Ashen-spotted Brocade
Platypolia anceps is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It is known from North America, with records from the United States and Canada. The species is recognized by the common name Ashen-spotted Brocade and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9976. It was originally described by Stephens in 1850 under the name Polia anceps.
Platyptiliini is a tribe of plume moths within the subfamily Pterophorinae. Members of this tribe are characterized by distinctive wing structures and are among the most frequently observed plume moths, with over 43,000 iNaturalist records. The tribe includes numerous species in the genus Platyptilia and related genera.
Plebejus glandon punctatus is a subspecies of the Arctic blue butterfly, a small lycaenid found in mountainous regions of Europe. The subspecies was described by Austin in 1998 and is currently listed as taxonomically doubtful by GBIF. Like other members of the P. glandon complex, adults are associated with alpine and subalpine habitats where their caterpillars develop in association with ants.
Pleromella opter is a moth species and the sole member of the monotypic genus Pleromella within the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to western North America, occurring in southern Oregon, California, and Baja California. The species was first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1921. It is one of approximately 124 observed records documented in natural history databases.
Plusia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae. Species in this genus are commonly known as loopers or plusias. The genus includes several agricultural pest species whose larvae feed on various crop plants. Adults are typically nocturnal and exhibit specific mating behaviors including female pheromone release and wing fanning. Some species display migratory flight behavior in young adults.
White-streaked Looper Moth, White-streaked Looper
Plusia venusta, known as the white-streaked looper, is a species of looper moth in the family Noctuidae. It is found in North America. The species has a MONA (Hodges) number of 8953. As a member of the subfamily Plusiinae, the caterpillars exhibit the characteristic looping locomotion due to reduced prolegs.
Plusiine Looper Moths, Looper Moths
Plusiinae is a subfamily of moths within Noctuidae, commonly known as plusiine looper moths. The group is characterized by larvae with three pairs of prolegs that move with a distinctive looping gait. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of soybean and other legumes. The subfamily is relatively small compared to other noctuid groups, and its taxonomic status may be elevated to family rank pending resolution of Noctuidae paraphyly.
Plusiini is the largest tribe within the Plusiinae subfamily of Noctuidae moths. The tribe was established by Boisduval in 1828 and contains numerous genera, with at least one additional undescribed genus known to exist. Members of this tribe are commonly known as looper moths or owlet moths, though these common names are shared with related groups. The tribe has been extensively documented, with over 137,000 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Plusiodonta is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae, erected by Achille Guenée in 1852. The genus comprises approximately 40 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World and the Americas. Adults are characterized by distinctive wing morphology with angled outer margins and specialized scaling patterns. Larvae possess two pairs of abdominal prolegs, a trait that distinguishes them from many other moth larvae.
Plusiodonta amado is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Barnes in 1907. It belongs to a genus of moths commonly known as fruit-piercing moths, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited. The species is recorded from North America.
Plutella armoraciae is a moth in the family Plutellidae, first described by Busck in 1913. It is restricted to north-western North America and is closely related to the cosmopolitan diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). The species is notable for its very pale coloration compared to its congeners and its specialized larval association with Armoracia species (horseradish and related plants).
diamondback moths
Plutellidae is a family of small to medium-sized moths commonly known as diamondback moths, named after the economically significant pest species Plutella xylostella. The family contains approximately 26 described species in the genus Plutella, with additional genera including Eidophasia, Rhigognostis, and Homadaula. Members are characterized by elongated wings with long fringes, often appearing sickle-shaped, and generally drab coloration with banding or markings. The family has undergone taxonomic revision, with subfamilies Praydinae and Scythropiinae elevated to family status or transferred to other families.
Poaphilini is a tribe of moths within the family Erebidae. Phylogenetic studies have shown this tribe to be most closely related to Ophiusini. The genera Achaea, Mimophisma, and Ophisma have been reclassified into Poaphilini based on molecular evidence, having formerly been placed in Ophiusini. The tribe contains multiple genera of nocturnal moths.
snout moths
Pococera is a genus of snout moths in the subfamily Epipaschiinae, described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1848. The genus contains approximately 86 species distributed primarily in North and Central America. Members of this genus are associated with forested habitats and include species that are defoliators of coniferous trees, such as the pine webworm (Pococera robustella), which feeds on pine foliage and can cause significant damage to pine seedlings and plantations.
Pococera baptisiella is a moth species in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Epipaschiinae. It was first described by Fernald in 1887. The species is distributed across parts of Canada including Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are known to feed on various woody plants.
Mesquite Leaf Tier Moth
Pococera euphemella is a moth species in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Epipaschiinae. It is commonly known as the Mesquite Leaf Tier Moth. The species was described by Hulst in 1888 and is classified under the genus Pococera, which includes several leaf-rolling or leaf-tying caterpillar species that feed on woody plants. As a member of Epipaschiinae, it belongs to a group of pyralid moths whose larvae typically construct shelters by tying or rolling leaves.
A small moth species in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Epipaschiinae, described by Barnes and Benjamin in 1924. Originally described under the genus Tetralopha. The species is part of a genus that includes several North American moth species, some of which are known to be prey for predatory insects.
pine webworm moth
Pococera robustella, commonly known as the pine webworm moth, is a species of pyralid moth whose larvae are significant defoliators of pine trees in eastern North America. The caterpillars feed on pine needles and produce characteristic webbing, giving rise to the common name. This species has been documented as prey for the assassin bug Acholla multispinosa.
Podagra crassipes is the sole species in the monotypic genus Podagra, a group of moths in the family Noctuidae. The species was described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1902 and is known only from the US state of Arizona. As the only member of its genus, it represents a distinct lineage within the Grotellinae subfamily.
Polia is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Ochsenheimer in 1816. The genus includes the Grey Arches (Polia nebulosa), a species with a recently sequenced genome as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project. Polia species are characterized by variable forewing coloration and are found in temperate regions across Europe and Asia.
Cloudy Arches Moth, cloudy arch
Polia imbrifera, commonly known as the Cloudy Arches Moth or cloudy arch, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. The species is native to North America and has been recorded across a broad geographic range including the United States and Canada.
Stormy Arches, stormy arch
Polia nimbosa, commonly known as the Stormy Arches, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Guenée in 1852, with the basionym Aplecta nimbosa. The species is recognized by the MONA/Hodges number 10275 and is known to occur across North America. Three subspecies have been described: P. n. mystica, P. n. mysticoides, and the nominate P. n. nimbosa.
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominula is a highly successful invasive social wasp native to Eurasia that has established populations across North America, South America, New Zealand, South Africa, and other regions. First detected in North America near Boston in 1978, it has become one of the most abundant wasps on the continent. The species builds small, exposed paper nests in protected locations and preys primarily on live insects, particularly caterpillars. Unlike yellowjackets, it does not scavenge for meat or sugar. Its rapid spread has been attributed to ecological flexibility, superior competitive ability, and tolerance of human-altered environments.
Carus Skipper
Polites carus, commonly known as the carus skipper, is a species of grass skipper in the butterfly family Hesperiidae. It is a North American butterfly with limited documentation in scientific literature. The species was originally described as Pamphila carus by W.H. Edwards in 1883. It has been assigned the MONA or Hodges number 4015 for North American Lepidoptera identification.
Zephyr Comma
A subspecies of comma butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, found in the western interior of North America. Adults display the characteristic ragged wing margins and comma-shaped silver marking on the hindwing underside shared with other Polygonia species. The subspecies is distinguished from other P. gracilis populations by geographic range and subtle phenotypic differences.
Polygonus is a genus of spread-winged skippers (family Hesperiidae, subfamily Pyrginae) distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. The genus was established by Hübner in 1825. Species in this genus are characterized by their distinctive resting posture with wings held partially open rather than folded vertically. The genus is well-represented in citizen science observations, with over 2,700 records documented.
Polygrammodes is a genus of crambid snout moths in the subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus contains multiple species distributed primarily in the New World. Adults are typically medium-sized moths with relatively broad wings. Larval stages are associated with various host plants, though specific associations vary by species.
Polyhymno n-sp-one is an undescribed species within the genus Polyhymno, a group of small gelechiid moths. The specific epithet "n-sp-one" indicates this is a placeholder designation for a species awaiting formal description. Members of this genus generally exhibit narrow, elongated forewings with distinctive patterning. The species is known from specimen records but lacks published taxonomic treatment.
Pompeius verna is a species of skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) described by Edwards in 1862. The species is currently accepted under this combination, though it was formerly placed in the genus Vernia. Distribution records indicate presence in North America, with specific occurrence in Vermont, United States. As a member of the subfamily Hesperiinae, it belongs to the grass skipper group, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
bird dropping moth
Ponometia cuta is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1905. It belongs to a group commonly known as bird dropping moths, recognized for their cryptic coloration resembling avian feces. The species is native to North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9094.
Arizona bird-dropping moth
Ponometia elegantula, commonly known as the Arizona bird-dropping moth, is a noctuid moth species first described by Leon F. Harvey in 1876. The species belongs to the bird-dropping moth group, named for their resemblance to avian feces as a form of protective camouflage. It is recorded across North America with confirmed observations in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The species is assigned Hodges number 9109 in the North American Moth Photographers Group system.
bird dropping moth
Ponometia nigra is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Mustelin in 2006. It belongs to the bird dropping moth group, a common name applied to several genera in the subfamily Acontiinae whose members often resemble bird droppings as a form of camouflage. The species is known from North America. It is cataloged under Hodges number 9101.1 in the North American moth numbering system.
Pretty Bird-Dropping Moth
Ponometia venustula, commonly known as the Pretty Bird-Dropping Moth, is a species of noctuid moth first described by Francis Walker in 1865. It belongs to the subfamily Acontiinae, a group commonly referred to as bird-dropping moths due to their resemblance to avian feces as a defensive camouflage. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9087 and has been documented across North America with over 1,000 observations on iNaturalist.
Praeschausia zapata is the sole species in the monotypic moth genus Praeschausia, erected by Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1932. The species was originally described by William Schaus in 1920 under the basionym Kalkoma zapata. It belongs to the family Notodontidae (prominent moths) and is known from Mexico. The genus name Praeschausia honors Schaus, the original describer.
hop-tree ermine moth, Hoptree Borer Moth
Prays atomocella is a small moth in the family Praydidae, known from the central and south-central United States. Adults are active from spring through summer, with a single annual generation. The species is notable for its specialized larval association with Ptelea trifoliata (hop-tree), where larvae feed inside new shoots before pupating in cocoons.
Ash Bud Moth
Prays fraxinella, the ash bud moth, is a European moth in the family Praydidae. Larvae are leaf miners that feed on ash tree foliage and buds. The species exhibits two color forms: a typical white and black pattern, and a melanic form formerly called f.rustica, which has been reclassified as a separate species, Prays ruficeps. Adults are active in two generations per year, with flight periods in late spring and again in mid-summer.
Preponini is a tribe of butterflies within the subfamily Charaxinae (Nymphalidae), comprising approximately 22 recognized species. Molecular systematics studies have significantly revised the group's classification: Anaeomorpha splendida was excluded to maintain tribal monophyly (reinstated as tribe Anaeomorphini), Noreppa was synonymized with Archaeoprepona, and Agrias was synonymized with Prepona. The tribe is distributed in the Neotropical region and includes some of the region's most visually striking butterflies.
Pristomerus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Cremastinae, distributed worldwide with greatest diversity in tropical regions. Members are solitary koinobiont endoparasitoids that attack concealed larvae of small Lepidoptera. Several species have been employed in biological control programs. The genus exhibits high regional endemism, with 49 species recognized from the Afrotropical region, 22 from Australia (19 newly described in 2016), and 15 from Madagascar (12 endemic).
Bogus Yucca Moths
Prodoxus is a genus of moths in the family Prodoxidae comprising approximately 22 species, commonly known as bogus yucca moths. Unlike their pollinating relatives in the genus Tegeticula, Prodoxus species are non-pollinating yucca moths that exploit yucca plants as hosts without providing mutualistic services. The genus exhibits diverse feeding specializations, with larvae feeding on yucca flowering stalks, fruits, or leaves depending on the species. Host-associated divergence and incipient speciation have been documented, with specialization closely tied to host plant shifts.
Prodoxus sonorensis is a small yucca moth in the family Prodoxidae, described in 2005 by Pellmyr and Balcázar-Lara. The species occurs in a restricted range spanning southeastern Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico. Adults are active during mid-summer, with larvae developing within the fruit of Yucca schottii.
Prolita is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, tribe Litini. The genus contains approximately 22 described species, many of which were described by Hodges in 1966. Species are distributed across North America and parts of Europe, with records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The genus was established by Leraut in 1993.
Pronoctua typica is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1894. As a member of the subfamily Noctuinae, it belongs to one of the largest and most diverse groups of moths. The genus Pronoctua contains relatively few described species, and P. typica represents the type species of this genus. Available records indicate it occurs in North America, though detailed biological information remains limited in published sources.
Prorella remorata is a small geometrid moth described by John Arthur Grossbeck in 1907. It is known only from Arizona, where adults have been recorded in March and August. The wingspan measures approximately 18 mm. As a member of the subfamily Larentiinae, it belongs to a diverse group of moths commonly known as carpet moths or pugs.
Terloo sphinx moth, Terloo sphinx
Proserpinus terlooii is a hawk moth (family Sphingidae) native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species is closely related to the Pine White butterfly's namesake moth, Proserpinus gaurae, with which it shares genus-level traits. Adults are nocturnal and, like other sphingids, are likely capable of sustained hovering flight. The larval host plants and detailed life history remain poorly documented in published sources.
Protapanteles is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Microgastrinae, containing more than 20 described species distributed mainly in the Holarctic region. Species are koinobiont endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, with documented hosts including geometrid moths and nymphalid butterflies. Some species, particularly P. immunis, have been investigated for biological control of agricultural pests. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with phylogenetic studies indicating paraphyly and close relationships with Cotesia.
Proteoteras arizonae is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae, and tribe Eucosmini. It was described by Kearfott in 1907. The species is placed in the genus Proteoteras, which comprises small to medium-sized moths commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. As with other members of this genus, the larvae likely develop within plant tissues, though specific host associations for this particular species remain poorly documented.
Black-crescent Proteoteras Moth
A small tortricid moth found in northern North America, with records from the Canadian prairies and Vermont. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are known to bore into maple plant tissues. Adults are attracted to light.
Large Mossy Glyph, Large Mossy Lithacodia
Protodeltote muscosula is a noctuid moth species found in North America. It was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852 and is commonly known as the Large Mossy Glyph or Large Mossy Lithacodia. The species belongs to the subfamily Eustrotiinae within the owlet moth family Noctuidae. It has been documented extensively through citizen science observations.
banded Quaker moth
Protorthodes incincta, commonly known as the banded Quaker moth, is a noctuid moth species native to western North America. Adults display remarkable color polymorphism, ranging from pale whitish-grey to blackish-grey with intermediate brown, orange, and grey forms. The species occupies dry grassland and open forest habitats across the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and adjacent regions. Flight period extends from early June through early October, with larval stages feeding on herbaceous plants including legumes.
Psamathia placidaria is a species of moth in the family Uraniidae. The genus Psamathia belongs to a small family of moths that includes both day-flying and nocturnal species. This species is known from a limited number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or restricted in distribution. Members of Uraniidae are often associated with tropical and subtropical regions.
