Microlepidoptera
Guides
Neoscythris
Neoscythris is a genus of microlepidopteran moths in the family Scythrididae, established by Landry in 1991. The genus contains at least four described species found in North America. These moths are among the smallest in their family, with adults typically measuring 4–5 mm in length. They are commonly referred to as 'flower moths' due to their frequent association with flowering plants.
Neoscythris fissirostris
Neoscythris fissirostris is a small moth in the family Scythrididae, described by Edward Meyrick in 1928. It occurs in southwestern and central North America, with records from Arizona, California, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas. The species has a wingspan of 10–15 mm and exhibits distinctive forewing patterning with a white median streak. Like other scythridids, it has been observed visiting flowers of composite plants.
Nepticulidae
Pygmy Eye-capped Moths, pigmy moths, midget moths
Nepticulidae is a family of extremely small moths distributed worldwide except Antarctica. Adults are characterized by distinctive eyecaps covering the eyes and narrow, lanceolate wings with simplified venation. Wingspans range from 3 mm to 10 mm, making them among the smallest living moths. Larvae are predominantly leaf miners, though some species mine seeds or bark. The family contains over 1,000 described species with significant undescribed diversity, particularly in tropical regions. Two subfamilies are recognized: Pectinivalvinae, endemic to Australia, and Nepticulinae, distributed globally.
Nepticuloidea
Pygmy Leafminer Moths
Nepticuloidea is a superfamily of minute monotrysian Lepidoptera comprising two families: Nepticulidae (pygmy moths) and Opostegidae (white eyecap moths). Members are among the smallest moths worldwide, with wingspans of only a few millimetres. The superfamily is characterized by prominent eyecaps covering the compound eyes. Molecular phylogenetic studies indicate the group originated in the early Cretaceous, approximately 100 million years ago, coinciding with angiosperm diversification.
Neurobathra
Neurobathra is a genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae, established by Ely in 1918. The genus contains three described species distributed in North America. Members of this genus are leaf-mining moths, with larvae that feed internally within plant tissue. The genus is classified in the subfamily Ornixolinae.
Ochromolopis
Ochromolopis is a genus of microlepidopteran moths in the family Epermeniidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1824. The genus comprises approximately 13 currently recognized species distributed across multiple continents, with notable diversity in Australia, Africa, and the Palaearctic region. Species within this genus have undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many transferred from related genera such as Epermenia and Tinea. The taxonomic status of some species remains under investigation.
Olethreutes appendiceum
serviceberry leafroller
Olethreutes appendiceum, commonly known as the serviceberry leafroller, is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 2821. The species was originally described by Zeller in 1875 under the basionym Exartema appendiceum. It belongs to the subfamily Olethreutinae, a group of tortricid moths often referred to as olethreutine leafrollers.
Olethreutes astrologana
Astronomer Moth, astronomer
Olethreutes astrologana, commonly known as the astronomer or astronomer moth, is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae. It is a small moth in the subfamily Olethreutinae, tribe Olethreutini. The species was first described by Zeller in 1875 under the basionym Sericoris astrologana.
Olethreutes atrodentana
Olethreutes atrodentana is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, first described by Fernald in 1882. The species belongs to the large genus Olethreutes, which contains numerous small moths commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. Like other members of this genus, it is likely a small moth with characteristic wing patterns typical of the Olethreutinae subfamily. The original description dates to the late 19th century, indicating it has been recognized in entomological literature for over 140 years.
Olethreutes baccatanum
Olethreutes baccatanum is a small moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae. It belongs to a genus of approximately 200 species, many of which are associated with specific host plants. The species has been recorded in citizen science observations, indicating it is encountered with some regularity by moth enthusiasts. As with many Olethreutes species, it is likely a specialist feeder in its larval stage, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented.
Olethreutes bipartitana
Olethreutes bipartitana is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae. It was first described by Clemens in 1860 under the basionym Antithesia bipartitana. The species is known from north-central North America, with records from Canadian provinces and the northern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is a small moth likely associated with specific host plants, though detailed natural history information remains limited.
Olethreutes brunneopurpurata
Olethreutes brunneopurpurata is a small tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae. The species was described by Heinrich in 1923. It belongs to a genus of leafroller moths whose larvae typically feed internally within plant tissues. Specific details about the biology and appearance of this particular species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Olethreutes buckellana
Olethreutes buckellana is a species of tortricid moth described by McDunnough in 1922. It belongs to the large genus Olethreutes within the subfamily Olethreutinae. As a member of the leafroller moth family Tortricidae, it is part of a diverse group of small to medium-sized moths. The species is documented in major taxonomic databases including Catalogue of Life and GBIF, with limited observational records available.
Olethreutes carolana
Olethreutes carolana is a species of tortricid moth in the subfamily Olethreutinae, first described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1922. It belongs to a large genus of small moths commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. The species is known from the Canadian prairies, with records from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits the typical Olethreutes morphology with relatively broad, somewhat triangular forewings when at rest.
Olethreutes clavana
Olethreutes clavana is a small tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae. It was first described by Francis Walker in 1863. As a member of the diverse Olethreutes genus, it is one of many small, often overlooked moth species that contribute to ecosystem function. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Olethreutes comandranum
A small tortricid moth species described by Clarke in 1953. Belongs to the diverse genus Olethreutes, which contains numerous small leafroller moths. The species epithet 'comandranum' suggests an association with Comandra plants (bastard toadflaxes), indicating a likely host plant relationship. Like other Olethreutes species, it is presumed to be a microlepidopteran with typical tortricid morphology including bell-shaped wings at rest.
Olethreutes concinnana
Olethreutes concinnana is a small tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, first described by Clemens in 1865 under the name Sericoris concinnana. As a member of the Olethreutinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of small moths commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. The genus Olethreutes contains numerous species, many of which are challenging to distinguish without close examination. Like other members of its genus, O. concinnana is likely a small moth with wings folded roof-like over the body at rest.
Olethreutes connectum
Bunchberry Leaffolder Moth
Olethreutes connectum is a small tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, commonly known as the Bunchberry Leaffolder Moth. It belongs to the diverse genus Olethreutes, which contains numerous species of leafroller and leaffolder moths. The species was described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1935. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits the typical tortricid resting posture with wings folded roof-like over the body. The specific epithet "connectum" and common name suggest an association with bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), though detailed life history documentation appears limited in available sources.
Olethreutes coruscana
Olethreutes coruscana is a small tortricid moth native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of 14–16 mm and are active primarily from May through July. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning eastern and central North America, from the Canadian prairie provinces to the mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States. As a member of the genus Olethreutes, it belongs to a diverse group of small moths commonly known as tortricids or leafroller moths.
Olethreutes deprecatoria
Olethreutes deprecatoria is a species of tortricid moth in the subfamily Olethreutinae, first described by Heinrich in 1926. The genus Olethreutes comprises numerous small to medium-sized moths commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. Species in this genus are typically associated with woody plants, with larvae that feed internally in buds, shoots, or fruits. O. deprecatoria is recorded from Alberta, Manitoba, and Vermont, suggesting a distribution in northern North America.
Olethreutes diallacta
Olethreutes diallacta is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae. It was described by Edward Meyrick in 1932. As a member of the genus Olethreutes, it belongs to a diverse group of small moths commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. Specific ecological and biological details for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Olethreutes electrofuscum
Olethreutes electrofuscum is a small tortricid moth species described by Heinrich in 1923. It belongs to the genus Olethreutes, a diverse group of leafroller moths within the family Tortricidae. The species has been documented from Vermont and other parts of the United States, with 24 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a small moth with typical tortricid wing posture at rest.
Olethreutes fagigemmeana
Olethreutes fagigemmeana is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae. First described by Chambers in 1878, this small moth belongs to a large genus of leafroller moths. The specific epithet suggests an association with beech (Fagus), though the precise biological meaning remains to be fully documented. Like other Olethreutes species, it is likely a small, inconspicuous moth active during daylight hours, though detailed life history information is sparse.
Olethreutes fasciatana
Olethreutes fasciatana is a small tortricid moth found in eastern and central North America. Adults are active in early summer with a wingspan of approximately 15 mm. The larvae are known to feed on willow (Salix) and poplar (Populus) species, making this a specialist herbivore on these woody plants.
Olethreutes footiana
Olethreutes footiana is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, first described by Fernald in 1882. It belongs to the large genus Olethreutes, which contains numerous small moth species commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a small moth with relatively nondescript patterning, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Olethreutes griseoalbana
Putty-patched Moth
Olethreutes griseoalbana is a small tortricid moth commonly known as the Putty-patched Moth. It belongs to the family Tortricidae, a large group of moths often called leafroller moths due to the larval habit of rolling or folding leaves. The species was described by Walsingham in 1879. Like other members of the genus Olethreutes, it is likely associated with specific host plants, though detailed life history information for this particular species appears limited in the available literature.
Olethreutes hamameliana
Witch-hazel Olethreutes
Olethreutes hamameliana is a small tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1944. The species epithet references witch-hazel (Hamamelis), suggesting a potential host plant association. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 2804 in the North American moth numbering system. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, with iNaturalist records indicating established populations in Vermont.
Olethreutes inornatana
Inornate Olethreutes Moth, inornate olethreute
Olethreutes inornatana is a small tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, commonly known as the Inornate Olethreutes Moth. It is distributed across northern North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Vermont). The species belongs to the subfamily Olethreutinae, a group of small moths often referred to as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 2788.
Olethreutes lacunanum
Olethreutes lacunanum is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, genus Olethreutes. As a member of this large genus, it shares characteristics with other Olethreutes species, though specific natural history details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature. The genus Olethreutes includes numerous small to medium-sized moths, many of which are associated with specific host plants.
Olethreutes mediopartitum
Olethreutes mediopartitum is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, first described by Heinrich in 1923. Like other members of the genus Olethreutes, it belongs to a diverse group of small to medium-sized moths commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. The genus Olethreutes is taxonomically complex, with many species requiring detailed examination for accurate identification. Information specific to this species remains limited in publicly available sources.
Olethreutes melanomesum
Olethreutes melanomesum is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae. It was described by Heinrich in 1923. As a member of the genus Olethreutes, it belongs to a group of small moths commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths, though specific ecological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Olethreutes monetiferanum
Buckeye Olethreutes
Olethreutes monetiferanum is a small tortricid moth species described by Riley in 1881. It belongs to the diverse genus Olethreutes, which contains numerous species of leafroller moths. The species has been documented in citizen science observations, with limited published natural history information available. Like other Olethreutes species, it is likely associated with specific host plants, though detailed biological studies remain scarce.
Olethreutes mysteriana
Mysterious Olethreutes Moth
A small tortricid moth described by Miller in 1979. The specific epithet "mysteriana" reflects its poorly understood biology. As a member of the Olethreutes genus, it belongs to a diverse group of leafroller moths, though species-level natural history details remain largely undocumented. The species has been recorded in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont.
Olethreutes n-sp-nr-auricapitana
Olethreutes n-sp-nr-auricapitana is an undescribed or provisionally named species in the tortricid moth genus Olethreutes, indicated by the notation 'n-sp-nr-auricapitana' suggesting it is a new species near or related to O. auricapitana. The genus Olethreutes comprises small to medium-sized tortrix moths, many of which are leaf-rollers or bud-feeders as larvae. This particular taxon lacks formal description in the scientific literature, reflecting the substantial undescribed diversity that remains within North American microlepidoptera.
Olethreutes n-sp-nr-baccatana
Olethreutes n-sp-nr-baccatana is an undescribed species in the family Tortricidae, closely related to Olethreutes baccatana. The 'n-sp-nr-' notation indicates a provisional designation used by entomologists to flag specimens that appear distinct from described species but await formal taxonomic description. Members of this genus are small moths commonly known as tortricid leafroller moths.
Olethreutes n-sp-on-acer
Olethreutes n-sp-on-acer is an undescribed species in the tortricid moth genus Olethreutes. The provisional name indicates a documented but not yet formally described taxon associated with Acer (maple) as a host plant. Species in this genus are typically small moths with diverse larval associations, many feeding on fruits, seeds, or foliage of woody plants. This particular entity awaits formal taxonomic description.
Olethreutes nigranum
variable nigranum
Olethreutes nigranum is a species of tortricid moth first described by Heinrich in 1923. Originally placed in the genus Exartema, it is now classified in Olethreutes within the subfamily Olethreutinae. The species is known from the northeastern United States, with confirmed records from Vermont. Like other members of its genus, it is a small moth typically encountered through light trapping or daytime observation of adults.
Olethreutes nitidana
Olethreutes nitidana is a species of tortricid moth described by Clemens in 1860. It belongs to the large genus Olethreutes, which contains numerous small moth species commonly known as leafroller moths. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, with records from Vermont. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a small moth with relatively nondescript coloration, though specific diagnostic features for this species are not well documented in available sources.
Olethreutes ochrosuffusanum
Ocher Olethreutes
Olethreutes ochrosuffusanum is a small tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, described by Heinrich in 1923. It belongs to a diverse genus of leafroller moths whose larvae typically feed within rolled or folded leaves. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited information available on its biology and ecology. It has been recorded in citizen science platforms, with 18 observations documented on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Olethreutes olivaceana
Olivaceous Olethreutes Moth
Olethreutes olivaceana is a small tortricid moth described by Fernald in 1882. It belongs to the diverse Olethreutes genus, which comprises numerous species of leafroller moths found primarily in North America. The species is part of the Olethreutinae subfamily, whose members are typically associated with various host plants and exhibit characteristic larval behaviors of rolling or tying leaves. Like many Olethreutes species, it is likely small in size and relatively inconspicuous, consistent with the general morphology of this genus.
Olethreutes osmundana
Fern Olethreutes Moth
Olethreutes osmundana, commonly known as the Fern Olethreutes Moth, is a small tortricid moth described by Fernald in 1879. The species epithet "osmundana" references the fern genus Osmunda, suggesting an association with fern habitats. As a member of the Olethreutinae subfamily, it belongs to a group of tortricid moths whose larvae are typically internal feeders in plant tissues. The species has been recorded in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont.
Olethreutes punctanum
Olethreutes punctanum is a species of tortricid moth described by Walsingham in 1903. As a member of the Olethreutinae subfamily, it belongs to a group commonly known as leafroller moths. The genus Olethreutes contains numerous species, many of which are small to medium-sized moths with distinctive wing patterns. Specific details about the biology and ecology of O. punctanum remain limited in published literature.
Olethreutes tilianum
basswood olethreute
Olethreutes tilianum is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, commonly known as the basswood olethreute. The species was described by Heinrich in 1923. It is a small moth belonging to the subfamily Olethreutinae, a group known for their leaf-rolling or leaf-folding larval habits. The common name references its association with basswood (Tilia species), suggesting a host plant relationship.
Olethreutes trinitana
Olethreutes trinitana is a small tortricid moth species first described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1931. The species is known from scattered records across central and eastern North America, primarily from the Canadian prairie provinces and northern New England. Like other members of the Olethreutinae subfamily, it is presumed to have a concealed larval stage, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The genus Olethreutes is diverse, with many species requiring dissection or molecular analysis for reliable identification.
Olethreutes troglodanum
Olethreutes troglodanum is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae. First described by McDunnough in 1922, this species belongs to a diverse genus of small moths commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. The genus Olethreutes contains numerous species, many of which are associated with specific host plants and exhibit characteristic rolling or folding behaviors on leaves during larval development. Like other members of its genus, O. troglodanum is likely a small moth with relatively nondescript coloration typical of many Olethreutinae.
Olethreutes valdanum
Olethreutes valdanum is a small tortricid moth described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1922. The species belongs to the diverse genus Olethreutes, which contains numerous small moths commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. Like other members of the family Tortricidae, adults are typically small with wings folded roof-like over the body at rest. The species has been documented in limited geographic regions including Manitoba, Canada and Vermont, USA.
Opostegidae
white eyecap moths, white eye-capped moths
A family of minute moths distinguished by exceptionally large eyecaps covering the compound eyes. The family comprises approximately 200 described species across two subfamilies (Oposteginae with 87 species, Opostegoidinae with 15 species), with highest diversity in the New World tropics where 83 species represent 42% of global diversity. Larval biology remains poorly documented, though stem-mining habits have been suggested for some species.
Opostegoides
Opostegoides is a genus of small moths in the family Opostegidae, established by Kozlov in 1985. The genus comprises approximately 25 described species distributed across the Palearctic, Oriental, and Australasian regions. Species are characterized by distinctive morphological features including modified wing venation and genital structures. Many species were described or revised in comprehensive taxonomic treatments by Puplesis, Robinson, and Sinev during the 1990s.
Paraswammerdamia nebulella
Hawthorn Ermel
Paraswammerdamia nebulella, known as the Hawthorn Ermel, is a small moth in the family Yponomeutidae. The species is primarily associated with hawthorn (Crataegus) as a larval host plant. It is distributed across Europe, with records from multiple countries including Sweden. The species has been historically confused with P. lutarea, which is now treated as a synonym.
Parectopa bumeliella
Parectopa bumeliella is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Annette Frances Braun in 1939. The species is known from the south-central United States, with confirmed records in Kentucky, Arkansas, and several adjacent states. Larvae feed on Sideroxylon species, creating mines in the leaves of their host plants.