Moths
Guides
Disclisioprocta
Disclisioprocta is a genus of geometrid moths in the subfamily Larentiinae, established by Wallengren in 1861. The genus contains at least three species: D. stellata (type species), D. natalata, and D. edmondsii (transferred from Xanthorhoe in 2023). Species are characterized by distinctive male and female genitalia morphology, including bifid uncus, costal sclerotised band, stout sacculus projection, and plate-like cornutus. Molecular phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of the genus, though genetic distances between species are higher than typical for congenerics, suggesting possible undescribed diversity.
Drepanidae
Hooktip and False Owlet Moths, hook-tip moths
Drepanidae is a family of moths comprising approximately 660 described species worldwide. The family is divided into three subfamilies—Drepaninae (hook-tips), Thyatirinae (false owlets), and Cyclidiinae—which share a distinctive type of hearing organ. Many species exhibit a characteristic hook-shaped apex on the forewing, the trait responsible for their common name. The larvae are notable for their tapered, pointed posterior and a resting posture with both head and tail elevated.
Duospina
Duospina is a genus of small moths in the family Batrachedridae, originally described by Hodges in 1966. The genus was formerly classified within the family Coleophoridae but has since been reassigned based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. It contains three described species distributed across North America and Europe.
Dypterygia
Dypterygia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, tribe Dypterygiini. The genus comprises approximately 16 described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with records from Europe, North America, and Asia. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light; at least some species respond to fermenting bait mixtures. Larval stages and host plant associations remain poorly documented for most species.
Eana
Eana is a genus of tortrix moths in the family Tortricidae, tribe Cnephasiini. The genus was established by Billberg in 1820 and contains multiple species distributed across northern Europe. These moths are small to medium-sized with characteristic wing patterns typical of the Tortricinae subfamily. The genus is documented in entomological collections and biodiversity databases with over 2,000 observation records.
Eidophasia
A Holarctic genus of plutellid moths comprising 12 species with heterogeneous morphologies. The genus currently lacks established synapomorphies, making species-level taxonomy challenging. E. syenitella, a European representative, was recently redescribed with first documentation of genitalia for both sexes. Larval biology is documented for at least one species, indicating specialization on Brassicaceae hosts.
Elaphria
Midgets
Elaphria is a genus of small moths in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as "midgets." The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1818 and contains approximately 100 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. These moths are typically attracted to light and are frequently encountered by entomologists using blacklight traps.
Ematurga
Ematurga is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, established by Julius Lederer in 1853. The genus contains at least two recognized species, including Ematurga atomaria (common heath), a widespread European species. Species in this genus are associated with heathland and moorland habitats. The genus is classified within the subfamily Ennominae.
Enargia
Enargia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, first described by Hübner in 1821. The genus contains approximately twelve recognized species distributed across the Holarctic region. Members are classified within the subfamily Noctuinae, tribe Xylenini, subtribe Cosmiina.
Enchoria
Enchoria is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae. It was established by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. The genus contains three described species: Enchoria herbicolata, Enchoria lacteata, and Enchoria osculata. These species are found in North America.
Enigmogramma
Enigmogramma is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae, tribe Argyrogrammatini. The genus was established by Lafontaine and Poole in 1991 and contains six described species distributed across the Americas. Members of this genus are part of the diverse owlet moth fauna, though specific ecological and biological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Ennomini
Ennomini is a tribe of geometer moths within the Ennominae subfamily. Members are characterized by large body size relative to other Ennominae and generally subdued coloration. The tribe shows close morphological affinities to Azelinini and Nacophorini, with which it shares several structural features. The group includes economically significant species such as the scalloped oak (Crocallis elinguaria) and several thorn moths in the genus Ennomos.
Epermenia
Epermenia is a genus of small moths in the family Epermeniidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1825. Species in this genus are distributed across the Palearctic, Nearctic, and Oriental regions, with some extending into the Afrotropical and Neotropical regions. Several species are associated with host plants in the family Apiaceae, particularly Angelica species. The genus includes the subgenus Calotripis, originally described by Hübner in the same publication.
Epidromia
Epidromia is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae. The genus was erected by Achille Guenée in 1852 and contains approximately 11 described species. Species within this genus are distributed across the Neotropical region. The genus is characterized by its placement within the diverse Erebidae family, which encompasses a wide range of moth forms and ecological strategies.
Epimecis
Epimecis is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1825 and contains approximately 22 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Notable species include Epimecis hortaria (tulip-tree beauty) and Epimecis detexta (avocado spanworm moth). The genus is characterized by its placement within the diverse and species-rich Geometridae family.
Epipleminae
Scoopwing Moths, Epiplemiine Moths
Epipleminae is the largest and most diverse subfamily of the family Uraniidae (Lepidoptera), comprising over 600 species in approximately 70 genera. These small, drab-colored nocturnal moths are distinguished by several unique morphological and behavioral traits, including a sexually dimorphic tympanal organ with structural details unlike any other lepidopteran group. The subfamily exhibits a primarily pantropical distribution with limited extension into temperate regions. Historically, Epipleminae were frequently misclassified within Geometridae or Drepanidae due to superficial phenetic similarities.
Erastria
Erastria is a genus of geometrid moths erected by Jacob Hübner in 1813. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. Adults are characterized by distinctive morphological features including upturned palpi, minutely ciliated antennae in males, and abdominal dorsal tufts. Larvae possess four pairs of abdominal prolegs, consistent with the family Geometridae.
Erebidae
Underwing, Tiger, Tussock, and Allied Moths
Erebidae is among the largest families of moths by species count, encompassing diverse macromoth groups formerly classified across multiple families. The family includes underwings (Catocala), tiger moths and wasp moths (Arctiinae), tussock moths (Lymantriinae), litter moths (Herminiinae), fruit-piercing moths (Calpinae), and snout moths (Hypeninae). Adults range dramatically in size from 6 mm to over 300 mm wingspan. Coloration spans from cryptic browns and grays to vivid aposematic patterns. The family was reconstituted in 2010 through phylogenetic studies that revealed the former Noctuidae to be paraphyletic, with Arctiinae, Lymantriinae, and related lineages more closely related to each other than to core noctuids.
Erebinae
erebine moths
Erebinae is a large subfamily of moths in the family Erebidae, comprising approximately 10,000 species distributed across all continents except Antarctica, with highest diversity in tropical regions. The subfamily includes well-known groups such as underwing moths (Catocala) and witch moths (Thermesiini). Members range from medium-sized to exceptionally large, with the white witch moth (Thysania agrippina) holding the record for widest wingspan among all Lepidoptera. The subfamily was reinstated and redefined based on molecular phylogenetic studies, with several morphological synapomorphies now recognized.
Eremanthe
Chemsak's desert moth
Eremanthe is a monotypic genus of crambid moths containing a single species, Eremanthe chemsaki. The genus was described by Munroe in 1972. Adults are active during daylight hours and occur in spring. The genus is restricted to desert regions of California and Mexico.
Eriopyga
Eriopyga is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Achille Guenée in 1852. The genus belongs to the tribe Eriopygini within the subfamily Noctuinae. One former species, Eriopyga iole, has been reclassified to the genus Pseudorthodes. The genus contains multiple species, though specific diversity and ecological details remain incompletely documented.
Eriopygini
Eriopygini is a tribe of small-bodied moths within the subfamily Noctuinae (family Noctuidae). The tribe was formally established by Fibiger and Lafontaine in 2005, reclassified from its former placement in Hadeninae. It contains approximately 20 recognized genera distributed primarily in North America.
Ersephila
Ersephila is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae. It was established by George Duryea Hulst in 1896 and contains two described species: Ersephila grandipennis and Ersephila indistincta. The genus is recognized as valid across major taxonomic databases.
Esperia
Esperia is a genus of moths in the family Oecophoridae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1825. The genus belongs to the subfamily Oecophorinae, a diverse group of small to medium-sized moths commonly known as concealer moths. The genus is currently recognized as a synonym in some taxonomic treatments. Species in this genus are part of the Gelechioidea superfamily, one of the most species-rich clades within Lepidoptera.
Euaspilates
Euaspilates is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, established by Packard in 1874. The genus contains at least one described species, E. spinataria. As a member of the subfamily Ennominae, these moths belong to a diverse group of geometrid moths commonly known as inchworms or loopers due to their characteristic larval locomotion.
Eucoptocnemis
Eucoptocnemis is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae. The genus was established by Grote in 1874 and contains at least six recognized species distributed in North America. Species within this genus are part of the diverse noctuid moth fauna, with some species historically classified under related genera such as Agrotis.
Eucosma
Eucosma is a large genus of small tortricid moths with at least 670 described species worldwide. The genus has a Holarctic and Indomalayan distribution, with approximately 150 species in the Nearctic region and 53 in Europe. New species continue to be discovered even in well-studied regions. Species exhibit considerable variation in coloration, ranging from plain to boldly patterned.
Eudeilinia
Eudeilinia is a genus of hook-tip moths in the family Drepanidae, subfamily Drepaninae. The genus was established by Packard in 1876 and contains at least two recognized species: E. herminiata (described by Guenée, 1857) and E. luteifera (described by Dyar, 1917). Members of this genus are found in North America, with documented records from the northeastern United States including Vermont.
Eudryas
Eudryas is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Agaristinae, established by Boisduval in 1836. The genus contains three recognized species, including the well-known beautiful wood nymph (Eudryas grata) and pearly wood nymph (Eudryas unio). These moths are characterized by their distinctive wing patterns and are found in North America.
Euerythra
specter moths
Euerythra is a genus of arctiine tussock moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Leon F. Harvey in 1876. The genus contains three described species, commonly known as specter moths, found in North America. These moths are characterized by distinctive wing patterns and, in at least one species, prominent red coloration on the abdomen.
Eufidonia
Powdered Geometer Moths
Eufidonia is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, first described by Packard in 1876. Commonly known as Powdered Geometer Moths, this genus contains at least three recognized species distributed in North America. The genus is classified within the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group of geometer moths.
Eulithis
grapevine loopers, spinach moths, chevron moths
Eulithis is a Holarctic genus of geometrid moths in the tribe Cidariini, established by Jacob Hübner in 1821. The genus contains approximately 25 described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. Several species are notable for their distinctive wing patterns, including chevron markings, and some have acquired common names reflecting their larval host plants or wing patterns, such as the grapevine loopers and spinach moths.
Eumarozia
Eumarozia is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae, established by Heinrich in 1926. The genus contains at least three described species: E. beckeri, E. elaeanthes, and E. malachitana. These moths are small to medium-sized with the characteristic bell-shaped wing posture typical of the family Tortricidae. The genus has been recorded in North America, with distribution records from the United States including Vermont.
Eurois
A genus of noctuid moths established by Jacob Hübner in 1821. The genus includes approximately six recognized species distributed across the Holarctic region. Adults are characterized by distinctive morphological features including naked eyes without eyelashes, well-developed proboscis, and upturned palpi reaching the vertex of the head.
Eustrotiini
Eustrotiini moths
Eustrotiini is a tribe of moths in the subfamily Boletobiinae, family Erebidae. Members are small to medium-sized noctuoid moths with generally dull coloration. The tribe is primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, with greatest diversity in the Old World tropics. Many species exhibit cryptic forewing patterns that provide camouflage against bark or leaf litter.
Euteliidae
Euteliid Moths
Euteliidae is a small family of moths in the superfamily Noctuoidea, comprising approximately 540 species globally. The family is characterized by highly specialized larval hostplant relationships with lactiferous plants containing high levels of resin or latex. Molecular phylogenetic analyses recognize two subfamilies: Euteliinae and Stictopterinae, with Stictopterinae further divided into tribes Stictopterini and Odontodini. The family has been the focus of recent taxonomic revision due to the discovery of cryptic species complexes and polyphyletic genera requiring reclassification.
Euteliinae
Euteliinae is a subfamily of moths within the family Euteliidae, superfamily Noctuoidea. The group was established by Grote in 1851. Members of this subfamily are part of a relatively small moth family with approximately 400 species worldwide. The subfamily is distinguished from the related Stictopterinae by morphological features of the adult moths.
Eutrepsia
Eutrepsia is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, first described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1855. The genus contains eight described species distributed from Mexico through Central America to Brazil. Most species were described in the 19th century, with one species added in 1984. The genus is placed in the diverse geometrid moth radiation, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Evora
Evora is a genus of tortricid moths described by Heinrich in 1926. It belongs to the subfamily Olethreutinae, a group of small to medium-sized moths commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. The genus contains multiple species, though specific details about individual species remain limited in published literature.
Exelis
Exelis is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, established by Achille Guenée in 1857. The genus contains four described species, three of which were described in the mid-20th century and one (the type species) from 1857. It is classified within the subfamily Ennominae, a large and diverse group of geometer moths. The genus appears to be primarily Neotropical in distribution based on species descriptions.
Fala
Fala is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Stiriinae, established by Grote in 1875. The genus belongs to the tribe Stiriini and is part of the diverse noctuid moth fauna. Members of this genus are classified within the superfamily Noctuoidea, one of the largest groups of Lepidoptera. Very few observations of Fala species have been documented, with only 8 records reported to iNaturalist, suggesting either rarity, cryptic habits, or limited survey effort.
Gabara
Gabara is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae, established by Francis Walker in 1866. The genus is distributed in North America, with documented records from the United States including Vermont. As a noctuoid moth genus, Gabara species are part of the diverse assemblage of erebid moths that exhibit varied ecological habits. The genus is recognized in major taxonomic databases including Catalogue of Life, GBIF, and NCBI Taxonomy.
Galacticoidea
Galacticoid Moths
Galacticoidea is a monotypic superfamily of Lepidoptera containing the single family Galacticidae. These moths were historically classified within several different superfamilies before molecular and morphological studies established their distinct placement at the base of Apoditrysia, a major clade of Lepidoptera. The superfamily remains poorly studied, with limited ecological and biological data available.
Gelechia
Gelechia is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Hübner in 1825. The type species is Gelechia rhombella. Species in this genus are associated with various host plants including cotton (Gossypium), juniper (Juniperus), and Palo Verde trees (Parkinsonia). Some species have been moved to other genera based on morphological revisions, such as Gelechia acanthopis which was transferred to the new genus Sitotrogoides. The genus has been recorded from Europe, Asia, and North America.
Geometridae
geometer moths, geometrid moths, inchworms, spanworms, loopers, cankerworms, measuring worms
Geometridae is one of the largest families of moths, with approximately 23,000 described species worldwide. The family name derives from Greek "geo" (earth) and "metron" (measure), referring to the distinctive looping locomotion of their larvae, commonly called inchworms or loopers. These caterpillars possess only two or three pairs of prolegs at the posterior end, compared to five or more pairs in most other Lepidoptera, forcing them to arch their bodies in a characteristic "measuring" gait. Adults are typically nocturnal with slender bodies and broad wings, often exhibiting cryptic coloration that provides camouflage against bark and vegetation.
Geometroidea
Geometrid and Swallowtail Moths
Geometroidea is a superfamily of moths within Lepidoptera containing more than 24,000 described species across five families: Geometridae (the largest), Uraniidae, Epicopeiidae, Sematuridae, and Pseudobistonidae. The superfamily is notable for its exceptional diversity in form and habitat, with members ranging from small, cryptically colored inchworms to large, iridescent swallowtail moths. The family Geometridae alone represents one of the most species-rich lepidopteran families, with larvae commonly known as inchworms or loopers due to their distinctive locomotion.
Glauce
Glauce is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Chambers in 1875. The genus belongs to the tribe Litini within the subfamily Gelechiinae. These moths are part of the diverse microlepidopteran fauna, though individual species within the genus remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Glenoides
Glenoides is a genus of geometrid moths in the subfamily Ennominae, established by James Halliday McDunnough in 1920. The genus contains two recognized species: Glenoides lenticuligera (described 1973) and Glenoides texanaria (described 1888). It is placed within the diverse Geometridae family, commonly known as geometer moths or inchworms.
Glottulini
Glottulini is a tribe of moths within the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae. Members are classified in the superfamily Noctuoidea, one of the largest groups of Lepidoptera. The tribe contains multiple genera of medium-sized noctuid moths. Little published information exists on the distinguishing characteristics of this tribe compared to related noctuine tribes.
Gluphisia
Gluphisia is a genus of moths in the family Notodontidae, first described by Boisduval in 1828. Species in this genus are commonly referred to as 'prominent moths' and are attracted to artificial light sources, including blacklights used in moth surveys. The genus includes six recognized species distributed across North America and Eurasia.