Microlepidoptera
Guides
Acalyptris
Acalyptris is a genus of minute moths in the family Nepticulidae, established by Meyrick in 1921. It represents the second largest genus of Nepticulidae in the Americas and contains approximately 100 described species distributed across six continents. The genus is characterized by leaf-mining larvae that create distinctive mines in host plant foliage. Species are organized into multiple species groups based on morphology and host associations, with nine revised species groups recognized in the American fauna.
Acrocercops astericola
Aster Tentiform Blotchminer
Acrocercops astericola is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species is known from eastern North America, where larvae feed on asteraceous host plants. Adults are small moths typical of the microlepidoptera. The common name refers to the distinctive tentiform blotch mines created by larval feeding.
Acrolepiopsis
Acrolepiopsis is a genus of small moths in the family Glyphipterigidae, established by Gaedike in 1970. The genus includes approximately six described species in North America and additional species in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably Acrolepiopsis assectella (leek moth) and A. sapporensis (Asiatic onion leafminer), which specialize on Allium species including onion, garlic, and leek. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with DNA barcoding data supporting species-level distinctions.
Acroplectis haemanthes
Acroplectis haemanthes is a small tortricid moth described by Edward Meyrick in 1927. It occurs in the southwestern United States across six states. Adults are active primarily from spring through early summer, with some records in autumn. The species remains poorly known, with limited biological data beyond basic collection records.
Adela astrella
Adela astrella is a species of fairy moth in the family Adelidae, described by Walsingham in 1915. As with other members of the genus Adela, this species is characterized by the extremely long antennae of males. The family Adelidae comprises small, delicate moths commonly known as fairy moths or long-horn moths. Available information on this specific species is limited, with 28 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Adela septentrionella
Ocean Spray Fairy Moth, Fairy Longhorn Moth
Adela septentrionella is a small fairy longhorn moth in the family Adelidae, described by Walsingham in 1880. The species is characterized by the exceptionally long antennae typical of male adelids, with forewings measuring 4.5–5.7 mm. Adults are active from mid-April to mid-July across their western North American range. The larvae are specialized feeders on the buds of Holodiscus discolor (ocean spray), a woody shrub in the rose family.
Aethes argentilimitana
Silver-bordered Aethes
Aethes argentilimitana, commonly known as the silver-bordered aethes, is a small tortricid moth native to North America. The species inhabits dry, open meadows and fields across a broad eastern and central range extending from Ontario south to Mississippi. Adults are active from spring through late summer, with multiple generations likely occurring annually. The species is relatively well-documented, with over 1,400 observations recorded.
Aethes louisiana
Aethes louisiana is a small tortricid moth described from the United States in 1907. The species is distinguished by its light straw-colored forewings with golden yellow overlay and two dark golden brown basal fasciae. It has been recorded from Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, with adults active during late spring. The species name reflects its association with the state of Louisiana, though current records suggest a broader midwestern distribution.
Agnippe abdita
Agnippe abdita is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 8.5–9 mm, recorded from Utah, Arizona, and California. Adults are active in March. The larvae feed on Cercocarpus ledifolius and Cercocarpus montanus, with larval presence varying by region: March in southern California, June in eastern California and Utah.
Agnippe leuconota
Agnippe leuconota is a small gelechiid moth described by Zeller in 1873. It occurs across a broad geographic range in North America, from the northeastern United States through the Midwest, south to Florida and Texas, and into Mexico. The species is most reliably distinguished from its congener Agnippe prunifoliella by differences in forewing pattern, particularly the absence of distinct white costal markings present in the latter species. Adults are active during late spring and summer.
Agonopterix fusciterminella
Agonopterix fusciterminella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by Clarke in 1941. It is found in western and eastern North America, with records from California to British Columbia and from North Carolina to Tennessee. The species has a wingspan of 22–25 mm and exhibits distinctive reddish-brown and fuscous forewing patterning. Larvae are known to feed on specific host plants in the Asteraceae family.
Agonopterix senicionella
Agonopterix senicionella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by August Busck in 1902. It is restricted to the eastern United States, with records from Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. The species is a specialist herbivore whose larvae feed exclusively on Packera aurea, a plant formerly classified as Senecio aureus. Adults are recognized by their distinctive wing pattern of dark ochrous gray with brownish suffusion and characteristic black discal dots.
Alucita
many-plumed moths
Alucita is the largest and type genus of many-plumed moths (family Alucitidae), containing approximately 180 species with new species continuing to be described. The genus occurs almost worldwide, though individual species have more restricted ranges. Members are distinguished by their unique wing morphology, with each wing divided into multiple feather-like plumes. The genus was established by Linnaeus in 1758 and has historically been subject to taxonomic revision, with several junior synonyms proposed by subsequent authors.
Anacampsis argyrothamniella
Anacampsis argyrothamniella is a small gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1900. It is known from a restricted range in the southeastern United States, with confirmed records from Florida and Georgia. The species is associated with the host plant Argyrothamnia blodgettii, on which its larvae feed by tying leaves together.
Anacampsis comparanda
Anacampsis comparanda is a small gelechiid moth described by Edward Meyrick in 1929. It is known from limited records in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and Texas. The species has a wingspan of 13–14 mm. Its biology and ecology remain poorly documented.
Anacampsis fragariella
Anacampsis fragariella is a small gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1904. It occurs in North America with records from the northeastern United States, Great Lakes region, and Pacific Northwest. The species is associated with strawberry plants (Fragaria), with larvae feeding on these hosts. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 16 mm and exhibit characteristic forewing patterning with a darker apical fascia.
Anacampsis n-sp-two
Anacampsis n-sp-two is a species of gelechiid moth in the genus Anacampsis. As an undescribed species designated by a provisional name, formal taxonomic description and detailed biological information remain unpublished. Members of this genus are small moths with distinctive wing patterns and are associated with various host plants. The species is recognized from specimens collected in specific geographic areas pending formal description.
Anacampsis nonstrigella
Anacampsis nonstrigella is a small gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1906. It is known from a limited range in the eastern United States. The species is distinguished by its contrasting wing coloration with dark olive basal forewings and blackish brown apical areas.
Anacampsis undescribed-nr-levipedella
Anacampsis undescribed-nr-levipedella is an undescribed species within the gelechiid moth genus Anacampsis, closely related to A. levipedella. It belongs to a taxonomically complex group where species boundaries remain under study. The designation "undescribed-nr-levipedella" indicates it has been recognized as distinct but not yet formally described in the scientific literature. It is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, a large and diverse group of microlepidoptera.
Ancylis maritima
Ancylis maritima is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar in 1904. It belongs to the genus Ancylis, a group of small moths commonly known as leafroller moths or tortrix moths. The specific epithet 'maritima' suggests a possible association with coastal or maritime habitats, though this has not been confirmed by available sources. Very little is known about the biology, ecology, or distribution of this species beyond its taxonomic classification.
Ancylis muricana
Red-headed Ancylis Moth
Ancylis muricana is a small tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, commonly known as the Red-headed Ancylis Moth. The species was described by Walsingham in 1879 from specimens collected in North America. It is a member of the diverse genus Ancylis, which contains many species of leaf-roller moths. The common name refers to the distinctive reddish coloration of the head in adult specimens.
Anoncia aciculata
Anoncia aciculata is a species of moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, first described by Edward Meyrick in 1928. It is a small gelechioid moth known from limited records in the southwestern United States. The species belongs to a genus of moths whose larvae are often associated with plant material, though specific biology for this species remains poorly documented.
Antaeotricha agrioschista
Antaeotricha agrioschista is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by Edward Meyrick in 1927. It is known from Texas, North America, and is characterized by its distinctive wing patterning of light grey forewings overlaid with white and sprinkled with dark fuscous markings. The species has a wingspan of 20–21 mm. Limited information exists regarding its biology, host associations, and ecological relationships.
Aproaerema adversa
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.
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.
Araeolepia
Araeolepia is a genus of small moths in the family Glyphipterigidae, subfamily Acrolepiinae. The genus was established by Walsingham in 1881. It belongs to the superfamily Yponomeutoidea, a group of microlepidoptera. Very few observations of this genus exist in public databases, suggesting it is either rare, poorly sampled, or restricted to specific habitats.
Arcutelphusa talladega
Arcutelphusa talladega is a species of moth in the family Gelechiidae. It is the sole member of its genus. The species was described in 2008 and is known from a limited distribution in the southeastern United States.
Argyresthia
Argents
Argyresthia is a genus of microlepidopteran moths comprising over 200 species, with more than 100 species recognized in the Palearctic region. Adults are exceptionally small, measuring 3.2–6.8 mm from head to wingtip. Most species display white wings with broad, transverse metallic stripes. Larvae are leaf or needle miners, feeding between tissue layers of conifers or broadleaved plants. The genus is the namesake of the family Argyresthiidae, having been elevated from subfamily status within Yponomeutidae.
Argyresthia cupressella
cypress tip moth
Argyresthia cupressella, commonly known as the cypress tip moth, is a small microlepidopteran moth in the family Argyresthiidae. Native to the western coast of North America, it has been introduced to Europe where established populations now occur. The species is recognized as a pest of ornamental and forest conifers due to larval feeding damage.
Argyresthia franciscella
Argyresthia franciscella is a small moth in the family Argyresthiidae, described by Busck in 1915. It is native to western North America, with records from California. The species has a single generation annually. Larvae are specialized miners of cypress foliage, feeding within the growing tips of Cupressus species.
Argyresthia goedartella
bronze alder moth
Argyresthia goedartella, commonly known as the bronze alder moth, is a small moth species in the family Argyresthiidae. It is widely distributed across Europe and North America. The species is recognized by its distinctive coppery-golden Y-shaped wing marking and its association with birch and alder host plants. Adults are active from spring through autumn and have been observed feeding on nectar.
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.
Argyresthia pygmaeella
Sallow Argent
A small microlepidopteran moth in the family Argyresthiidae, first described from Vienna, Austria in 1775. Adults are active from May to August with a single annual generation. The species is associated with willows, where larvae mine leaf-buds and shoots. It has a broad distribution across Europe, northern Asia, and North America.
Aristaea
Aristaea is a genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae, established by Edward Meyrick in 1907. The genus comprises twelve described species distributed across Australia, Asia, and parts of Europe. Members are leaf-mining moths, with larvae that feed internally on plant tissues. The genus includes the type species Aristaea thalassias, described by Meyrick in 1880.
Aristotelia
twirler moths
Aristotelia is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. These microlepidoptera are characterized by their tiny size yet bold, exotic-looking markings. The genus contains approximately 35 named species in North America north of Mexico, with many additional species awaiting formal description. Aristotelia moths are attracted to blacklights and are frequently encountered during nocturnal insect surveys. Each species specializes on a particular host plant, though collectively the genus utilizes many plant families.
Aristotelia adceanotha
Aristotelia adceanotha is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Keifer in 1935. It is native to western North America, with confirmed records from California and Washington. The species has a wingspan of 11–12 mm and exhibits distinctive wing patterning with orange-roseate, dark fuscous brown, and white markings. Larvae are specialized feeders on Ceanothus cuneatus, a native shrub in the buckthorn family.
Aristotelia amelanchierella
Aristotelia amelanchierella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Annette Frances Braun in 1925. The species is found in scattered locations across North America, with records from Oklahoma, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. The larva is known to feed on Amelanchier alnifolia (serviceberry), making this a host-specific twirler moth.
Aristotelia arenella
Aristotelia arenella is a recently described species of twirler moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Lee in 2022. The genus Aristotelia comprises small moths commonly known as twirler moths due to their characteristic resting posture with wings wrapped tightly around the body. Members of this genus are typically microlepidoptera, often under 15mm in length, with bold and distinctive color patterns that aid in identification. The specific epithet 'arenella' suggests an association with sandy habitats, though this remains to be confirmed through ecological study.
Aristotelia bifasciella
Aristotelia bifasciella is a small moth in the twirler moth family Gelechiidae, described by August Busck in 1903. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically California, Arizona, and Utah. The species is distinguished by its distinctive wing pattern featuring two dark brown transverse bands on a pale yellowish-white background. Like other members of the genus Aristotelia, it is attracted to ultraviolet light sources at night.
Aristotelia devexella
Aristotelia devexella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. The species was described by Annette Frances Braun in 1925. It is known from a limited number of locations in western North America, specifically Alberta, Arizona, and Oklahoma. As with many microlepidoptera in this genus, detailed natural history information remains sparse.
Aristotelia elegantella
Elegant Aristotelia
Aristotelia elegantella is a tiny moth in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as the Elegant Aristotelia. It was described by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1874 and is found across much of North America, from southern Canada through the western and central United States. The species is notable for its striking wing pattern featuring bands of white, ochreous-yellow, and iridescent brown. It has been recorded at blacklight setups and appears to be attracted to artificial light sources.
Aristotelia eumeris
Aristotelia eumeris is a small moth in the twirler moth family Gelechiidae, described by Edward Meyrick in 1923. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically California and Arizona. The species has a wingspan of approximately 12 mm and exhibits distinctive wing patterning with white fasciae, blackish markings, and rosy dorsal tinging. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with specific host plants, though these remain undocumented for this particular species.
Aristotelia fungivorella
Aristotelia fungivorella is a small gelechiid moth described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1864. The species has a broad distribution across North America, ranging from Ontario west to British Columbia and south to California, Mississippi, and Alabama. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 11 mm. The larvae develop within galls on willow species Salix cordata and Salix exigua, suggesting a specialized relationship with these host plants.
Aristotelia hexacopa
Aristotelia hexacopa is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Edward Meyrick in 1929. It belongs to the genus Aristotelia, commonly known as twirler moths. The species is documented from the southwestern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is small and boldly patterned.
Aristotelia intermediella-group
The Aristotelia intermediella-group comprises tiny twirler moths in the family Gelechiidae. These microlepidoptera are characterized by bold, exotic-looking markings despite their small size. The group contains multiple closely related species that are difficult to distinguish without detailed examination. Members are attracted to ultraviolet light sources at night and have been documented in Colorado and New Mexico.
Aristotelia isopelta
Aristotelia isopelta is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Edward Meyrick in 1929. It belongs to a genus of small 'twirler moths' characterized by bold patterning despite their diminutive size. The species has been recorded across a broad North American range spanning from British Columbia and Quebec to Texas and Arizona. Adults have a wingspan of 9–12 mm. Like other Aristotelia species, the larvae likely specialize on a particular host plant, though specific details remain undocumented.
Aristotelia lespedezae
Aristotelia lespedezae is a small moth in the twirler moth family Gelechiidae, described by Annette Frances Braun in 1930. It occurs in the eastern United States, with records from Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. Adults have been documented from late May through October in Kentucky. The species name references its presumed larval association with Lespedeza plants.
Aristotelia planitia
Aristotelia planitia is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Annette Frances Braun in 1925. It is known from a limited number of records in Utah, North America. The species belongs to a genus of "twirler moths" whose larvae typically specialize on particular host plants.
Aristotelia primipilana
Aristotelia primipilana is a small gelechiid moth described by Edward Meyrick in 1923. It belongs to the twirler moth family Gelechiidae, a diverse group of microlepidoptera whose larvae typically feed on specific host plants. The species has been documented in eastern North America with records from Florida and Ontario. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the bold patterning characteristic of Aristotelia species.
Aristotelia roseosuffusella
Pink-washed Aristotelia Moth, Clover Aristotelia Moth, Garden Webworm
Aristotelia roseosuffusella is a small gelechiid moth first described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. The species is commonly known as the pink-washed aristotelia, clover aristotelia moth, or garden webworm. It is native to eastern North America, with a wingspan of approximately 11 mm. The forewings display a distinctive pattern of dark brown with roseate suffusion along the inner margin, combined with white spots and bands.