by its mottled grey forewings and lighter hindwings.
Northern Arches, Zeta Moth
Apamea zeta is a medium-sized noctuid moth with a Holarctic distribution spanning Europe and northern North America. Adults are active from July to August in Britain and display variable gray-green forewings with distinctive black markings. The species exhibits notable morphological variation across its range, with several described forms and subspecies. Larvae are cutworms that feed on grasses, including fescues in alpine tundra habitats.
Apanteles is a large genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Microgastrinae, containing over 600 described species worldwide. A 2014 study from Costa Rica's Area de Conservación Guanacaste alone documented 186 new species, suggesting the genus is far more diverse than previously recognized. These small wasps (1–5 mm) are koinobiont endoparasitoids of caterpillars, with most species showing high host specificity.
Grammia nevadensis superba
Apantesis nevadensis superba is a subspecies of tiger moth in the family Erebidae, originally described as Arctia superba by Stretch in 1874. It belongs to a group of tiger moths formerly placed in the genus Grammia. The subspecies is part of the Apantesis nevadensis species complex, which includes moths with distinctive striped forewing patterns characteristic of tiger moths. Like other members of its genus, it possesses defensive compounds as a chemical defense against predators. The subspecies has been documented through limited observations, with records in iNaturalist indicating it is encountered infrequently.
emperors
Apaturinae is a subfamily of brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) comprising approximately 20 genera and roughly 100 species commonly called 'emperors.' Members are distinguished by a green proboscis, strikingly colored upperwings, and cryptic underwings. The subfamily exhibits a disjunct global distribution, with most genera occurring in South and East Asia and Africa, while the genera Doxocopa and Asterocampa are primarily Neotropical and Nearctic. Larvae of at least some species possess a unique defensive mechanism: oral emission of volatile halitosis (alcohols and aldehydes/ketones with 4–5 carbon chains) when disturbed by predators.
Aphelia septentrionalis is a species of tortricid moth described by Obraztsov in 1959. It belongs to the tribe Archipini within the subfamily Tortricinae. The species is known from a single geographic record in Alaska, representing a northern distribution within the genus Aphelia.
Pink-spot Sulphur
Aphrissa neleis, commonly known as the Pink-spot Sulphur, is a butterfly species in the family Pieridae. The species was originally described as Callidryas neleis by Boisduval in 1836. It belongs to a genus of sulphur butterflies found in the Neotropical region.
Apilocrocis is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus was established by Amsel in 1956 and contains approximately 11 described species distributed across the Americas, from the United States through Central America to South America. Species within this genus are relatively small crambid moths, with several described by Hampson in the early 20th century and additional species described by Munroe in 1968.
slug moths, slug caterpillar moths
Apoda is a genus of moths in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as slug moths due to the distinctive caterpillar morphology. The genus includes species whose larvae are characterized by a flattened, slug-like body form and reduced or absent prolegs, moving with a gliding motion rather than typical caterpillar crawling. Caterpillars in this genus possess venomous spines or setae that can cause painful stings upon contact with human skin. The genus is part of a larger group of limacodid moths known for their unusual larval forms and defensive capabilities.