Light-attracted
Guides
Prometopia
Prometopia is a genus of sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, subfamily Prometopiinae. The genus comprises approximately 28 species worldwide, with distribution centered in the Afrotropical region and extending to the Nearctic and other regions. Most species are excluded from the Palaearctic region, Madagascar, and New Zealand. The genus is characterized by distinctive body shape and elytral spot patterns.
Psammoecus trimaculatus
Psammoecus trimaculatus is a small silvan flat bark beetle native to the Afro-Oriental region that has been introduced to many parts of the world. Adults measure 2.23–2.96 mm in length and are characterized by a longitudinal sutural spot on the elytra. The species is frequently attracted to light and has been recorded from diverse geographic regions including Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Psectrotanypus dyari
Psectrotanypus dyari is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae. The species was originally described as Tanypus dyari by Coquillett in 1902. Like other chironomids, it is frequently observed at artificial lights at night and is often mistaken for mosquitoes. The larvae are aquatic, typical of the family.
Pseudeva
Pseudeva is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae, established by Hampson in 1913. The genus contains two described species: Pseudeva palligera (Grote, 1881) and Pseudeva purpurigera (Walker, 1858). These moths are found in North America. Pseudeva purpurigera, commonly known as the Straight-lined Looper moth, has been documented at light stations in Colorado.
Pseudeva palligera
Western Unspotted Looper
Pseudeva palligera is a noctuid moth of western North America, occurring from British Columbia and Alberta south through California. It is a member of the looper moth group within subfamily Plusiinae. The species is characterized by relatively small size and unspotted wing patterning that distinguishes it from related taxa. Adults are attracted to light and have been documented in diverse habitats including montane areas and riparian zones.
Rasahus thoracicus
Western Corsair Bug, Western Corsair
Rasahus thoracicus, commonly known as the Western Corsair Bug, is an assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. Adults display orange and black coloration with distinctive orange spots on each wing. The species is nocturnal and attracted to bright lights, where it hunts other insects. Unlike most assassin bugs, its bite is notably painful to humans. It is one of two "two spotted corsairs," the other being Rasahus biguttatus.
Rindgea subterminata
Rindgea subterminata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1913. It belongs to the genus Rindgea, a group of North American moths characterized by relatively plain, grayish-brown coloration and subtle wing patterns. The species is known from western North America, where adults are active during the summer months.
Rugosana querci
Rugosana querci is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. The species is associated with oak (Quercus) hosts, as indicated by its specific epithet. It is known to be attracted to artificial lights at night. The genus Rugosana belongs to the tribe Gyponini, a group of leafhoppers characterized by their distinctive morphology. Distribution records indicate presence across multiple U.S. states in the eastern and southwestern regions.
Rugosana verrucosa
Rugosana verrucosa is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by DeLong in 1942. The genus Rugosana belongs to the tribe Gyponini within the subfamily Iassinae. Leafhoppers in this group are sap-feeding insects that use piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract fluids from plant vascular tissue. The species name 'verrucosa' refers to a warty or roughened surface texture.
Scardiinae
Scardiinae is a subfamily of moths within the family Tineidae. Members are characterized by larval morphological features and the absence of a gnathos in the male genitalia. The subfamily was formerly split to include Tinissinae, now synonymized with Scardiinae. The group contains approximately 20 genera distributed across tropical and subtropical regions.
Schinia arcigera
Arcigera Flower Moth
Schinia arcigera is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Arcigera Flower Moth. First described by Achille Guenée in 1852, this species is widely distributed across North America. The adult moths are active during late summer and early autumn, with flight periods varying by latitude. The larvae are specialized feeders on several species of asters and related plants in the family Asteraceae.
Schinia meadi
Mead's Flower Moth
Schinia meadi is a small noctuid moth of western North America, described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 24 mm and are active from June to July. The species belongs to the flower moth genus Schinia, whose larvae typically feed on flowers and seed pods of their host plants.
Schinia rivulosa
Ragweed Flower Moth
Schinia rivulosa, the ragweed flower moth, is a small noctuid moth found across much of North America. It is univoltine, with one generation per year, and is tightly associated with ragweed (Ambrosia) as a larval host. Adults are active from July to October and are often observed visiting flowers for nectar.
Sclerocona acutellus
Thatch Pearl
Sclerocona acutellus, known as the Thatch Pearl, is the sole species in the genus Sclerocona within the grass moth family Crambidae. Native to the Palearctic region, it has established populations in eastern North America as an introduced species. The species is associated with thatch and grassy habitats. Adults are active during the warmer months and are attracted to light.
Selonodon ferrugineus
Selonodon ferrugineus is a species of click beetle in the family Cebrionidae, described as new to science from Georgia, United States. It was formally recognized in a 2004 revision of the genus Selonodon that described 17 new species from the southern United States. The species epithet 'ferrugineus' (rust-colored) likely refers to its coloration. Like other cebrionids, adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Smodicum cucujiforme
Flat Oak Borer
Smodicum cucujiforme, commonly known as the Flat Oak Borer, is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was first described by Thomas Say in 1826, originally placed in the genus Callidium. The species is known from North and South America, with records from the United States, Canada (Ontario), and Argentina. It is attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights, and has been captured in baited jug traps using ethanol and wine mixtures.
Solva pallipes
Solva pallipes is a species of soldier fly in the family Xylomyidae, distributed across most of North America. Adults are associated with wooded habitats and are attracted to light. Larvae develop under the bark of various deciduous trees, where they feed on decaying wood and associated microorganisms.
Sphinx dollii
Doll's Sphinx, Doll's Sphinx Moth
Sphinx dollii is a medium-sized sphinx moth (Sphingidae) native to arid regions of the southwestern United States. Adults have a wingspan of 45–63 mm and are active from June to August. The species is univoltine, with larvae feeding exclusively on Juniperus species.
Spodolepis substriataria
Spodolepis substriataria is a North American geometrid moth first described by George D. Hulst in 1896. The species exhibits a broad transcontinental distribution spanning boreal and temperate regions from Alaska across Canada to the Atlantic coast, with southern extensions into the western United States. It belongs to the diverse subfamily Ennominae, a group commonly known as inchworm or spanworm moths due to their characteristic larval locomotion.
Spragueia cleta
Common Spragueia Moth
Spragueia cleta is a small moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the Common Spragueia Moth. It belongs to the bird dropping moth group, a guild of species whose cryptic coloration mimics avian feces as a defense against predators. The species was described by Druce in 1889 and is found in North America.
Spragueia magnifica
magnificent bird dropping moth
Spragueia magnifica is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Spragueia, a group commonly known as bird dropping moths due to their resemblance to avian feces. The species occurs in North America and is assigned Hodges number 9121 in the North American Moth Photographers Group numbering system. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Stenelytrana gigas
Gigas Longhorn Beetle
Stenelytrana gigas is a species of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, found in North America. The species is characterized by its relatively large size among lepturine longhorns and its association with flowers as an adult. It belongs to a genus of flower-visiting cerambycids that are attracted to diverse floral resources. The species has been documented in both the United States and Mexico, with adults typically active during the warmer months. It is one of several Stenelytrana species in North America, distinguished by its size and morphological features.
Stenodontes chevrolati
Chevrolat's tropical long-horned beetle
Stenodontes chevrolati is a species of long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Prioninae. It is one of the largest cerambycid species in North America, with males reaching substantial size. The species occurs in the Caribbean and southern North America, where adults are attracted to lights and have been documented in oak woodland habitats. Larval development occurs in living oak trees, with adults emerging after several years of subterranean feeding on roots.
Stenolophus incultus
Truckee Harp Ground Beetle
Stenolophus incultus is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. The species has been documented in Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Stenolophus, it belongs to a group commonly referred to as seedcorn beetles. The species is nocturnally active and has been recorded at artificial light sources.
Stenolophus rugicollis
Stenolophus rugicollis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by LeConte in 1859. The genus Stenolophus comprises small, often abundant beetles commonly known as seedcorn beetles due to their frequent occurrence in agricultural fields. Species in this genus are typically spring-active and readily attracted to lights at night. Stenolophus rugicollis is recorded from the United States.
Strategus aloeus
ox beetle, Aloeus ox beetle
Strategus aloeus is a large rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, native to the Americas. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism and male polymorphism, with "major" males possessing three prominent thoracic horns resembling Triceratops, while "minor" males have reduced horns and females bear only a small horn used for digging. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights. The species has been documented as a significant pest of young oil palm crops in Latin America, where population dynamics are strongly influenced by plantation management practices.
Strategus cessus
rhinoceros beetle
Strategus cessus is a species of rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Dynastinae. It belongs to a genus of large, horned scarabs found in the Americas. The species has been documented from the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Strategus splendens
Splendid Ox Beetle
Strategus splendens is a large scarab beetle commonly known as the Splendid Ox Beetle. It belongs to the rhinoceros beetle subfamily Dynastinae, characterized by prominent horns in males. The species occurs in the southeastern United States, where it has been documented in sandy habitats and associated with oak woodlands. Adults are attracted to lights and are active during summer months.
Syssphinx hubbardi
Hubbard's Silk Moth, Hubbard's Silkmoth
Syssphinx hubbardi is a medium-sized giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae, with a wingspan of 56–76 mm. Adults are predominantly gray with bright pink hindwings that are exposed when the moth is startled. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with one generation per year in most of its range, though Texas populations may produce multiple generations. Adults are active from June through September, with peak activity in July and August.
Tempyra biguttula
Large-spotted Seed Bug
Tempyra biguttula is a minute dirt-colored seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae. Native to North America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, it has established populations across Oceania including Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands. The species has recently expanded into the Mediterranean region, with confirmed records in Spain, Portugal, France, and Croatia. It is attracted to light and has been documented exhibiting teratological antennae abnormalities.
Thalycra
Thalycra is a genus of sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, established by Erichson in 1843. The genus contains at least 20 described species. These beetles are attracted to lights at night and are associated with fermenting plant materials.
Thyce
May beetles, junebugs
Thyce is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as May beetles or junebugs. The genus contains at least two described species: Thyce deserta and Thyce squamicollis. These beetles belong to the subfamily Melolonthinae, a diverse group of scarabs whose larvae typically develop in soil. Species in this genus are native to North America.
Tigrinestola tigrina
Tigrinestola tigrina is a species of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) originally described by Skinner in 1905. The species has been collected from oak habitats in southeastern Arizona, specifically from dead branches of Quercus hypoleucoides (silverleaf oak). It is attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights at night. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, including Baja California.
Trichocnemis spiculatus neomexicanus
New Mexican ponderous borer
Trichocnemis spiculatus neomexicanus is a subspecies of the ponderous borer, a large prionine longhorn beetle native to western North America. The larvae are among the largest of any North American cerambycid, developing in dead or dying coniferous wood—particularly ponderosa pine. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights. This subspecies was described by Casey in 1890 and occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species has gained notoriety as the inspiration for modern chainsaw design, after Joe Cox observed the larva's opposable mandibles in action.
Tricholita knudsoni
Tricholita knudsoni is a species of owlet moth described in 2009 from western Texas. It is a relatively small noctuid with a wingspan of 33–35 mm. The species is known from a restricted geographic range in the Trans-Pecos region, with all documented records from light trap collections between late August and late October. It was described by Crabo and Lafontaine during their revision of related noctuid genera.
Trimerotropis pallidipennis
pallidwinged grasshopper
The pallidwinged grasshopper is a moderately-sized bandwinged grasshopper with the most extensive distribution of any bandwinged grasshopper in the New World, ranging from southwestern Canada to Argentina. It inhabits desert and semidesert environments where populations undergo sporadic irruptions that can cause significant agricultural damage. The species possesses strong flight capabilities and is known for nocturnal swarming behavior attracted to artificial lights. Outbreaks are typically brief, lasting one to two years, and are associated with above-normal rainfall that promotes egg survival and nymphal development.
Trochoideus desjardinsi
handsome fungus beetle
Trochoideus desjardinsi is a species of handsome fungus beetle in the family Endomychidae, characterized by its broad distribution across tropical and subtropical regions. The species exhibits a notable ecological association with social insects, having been documented in nests of ants and termites. Adults are attracted to light and have been collected from various decaying plant materials and economically important crops.
Vella americana
Vella americana is a large antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, notable for being among the largest antlions in North America with adult wingspans exceeding 100 mm. Unlike pit-digging antlions of the genus Myrmeleon, larvae of Vella bury themselves just below the soil surface and wait for prey. Two distinctive larval behaviors have been documented: 'surface travel,' where larvae move across exposed substrates to relocate, and 'sand-blast,' rapid expulsion of sand from the mouth to clear debris or excavate. Adults are frequently attracted to lights at night.
Vella fallax texana
Vella fallax texana is a subspecies of giant antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. Adults are among the largest antlions in North America, with wingspans exceeding 100 mm. The species is nocturnal and frequently attracted to lights. Larvae are predatory but do not construct the characteristic pit traps of some antlion genera; instead they bury themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey.
Xanthorhoe
Xanthorhoe is a genus of carpet moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae. The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1825 and contains numerous species distributed across the northern Palaearctic region. Several species are widespread and common, while others have restricted endemic distributions. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing patterns with bands or lines, and larvae are typically associated with herbaceous plants. Some species have experienced population declines, including Xanthorhoe bulbulata in New Zealand, which is feared possibly extinct.
Xestia c-nigrum
setaceous Hebrew character, Black-letter Darts, Spotted Cutworm
Xestia c-nigrum is a widespread noctuid moth commonly known as the setaceous Hebrew character or Black-letter Darts. The species was first described by Linnaeus in 1758 and occurs across the Palearctic and Nearctic realms. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The caterpillars, known as spotted cutworms, are generalist feeders and have been documented as prey for certain thread-waisted wasps.
Xyloryctes
rhinoceros beetles
Xyloryctes is a genus of rhinoceros beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, tribe Oryctini, subfamily Dynastinae. The genus contains approximately 13 described species distributed primarily in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Adults are characterized by prominent cephalic horns, particularly in males, and are nocturnally active, frequently attracted to artificial lights. The genus has been documented as a vector for the giant thorn-headed worm of swine (Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus), with X. satyrus representing a newly recorded host for this acanthocephalan parasite.
Xyloryctes thestalus
Western Rhinoceros Beetle
Xyloryctes thestalus is a species of rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the Western Rhinoceros Beetle. Males possess prominent horns on the head and pronotum, a characteristic feature of the Dynastinae subfamily. The species is nocturnal and strongly attracted to lights, often appearing in large numbers at ultraviolet and mercury vapor light setups. It occurs across the southwestern United States and Mexico, with two recognized subspecies: X. t. thestalus and X. t. borealis.
Yponomeuta padella
orchard ermine, cherry ermine
Yponomeuta padella is a small ermine moth native to Europe and parts of Asia, now introduced to North America. Adults are active from July to August and are attracted to light. The species is notable for forming part of a cryptic species complex with Y. malinellus, Y. cagnagella, Y. rorella, and Y. evonymella, requiring genital examination or host plant association for reliable identification. Larvae feed on Prunus and Crataegus species, and the moth has demonstrated invasive potential with documented outbreaks causing significant defoliation in introduced and expanded ranges.