Light-attracted
Guides
Acleris variegana
Garden Rose Tortrix, Garden Rose Tortricid, Fruit Tortricid
A small tortricid moth with distinctive wing patterning, recognized as a significant agricultural pest of rosaceous fruit trees. Adults fly nocturnally during late summer and are attracted to light. The species has a broad Palearctic distribution with introduced populations in North America. Larval damage is most severe from the spring generation, which attacks fruit buds, flowers, and developing fruits.
Acrobasis suavella
Thicket Knot-horn, Blackthorn Knot-horn
Acrobasis suavella is a small pyralid moth native to Europe, with an established introduced population in southwestern Canada. Adults fly nocturnally during summer months and are readily attracted to light. The larva is a concealed feeder, constructing a silken gallery within which it feeds on host plant material over an extended autumn-to-spring period. The species has been the subject of genome sequencing as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project.
Acrolophus mortipennella
Long-horned Grass Tubeworm Moth
Acrolophus mortipennella is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae, described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. It belongs to a genus commonly known as "grass tube moths" due to larval behavior of spinning silken tubes at grass bases or roots. The species occurs across the southeastern and central United States, with adults active during summer months. It is attracted to ultraviolet light sources at night.
Acrolophus plumifrontella
Eastern Grass-tubeworm Moth, Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth
A small moth in the family Acrolophidae, known as the Eastern Grass-tubeworm Moth. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 28 mm and are active from April through October across the eastern and central United States. The common name refers to the larval habit of constructing silken tubes at the base of grasses. Formerly classified in the family Tineidae, this species was reassigned to Acrolophidae based on revised understanding of lepidopteran phylogeny.
Acrolophus propinqua
Walsingham's Grass Tubeworm Moth
Acrolophus propinqua, commonly known as Walsingham's Grass Tubeworm Moth, is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae. The species is found across the eastern and southeastern United States, with a wingspan of 22–26 mm. As with other members of the genus, the caterpillars construct silken tubes at the base of grasses or grass roots for concealment while feeding.
Acrolophus walsinghami
Acrolophus walsinghami is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae, first described by Möschler in 1890. The genus Acrolophus, commonly known as "grass tube moths," includes species whose larvae construct silken tubes at grass bases or roots for concealment while feeding. Adults are attracted to light and have been documented during moth surveys in late summer. The species has undergone taxonomic reclassification, formerly placed in the family Tineidae before being moved to Acrolophidae.
Acronicta hasta
forked dagger moth, speared dagger moth, cherry dagger moth, dart dagger moth
Acronicta hasta is a noctuid moth native to eastern North American deciduous woodlands. Adults have a wingspan of 35–45 mm and are active from April to September, with multiple generations in southern portions of the range. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852; Acronicta furcifera was synonymized with it in 1998. Three subspecies are recognized: A. h. hasta, A. h. telum, and A. h. manitoba.
Acronicta impressa
Impressive Dagger, Impressive Dagger Moth, Willow Dagger Moth
Acronicta impressa is a noctuid moth commonly known as the impressive dagger moth or willow dagger moth. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1856. It ranges across western North America from Canada to northwestern Mexico. Adults are active in early to midsummer and are attracted to light. The caterpillars feed on a variety of woody plants including willow, poplar, and rose.
Acronicta othello
Acronicta othello is a noctuid moth described by Smith in 1908. It belongs to the dagger moth genus Acronicta, a group characterized by distinctive dark markings on the forewings that often resemble daggers or swords. The species occurs in western North America, with records from California and surrounding regions. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Aegomorphus quadrigibbus
Four-humped Longhorned Beetle
Aegomorphus quadrigibbus is a longhorned beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1831 as Acanthoderes quadrigibba. The species is characterized by four prominent tubercles on the pronotum and distinctive heart-shaped elytral patterning. Historically associated with hardwood forests in eastern North America, it has recently emerged as an agricultural pest in Mexican Persian lime orchards. The species was transferred to the genus Aegomorphus by Yanega in 1996.
Agathodes monstralis
Sky-pointing Moth
Agathodes monstralis is a species of moth in the family Crambidae, commonly known as the Sky-pointing Moth. The species was described by Guenée in 1854 and is placed in the subfamily Spilomelinae. It is one of several species in the genus Agathodes, which are distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. The common name refers to a characteristic resting posture where the moth holds its wings and body oriented upward.
Agrochola lota
Red-line Quaker
A medium-sized noctuid moth found in damp habitats across Europe and Asia. Adults fly in autumn and are attracted to light. Larvae feed on willow and sallow, hiding in spun leaves during daylight hours. The species was introduced to Newfoundland and has been the subject of long-term population monitoring studies in Europe.
Agrochola pulchella
cutworm moth, dart moth
Agrochola pulchella is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1900. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae, one of the largest families of Lepidoptera. The species is recorded from North America and has been assigned Hodges number 9955 in the North American moth numbering system. Like other members of the genus Agrochola, it is a nocturnal species attracted to light.
Alucitidae
Many-plumed Moths
Alucitidae, or many-plumed moths, are a family of small Lepidoptera distinguished by their unique wing structure. The family contains approximately 200 described species worldwide, primarily in the genera Alucita and Pterotopteryx. Larvae are typically gall-inducers or borers in flowers, fruits, and shoots of dicotyledonous plants, particularly in families Caprifoliaceae, Rubiaceae, and Dipsacaceae. Adults are frequently attracted to light and exhibit varying flight periods, with many species being bivoltine and hibernating as adults.
Anavitrinella pampinaria
common gray, North American Common Gray
Anavitrinella pampinaria, commonly known as the common gray or North American Common Gray, is a geometrid moth widespread across North America. Adults are small to medium-sized with muted gray coloration and relatively plain wing patterns. The species is notable for its extended flight season from early spring through autumn and its polyphagous larval stage that feeds on diverse woody and herbaceous plants. Caterpillars are classic "inchworms" with reduced prolegs, typical of the family Geometridae.
Aneflomorpha
Aneflomorpha is a genus of longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, and tribe Elaphidiini. The genus was established by Casey in 1912. Species in this genus are primarily nocturnal and have been documented in the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are associated with woody vegetation, particularly oaks and mesquites, and are frequently attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor light stations.
Aneflomorpha gilana
Aneflomorpha gilana is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Casey in 1924. It belongs to the tribe Elaphidiini, a group of small to medium-sized cerambycids commonly known as flat-faced longhorns. The species name references the Gila region of the southwestern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with woody vegetation in arid and semi-arid environments.
Aneflomorpha subpubescens
Aneflomorpha subpubescens is a species of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1862. It belongs to the tribe Elaphidiini, a group characterized by larval development in dead or dying wood. The species occurs in North America, with records from the southwestern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to artificial light sources.
Aneflomorpha texana
Aneflomorpha texana is a species of longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) described by Linsley in 1936. The species belongs to the tribe Elaphidiini, a group of small to medium-sized cerambycids often associated with woody vegetation. It has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly Texas and Arizona. Records indicate attraction to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights in mesquite-acacia scrub and oak-juniper woodland habitats. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Aneflomorpha seminuda in some taxonomic databases, though this status may require further verification.
Apamea burgessi ona
A subspecies of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, distributed in the North American Great Plains. The nominate subspecies Apamea burgessi burgessi occurs in the eastern portion of the range, while A. burgessi ona occupies more western localities. Like other members of the genus Apamea, it is nocturnal and attracted to light sources. The species complex presents identification challenges due to individual variation and overlapping morphological traits with related taxa.
Apamea remissa
Dusky Brocade
Apamea remissa, commonly known as the dusky brocade, is a noctuid moth species with a wingspan of 36–42 mm. It occurs across the Palearctic region from Europe through Siberia to Japan, with disjunct populations in Alaska. The species exhibits considerable variation in wing markings, making identification challenging in some forms.
Apamea unanimis
Small Clouded Brindle
Apamea unanimis, commonly known as the small clouded brindle, is a noctuid moth first described by Jacob Hübner in 1813. Native to Europe, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and western Siberia, it has been introduced to North America and is established in parts of Canada and the northern United States. The species is associated with wetland habitats where its larval host plants grow.
Apantesis allectans
Apantesis allectans is a small tiger moth in the family Erebidae, originally described as Grammia allectans by Douglas C. Ferguson in 1985. The species was later transferred to Apantesis as part of a broader reclassification of tiger moth genera. It has a restricted distribution in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, where it inhabits montane pine forests at moderate elevations.
Apantesis carlotta-nais-phalerata-vittata
A tiger moth species complex in the genus Apantesis, characterized by striking black-and-white striped forewing patterns typical of the group. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The taxonomic status of this entity as a distinct species versus a species complex remains unresolved, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revision within the genus.
Apantesis ornata
Ornate Tiger Moth, Achaia Moth
Apantesis ornata is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, originally described by Packard in 1864 under the name Callarctia ornata. The species was long classified in the genus Grammia before being transferred to Apantesis in a 2016 revision that consolidated several related genera. It occurs across western North America from southern British Columbia to southern California and eastward to the Rocky Mountain states. Adults are active during summer months and are attracted to light. The species exhibits the bright warning coloration typical of tiger moths, though specific details of its biology remain incompletely documented.
Apantesis parthenice
Parthenice Tiger Moth
The Parthenice Tiger Moth is a nocturnal tiger moth in the family Erebidae, found across eastern North America from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States. Adults are active from June through late September and are readily attracted to artificial light sources. The species is common in open habitats including fields and woodland edges.
Aphrophora maculosa
Conifer spittlebug
Aphrophora maculosa is a species of spittlebug in the family Aphrophoridae, described by Doering in 1941. It belongs to a genus commonly known as conifer spittlebugs, many of which feed on coniferous trees. The species is found in western North America, ranging from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada south through Washington, Oregon, and California in the United States. Like other Aphrophora species, it is attracted to lights at night.
Aproaerema nigrella
Aproaerema nigrella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. The species was described by Chambers in 1875. Like other members of this large family, it is a microlepidopteran—typically measuring less than ten millimeters in length. The genus Aproaerema belongs to the subfamily Anacampsinae, which contains numerous small species with poorly documented biology.
Argyresthia pruniella
cherry fruit moth, cherry blossom tineid
Argyresthia pruniella is a small moth in the family Argyresthiidae, commonly known as the cherry fruit moth or cherry blossom tineid. It is recognized by its distinctive reddish-brown forewings with white markings and narrow, fringed hindwings. The species is considered an agricultural pest due to larval feeding in the shoots of fruit trees. It occurs across Europe, Asia Minor, and North America.
Argyrotaenia velutinana
Red-banded Leafroller Moth, Redbanded Leafroller
A small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 13–20 mm, found across eastern North America. The caterpillars are highly polyphagous, feeding on leaves and fruits of numerous plants including apple and other fruit trees. Adults are frequently attracted to lights and are active across much of the year. The species is occasionally a pest in orchards.
Aroga
Twirler moths, Stripe-backed moths
Aroga is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. Species in this genus are typically nocturnal and attracted to light. The genus includes Arogalea cristifasciella, known as the Stripe-backed Moth, which has been documented in suburban settings in Kansas. Aroga species are part of the diverse microlepidoptera fauna that are often overlooked due to their small size.
Aroga compositella
Six-spotted Aroga Moth, six-spotted aroga
Aroga compositella is a small gelechiid moth with distinctive white markings on dark forewings. The species occurs across much of the eastern and central United States. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Arogalea
Arogalea is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Walsingham in 1910. The genus contains seven recognized species distributed primarily in North America. These moths are typically encountered at light traps during nocturnal surveys. Arogalea cristifasciella, one of the better-known species, has been documented from Vermont and Kansas.
Arogalea cristifasciella
Stripe-backed Moth, White Stripe-backed Moth
Arogalea cristifasciella is a small gelechiid moth known as the stripe-backed moth or white stripe-backed moth. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from over 25 U.S. states and Canadian provinces. The species is characterized by its small size, with forewings approximately 5 mm in length, and adults are active from January through August. It is frequently encountered at light traps and is one of many small moths that contribute to the high diversity of North American Lepidoptera.
Automeris zephyria
Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth
Automeris zephyria, the zephyr eyed silkmoth, is a species of giant silkmoth in the family Saturniidae. It belongs to the eyed silkmoth genus Automeris, characterized by prominent eyespot markings on the hindwings used for predator defense. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1882. Like other members of its genus, adults lack functional mouthparts and do not feed during their brief adult stage.
Blattella asahinai
Asian cockroach
Blattella asahinai, the Asian cockroach, is a small peridomestic cockroach species first described in 1981 from Okinawa, Japan. It is nearly morphologically identical to the German cockroach (B. germanica) but occupies distinct ecological niches, preferring outdoor habitats with leaf litter and vegetation. The species is a strong flier attracted to light, contrasting with its flight-avoidant relative. Since its introduction to Florida in 1986, it has spread throughout the southeastern United States, where it can reach extremely high population densities in suitable habitats.
Bolbocerosoma pusillum
Bolbocerosoma pusillum is a species of earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Bolboceratidae, described by Dawson and McColloch in 1924. The species is distributed across North America and comprises two recognized subspecies: the nominate form B. p. pusillum and B. p. townesi described by Howden in 1955. Like other members of the genus, this species is associated with burrowing behavior in soil and is attracted to light sources at night.
Brachynemurus hubbardii
Brachynemurus hubbardii is an antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, distributed across Central America and North America. The genus Brachynemurus belongs to a diverse group of antlions whose larvae typically do not construct the characteristic funnel-shaped pits associated with the more familiar genus Myrmeleon. Instead, Brachynemurus larvae bury themselves just below the soil surface and wait for prey to pass by. Adults are delicate, lacy-winged insects that resemble damselflies but possess short, clubbed antennae.
Brachynemurus sackeni
Sacken's Antlion
Brachynemurus sackeni is a widespread, arid-adapted antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae. Phylogeographic studies using mitochondrial COI sequences have revealed it comprises a cryptic species-complex with two distinct lineages that diverged approximately 3.8–4.7 million years ago, potentially associated with Neogene mountain-building events. This represents the first documented cryptic species-complex in Myrmeleontidae. The species is attracted to mercury-vapor lights and has been documented in juniper chaparral habitats.
Caloptilia umbratella
Caloptilia umbratella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, known from eastern North America. The larvae are leaf miners on maple species, specifically Acer rubrum and Acer saccharum. There are probably two generations per year. The species is attracted to ultraviolet light, a trait common among nocturnal moths in this family.
Calyptra canadensis
Canadian owlet, meadow rue owlet moth
Calyptra canadensis, known as the Canadian owlet or meadow rue owlet moth, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. It is the only member of the genus Calyptra found in the New World; all other 16 species occur in the Old World. Adults feed on fruit by piercing the skin to access juices. The species is notable for its proboscis modified for piercing, though unlike some related Old World species, blood-feeding has not been documented in C. canadensis.
Caradrina
rustics, mottled willows
Caradrina is a genus of noctuid moths erected by Ferdinand Ochsenheimer in 1816, currently comprising approximately 189 described species divided into eight subgenera. The genus includes species commonly known as rustics or mottled willows, with some subgenera (notably Paradrina and Platyperigea) treated as separate genera by certain authorities. Species within this genus exhibit bivoltine life cycles in temperate regions and show varying degrees of migratory behavior.
Carpatolechia fugitivella
elm groundling
Carpatolechia fugitivella, commonly known as the elm groundling, is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 11–15 mm. The species is widespread across Europe, extending into Asia and North America. Adults are active from June to September and are attracted to light.
Catocala aholibah
Aholibah Underwing Moth
Catocala aholibah, the Aholibah Underwing Moth, is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae. Like other Catocala species, it possesses cryptic, speckled gray-black forewings that conceal bright orange hindwings used as a startle display against predators. The species has been documented at light stations in Colorado and is among the larger underwing moths in its genus.
Catocala amatrix
Sweetheart Underwing
Catocala amatrix, commonly known as the Sweetheart Underwing, is a large moth in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 75–95 mm. The forewings are cryptically colored in gray-brown tones that provide camouflage against tree bark when the moth is at rest. When disturbed, the moth reveals strikingly colorful hindwings—typically orange-red with black bands—that serve as a startle defense against predators. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, with adults active from August to October. Larvae feed on several species of Populus (poplars and cottonwoods) and Salix (willows).
Catocala ilia
Ilia Underwing, Beloved Underwing, Wife Underwing
Catocala ilia is a nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Pieter Cramer in 1776. The species is notable for its highly variable forewing patterns and strikingly colored hindwings, which are typically concealed at rest. It occurs across eastern North America with a disjunct population in the southwestern United States represented by a distinct subspecies.
Catocala muliercula
Little Wife Underwing
Catocala muliercula, known as the Little Wife Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is one of more than 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly called underwing moths due to their habit of concealing brightly colored hindwings beneath cryptic forewings when at rest. This species occurs across eastern and central North America, from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Texas and New Mexico. Like other underwings, it is primarily nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Catocala obscura-residua
Obscure Underwing
Catocala obscura-residua is a species of underwing moth in the genus Catocala, family Erebidae. Like other underwing moths, it exhibits the characteristic resting posture where dull forewings conceal brightly colored hindwings. The genus Catocala contains over 250 species, with approximately half occurring in North America. These moths are nocturnal and are typically attracted to light sources, though they often remain on the periphery of light stations rather than landing directly on sheets.
Catocala residua
Residua Underwing
Catocala residua is a North American underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of 60–73 mm and are active from July to September. The species is distinguished by its cryptic forewings and brightly patterned hindwings characteristic of the genus Catocala.
Ceratocapsus fuscosignatus
Ceratocapsus fuscosignatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1927. It is recorded from Florida, USA. As a member of the genus Ceratocapsus, it belongs to a group of mirid plant bugs that are frequently encountered at lights at night. The genus is diverse and species are often difficult to distinguish without detailed examination.