Microlepidoptera
Guides
Phyllonorycter quercialbella
Phyllonorycter quercialbella is a minute leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 7 mm. The species is restricted to eastern North America, where larvae feed as leaf miners on several oak species. It was first described by Fitch in 1859.
Phyllonorycter rileyella
Phyllonorycter rileyella is a minute leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, described by Chambers in 1875. The species is known from scattered localities in the eastern and central United States. Its larvae create mines in oak leaves, with confirmed host records from multiple Quercus species. Adults are among the smallest moths in North America, with a wingspan of only 6–8 mm.
Phyllonorycter symphoricarpaeella
A minute leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae with a wingspan of 5.5–6 mm. The species is known from scattered localities across the United States. Larvae are specialized miners of Symphoricarpos (snowberry) leaves, creating distinctive tentiform mines on the leaf undersides.
Phyllonorycter tiliacella
Basswood Round-blotch Miner Moth
Phyllonorycter tiliacella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. The larvae create distinctive tentiform mines on the upper surfaces of basswood (Tilia) leaves, appearing white with dense dark brown speckling. The species has a bivoltine life cycle with different pupal strategies for summer and winter broods.
Phyllonorycter tritaenianella
A small North American leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species creates distinctive blotch mines on Ostrya species, with larvae developing through a flat blotch stage before the mine becomes tentiform as the leaf folds over. Adults are known from the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Phylloporia bistrigella
Striped Bright
A small moth in the family Incurvariidae with a wingspan of 7–9 mm. Recognizable by two whitish fasciae on the forewings. The larvae are leaf miners on birch species.
Pigritia
Pigritia is a genus of small moths in the family Blastobasidae, first described by Clemens in 1860. The genus is part of the diverse superfamily Gelechioidea, one of the largest groups of Lepidoptera. Species in this genus are found in multiple regions including North America and Hawaii, with new species described from Costa Rica and the Hawaiian islands as recently as 2012-2013. The genus contains numerous species, though many remain poorly documented in public literature.
Platynota blanchardi
Platynota blanchardi is a small tortricid moth species described in 2012. It is known only from the southwestern United States, with confirmed records from Arizona and Texas. The species has a wingspan of 19–20 mm. Like other members of the genus Platynota, it is likely a leafroller caterpillar in its larval stage, though specific host plant associations remain undocumented.
Platynota texana
Platynota texana is a small tortricid moth described in 2012. The species is known only from Texas, United States. The wingspan measures approximately 14 mm. Very little is known about its biology, life history, or host associations.
Plutellidae
diamondback moths
Plutellidae is a family of small to medium-sized moths commonly known as diamondback moths, named after the economically significant pest species Plutella xylostella. The family contains approximately 26 described species in the genus Plutella, with additional genera including Eidophasia, Rhigognostis, and Homadaula. Members are characterized by elongated wings with long fringes, often appearing sickle-shaped, and generally drab coloration with banding or markings. The family has undergone taxonomic revision, with subfamilies Praydinae and Scythropiinae elevated to family status or transferred to other families.
Polyhymno n-sp-three
Polyhymno n-sp-three is an undescribed species within the genus Polyhymno, a group of small gelechiid moths. As a member of this genus, it is expected to be a minute moth with narrow, lanceolate forewings. The species awaits formal description and naming.
Porphyrosela
Porphyrosela is a genus of small leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae, subfamily Lithocolletinae. Species are distributed across multiple continents including the Neotropics, Australia, and Asia. The genus is characterized by larvae that create blotch mines on host plant leaves, primarily in the family Fabaceae. At least 13 species are recognized, with several described from South America and others from Australia and Asia.
Porphyrosela desmodiella
Tentiform Bean Leafminer
Porphyrosela desmodiella is a minute leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, with a wingspan of 4.5–5 mm. It is widely distributed across the eastern and central United States, southern Canada, and parts of the Caribbean and South America. The larvae are specialized leaf miners on leguminous plants (Fabaceae), creating distinctive mines on host foliage.
Povolnya
Povolnya is a genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Kuznetzov in 1979. The genus belongs to the tribe Gracillariini within the subfamily Gracillariinae. Species in this genus are leaf-mining moths, with larvae that feed internally on plant tissues. The genus has been recorded from northern Europe, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Prochoreutis inflatella
skullcap skeletonizer moth
A small choreutid moth (wingspan 9–11 mm) found in eastern North America. Adults are active from June through September with multiple generations per year. Larvae are specialist feeders on Scutellaria species, particularly Scutellaria lateriflora, and appear in March shortly after host plant emergence. The species constructs a distinctive fusiform, multi-layered white silk cocoon for pupation.
Proleucoptera
Proleucoptera is a genus of microlepidoptera in the family Lyonetiidae, established by Busck in 1902. Species in this genus are leaf-mining moths with extremely small wingspans, often under 5 mm. The genus is currently treated as a synonym of Leucoptera, though it was historically recognized as distinct. Members are known for mining leaves of host plants, with some species reaching densities sufficient to cause noticeable defoliation.
Proleucoptera smilaciella
A microlepidopteran leaf-mining moth in the family Lyonetiidae. Adults are distinguished from the similar Paraleucoptera albella by wing pattern characteristics including a narrower, more oblique first fascia and smaller silvery-gray spot. The species is larger than P. albella and exhibits converging dark lines toward the wing apex. Specific host plant associations and detailed biology remain poorly documented.
Promalactis
A genus of small moths in the family Oecophoridae, established by Edward Meyrick in 1908. The genus comprises approximately 179 valid species with highest diversity in China (101 species). Members are characterized by distinctive genitalia morphology and metallic head coloration. Larvae have been reported feeding on decaying wood and bark of conifers and other trees.
Pselnophorus belfragei
Belfrage's plume moth
Pselnophorus belfragei is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, native to the southeastern United States. The species is named for Swedish-American naturalist Gustav Wilhelm Belfrage. It is distinguished by its diminutive size and characteristic plume moth wing morphology. The moth is active throughout the year and has a documented association with Dichondra caroliniensis as a larval host plant.
Pseudexentera nr-oreios
Pseudexentera nr-oreios is an undescribed or near-species tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, currently recognized by the provisional designation "nr-oreios" (near oreios). The specific epithet "oreios" refers to a described species in the genus, suggesting this taxon represents a closely related but potentially distinct entity. Members of the genus Pseudexentera are small to medium-sized tortricid moths, many of which are associated with coniferous or deciduous trees. The "nr-" prefix indicates taxonomic uncertainty, commonly used in biodiversity inventories and ecological studies where morphological or genetic distinctions from described species remain unresolved.
Pseudochelaria manzanitae
Pseudochelaria manzanitae is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Keifer in 1930. The species is restricted to the southwestern United States, with confirmed records from California and Arizona. The specific epithet "manzanitae" suggests a potential association with manzanita (Arctostaphylos) plants, though this relationship remains to be confirmed.
Pseudopostega quadristrigella
Gooseberry Barkminer Moth
Pseudopostega quadristrigella is a small moth in the family Opostegidae, commonly known as the Gooseberry Barkminer Moth. It was first described by Chambers in 1875 (as Opostega quadristrigella) and later transferred to the genus Pseudopostega by Davis in 1989. The species occurs in the central and eastern United States, where adults are active during late spring and summer.
Pseudotelphusa landryi
Pseudotelphusa landryi is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Lee in 2011. The species is known from a limited number of records in eastern North America, specifically Quebec and West Virginia. As a member of the genus Pseudotelphusa, it belongs to a group of small moths commonly known as twirler moths. Very little specific biological information has been published for this recently described species.
Pyraloidea
pyraloid moths, snout moths, Pyralid and Crambid Snout Moths
Pyraloidea is a superfamily of small moths containing approximately 16,000 described species worldwide, with many more likely undescribed. Historically treated as part of the paraphyletic Microlepidoptera, the group now comprises two monophyletic families: Pyralidae (snout moths) and Crambidae (grass moths). The superfamily exhibits the most diverse life history adaptations among all Lepidoptera, with larvae occupying roles as leaf rollers, borers, root feeders, seed feeders, leaf miners, and aquatic specialists.
Rhamphura altisierrae
Rhamphura altisierrae is a species of microlepidopteran moth in the family Scythrididae, a group of small moths commonly known as flower moths. The species epithet "altisierrae" suggests an association with high mountain ranges (sierras). As with many Scythrididae, adults are likely small with narrow wings and relatively inconspicuous coloration.
Salebriacus odiosella
Salebriacus odiosella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. First described by George Hulst in 1887, this small moth is part of a genus containing approximately 20 species distributed primarily in North America. The species is documented through scattered collection records and limited iNaturalist observations, indicating it is not well-studied in terms of its biology and ecology.
Schreckensteiniidae
Bristle-legged Moths
Schreckensteiniidae is a small family of microlepidopteran moths commonly known as bristle-legged moths, named for the stout spines on their hindlegs. The family was described by Thomas Bainbrigge Fletcher in 1929 and constitutes the sole family within the superfamily Schreckensteinioidea. Its phylogenetic position within the Apoditrysia remains uncertain. The family includes the blackberry skeletoniser (Schreckensteinia festaliella), a European species introduced to Hawaii for biological control, and species of Corsocasis in Southeast Asia.
Scoparia basalis
Many-spotted Scoparia Moth
Scoparia basalis is a small moth in the family Crambidae, commonly known as the many-spotted scoparia moth. The species is characterized by its diminutive size, with a wingspan of approximately 13 mm. It is distributed across much of North America, with records from both the United States and Canada. The specific epithet 'basalis' refers to a basal feature, though the exact morphological reference is not detailed in available sources.
Scrobipalpula sacculicola
A small moth in the family Gelechiidae described by Annette Frances Braun in 1925. The species name 'sacculicola' suggests an association with sac-like structures, possibly indicating a host or habitat relationship. Records remain sparse, with confirmed observations from three U.S. states.
Scythrididae
flower moths
Scythrididae (flower moths) is a family of small moths in the superfamily Gelechioidea. Adults are small to mid-sized and appear teardrop-shaped when at rest. The family contains numerous species, many of which remain undescribed—some genera have dozens of known species but only 4-6 formally described. Taxonomic placement has been debated: Scythrididae has been treated as a subfamily Scythridinae of Xyloryctidae, and Xyloryctidae itself has sometimes been placed within Oecophoridae. The family is distributed across multiple continents with records from Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and North America.
Scythris
flower moths
Scythris is a genus of microlepidopteran moths erected by Jacob Hübner in 1825. It is the type genus of the family Scythrididae (flower moths), though this family has been treated variously as a subfamily of Xyloryctidae or merged into Oecophoridae by different authorities. The genus contains the largest number of species in its family, with new species continuing to be described. Many species remain poorly known, with life histories determined for relatively few.
Scythris eboracensis
flower moth
Scythris eboracensis is a minute moth in the family Scythrididae, commonly known as flower moths. The species was described by Zeller in 1855 and occurs in the Canadian prairies. Adults are among the smallest Lepidoptera, with a body length of approximately 4–5 mm. They have been observed resting on and moving among the flowers of composite shrubs, particularly in dry, open habitats. The life history of this species has not been formally documented, though related species in the genus are known to have larvae that feed internally on Asteraceae.
Scythris fuscicomella
flower moth
Scythris fuscicomella is a species of flower moth in the family Scythrididae, described by Clemens in 1860. It is a microlepidopteran with adults typically measuring 4–5 mm in length. The species has been recorded from Manitoba, Canada, and is associated with composite flowers in prairie habitats. Adults are active in late summer and early fall.
Scythris immaculatella
Scythris immaculatella is a minute moth species in the family Scythrididae, first described from North America in 1875. The species belongs to a group commonly known as flower moths, characterized by their extremely small size and association with flowering plants. Records indicate a Holarctic distribution spanning North America and Eurasia. Like many scythridids, its biology remains poorly documented.
Scythris inornatella
Scythris inornatella is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Scythrididae, commonly known as flower moths. The species belongs to a poorly studied group with many undescribed taxa. Available records indicate adults are associated with composite flowers (Asteraceae). Like other Scythris species, it is presumed to have small larvae that feed internally on plant tissues, though specific life history details for this species remain undocumented.
Scythris inspersella
Norfolk owlet
Scythris inspersella, commonly known as the Norfolk owlet, is a small moth in the family Scythrididae first described by Jacob Hübner in 1817. It has a Holarctic distribution spanning Asia, Europe, and North America. The species is diurnal and has been observed visiting flowers during its July–August flight period. Its larvae feed gregariously on willowherbs (Onagraceae), spinning together the terminal shoots of their host plants.
Scythris limbella
Chenopodium Scythris Moth
Scythris limbella is a small moth in the family Scythrididae, first described by Fabricius in 1775. It has a wingspan of approximately 15 mm. The species is native to Europe and Asia, with established populations in the northeastern Nearctic region as an introduced species. Adults are active from June to September, with larvae feeding on Chenopodium and Atriplex species.
Scythris mixaula
Scythris mixaula is a minute moth in the family Scythrididae, described by Edward Meyrick in 1916. The species is characterized by its extremely small size (approximately 4-5 mm in length) and association with flowering plants, particularly composites in the Asteraceae family. It belongs to a poorly studied group of microlepidopterans known as "flower moths," many of which remain undescribed or await taxonomic revision. The species has been documented in western North America, including Alberta, Canada.
Scythris trivinctella
banded scythris moth
Scythris trivinctella is a small North American moth in the family Scythrididae, commonly known as the banded scythris moth. It is one of the most frequently observed scythridid species, with nearly 4,000 iNaturalist records. Adults are active across a broad geographic range from New England to southern British Columbia and south to Mexico. The species was described by Zeller in 1873.
Siskiwitia alticolans
A small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, described by Ronald W. Hodges in 1969. Known from a limited number of records in Arizona and Texas. Adults are active in mid-summer and are characterized by distinctive black forewings with a white transverse band.
Sorhagenia
Sorhagenia is a genus of small moths in the family Cosmopterigidae, established by Spuler in 1910. The genus name honors Ludwig Friedrich Sorhagen, a German entomologist. It comprises approximately 16 described species distributed primarily across the Palearctic region, with some species also recorded from North America. The genus is taxonomically well-established within the superfamily Gelechioidea, though individual species remain poorly known in terms of their biology and ecology.
Stathmopoda aenea
Stathmopoda aenea is a species of moth in the family Stathmopodidae, originally described as Erineda aenea by Braun in 1918. The species epithet 'aenea' refers to a bronze or coppery coloration. Stathmopodidae moths are generally small and often associated with dead plant material or fungi as larvae. This species has been documented through 18 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is encountered infrequently but has a detectable presence in North America.
Stenomatinae
Stenomatine moths
Stenomatinae is a subfamily of small moths in the family Depressariidae, first described by Meyrick in 1906. The subfamily includes diverse genera distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, with notable representation in the Neotropics including the Brazilian Cerrado and Mascarene islands. Members are characterized by their small size and often inconspicuous appearance. Some species have been documented with specialized host plant associations, particularly with woody plants in families such as Malpighiaceae.
Stephensia
Stephensia is a genus of moths in the family Elachistidae, a group of small, often inconspicuous microlepidoptera. The genus name has been used for multiple taxa across kingdoms, including a genus of fungi (Pyronemataceae) and historically as a synonym for a tachinid fly genus (Microsoma), but in entomological contexts refers primarily to the moth genus. The genus contains multiple described species distributed primarily in the Palearctic region.
Stereomita
Stereomita is a genus of microlepidopteran moths in the family Gelechiidae, subfamily Aristoteliinae. The genus contains at least one described species, Stereomita andropogonis, which is distributed across eastern North America. Members are characterized by small size and distinctive wing patterning.
Sterrhini
Sterrhini is a tribe of geometer moths comprising approximately 825 species across 19 genera, with an additional 6 genera and 36 species tentatively associated. The tribe was established by Edward Meyrick in 1892 and represents one of the major lineages within the subfamily Sterrhinae. Members of this tribe are predominantly small to medium-sized moths with relatively broad wings. The genus Idaea is the most species-rich and widely distributed within the tribe.
Stigmella
pygmy leaf-mining moths
Stigmella is a large genus of minute moths in the family Nepticulidae, commonly known as pygmy leaf-mining moths. Adults typically measure 2–6 mm in wingspan, making them among the smallest Lepidoptera. The genus is characterized by larvae that feed internally in leaf mines of diverse host plants. Many species exhibit narrow host specificity, with individual species restricted to particular plant genera or families. Stigmella contains hundreds of described species distributed across temperate and tropical regions worldwide.
Stigmella altella
Stigmella altella is a minute leaf-mining moth in the family Nepticulidae, known from Ohio and Maine in the United States. The species has a wingspan of 5.6–6.4 mm. It completes one generation per year in Ohio, with larvae mining oak leaves in autumn and adults emerging the following spring. The larvae are specialized feeders on two oak species: Quercus imbricaria and Quercus palustris.
Stigmella anomalella
rose leaf miner
Stigmella anomalella is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Nepticulidae, commonly known as the rose leaf miner. Adults are active from May to August with two generations per year. The larvae are leaf miners that feed on various Rosa species and related plants in the Rosaceae family, creating distinctive corridor mines with hairpin turns in host leaves.
Stigmella apicialbella
Stigmella apicialbella is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Nepticulidae, first described by Chambers in 1873 and later recombined by Newton et al. in 1982. This species is among the smallest moths, with a wingspan of only 3.6–4.8 mm. It has been documented in the Nearctic region, specifically in Kentucky and Ohio, with additional records from Vermont. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a leaf-mining species, though specific host plant associations for this particular species have not been documented.