Noctuid-moth
Guides
Abagrotis hermina
Abagrotis hermina is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, described by J. Donald Lafontaine in 1998. It is a medium-sized noctuid with a wingspan of approximately 31 mm. The species is distributed across western North America, occurring in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, as well as the U.S. states of Utah and California.
Abagrotis nanalis
Abagrotis nanalis is a small noctuid moth described by Grote in 1881. It occurs in western North America from southern British Columbia to western North Dakota and south to northern New Mexico and California. Adults are active in late summer with a single annual generation in Alberta.
Abagrotis orbis
well-marked cutworm, Barnes' climbing cutworm
Abagrotis orbis is a noctuid moth commonly known as the well-marked cutworm or Barnes' climbing cutworm. First described by Grote in 1876, this species occurs across southwestern North America with a notable disjunct population in the southern Great Lakes dune habitats. Adults are active in late summer, and larvae are recognized as orchard pests that feed on flowers of fruit trees.
Abagrotis trigona
Luteous Dart
Abagrotis trigona, commonly known as the luteous dart, is a noctuid moth species first described by Smith in 1893. It occurs across western North America from the northern Great Plains to the Pacific coast, with an isolated disjunct population in Ohio. Adults are active in August and have a wingspan of 28–30 mm. The species belongs to the diverse genus Abagrotis within the subfamily Noctuinae.
Acronicta cyanescens
Blue-gray Dagger
Acronicta cyanescens is a medium-sized noctuid moth of western North America, commonly known as the Blue-gray Dagger. First described by George Hampson in 1909, this species is distinguished by its blue-gray coloration and dagger-like markings. Adults are active during summer months, with a single generation per year. The species belongs to a genus whose caterpillars are often called 'dagger moths' due to their distinctive posterior projections.
Acronicta grisea
Gray Dagger
Acronicta grisea, commonly known as the gray dagger, is a noctuid moth species first described by Francis Walker in 1856. It occurs across southern Canada and the northern United States, with a wingspan of 30–40 mm. Adults are active in midsummer.
Acronicta increta
raspberry bud dagger moth, raspberry bud moth, peach sword stripe night moth
Acronicta increta is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of 28–36 mm, found throughout southern Canada and the United States. The species is taxonomically disputed, with some authors considering it a synonym of Acronicta inclara. Adults are active from May to September depending on location. Larval host associations remain uncertain, with probable feeding on Quercus species suggested but not confirmed.
Acronicta innotata
Unmarked Dagger, birch dagger, unmarked dagger moth
Acronicta innotata, commonly known as the unmarked dagger moth or birch dagger, is a noctuid moth species first described by Guenée in 1852. It is widely distributed across northern North America, from Newfoundland to British Columbia, with southern extensions along the eastern United States. The species is named for its relatively plain wing pattern compared to other dagger moths, and its larvae feed on the leaves of several deciduous tree species.
Acronicta strigulata
Strigulose Dagger
Acronicta strigulata is a moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the Strigulose Dagger. It is a western North American species with a documented range from British Columbia southward to California. The species has a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. Limited published information exists regarding its biology and natural history.
Acronicta tristis
Sad Dagger
Acronicta tristis, commonly known as the Sad Dagger, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acronictinae. It was described by Smith in 1911. The species occurs in eastern North America, with adults active during early summer. It is a relatively small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 34 mm.
Acronicta vulpina
vulpina dagger moth, miller dagger moth
Acronicta vulpina is a noctuid moth found across northern and western North America. Adults fly from May to July with a wingspan of 40–47 mm. The larvae feed on several deciduous tree species including aspen, birch, balsam poplar, and willow. The species was formerly considered a subspecies of the European Acronicta leporina.
Agrotis
cutworms
Agrotis is a large genus of noctuid moths containing numerous cutworm species, many of which are significant agricultural pests. The genus was established by Ferdinand Ochsenheimer in 1816. Several species have been documented as extinct. Larvae are known as cutworms due to their habit of severing plant stems at or near the soil surface. The bogong moth (Agrotis infusa) was historically important as a seasonal food source for Indigenous Australians.
Agrotis rileyana
Riley's cutworm, Riley's dart moth
Agrotis rileyana is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Morrison in 1874. The species belongs to the genus Agrotis, a large group of noctuid moths commonly known as dart moths or cutworms whose larvae are significant agricultural pests. Adults are active in late summer. The species is native to North America with records from the Canadian prairie provinces.
Agrotis stigmosa
Spotted Dart
Agrotis stigmosa, commonly known as the Spotted Dart, is a noctuid moth species first described by Morrison in 1874. It is distributed across northern North America from New England westward through the Great Plains to eastern Alberta. The species is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut, indicating conservation attention. Adults are active in late spring and early summer, with a single generation per year.
Agrotis venerabilis
dusky cutworm, Venerable Dart
Agrotis venerabilis, commonly known as the dusky cutworm or Venerable Dart, is a noctuid moth species first described by Francis Walker in 1857. The species has a broad transcontinental distribution across North America, ranging from central Canada to Mexico. Adults are active from August to September in temperate regions, with an extended season in the Neotropics beginning as early as March. The larvae are agricultural pests known as cutworms that feed on a variety of cultivated crops and weeds.
Agrotis vetusta
Old Man Dart, Spotted-legged Cutworm, Muted Dart (for subspecies A. v. mutata)
Agrotis vetusta is a medium-sized noctuid moth commonly known as the Old Man Dart or Spotted-legged Cutworm. Adults have a wingspan of 35–42 mm and are active from August to September. The species is notable for its broad North American distribution spanning from southern Alaska to Nova Scotia and southward into Mexico. Larvae are polyphagous cutworms that feed on forbs, vegetables, and row crops, occasionally causing agricultural damage. Three subspecies are recognized, with A. v. mutata restricted to western populations.
Agrotis volubilis
Voluble Dart, Voluble Dart Moth
Agrotis volubilis, the voluble dart moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Leon F. Harvey in 1874. It has a broad distribution across North America, ranging from Newfoundland to British Columbia in Canada and from Maine to Florida west to the Pacific Coast in the United States. The species is univoltine, with adults active from May to July. Larvae are generalist feeders on a variety of herbaceous plants including agricultural crops.
Alastria chico
Alastria chico is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Lafontaine and Troubridge in 2004. It belongs to the genus Alastria, which is part of the diverse and species-rich subfamily Noctuinae. As a relatively recently described species with limited published information, specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain sparse.
Amiana
Amiana is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, containing a single species, Amiana niama. The genus was established by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1904. It is endemic to the southwestern United States, specifically the state of Arizona. As a member of the subfamily Acronictinae, it belongs to a group of noctuid moths commonly known as dagger moths.
Anicla infecta
Green Cutworm Moth, Green Cutworm
Anicla infecta is a noctuid moth native to the Americas, ranging from southeastern Canada to South America. The species is known by two common names reflecting its life stages: the green cutworm (larva) and green cutworm moth (adult). Adults have a wingspan of 30–35 mm and are active from June through September. The species is attracted to blacklight and has been documented visiting flowers as a pollinator.
Anicla sullivani
Sullivan's anicla
Anicla sullivani, or Sullivan's anicla, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Lafontaine in 2004. The species is found in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10901.1. Like other members of the genus Anicla, it is a nocturnal moth attracted to light sources.
Anticarsia gemmatalis
Velvetbean Caterpillar, Velvetbean Moth, Velvetbean Caterpillar Moth
Anticarsia gemmatalis is a tropical moth whose larvae are among the most significant lepidopteran pests of soybean throughout the Americas. The species undergoes annual northward migration from tropical overwintering areas, reaching as far north as Wisconsin in the United States. Larvae feed on foliage of leguminous crops, with velvet bean, soybean, and peanut being primary hosts. The species has been studied in spaceflight experiments, where moths reared in microgravity exhibited altered flight behavior compared to earth-reared individuals.
Apamea antennata
Apamea antennata is a noctuid moth species widespread in the forests of western North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 44 mm and fly during early and midsummer. The larval stage feeds on grasses. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate A. a. antennata and A. a. purpurissata restricted to British Columbia.
Apamea geminimacula
A medium-sized noctuid moth in the cutworm genus Apamea. The species was described by Dyar in 1904 and occurs in North America and Middle America. Like other Apamea species, it is difficult to identify due to individual variation and overlapping morphological traits with congeners.
Apamea verbascoides
boreal apamea, mullein apamea
Apamea verbascoides, commonly known as the boreal apamea or mullein apamea, is a noctuid moth native to North America. First described by Achille Guenée in 1852, this species ranges from Saskatchewan to Newfoundland and Labrador, extending south to North Carolina. Adults are active from June to September with a single annual generation.
Bleptina extincta
Bleptina extincta is a moth species in the family Erebidae, subfamily Herminiinae, described by Troubridge in 2020. The species epithet 'extincta' is Latin for 'extinct,' though this refers to the moth's appearance rather than conservation status. It is a recently described species with limited published information. The genus Bleptina contains small to medium-sized moths commonly known as litter moths.
Brachylomia curvifascia
Brachylomia curvifascia is a noctuid moth first described by Smith in 1891. It is endemic to western North America, ranging from British Columbia to California. Adults are active in late summer, with flight records from August to September in California. The species belongs to the genus Brachylomia, a group of small to medium-sized moths within the subfamily Noctuinae.
Bryolymnia semifascia
half-banded bryolymnia, half-banded bryolymnia moth
Bryolymnia semifascia, known as the half-banded bryolymnia, is a small noctuid moth native to the southwestern United States. First described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1900, this species inhabits conifer forests at moderate elevations. Adults are active during summer months and are characterized by a distinctive wing pattern featuring a partial band.
Callopistria floridensis
Florida Fern Moth, Florida Fern Caterpillar
Callopistria floridensis, commonly known as the Florida Fern Moth or Florida Fern Caterpillar, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 29 mm. The species is notable for its year-round adult activity in tropical and subtropical regions, with larvae that feed exclusively on ferns. It has gained scientific attention as the only known terrestrial animal capable of accumulating high levels of arsenic when feeding on the brake fern Pteris vittata. While primarily a native species across the Americas, it occasionally becomes a pest in greenhouses.
Caradrina montana
Civil Rustic Moth
Caradrina montana is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of 26–31 mm. It has a broad distribution spanning western North America, western Asia, and Europe. The species is known to feed on alfalfa leaves, making it a documented herbivore of agricultural crops.
Catocala neogama euphemia
Catocala neogama euphemia is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae. It belongs to the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, which are characterized by their cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The subspecies was described by Beutenmüller in 1907. Like other underwings, it is nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Colocasia propinquilinea
Close-banded Yellowhorn, Closebanded Yellowhorn
Colocasia propinquilinea, known as the close-banded yellowhorn, is a noctuid moth native to North America. It was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. The species exhibits latitudinal variation in voltinism, with one generation annually in northern populations and two or more in southern populations. Adults are active in spring and summer, with timing shifting by latitude.
Condica claufacta
Condica claufacta is a noctuid moth species described by Francis Walker in 1857. It belongs to the subfamily Condicinae within the owlet moth family Noctuidae. The species is recorded from North America and is assigned Hodges number 9700 in the North American moth numbering system.
Condica punctifera
Condica punctifera is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 27 mm. First described by Francis Walker in 1856, this species has a restricted Caribbean distribution, occurring in southern Florida and on several islands of the Greater Antilles. It belongs to the subfamily Condicinae, a group of generally small, often poorly studied owlet moths.
Cucullia intermedia
Intermediate Hooded Owlet, Dusky Hooded Owlet, Intermediate Cucullia, Goldenrod Cutworm
Cucullia intermedia is a noctuid moth distributed across southern Canada and the northern United States, with western populations extending to California and eastern populations reaching Pennsylvania. The species exhibits two generations annually, with adults active from May through October. Larvae feed on leaves of trees and shrubs including birch, poplar, and willow, as well as flowers of Asteraceae such as Lactuca species.
Cutina aluticolor
leathery cutina moth
Cutina aluticolor, known as the leathery cutina moth, is a noctuid moth in the family Erebidae. The species was described by Pogue & Ferguson in 1998. It occurs in North America.
Dargida
wheat head armyworm moths
Dargida is a genus of noctuid moths containing approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. The genus includes several species whose larvae are known as wheat head armyworms, significant agricultural pests of small grains. Adult moths are medium-sized with wingspans of 1¼ to 1½ inches, typically yellow-brown with longitudinal stripes on the forewings. The genus was established by Francis Walker in 1856 and has historically included species formerly placed in the synonymized genus Faronta.
Dargida grammivora
Dargida grammivora is a noctuid moth species in the genus Dargida, which includes wheat head armyworms. The genus Dargida comprises 13 known species whose larvae and moths appear similar in morphology. Dargida grammivora larvae feed on grass hosts, including wheat, and are considered minor agricultural pests in North American wheat-growing regions. The species has been documented in North America with limited observational records.
Dargida tetera
Wheat Head Armyworm
Dargida tetera is a noctuid moth in the genus Dargida, commonly known as a wheat head armyworm. The species is part of a group of 13 similar-looking Dargida species whose larvae feed on wheat heads. It is found in North America and is considered a minor pest of wheat, particularly in the Texas High Plains region. The moth has a wingspan of approximately 1¼ to 1½ inches.
Dasychira obliquata
Streaked Tussock Moth
Dasychira obliquata, the Streaked Tussock Moth, is a North American moth species in the family Erebidae. It belongs to the tussock moth group, characterized by distinctive hair tufts on caterpillars. The species was originally described as Parorgyia obliquata before being transferred to Dasychira. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Dichagyris acclivis
Inclined Dart
Dichagyris acclivis, commonly known as the Inclined Dart, is a noctuid moth native to central and eastern North America. The species is of conservation concern in parts of its range, notably listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut. Adults are active in late summer and early autumn, with larvae specializing on seeds of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum).
Dichagyris larga
Dichagyris larga is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1908, originally placed in the genus Noctua. The species is present in North America and has been documented through 17 iNaturalist observations. It belongs to the diverse subfamily Noctuinae, which contains many ground-dwelling moths commonly known as owlet moths.
Elasmia cave
Elasmia cave is a moth species in the family Notodontidae described by Metzler in 2011. The specific epithet "cave" refers to its type locality at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, where "CAVE" is the National Park Service acronym for the site. Adults are active from April through early October.
Euxoa annulipes
Ring-legged Cutworm
Euxoa annulipes is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1890. The common name "ring-legged cutworm" refers to characteristic banding on the legs. Like other Euxoa species, the larvae are soil-dwelling caterpillars that feed on plant stems at or near the soil surface. The species is part of a large genus of cutworms that are significant agricultural pests, though specific details about E. annulipes biology are sparse in the literature compared to better-studied congeners such as the army cutworm (Euxoa auxiliaris).
Euxoa bochus
Euxoa bochus is a noctuid moth native to western North America, described by Herbert Knowles Morrison in 1874. Adults have a wingspan of 34–36 mm and are active from mid-July to mid-October, with a single generation per year. The species occurs across a broad elevational and latitudinal range from Vancouver Island to northern New Mexico.
Euxoa brevipennis
Euxoa brevipennis is a noctuid moth described by Smith in 1888. The species has a wingspan of approximately 33 mm. It occurs in western North America, with records from the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, and the U.S. states of Utah, Colorado, and California. The specific epithet 'brevipennis' refers to short wings, though detailed morphological descriptions beyond wingspan are not readily available in the literature.
Euxoa detersa
Rubbed Dart, Sandhill Cutworm, Sand Cutworm
Euxoa detersa is a noctuid moth commonly known as the rubbed dart, sandhill cutworm, or sand cutworm. The species was described by Francis Walker in 1856 and occurs across northern and eastern North America. Adults are nocturnal and active from July to October, with a single generation annually. The larvae are subterranean cutworms that construct burrows to feed on underground plant parts, making them particularly destructive in sandy agricultural soils.
Euxoa scandens
white cutworm, white cutworm moth
Euxoa scandens, commonly known as the white cutworm, is a noctuid moth native to North America. It is recognized as a sporadic agricultural pest, particularly affecting tobacco in Quebec, asparagus in Michigan, and various vegetable crops grown in light sandy soils. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with immature larvae overwintering and resuming feeding in spring, causing significant damage to young plants. Adult moths emerge and oviposit from late June through late July. Research has focused on developing female sex pheromone-based monitoring systems to improve management of this pest.
Euxoa servitus
Slave Dart
Euxoa servitus, commonly known as the slave dart, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It is one of many Euxoa species that can damage agricultural crops, particularly small grains and sorghum. The larvae are typical cutworms that feed at night and hide in soil during the day. The species is assigned MONA (Moth Photographers Group) or Hodges number 10854.
Euxoa tessellata
tessellate dart, striped cutworm
Euxoa tessellata, commonly known as the tessellate dart or striped cutworm, is a noctuid moth recognized as the most widespread Euxoa species in North America. The adult moth has a wingspan of 30–38 mm and is active from June to September. Its larvae are known agricultural pests that feed on tobacco, garden crops, and the leaves of apple, cherry, and pear trees. The species forms the tessellata group with E. plagigera, with which it can hybridize in laboratory conditions, though resulting offspring are sterile.