Light-attracted
Guides
Choristostigma
Choristostigma is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, established by Warren in 1892. The genus contains approximately ten described species distributed across North America, including C. roseopennalis, which has been documented at ultraviolet and mercury-vapor light traps in mountain oak woodland habitats. Species within this genus are small to medium-sized crambid moths, though detailed morphological and biological information remains limited in the published literature.
Choristostigma disputalis
Choristostigma disputalis is a small crambid moth described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1917. It is distributed across western North America from Alberta and British Columbia south to California, Oregon, and Arizona. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 20 mm and are active from April through August. The species is most readily distinguished from its congener Choristostigma elegantalis by its paler forewing ground color and distinctive wing pattern elements.
Choristostigma elegantalis
Choristostigma elegantalis is a small crambid moth described by Warren in 1892. It is known from the western United States, with confirmed records from Arizona, California, and Washington. Adults are active from spring through early autumn, with forewings measuring 9–11.5 mm in length. The species exhibits distinctive pale yellow forewings marked with tawny patterns and yellowish-white hindwings with a dark central spot.
Choristostigma roseopennalis
Choristostigma roseopennalis is a small crambid moth described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886. It is distributed across the southern and eastern United States and Mexico, with records from Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas. The species is distinguished by its bright coloration and has been documented at ultraviolet and mercury-vapor light traps in mountain oak woodland habitats.
Cicinnus
sack-bearer moths
Cicinnus is a genus of sack-bearer moths (family Mimallonidae) in the subfamily Cicinninae. Species in this genus are characterized by their uniformly pink or pale coloration and relatively simple wing patterns. The genus includes C. chambersi, described in 2020 from southeastern Arizona, which represents the first U.S. Cicinnus species described in nearly 50 years. C. melsheimeri is the most widespread North American species, while other species occur primarily in Mexico.
Cladara limitaria
mottled gray carpet moth, Mottled Gray Carpet
Cladara limitaria is a geometrid moth found across North America from Alaska to Newfoundland and south to Alabama. Adults are active in spring, with a wingspan of 21–28 mm. Larvae feed on sheep laurel and conifers. The species inhabits deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forests and is attracted to light.
Cnaemidophorus rhododactyla
Rose Plume Moth
Cnaemidophorus rhododactyla, the rose plume moth, is a distinctive plume moth in the family Pterophoridae. The species is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere and is closely associated with Rosa species as its larval host. Adults are active in mid-summer and are readily attracted to light. The species has been recorded as a pest of roses in Turkey, where larval feeding inside flower buds can destroy a substantial portion of bud mass.
Comadia dolli
Comadia dolli is a small moth in the family Cossidae (carpenter or goat moths), first described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1923. It is known from the southwestern United States, with records from Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico. Adults are active during the summer months from May through August. The species is one of several in the genus Comadia, which are generally associated with desert and aridland habitats.
Conchylodes ovulalis
Zebra Conchylodes Moth
Conchylodes ovulalis, commonly known as the Zebra Conchylodes Moth, is a small crambid moth notable for its striking black-and-white striped wing pattern. The species was described by Guenée in 1854 and occurs across a broad range from the eastern United States through Mexico and Central America to northern South America. Adults are frequently attracted to artificial light sources and are most commonly encountered during summer months. The distinctive zebra-striped coloration is presumed to function in camouflage, though experimental evidence for this is lacking.
Corydalus texanus
Western Dobsonfly
Corydalus texanus is a large megaloopteran insect commonly known as the Western Dobsonfly. Adults are among the largest winged insects in their range, with males distinguished by elongated sickle-shaped mandibles used in combat with rivals. Females possess shorter but powerful jaws capable of delivering a painful bite. The aquatic larval stage, known as hellgrammites, are predaceous and serve as important indicators of stream health. Adults are attracted to lights and may be observed near water bodies at night.
Crambus laqueatellus
Eastern Grass-veneer
Crambus laqueatellus, commonly known as the Eastern Grass-veneer, is a moth species in the family Crambidae. It was described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. The species is widespread across eastern and central North America, with adults active from spring through late summer. Larvae are grass-feeders, making this species a typical member of the grass-veneer group within Crambus.
Cucullia alfarata
Camphorweed Owlet, camphorweed cucullia
Cucullia alfarata is a noctuid moth species found in North America. The common name 'Camphorweed Owlet' references its association with camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris), a known host plant for larvae of this genus. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The species belongs to the subfamily Cuculliinae, a group whose larvae typically feed on the flowers and seeds of Asteraceae.
Cyclocephala parallela
Cyclocephala parallela is a species of rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Casey in 1915. It belongs to the genus Cyclocephala, commonly known as masked chafers, whose larvae are significant turfgrass pests. The species occurs in parts of Florida and adjacent southeastern states, where its white grub larvae feed on grass roots.
Cyclocephala robusta
Cyclocephala robusta is a species of masked chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863. It belongs to the subfamily Dynastinae, though unlike many members of this group it lacks the large horns characteristic of the subfamily. The species is native to the south-central and southeastern United States. Like other Cyclocephala species, it likely has a life cycle involving root-feeding larval stages and adult beetles that do not feed on plants.
Cymatophora approximaria
Giant Gray Moth
A large geometrid moth native to North America, notable for its substantial size and muted gray coloration. Adults are active during warmer months and are attracted to light. The species is relatively well-documented through citizen science observations.
Dichelonyx fulgida
Dichelonyx fulgida is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Melolonthinae, tribe Dichelonychini. Described by LeConte in 1856, this species belongs to a genus of North American May beetles. The genus Dichelonyx comprises approximately 20 species distributed primarily in western and central North America. Like other members of the tribe Dichelonychini, adults are typically active in spring and are attracted to lights. Larvae develop in soil, feeding on roots of various plants.
Dioryctria auranticella
ponderosa pineconeworm moth
Dioryctria auranticella is a small pyralid moth whose larvae develop inside the cones of ponderosa pine and knobcone pine. Adults are active in mid-summer and are attracted to lights. The species is restricted to western North America, where it functions as a cone pest with potential impact on pine seed production.
Diplotaxis blanchardi
Diplotaxis blanchardi is a small scarab beetle in the subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Vaurie in 1956. The species is known from scattered records across the central and eastern United States. Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, adults are nocturnal and frequently attracted to lights. The species has been documented in sand dune habitats and grassland environments.
Diplotaxis brevisetosa
Diplotaxis brevisetosa is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, tribe Diplotaxini, described by Linell in 1897. It is a small chafer beetle occurring in the Nearctic region, specifically known from Texas. Like other members of its genus, it is attracted to lights at night and has been observed congregating on low vegetation. The specific epithet 'brevisetosa' refers to short setae (bristles), a distinctive morphological feature of this species.
Diplotaxis haydenii
Diplotaxis haydenii is a small scarab beetle (family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae) in the tribe Diplotaxini. The genus Diplotaxis comprises small chafers, and D. haydenii is one of approximately 200 species in this primarily New World genus. It is known from western North America, with records from the Rocky Mountain region and adjacent areas. Like other Diplotaxis species, adults are attracted to lights at night and have been observed congregating on low vegetation.
Diplotaxis lengii
Diplotaxis lengii is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The genus Diplotaxis contains numerous small chafers, many of which are attracted to lights at night. This species was described by Fall in 1909 and is known from the southern United States, particularly Louisiana and Texas. Members of this genus are often observed congregating on low vegetation, apparently to intercept pheromone trails in search of mates.
Diplotaxis mentalis
Diplotaxis mentalis is a small scarab beetle species described by Henry C. Fall in 1909. It belongs to the chafer subfamily Melolonthinae and tribe Diplotaxini. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, adults are nocturnally active and frequently attracted to lights.
Diplotaxis moerens
Diplotaxis moerens is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by LeConte in 1856. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: D. m. moerens and D. m. peninsularis. Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, adults are small chafers that are frequently attracted to lights at night.
Diplotaxis muricata
Diplotaxis muricata is a small scarab beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The genus Diplotaxis comprises chafers—small to medium-sized scarabs often attracted to lights at night. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1907 and is known from the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Like other Diplotaxis species, adults are likely nocturnal and may be found on low vegetation.
Diplotaxis pubipes
Hairy-footed Diplotaxis
Diplotaxis pubipes is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1907 and is known from the southern United States (Texas) and Mexico (San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, Veracruz). Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, it is attracted to lights at night and has been observed congregating on low vegetation, presumably to detect pheromone trails of potential mates.
Diplotaxis sordida
Diplotaxis sordida is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1825. It is a small chafer beetle found across eastern and central North America, from Canada through the eastern United States. The species is part of the diverse genus Diplotaxis, which includes numerous similar small scarab species that are often attracted to lights at night. Like other members of its genus, D. sordida is likely nocturnally active and associated with herbaceous vegetation.
Diplotaxis subangulata
Diplotaxis subangulata is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by LeConte in 1856. The genus Diplotaxis comprises small chafers, and this species occurs across western North America from British Columbia to Baja California, with records throughout the southwestern United States. Adults have been observed congregating on low vegetation, apparently to intercept pheromone trails in search of mates. The species is attracted to lights at night.
Diplotaxis subcostata
Diplotaxis subcostata is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species was described by Blanchard in 1851 and is distributed across the eastern and southern United States. Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, it is attracted to lights at night and has been observed congregating on low vegetation, possibly in association with pheromone trails.
Disteniinae
disteniid longhorn beetles
Disteniinae is a subfamily of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) comprising approximately 400 described species, primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Adults are characterized by their elongated, slender bodies, long filiform antennae that often exceed body length, and frequently metallic coloration. The group has undergone significant taxonomic revision, having been treated historically as a tribe within Lepturinae or Cerambycinae, as a separate subfamily, and even as a distinct family (Disteniidae) before current consensus places it as a subfamily within Cerambycidae. The North American fauna is depauperate, with Elytrimitatrix undata being the sole representative in the United States.
Donacaula n-sp-three
Donacaula n-sp-three is an undescribed species within the Crambidae family, currently recognized only by a provisional designation. Species in this genus are associated with wetland and marsh habitats, where larvae develop on emergent aquatic plants. Adults are generally nocturnal and attracted to light. The specific identity and distribution of this nominal species remain unresolved pending formal taxonomic description.
Dyspteris abortivaria
Bad-wing Moth, the bad-wing
Dyspteris abortivaria, commonly known as the Bad-wing Moth, is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. The common name refers to its distinctive wing morphology, where the hindwings are notably reduced in size compared to the forewings. It is found throughout North America and is one of the more frequently observed geometrid moths, with over 6,000 documented observations.
Ectropis crepuscularia
Small Engrailed, Engrailed
Ectropis crepuscularia, commonly known as the Small Engrailed, is a geometer moth in the family Geometridae. The species exhibits extreme variation in color and pattern, ranging from distinct markings to nearly plain individuals. It occurs across a broad geographic range including North America, Europe, and Asia, with two generations per year in most regions. The species has been subject to taxonomic debate regarding whether it represents a single species or a complex of closely related forms.
Efferia apache
Efferia apache is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1966. The genus Efferia comprises predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. Records indicate this species has been observed in western Texas, specifically in juniper chaparral habitat at Gold Mine Canyon in Val Verde County. Adults have been collected at mercury-vapor lights, suggesting nocturnal or crepuscular activity patterns. The species name "apache" likely references the Apache peoples or geographic regions of the southwestern United States.
Efferia coquillettii
Efferia coquillettii is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) first described by Hine in 1919. The genus Efferia comprises medium to large-sized predatory flies found primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their robust build, prominent mystax (facial bristles), and predatory behavior. Efferia species are often encountered at light traps and are active predators of other insects.
Efferia prattii
Laredo Hammertail
Efferia prattii is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, originally described by Hine in 1919. The species is known from the southern United States, particularly Texas, and is referred to by the common name "Laredo Hammertail." As a member of the genus Efferia, it belongs to a group of large, predatory flies that are active hunters of other insects. The species has been documented in entomological surveys in western Texas, where it was observed at mercury-vapor lights in juniper chaparral habitat alongside other asilid species.
Efferia tagax
Arizona Club-legged Hammertail
Efferia tagax is a robber fly species in the family Asilidae, first described by Williston in 1885. It occurs in the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona, where it has been recorded at mercury-vapor lights in juniper chaparral habitat. The species belongs to a diverse genus of predatory flies commonly known as club-legged hammertails. Like other Efferia species, it likely exhibits typical robber fly predatory behavior, ambushing and capturing other insects in flight.
Egira dolosa
Lined Black Aspen Woodling
Egira dolosa is a noctuid moth species described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1880. It occurs across North America, with confirmed records in Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Vermont). The species belongs to the genus Egira, which includes several species whose larvae feed on woody plants. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Egira februalis
mottled oak woodling moth, mottled oak woodling
Egira februalis is a noctuid moth commonly known as the mottled oak woodling. It is a late-winter to early-spring flier found in oak-dominated habitats of western North America. The species exhibits lichen-mimicking coloration and is nocturnal, readily attracted to artificial lights. Its larvae are specialized feeders on oaks (Quercus spp.).
Elaphidionopsis
Elaphidionopsis is a monotypic genus of longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) established by Linsley in 1936. The genus contains a single species, Elaphidionopsis fasciatipennis, described by Linsley and Chemsak. The genus belongs to the tribe Elaphidiini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. Based on field observations, adults of the type species have been collected at mercury-vapor and ultraviolet lights in juniper chaparral habitats in west Texas.
Elytrimitatrix undata
Wavy Longhorn Beetle
Elytrimitatrix undata is the only member of the subfamily Disteniinae (or family Disteniidae) occurring in the United States. This longhorned beetle was formerly classified in the genus Distenia but was split out by Santos-Silva & Hovore in 2007 based on morphological differences. The species occurs broadly across eastern and central North America and is regularly attracted to lights during warm summer nights. Adults are moderate-sized beetles with distinctive wavy elytral patterns.
Enaphalodes atomarius
Robust Oak Borer
Enaphalodes atomarius, commonly known as the robust oak borer, is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. First described by Dru Drury in 1773 from New York City, this beetle is known to be attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights in mesic lowland deciduous forests. It has been documented in bait traps using ethanol and red wine mixtures in xeric dolomite prairie remnants and dry upland deciduous forests.
Enicospilus flavostigma
Enicospilus flavostigma is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, first described by Hooker in 1912. Like other members of its genus, it is a nocturnal parasitoid wasp with a uniformly orange or reddish-orange coloration. The species belongs to a group of large, gangly ichneumon wasps characterized by long antennae, prominent ocelli arranged in a triangle on the head, and reduced or very short ovipositors. Enicospilus species are koinobiont ectoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae.
Enicospilus guatemalensis
Enicospilus guatemalensis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, originally described from Guatemala. The genus Enicospilus belongs to the subfamily Ophioninae, characterized by large, gangly wasps that are often uniformly orange in color with long antennae, large ocelli arranged in a triangle on the head, and very short or nearly absent ovipositors. Species in this genus are nocturnal and frequently attracted to artificial lights.
Enicospilus purgatus
Ophionine ichneumon wasp
Enicospilus purgatus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae. It is a large, gangly wasp typically orange in coloration with long antennae and large ocelli arranged in a triangle on the head. Unlike the related genus Netelia, E. purgatus has a very short ovipositor that is often not readily visible. The species is nocturnal and frequently attracted to artificial lights. It is a solitary parasitoid wasp with females capable of stinging when handled.
Ennomos alniaria
Canary-shouldered Thorn
Ennomos alniaria, commonly known as the canary-shouldered thorn, is a moth in the family Geometridae. It is distinguished from related species by its bright yellow thorax. The species is widespread across Europe and has been introduced to British Columbia. Adults are active from July to October and are attracted to light.
Epiblema tripartitana
Epiblema tripartitana is a small tortricid moth in the leafroller family Tortricidae. The species has been documented in Colorado and Vermont, with observations at light stations during summer moth surveys. Its common name references the three-part or tripartite wing pattern. The moth exhibits distinctive coloration that has been described as resembling bird droppings, a form of protective camouflage.
Epimecis hortaria
tulip-tree beauty
Epimecis hortaria, commonly known as the tulip-tree beauty, is a geometer moth native to North America. It is one of the larger species in its family, with a wingspan reaching 43–55 mm. The species exhibits two distinct color morphs and has a broad flight season spanning early spring through autumn.
Erythroneura infuscata
Leafhopper
Erythroneura infuscata is a small leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Adults measure 2.8-3.0 mm in length and exhibit distinctive dark coloration with contrasting pale and red markings. The species is primarily black with small pale spots on the wings and body, a prominent white patch on the costal margin of each wing followed by a red mark, and whitish legs and face. It inhabits mixed hardwood forests and is attracted to light at night. The species is known from several eastern and central U.S. states.
Ethmia mirusella
Ethmia mirusella is a small moth in the family Ethmiidae (formerly placed in Depressariidae). It occurs in the south-central United States, with adults active in spring and late summer through early autumn. The species exhibits bivoltine phenology with two generations per year. Larvae feed on Lithospermum species in the Boraginaceae family.
Eucanthus subtropicus
Eucanthus subtropicus is an earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Geotrupidae, described by Henry Howden in 1955. The species is found in southeastern North America, with records from Alabama through the Carolinas and Florida. Like other members of the genus, it excavates burrows in soil for larval development. Adults are attracted to light and have been collected in sand dune habitats.