Rectilinea Slug Moth
Apoda rectilinea is a slug moth in the family Limacodidae, native to North America. The caterpillars are known for their distinctive flattened, slug-like form and are associated with oak foliage. Adults are small, relatively plain moths that are attracted to light. The species is part of a genus whose larvae feed on specific host plants and possess stinging spines.
Ares Metalmark
Apodemia ares, the Ares Metalmark, is a species of butterfly in the family Riodinidae. It is found in North America. The species was first described by William Henry Edwards in 1882. Like other metalmarks, it belongs to a distinctive group of butterflies characterized by their small size and often metallic wing markings.
A subspecies of metalmark butterfly in the family Riodinidae, described by Scott in 1998. The subspecies epithet 'pueblo' suggests an association with the Pueblo, Colorado region or nearby areas. As a member of the genus Apodemia, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized butterflies commonly known as metalmarks for their characteristic metallic spotting patterns.
Autumn Metalmark
Autumn Metalmark is a subspecies of butterfly in the family Riodinidae. It is part of the Apodemia mormo species complex, commonly known as the Mormon Metalmark. The subspecies is distinguished by its fall flight period compared to other populations. Limited observational data exists for this taxon.
Mormon Metalmark
Apodemia mormo mormo is a subspecies of metalmark butterfly in the family Riodinidae. It belongs to the genus Apodemia, a group of small butterflies commonly known as metalmarks due to their distinctive metallic wing markings. The subspecies epithet 'mormo' is shared with the species name, indicating this is the nominate subspecies. Like other members of Riodinidae, it is likely associated with specific host plants in its larval stage, though detailed biological information for this particular subspecies is limited in the provided sources.
zela metalmark, Mexican Zela Metalmark
Apodemia zela is a species of metalmark butterfly in the family Riodinidae, first described by Butler in 1870 under the basionym Emesis zela. The species occurs in North America and is recognized by two subspecies: A. z. zela and A. z. cleis. Metalmarks in this genus are typically small to medium-sized butterflies with distinctive wing patterns.
Apotomis is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae. The genus comprises approximately 17 Nearctic species and additional Palearctic species, with recent taxonomic revisions recognizing new species and establishing synonymies. One well-documented species, A. turbidana (White-shouldered Marble), exhibits cryptic bird-dropping coloration and has been sequenced as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project.
Apotomis paludicolana is a species of tortricid moth in the subfamily Olethreutinae, described by Brower in 1953. The specific epithet paludicolana suggests association with marsh or wetland habitats. Members of the genus Apotomis are generally small moths with distinctive wing patterns. This species is poorly documented in public sources, with minimal observational records available.
Aproaerema adversa is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Annette Frances Braun in 1930. It belongs to a genus of gelechiid moths distributed primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. The species has been recorded from scattered localities across the eastern and western United States. Like other members of its family, it likely has a concealed lifestyle, with larvae that may feed internally on plant tissues.
Archiearinae is a small subfamily of geometer moths (Geometridae) comprising approximately 2 genera and 3 species in the Baikal region of Siberia. The subfamily is characterized by early spring flight activity, with adults emerging before host plant foliage develops. Species-level taxonomy and identification rely heavily on genitalia morphology.
Boldly-marked Archips Moth
Archips dissitana, commonly known as the Boldly-marked Archips Moth, is a tortricid moth species distributed across boreal forests of North America from Alberta to Nova Scotia, extending south to Minnesota and North Carolina in the Appalachian Mountains. The species was first described by Grote in 1879 as Tortrix dissitana and later transferred to the genus Archips. As a member of the leafroller moth genus Archips, its larvae likely feed on woody plants and construct characteristic rolled leaf shelters, though specific host associations for this species require further documentation.
omnivorous leafroller moth
Archips purpurana, commonly known as the omnivorous leafroller moth, is a tortricid moth species described by Clemens in 1865. The species is notable for its leafrolling larval behavior, where caterpillars bind leaves together with silk to form shelters. It has been recorded as a host for the mason wasp Ancistrocerus unifasciatus, which exploits the caterpillar's escape response to capture it. The species occurs widely across eastern North America.
Arcola is a genus of snout moths (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in the subfamily Phycitinae, described by Shaffer in 1995. The genus includes species associated with aquatic vegetation, most notably Arcola malloi (Alligatorweed Stem Borer), which has been employed as a biological control agent for the invasive aquatic weed alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) in the United States. The genus belongs to a diverse group of pyralid moths whose larvae typically feed on plant material.
Yarrow's tiger moth, Mountain Tiger Moth
Arctia yarrowii, commonly known as Yarrow's tiger moth or Mountain Tiger Moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It was first described by Richard Harper Stretch in 1874. The species inhabits high-elevation alpine environments in western North America, specifically barren rocky fellfields and slides above the timberline. Adults are active during mid-summer, with forewings approximately 22 mm in length.
Tiger Moths and Allies, Tiger Moths, Woolly Bear Moths, Footmen, Lichen Moths, Wasp Moths
Arctiinae is a large and diverse subfamily of moths within the family Erebidae, comprising approximately 11,000 species worldwide. The subfamily includes tiger moths, footmen, lichen moths, and wasp moths. Many species are characterized by aposematic coloration, chemical defenses, and the production of ultrasonic sounds for defense and communication. The group was formerly classified as the family Arctiidae but was reclassified as a subfamily of Erebidae based on phylogenetic studies.
Argentostiria is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, established by Robert W. Poole in 1995. The genus contains a single species, Argentostiria koebelei, described by Riley in 1893. It is endemic to the Mojave Desert of the United States.
Fritillaries
Argynnini is a tribe of brush-footed butterflies in the subfamily Heliconiinae, commonly known as fritillaries. The group comprises roughly 100 species worldwide, with approximately 30 species in North America. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have substantially revised generic boundaries within the tribe, with several formerly recognized genera now synonymized under Argynnis and Boloria, while others such as Speyeria and Fabriciana have been reinstated as distinct. Members of this tribe are characterized by their often bright orange and black patterned wings and their ecological associations with specific larval host plants, primarily violets (Viola) and related species.
Argyria is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Crambinae. The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1818. Members of this genus are part of the diverse snout moth fauna, with nearly 6,000 observations recorded on iNaturalist. The genus name derives from Greek 'argyros' (silver), likely referencing the silvery or pale coloration typical of many crambid moths.
leafroller moths
Argyrotaenia is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Archipini, established by Stephens in 1852. The genus includes species commonly known as leafroller moths due to the larval habit of rolling or folding leaves for shelter. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly in orchards. The genus has a primarily New World distribution, with species ranging from North America through Central and South America, and has been recorded as far south as Argentina and Chile. Some species exhibit sexual dimorphism in wing pattern and size.
Aristotelia calens is a small gelechiid moth described by Edward Meyrick in 1923. It is known from California, with a wingspan of approximately 11 mm. The forewings display a distinctive pattern of brown ground color with multiple white fasciae that are irrorated (sprinkled) with grey, along with characteristic black markings including spots on the costa and fold, and a streak on the fold. The hindwings are grey. It belongs to a genus of "twirler moths" whose larvae are known to specialize on particular host plants.
Arla tenuicornis is a small gelechiid moth described by Clarke in 1942. It is known from the Pacific coastal region of the western United States, with records from Washington southward to California. The species is characterized by its relatively modest size, with a wingspan of 17–23 mm, and distinctive wing patterning featuring a yellowish ground color heavily speckled with fuscous.
Arotrura formidabilis is a species of moth in the family Scythrididae, described by Landry in 1991. The genus Arotrura belongs to a group of small moths commonly known as flower moths. The specific epithet 'formidabilis' suggests formidable or impressive characteristics, though detailed documentation of this species remains limited in published literature.
Asaphocrita aphidiella-complex is a species complex within the family Blastobasidae, a group of small moths often associated with stored products and plant materials. Species in this complex are morphologically similar and have been historically confused, requiring detailed examination for accurate identification. They are part of a genus known for diverse larval habits including predation, parasitism, and detritivory. The complex designation indicates ongoing taxonomic uncertainty regarding species boundaries.
Asaphocrita unidentified-sp-two is an undescribed species of moth in the family Blastobasidae. The genus Asaphocrita comprises small, often drab-colored moths that are frequently overlooked due to their inconspicuous appearance. This particular species has not been formally described in scientific literature, and its distinguishing characteristics remain undocumented. Specimens may exist in collections awaiting taxonomic study.
Asbolis capucinus is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, native to the Caribbean and parts of North America. This species belongs to a genus of relatively poorly documented Neotropical skippers. Records indicate presence in Caribbean islands and southern Florida, though detailed natural history information remains sparse in published literature.
black witch, black witch moth, mariposa de la muerte, duppy bat, mariposa-bruxa, ura, money moth, money bat
The black witch moth (Ascalapha odorata) is a large, bat-shaped nocturnal moth and the largest noctuoid in the continental United States. Females reach wingspans up to 24 cm, while males are smaller at approximately 12 cm. The species ranges from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to Brazil and Argentina, with migratory populations reaching as far north as Canada. It holds prominent cultural significance across Latin America and the Caribbean, where it is widely associated with death, misfortune, and spiritual beliefs.
Aspila is a junior synonym of Grapholita, a genus of tortrix moths in the family Tortricidae. The name was established by Stephens in 1834 but has been synonymized under Grapholita, which is the type genus of the tribe Grapholitini within the subfamily Olethreutinae. Specimens historically identified under Aspila are now classified within Grapholita.
Lesser Appleworm Moth
Aspila prunivora, commonly known as the Lesser Appleworm Moth, is a small tortricid moth. It is primarily known as a pest of apple and related fruit trees, with larvae feeding internally on developing fruits. The species has been documented at blacklighting events in California, indicating nocturnal adult activity.
bagworm moth
Astala is a genus of bagworm moths in the family Psychidae, established by Davis in 1964. The genus contains approximately seven described species. As members of Psychidae, Astala species are characterized by larval cases constructed from silk and environmental materials such as plant debris, twigs, or sand.
Confederate Microbagworm
Astala confederata is a species of bagworm moth in the family Psychidae, commonly known as the Confederate Microbagworm. The species was described by Grote and Robinson in 1868. As a member of the Psychidae, males are winged and free-living as adults, while females remain in their larval cases and are flightless. The specific epithet 'confederata' likely references the Confederate States of America, reflecting the 1868 description date during the Reconstruction era following the American Civil War.
Asterocampa clyton louisa is a subspecies of the tawny emperor butterfly, recognized by Stallings & Turner in 1947. It belongs to the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as the brush-footed butterflies. The species is known to feed on fermenting tree sap, often aggregating with other insects at sap flows on hardwood trees.
Astrotischeria occidentalis is a small moth in the family Tischeriidae, described by entomologist Annette Frances Braun in 1972. The species is known from North America. Members of this family are commonly called trumpet leaf miner moths due to the distinctive feeding patterns of their larvae.
Atascosa is a genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. It was established by George Duryea Hulst in 1890. The genus is known from the United States (Texas) and Colombia. As a genus of Phycitinae, it belongs to a diverse group of pyralid moths commonly known as snout moths due to their prominent labial palps.
Atomopteryx is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus was established by Walsingham in 1891. It contains approximately ten described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species-level taxonomy and biology remain poorly documented.
Primrose Cochylid Moth
Atroposia oenotherana, the Primrose Cochylid Moth, is a small tortricid moth in the tribe Cochylini. The species was originally described by Riley in 1881 as Conchylis oenotherana, and has since been transferred to the genus Atroposia. It is known from North America and has been documented in 615 iNaturalist observations.
Deva Skipper
Atrytonopsis deva, commonly known as the Deva Skipper, is a species of grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is found in both Central America and North America. The species was originally described as Hesperia deva by Edwards in 1876. It is assigned Hodges number 4081 in the North American Moth Photographers Group numbering system. As a member of the grass skipper group, it likely exhibits the rapid, darting flight characteristic of this subfamily.
Aulacodes cf-aechmialis is a moth in the family Crambidae, subfamily Acentropinae. The 'cf.' designation indicates this identification is provisional, based on comparison with the described species Aulacodes aechmialis. Acentropinae moths are predominantly associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. This taxon belongs to a genus of small moths whose larvae are typically aquatic and feed on submerged vegetation.
Autochton cincta is a species of skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) described by Plötz in 1882. It belongs to the subfamily Pyrginae and was originally described under the genus Cecropterus. The species has been recorded in Middle America and North America.
Bean Looper, Bean Leafskeletonizer
Autoplusia egena, commonly known as the Bean Looper or Bean Leafskeletonizer, is a noctuid moth species described by Guenée in 1852. It is widely distributed across the Americas, ranging from California and the southeastern United States through the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America. The subspecies Autoplusia egena galapagensis is endemic to the Galápagos Islands. The larvae are polyphagous and feed on numerous plant families, with documented records from at least nine families including Fabaceae (soybean and common bean).
Autoplusiina is a subtribe of moths within the family Noctuidae, tribe Plusiini. Members of this subtribe are characterized by distinctive wing patterns and morphological features that separate them from other plusiine groups. The subtribe includes genera such as Autoplusia, from which it takes its name. These moths are primarily nocturnal and are found in various regions globally.
Desert Marigolds
Baileya is a genus of moths in the family Nolidae, subfamily Risobinae, established by Grote in 1895. The genus includes species commonly known as 'desert marigolds,' a name shared with an unrelated plant genus of the same name. The moths are found in North America, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The genus name creates potential for confusion with Baileya (Asteraceae), a genus of desert wildflowers.
Sleeping Baileya Moth, Sleeping Baileya
Baileya dormitans, commonly known as the sleeping baileya or sleeping baileya moth, is a species of nolid moth in the family Nolidae. First described by Achille Guenée in 1852, this species occurs in North America. The specific epithet 'dormitans' refers to a sleeping or dormant state, reflected in its common name. It is assigned MONA (Moths of North America) or Hodges number 8971.
Balsa is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae (Noctuoidea), described by Francis Walker in 1860. The genus belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest groups of owlet moths. Records indicate presence in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont. The genus includes multiple species, though specific biological details for individual species remain poorly documented in available sources.
white-blotched balsa
Balsa labecula, commonly known as the white-blotched balsa, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It was first described by Grote in 1880 under the basionym Nolaphana labecula. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Vermont).
Banchinae is a large subfamily of Ichneumonidae containing approximately 1,500–1,800 described species distributed worldwide. The subfamily comprises three tribes: Banchini, Glyptini, and Atrophini. All banchines are koinobiont endoparasitoids of Lepidoptera larvae. Glyptini primarily parasitize Tortricidae, while Atrophini attack a broader range of small moth families. The genus Lissonota is notable for possessing exceptionally long ovipositors capable of reaching deep wood-boring Lepidoptera such as Cossidae. Banchinae and Campopleginae are the only Ichneumonidae subfamilies known to harbor polydnaviruses, which play a role in host immune suppression.
Bandelia angulata is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Acontiinae, first described by Barnes and Lindsey in 1922. The species is known from North America, with records indicating presence across parts of the continent. As a member of the Acontiinae, it belongs to a diverse group of small to medium-sized noctuoid moths.
Baniana is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Walker in 1858. The genus was previously placed in the subfamily Calpinae of the family Noctuidae before taxonomic reclassification. It contains approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropics. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing venation and palp structure.
Banisia is a genus of moths in the family Thyrididae, established by Walker in 1863. The genus is classified within the subfamily Striglininae and contains approximately 12 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Species within this genus exhibit the characteristic wing patterns and morphology typical of thyridid moths, including intricate reticulate or banded forewing markings. The genus has been documented from Africa, Asia, and Indian Ocean islands including the Seychelles.
Batia is a genus of small moths in the family Oecophoridae, first described by Stephens in 1834. These moths belong to the superfamily Gelechioidea, a large and diverse group of microlepidoptera. The genus contains at least seven described species, including Batia unitella, Batia lambdella, and Batia lunaris.
Battaristis is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, a large and diverse group of microlepidoptera commonly known as twirler moths. The genus contains multiple species, including at least one undescribed species that has been documented but not formally named in scientific literature. Gelechiidae moths are characterized by their relatively small size and often subtle coloration. Species within Battaristis are poorly documented in public sources, with limited information available regarding their biology, distribution, and distinguishing characteristics.