Noctuid
Guides
Abagrotis anchocelioides
blueberry budworm moth
Abagrotis anchocelioides, commonly called the blueberry budworm moth, is a noctuid moth species found in eastern and central North America. Adults have a wingspan of 32–38 mm and are active from June through September. The larval host plant association with blueberry remains tentative.
Abagrotis belfragei
Belfrage's cutworm
Abagrotis belfragei is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1890. The species belongs to the genus Abagrotis, a group of cutworm moths within the family Noctuidae. It is native to North America. Limited information is available regarding its biology and ecology.
Abagrotis bimarginalis
Pale-edged Dart
Abagrotis bimarginalis is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1883. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 11017.
Abagrotis cupida
Cupid dart, brown climbing cutworm
Abagrotis cupida is a noctuid moth found across southern Canada and the eastern United States. Adults have a wingspan of 33–35 mm and fly in late summer, with one generation per year. Larvae feed on woody plants including willow, apple, grape, and peach. The species is known by two common names reflecting different life stages: 'Cupid dart' for the adult moth and 'brown climbing cutworm' for the larva.
Acherdoa ferraria
Chocolate Moth
Acherdoa ferraria, commonly known as the Chocolate Moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Walker in 1865. The species belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae and is recorded from North America. It is represented by 183 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is moderately well-documented among naturalists. The specific epithet 'ferraria' refers to iron or iron-colored, likely alluding to the adult's coloration.
Acronicta impressa
Impressive Dagger, Impressive Dagger Moth, Willow Dagger Moth
Acronicta impressa is a noctuid moth commonly known as the impressive dagger moth or willow dagger moth. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1856. It ranges across western North America from Canada to northwestern Mexico. Adults are active in early to midsummer and are attracted to light. The caterpillars feed on a variety of woody plants including willow, poplar, and rose.
Acronicta inclara
unclear dagger moth
Acronicta inclara, known as the unclear dagger moth, is a noctuid moth described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1900. It occurs in north-eastern North America. Two subspecies are recognized: A. i. inclara and A. i. inconstans. As a member of the dagger moth genus, it belongs to a group whose caterpillars often possess distinctive defensive setae.
Acronicta longa
long-winged dagger moth
Acronicta longa is a North American noctuid moth commonly known as the long-winged dagger moth. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. Adults have a wingspan of 32–44 mm. Larvae feed on the foliage of several woody plant species including birch, oak, and willow.
Acronicta mansueta
gentle dagger moth
Acronicta mansueta, commonly known as the gentle dagger moth, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. First described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1897, it was treated as a synonym of Acronicta falcula for much of the 20th century before being reinstated as a valid species in 2011. The species is widespread across western North America.
Acronicta noctivaga
night-wandering dagger moth
Acronicta noctivaga is a small noctuid moth commonly known as the night-wandering dagger moth. It occurs in north-eastern North America with adults active during late spring through summer. The species has been recorded feeding on poplar as a larva. The common name references both its nocturnal activity and the dagger-like markings typical of the genus.
Acronicta oblinita
Smeared Dagger, Smeared Dagger Moth, Arioch Dagger, Smartweed Caterpillar (larva)
Acronicta oblinita is a noctuid moth native to North America, commonly known as the smeared dagger moth. Adults display cryptic gray forewings with distinctive smeared dark wedge spots and white hindwings. The larva, called the smartweed caterpillar, bears urticating hairs and bright yellow caret-shaped markings. The species was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797.
Acronicta spinigera
Nondescript Dagger, nondescript dagger moth
Acronicta spinigera, commonly known as the nondescript dagger moth, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active from spring through summer, with flight periods varying by latitude. The species is characterized by its relatively plain, unmarked appearance compared to other dagger moths, hence its common name. It is one of approximately 150 species in the genus Acronicta, a diverse group of owlet moths whose caterpillars often bear distinctive tufts of setae or spines.
Agrotis gladiaria
Swordsman Dart, Claybacked Cutworm
Agrotis gladiaria is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Swordsman Dart or Claybacked Cutworm. The species is distributed across eastern North America, from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States. Adults are active in autumn, with larvae feeding on a broad range of agricultural and wild plants. The larval stage functions as a cutworm, severing plant stems at or near the soil surface.
Agrotis obliqua
Oblique Dart
Agrotis obliqua is a noctuid moth native to North America, first described by Edgar Albert Smith in 1903. The species has a wingspan of approximately 30 mm. Adults are active in spring and early summer, with a single generation produced annually. It is found across a broad geographic range from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island, extending southward to Colorado, Arizona, and California.
Allagrapha
Allagrapha is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae. The genus was established by Franclemont in 1964 and contains at least one recognized species, Allagrapha aerea. These moths belong to the tribe Plusiini, a group commonly known as looper moths due to their characteristic looping locomotion as caterpillars. The genus is part of the diverse owlet moth family, which includes many agriculturally significant species.
Allagrapha aerea
Unspotted Looper Moth, Copper Looper Moth
A medium-sized noctuid moth found across eastern North America. Adults fly from spring through early autumn, with two generations annually. Larvae are loopers that move with a characteristic looping gait.
Anterastria teratophora
Gray Marvel Moth, grey marvel
Anterastria teratophora, commonly known as the Gray Marvel Moth, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 25 mm. The species is univoltine, with adults active from May through August. Larvae are known to feed on specific host plants in the Lamiaceae family.
Anycteola fotelloides
Anycteola fotelloides is the sole species in the monotypic moth genus Anycteola, described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1916 and placed in the family Noctuidae. Originally described as Stilbia fotelloides, it was later transferred to the new genus Anycteola erected by Barnes and Benjamin in 1929. The species is known only from Arizona, USA, and is classified within the subfamily Acronictinae.
Apamea
Cutworm moths, Rustic shoulder-knot moths
Apamea is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as cutworm moths or rustic shoulder-knot moths. The genus contains numerous species that are typically medium-sized with cryptic, mottled forewings in shades of brown, gray, and ochre. Several species are significant agricultural pests, with larvae feeding on cereal crops and grasses. Species-level identification is notoriously difficult due to extensive individual variation and overlapping morphological features.
Apamea albina
Apamea albina is a noctuid moth native to California and Oregon. It inhabits forests and oak savanna on serpentine soils. The species has a forewing length of 20–23 mm and exhibits distinctive red-brown coloration with white, black, and blue-gray markings. It is a member of the cutworm moth genus Apamea, which contains numerous similar species that are difficult to distinguish.
Apamea cogitata
Thoughtful Apamea
Apamea cogitata is a noctuid moth native to North America. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of Apamea dubitans but is now recognized as a distinct species. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 40 mm and are active from June to September. The species has one generation per year.
Apamea remissa
Dusky Brocade
Apamea remissa, commonly known as the dusky brocade, is a noctuid moth species with a wingspan of 36–42 mm. It occurs across the Palearctic region from Europe through Siberia to Japan, with disjunct populations in Alaska. The species exhibits considerable variation in wing markings, making identification challenging in some forms.
Apamea tahoeensis
Tahoe Cutworm Moth
Apamea tahoeensis is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Mikkola & Lafontaine in 2009. It belongs to a genus of moths that are notoriously difficult to identify due to individual variation and overlapping morphological features among species. The species is found in North America, with its specific epithet suggesting an association with the Lake Tahoe region. Like other Apamea species, it is a nocturnal moth attracted to light sources.
Aplectoides condita
Large-spotted Dart
Aplectoides condita is a noctuid moth native to North America, commonly known as the Large-spotted Dart. The species has a transcontinental distribution across central and southern Canada, with southern extensions into the eastern United States and the Rocky Mountain region. Adults are active from late spring through mid-summer. Larvae have been successfully reared on conifer hosts, showing a documented preference for tamarack over balsam fir.
Argyrostrotis
Argyrostrotis is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1821. The genus comprises six described species distributed in North America. Species within this genus are classified within the subfamily Erebinae, a diverse group of nocturnal moths commonly known as underwings or related forms.
Ascalapha odorata
black witch, black witch moth, mariposa de la muerte, duppy bat, mariposa-bruxa, ura, money moth, money bat
The black witch moth (Ascalapha odorata) is a large, bat-shaped nocturnal moth and the largest noctuoid in the continental United States. Females reach wingspans up to 24 cm, while males are smaller at approximately 12 cm. The species ranges from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to Brazil and Argentina, with migratory populations reaching as far north as Canada. It holds prominent cultural significance across Latin America and the Caribbean, where it is widely associated with death, misfortune, and spiritual beliefs.
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Bagisara albicosta is a noctuid moth described by Schaus in 1911. It belongs to the subfamily Bagisarinae, a small group of moths whose biology remains poorly documented. The species occurs in North America. Like other members of its genus, it appears to be infrequently encountered and has attracted limited scientific study.
Bagisara rectifascia
Straight-lined Mallow Moth, Three-lined Bagisera Moth, Straight Lined Mallow Moth
Bagisara rectifascia is a noctuid moth found in North America. It is commonly known as the Straight-lined Mallow Moth due to its distinctive wing pattern. The species was first described by Grote in 1874 under the basionym Schinia rectifascia. It belongs to the subfamily Bagisarinae within the owlet moth family Noctuidae.
Caenurgia chloropha
Vetch Looper Moth
Caenurgia chloropha, commonly known as the vetch looper moth, is a nocturnal moth species in the family Erebidae. Adults are active from spring through fall with multiple generations per year. The species is distributed across the southeastern United States, northern Mexico, and Cuba, with occasional strays reaching southern Ontario. Larvae feed on leguminous plants including vetch.
Cucullia umbratica
shark moth
Cucullia umbratica, commonly known as the shark moth, is a noctuid moth first described by Linnaeus in 1758. The species is widely distributed across Europe and has been recorded in North America. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The common name derives from the larval form, which has a distinctive shark-like profile.
Dargida diffusa
Wheat Head Armyworm
Dargida diffusa, commonly known as the wheat head armyworm, is a noctuid moth native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of 27–36 mm and are active from May to September across their range. The species is economically significant due to larval feeding on seed heads of cereal crops and grasses, with timothy grass (Phleum pratense) being a particularly favored host.
Dichagyris grotei
Grote's black-tipped quaker
Dichagyris grotei is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Franclemont and Todd in 1983. It was originally described as Loxagrotis grotei before being transferred to the genus Dichagyris. The species is known from North America and is recorded in the Moth Photographers Group (MPG) database with Hodges number 10869. As a noctuid moth, it belongs to a large and diverse family of primarily nocturnal Lepidoptera commonly known as owlet moths.
Drasteria parallela
Drasteria parallela is a noctuid moth in the family Erebidae, described in 2013 by Crabo and Mustelin. The species is endemic to the Pacific Northwest and northern California, restricted to middle-elevation forest habitats on exposed ridges. Adults are active in July and exhibit distinctive forewing patterns with parallel lines across a pale medial area, which inspired the species name.
Egira alternans
Alternate Woodling
Egira alternans, commonly known as the alternate woodling, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. The species was originally described by Walker in 1857 as Hapalia alternans. It is found in North America, with distribution records including the northeastern United States. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10517.
Egira februalis
mottled oak woodling moth, mottled oak woodling
Egira februalis is a noctuid moth commonly known as the mottled oak woodling. It is a late-winter to early-spring flier found in oak-dominated habitats of western North America. The species exhibits lichen-mimicking coloration and is nocturnal, readily attracted to artificial lights. Its larvae are specialized feeders on oaks (Quercus spp.).
Elaphria cornutinis
Dark-winged Festive Midget
Elaphria cornutinis, known as the Dark-winged Festive Midget, is a small owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. The species belongs to a genus of moths commonly referred to as "midgets" due to their diminutive size. Like other Elaphria species, it is nocturnal and has been documented at blacklight traps. The specific epithet "cornutinis" suggests a relationship to horn-like structures, though detailed morphological descriptions are limited in available sources.
Elaphria festivoides
festive midget
A small noctuid moth of eastern North America, distinguished from close relatives by genitalia and subtle wing pattern differences. Adults are active from spring through mid-summer with multiple generations. Larval host records exist for boxelder maple. The species was taxonomically revised in 2003, with Canadian populations reassigned to the newly described E. alapallida.
Epiglaea decliva
Sloping Sallow, sloping sallow moth
Epiglaea decliva, known as the sloping sallow moth, is a noctuid moth native to North America. It occupies a range of wooded and semi-open habitats across eastern and central regions of the continent. The species overwinters as an egg, with larvae active in late spring to mid-summer. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of 40–50 mm.
Eucoptocnemis fimbriaris
Fringed Dart
Eucoptocnemis fimbriaris, known as the fringed dart, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Guenée in 1852 and was originally placed in the genus Heliophobus. The species is found in North America and is assigned Hodges number 10694 in the North American moth numbering system.
Eueretagrotis attentus
Attentive Dart, Daggered Heath Dart
A medium-sized noctuid moth with a wingspan of 30–35 mm, found across eastern and central North America from Nova Scotia to Saskatchewan, with southern extensions along the Appalachian Mountains. Adults are active from June to August with a single annual generation. Larvae feed on a range of woody and herbaceous plants including Vaccinium, Salix, Betula alleghaniensis, Sambucus, and Fragaria. The species is known by two common names: Attentive Dart and Daggered Heath Dart.
Eutelia furcata
Florida eutelia moth
Eutelia furcata, commonly known as the Florida eutelia moth, is a small noctuid moth first described by Francis Walker in 1865. The species has a wingspan of approximately 30 mm and occurs across the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It is a member of the family Euteliidae within the superfamily Noctuoidea.
Eutricopis nexilis
White-spotted Midget
Eutricopis nexilis, commonly known as the White-spotted Midget, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of 18–20 mm. Adults are active from May to July across a broad North American range spanning from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific. The species was first described by Herbert Knowles Morrison in 1875. Larvae have been documented feeding on Antennaria species.
Euxoa adumbrata
Sordid Dart
Euxoa adumbrata, commonly known as the sordid dart, is a noctuid moth species first described by Eduard Friedrich Eversmann in 1842. It occurs across northern boreal regions of North America and Eurasia, including northern Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Scandinavia, and the Ural Mountains. The species has one generation per year, with adults active during summer months. Larvae feed on Taraxacum and Polygonum species.
Euxoa aequalis
Euxoa aequalis is a noctuid moth species described by Leon F. Harvey in 1876. It occurs in western North America from the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Yukon southward into the United States, with records from Colorado, Wyoming, and California. The species has a wingspan of approximately 33 mm. Like other members of the genus Euxoa, the larvae are likely cutworms, though specific life history details for this species remain poorly documented.
Euxoa bostoniensis
Boston dart, drab cutworm
Euxoa bostoniensis, commonly known as the Boston dart or drab cutworm, is a noctuid moth species found in eastern and central North America. Adults have a wingspan of 40–45 mm and are active in May and again from September to October. The larvae are cutworms that feed on Nicotiana species, though the species occurs in areas where tobacco is not cultivated.
Euxoa cincta
Euxoa cincta is a cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae described by Barnes and Benjamin in 1924. It occurs in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10823. Like other members of the genus Euxoa, it is part of a large and diverse group of noctuid moths whose larvae are commonly known as cutworms.
Euxoa citricolor
Euxoa citricolor is a noctuid moth species described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1880. The species is found in western North America, with a wingspan of 34–37 mm. Adults are active from August to September, with one generation per year. Larvae are likely cutworms, though specific host plant associations for this species are not well documented.
Euxoa dargo
Euxoa dargo is a noctuid moth species described by Ferdinand Heinrich Hermann Strecker in 1898. It occurs in western North America from south-eastern Manitoba to the southern interior of British Columbia, south to Oregon, southern Idaho, and northern New Mexico, and east to eastern South Dakota. Adults are active from August to September with one generation per year. The species is known to be associated with agricultural settings, with larvae recorded feeding on corn and Salsola species.
Euxoa dissona
dissonant dart
Euxoa dissona, commonly known as the dissonant dart, is a noctuid moth native to north-eastern North America. It belongs to the large genus Euxoa, which includes numerous cutworm and dart moth species. The species was first described by Möschler in 1860 under the basionym Agrotis dissona. Available records indicate it occurs in boreal and temperate regions of Canada and the northern United States.
Euxoa infracta
Euxoa infracta is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Morrison in 1875. As a member of the genus Euxoa, it belongs to a group of noctuid moths whose larvae are known as cutworms, feeding on plant stems and roots. The species occurs in central and western Canada, with documented records from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Like related Euxoa species, the larvae likely exhibit nocturnal feeding behavior and may curl into a C-shape when disturbed.