Moths
Guides
Gnorimoschemini
Gnorimoschemini is a tribe of small moths within the subfamily Gelechiinae (family Gelechiidae). Members are generally small, narrow-winged moths with drab coloration. The tribe includes species with diverse larval habits, including gall inquilines that develop within pre-existing plant galls rather than inducing their own.
Graphiphora
Graphiphora is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae. The genus contains at least one recognized species, Graphiphora augur. These moths are classified within the subfamily Noctuinae, a diverse group of predominantly nocturnal Lepidoptera. The genus was established by Ochsenheimer in 1816.
Gynnidomorpha
Gynnidomorpha is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Cochylini, established by Turner in 1916. The genus comprises at least 16 described species distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. Species within this genus are generally small moths, though specific morphological and biological characteristics vary considerably between species. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, particularly for Chinese species.
Habrosyne
Habrosyne is a genus of moths in the family Drepanidae (subfamily Thyatirinae), first described by Jacob Hübner in 1821. The genus contains approximately 20 described species distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. Some species, such as Habrosyne derasa, have been studied as potential biological control agents for invasive brambles.
Hada
Hada is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae (owlet moths), first described by Billberg in 1820. Species in this genus are classified within the tribe Hadenini and subfamily Noctuinae. The genus has been recorded from northern Europe, with distribution records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Like other noctuid moths, adults are primarily nocturnal.
Haimbachia
Haimbachia is a genus of crambid moths comprising approximately 30 described species distributed across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The genus was established by Dyar in 1909. At least one species, Haimbachia ignefusalis (formerly placed in the genus Contesta), has been documented as an agricultural pest with studied oviposition preferences and habitat selection behavior. Most species appear to be small, relatively nondescript moths with limited published ecological data.
Hammaptera
Hammaptera is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, erected by Gottlieb August Wilhelm Herrich-Schäffer in 1855. The genus contains approximately 27 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. The type species is Hammaptera probataria. Many species were described by early 20th-century lepidopterists including Schaus, Dognin, and Warren.
Hedya
Hedya Moths
Hedya is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae. The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1825. Species in this genus are found across the Holarctic region, with records from Europe and North America. The genus contains multiple species, though specific species-level information is limited in the provided sources.
Heliocheilus
Heliocheilus is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Heliothinae, established by Grote in 1865. The genus contains species distributed across multiple continents, with at least one species, Heliocheilus albipunctella, recognized as a significant agricultural pest of pearl millet in sub-Saharan Africa. Formerly known as Canthylidia, this genus is part of a diverse group of noctuid moths with varied ecological roles.
Heliothelopsis
Heliothelopsis is a genus of small moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Odontiinae, established by Munroe in 1961. The genus contains three described species: H. arbutalis (Snellen, 1875), H. costipunctalis (Barnes & McDunnough, 1914), and H. unicoloralis (Barnes & McDunnough, 1914). These moths are classified within the pyraloid group of Lepidoptera. The genus appears to be relatively poorly documented, with limited biological and ecological information available in scientific literature.
Hemibryomima
Hemibryomima is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae. It was established by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1927. The genus contains two recognized species: Hemibryomima chryselectra (Grote, 1880) and Hemibryomima olivaria (Hampson, 1918). Both species are North American in distribution.
Herpetogrammatini
Herpetogrammatini is a tribe of moths in the subfamily Spilomelinae, family Crambidae, containing seven genera and approximately 286 species. The tribe was erected in 2019 based on molecular phylogenetic studies that resolved relationships within the species-rich Spilomelinae. It includes economically significant genera such as Herpetogramma, which contains species with leaf-rolling larval habits. The tribe represents a recently defined taxonomic grouping that reorganized previously scattered classifications within the Crambidae.
Heterocampinae
prominent moths
Heterocampinae is a subfamily of prominent moths within the family Notodontidae. It contains at least 60 described species in North America, with additional species in other regions. The group includes economically and ecologically significant genera such as Heterocampa, Schizura, and Lochmaeus. Adults are nocturnal and larvae often exhibit distinctive defensive postures.
Hieroxestinae
Hieroxestinae is a subfamily of moths within the family Tineidae, comprising approximately 275 valid species across six genera. The group shows notable biogeographic patterns, with significant radiations of Opogona and Amphixystis on Indian Ocean islands and a distinct radiation of Opogona on St Helena in the South Atlantic. The subfamily is predominantly tropical in distribution and depauperate in the Americas.
Hileithia
Hileithia is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus was described by Snellen in 1875 and contains approximately 20 described species. Species are distributed across the Neotropical region, with records from Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. The genus is characterized by relatively small to medium-sized moths with typical crambid morphology.
Homosetia
Homosetia is a genus of small moths in the family Meessiidae (formerly placed in Tineidae). The genus was described by Clemens in 1863 and contains approximately twelve described species distributed in North America. Species are characterized by distinctive metallic or iridescent scaling on the forewings, often with banded or spotted patterns. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with its family placement shifting from Tineidae to Meessiidae based on phylogenetic studies.
Hyalorista
Hyalorista is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, established by Warren in 1892. The genus contains five described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Members of this genus are classified within the subfamily Pyraustinae, a diverse group of grass moths and related lineages. The genus is characterized by specific wing pattern elements that distinguish it from related genera, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Hyblaeidae
teak moths
Hyblaeidae is a family of moths containing approximately 18 species across two genera: Hyblaea (Old World tropics) and Torone (Neotropics). The family's phylogenetic position within Lepidoptera remains uncertain, with studies placing Hyblaeoidea as sister to Pyraloidea or alternatively grouping with Thyridoidea or butterflies. Males possess a specialized 'hair-pencil' on the hindleg. The family is economically significant due to Hyblaea puera, a major defoliator of teak and mangrove species.
Hydriomenini
Hydriomenini is a tribe of geometer moths in the subfamily Larentiinae, established by Edward Meyrick in 1872. The tribe comprises approximately 15 recognized genera distributed primarily across the Holarctic region. Members are small to medium-sized moths with characteristic wing patterns and resting postures typical of the broader Larentiinae group. The genus Hydriomena, the type genus, is particularly well-represented in North America and Europe.
Hydriris
Hydriris is a genus of pyraloid moths in the tribe Hydririni. Its classification has been disputed, with some authorities placing it in subfamily Spilomelinae and others in Glaphyriinae. The genus contains five described species distributed across parts of Asia and Oceania. Hydriris was established by Edward Meyrick in 1885.
Hypena
Hypena is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, first described by Franz von Paula Schrank in 1802. The genus comprises over 680 species worldwide, predominantly distributed in tropical regions. Species in this genus are non-migratory and overwinter as pupae. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly the green cloverworm (Hypena scabra), which is a major defoliator of soybeans in the eastern United States. The genus also includes biological control agents such as Hypena opulenta, introduced to North America to control invasive swallow-worts.
Hyppa
Hyppa is a genus of noctuid moths distributed across the Holarctic region. The genus contains at least six described species, including the widespread Hyppa xylinoides and the type species Hyppa rectilinea. Species within this genus are generally medium-sized moths with relatively nondescript forewing patterns. Larval stages are associated with herbaceous vegetation, though specific host relationships remain incompletely documented for most species.
Idaea
wave moths, dwarf geometer moths
Idaea is a large genus of geometer moths (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) distributed nearly worldwide. The genus contains numerous small species, many of which are characterized by wavy transverse lines on the forewings that give them their common name of 'wave moths.' Species diversity is particularly high in the Mediterranean region, African savannas, and the deserts of western Asia. The genus was established by Treitschke in 1825.
Ipimorpha
The Olive
Ipimorpha is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Hübner in 1821. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with records from Europe, Asia, and North America. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized noctuid moths, with several species bearing common names related to their characteristic coloration.
Iridopsis
Iridopsis is a genus of geometrid moths (family Geometridae) established by Warren in 1894. The genus contains approximately 20 described species distributed across the Americas. Several species are economically significant as defoliators of trees, including eucalyptus pests in Brazil and native tree feeders in Chile. Host plant associations vary among species, with some showing narrow specificity and others broader feeding ranges.
Iscadia
Iscadia is a genus of moths in the family Nolidae, established by Francis Walker in 1857. The genus is placed in the subfamily Eligminae. Observations of this genus have been documented on iNaturalist, indicating ongoing presence in natural environments. The genus represents a group of noctuoid moths with characteristics typical of the Nolidae family.
Isocorypha
Isocorypha is a genus of small moths established by Dietz in 1905. The genus contains at least one described species, Isocorypha limbata, described from North America. The taxonomic placement of this genus has been revised, with modern classifications placing it in the family Meessiidae rather than the historically cited Tineidae.
Isturgia
Isturgia is a genus of geometrid moths established by Jacob Hübner in 1823. The genus belongs to the subfamily Ennominae and contains species distributed across Europe and parts of Asia. Several species have been studied for their biology and ecological roles, including one species (I. disputaria) investigated as a potential biological control agent for invasive acacia species. Taxonomic relationships within the genus remain incompletely resolved, particularly for species complexes such as I. limbaria/roraria.
Lacinipolia
owlet moths
Lacinipolia is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae. Adults are nocturnal and frequently attracted to blacklights. Species within this genus exhibit considerable variation in coloration, including mottled gray forms with reflective wing scales and green forms that likely provide camouflage against lichen-covered substrates. Species-level identification based on external appearance alone is generally not possible.
Lamproniinae
Lamproniinae is a subfamily of small moths within the family Prodoxidae (order Lepidoptera). These insects are part of the superfamily Adeloidea, which includes primitive moth lineages. The subfamily contains relatively few species, most notably including the genus Lampronia. Members are characterized by reduced wing venation and are associated with specific host plants, particularly in the Rosaceae family.
Lasiocampidae
Lappet Moths, Eggars, Tent Caterpillars, Snout Moths
Lasiocampidae is a family of moths comprising over 2,000 species worldwide, representing approximately 5% of global moth diversity. The family is characterized by large, hairy caterpillars with distinctive skin flaps on their prolegs, and adults that are typically large-bodied with broad wings. Many species are notable for their social larval behavior, including tent caterpillars that construct communal silk nests. The family is the sole member of the superfamily Lasiocampoidea and includes several economically significant forest pests.
Lepidopteramothstent-caterpillarsforest-pestsgregarious-larvaesilken-nestsdefoliatorsbipectinate-antennaelappet-mothseggarssnout-mothsMalacosomaDendrolimusEriogasterTolypePhyllodesmasocial-caterpillarsthermoregulationpheromone-trailscocoonfolivoryconifer-pestsdeciduous-forestintegrated-pest-managementMcMorran-dietLetis
Letis is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1821. The genus belongs to the subfamily Calpinae within the superfamily Noctuoidea. Several species have been described, including the type species Letis specularis Hübner, 1821, and notable members such as Letis hercyna, Letis magna, and Letis scops. The genus has been documented through 714 iNaturalist observations.
Leucania
wainscot moths
Leucania is a genus of noctuid moths established by Ochsenheimer in 1816, commonly known as wainscot moths. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing venation with veins 8 and 9 anastomosing to form an areole, and vein 7 arising from its terminal end. Several species have been studied as agricultural pests, particularly Leucania loreyi and Leucania separata, which have been documented as hosts for braconid parasitoids. The genus has a broad geographic distribution with numerous species worldwide.
Leucochroma
Leucochroma is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, established by Guenée in 1854. The genus contains at least five described species distributed across the Neotropical region, including Colombia, Jamaica, and Taiwan. Species within this genus are characterized by their predominantly white or pale coloration, as reflected in the genus name derived from Greek roots meaning 'white color'. The genus is part of the diverse snout moth family Crambidae, which includes many economically important agricultural pests.
Lithacodia undescribed
Lithacodia undescribed refers to a species within the genus Lithacodia (family Noctuidae, subfamily Eustrotiinae) that has not yet been formally described and named in the scientific literature. The genus Lithacodia comprises small moths commonly known as bird-dropping moths due to their cryptic coloration. Undescribed species in this genus are known from various regions, particularly in North America and other parts of the world, where they await taxonomic study and formal description. These moths are typically nocturnal and exhibit the characteristic wing patterns and body morphology of the genus.
Lithomoia
Lithomoia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae, tribe Xylenini. The genus contains two recognized species: Lithomoia germana and Lithomoia solidaginis. According to Catalogue of Life, Lithomoia is currently treated as a synonym of Xylena, though it remains in use in some sources. Species in this genus are associated with northern temperate regions.
Lithostege
Lithostege is a species-rich genus of geometrid moths in the subfamily Larentiinae, containing approximately 53 described species worldwide. The genus was erected by Jacob Hübner in 1825 and exhibits a predominantly Palaearctic distribution, with species recorded across Europe, Asia, and North America. African occurrences are limited to northern Palaearctic regions. The genus is taxonomically well-studied, with recent revisions adding new species from Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and China.
Lymantriinae
Tussock Moths
Lymantriinae is a subfamily of moths within Erebidae, comprising approximately 350 genera and over 2,500 species. Members are commonly known as tussock moths, referring to the distinctive tufted appearance of their caterpillars. The subfamily has a cosmopolitan distribution absent only from Antarctica, with notable concentrations in sub-Saharan Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and South America. Many species are significant forest defoliators, including economically important pests such as the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar).
Lytrosis
Lytrosis is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, established by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. The genus comprises four described species distributed in North America. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group of geometrid moths often characterized by their broad, somewhat triangular wings at rest.
Maliattha
Maliattha is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Eustrotiinae, established by Francis Walker in 1863. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including upturned palpi that reach above the vertex of the head, with the second joint bearing long hair below and the third joint prominent. Males possess minutely ciliated antennae. The thorax is roughly scaled but lacks tufts, while the abdomen has strong dorsal tufts and is shorter than the hindwings. The narrow forewings and stalked veins 3 and 4 on the hindwings are additional diagnostic features. Larvae possess four pairs of abdominal prolegs.
Mecyna
Mecyna is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus was established by Henry Doubleday in 1849 and contains approximately 35 described species distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. Species in this genus are generally small to medium-sized moths with varied coloration including brown, yellow, and white patterns.
Megalographa
Megalographa is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae (owlet moths). The genus is primarily known from the Americas, with most species distributed in North and Central America. Species in this genus are generally medium-sized nocturnal moths. The genus name refers to the large size of the wing markings relative to body size.
Meganola
Meganola is a genus of moths in the family Nolidae, subfamily Nolinae, erected by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1898. The genus is distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including the Palearctic (Europe, Korea), Afrotropical (Ivory Coast, Zambia, Uganda), and Nearctic (Vermont, USA). It contains at least 35 species in West Africa alone, with taxonomic revisions ongoing. Some authorities consider Meganola a synonym of Roeselia.
Melanchra
Melanchra is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae. The genus includes approximately nine described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with the best-known species being Melanchra persicariae (Dot Moth) and Melanchra picta (Zebra Caterpillar Moth). Adults are typically nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvae of at least some species are polyphagous herbivores.
Melanolophiini
Melanolophiini is a tribe of geometrid moths within the subfamily Ennominae. Members of this tribe are primarily distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. The group contains several genera, including the type genus Melanolophia. These moths are generally small to medium-sized with relatively subdued coloration compared to some other geometrid groups.
Melipotini
Graphic Owlets
Melipotini is a tribe of moths within the family Erebidae, commonly known as Graphic Owlets. The tribe contains multiple genera of nocturnal moths. Members are characterized by their distinctive wing patterns and coloration. The tribe has been documented extensively on iNaturalist with over 77,000 observations.
Meropleon
Meropleon is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Dyar in 1924. The genus contains six described species distributed in North America. These moths belong to the subfamily Noctuinae, commonly known as owlet moths. Species within Meropleon have been documented from the United States, with particular records from Vermont.
Metallata
metallata moths
Metallata is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae. The genus was erected by Heinrich Benno Möschler in 1890. It contains approximately 11 described species distributed from the eastern United States through Central America to South America, including the Caribbean and Galápagos Islands. The genus is most diverse in Central America, with several species endemic to Panama and Costa Rica.
Metanema
Metanema is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. The genus was erected by Achille Guenée in 1857 (published 1858) and currently contains approximately 14 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Species within this genus are part of the diverse geometrid moth fauna, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths due to the characteristic looping locomotion of their larvae.
Microcrambus
Microcrambus is a genus of grass-veneer moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Crambinae. The genus was established by Polish lepidopterist Stanisław Błeszyński in 1963 and contains approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Species in this genus are small moths characterized by narrow wings and relatively simple wing patterns. Many species were originally described in other genera and later transferred to Microcrambus based on genitalic and external morphological characters.