Noctuid-moth
Guides
Euxoa tristicula
early cutworm
Euxoa tristicula, the early cutworm, is a noctuid moth found along the Pacific coast of North America from British Columbia to central California. Adults have a wingspan of 38–42 mm and are active from late spring through early September. The species inhabits coastal rainforests and mixed forest habitats west of the Cascade Mountains.
Feltia subgothica
gothic dart, subgothic dart, tricose dart
Feltia subgothica, commonly known as the gothic dart or subgothic dart, is a noctuid moth species found in central North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 34 mm and are active from July to September. The species is notable for its polyphagous larvae, which have been documented feeding on over 40 plant species spanning crops, forages, vegetables, and forbs.
Feralia deceptiva
Deceptive Sallow
Feralia deceptiva, commonly known as the deceptive sallow, is a noctuid moth species found in North America. It belongs to the mossy sallow group within the family Noctuidae. The species was described by McDunnough in 1920. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10006.
Fotella notalis
Fotella notalis is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1882. It is endemic to arid regions of the southwestern United States, with documented occurrences in western Texas, Arizona, California, and Nevada. The species is associated exclusively with dry desert habitats.
Haploa contigua
Neighbor Moth
Haploa contigua, commonly known as the neighbor moth, is a tiger moth species in the family Erebidae. It was first described by Francis Walker in 1855. The species is distributed across eastern North America, ranging from Quebec south to Georgia and westward to the Great Plains. Like other members of the genus Haploa, it is characterized by bold color patterns and belongs to the tiger moth subfamily Arctiinae.
Harrisimemna trisignata
Harris's three spot, Harris' Three-Spot
Harrisimemna trisignata is a noctuid moth native to North America, ranging from Canada to the southwestern United States. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of 30–36 mm and are active primarily from late spring through summer. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1856. Larvae are known to feed on a variety of woody plants.
Heliocheilus lupatus
Spotted Straw Moth, Lupatus Straw Moth, Purple Topper
Heliocheilus lupatus is a small noctuid moth native to the eastern and southeastern United States. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 28 mm. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1875 and was formerly treated as a synonym of Heliocheilus turbata. Larvae are grass-feeders, and adults have one generation per year.
Heliothis
Heliothis is a genus of noctuid moths established by Ochsenheimer in 1816. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with several economically important species formerly placed here now reclassified to Helicoverpa and Chloridea. Larvae of remaining Heliothis species are agricultural pests on crops including tobacco, cotton, soybean, and pigeon pea. The genus is characterized by specific morphological features including porrect palpi with long hair on the second joint, a short third palpal joint, and distinctive venation patterns in the forewing.
Hemieuxoa
Hemieuxoa is a genus of noctuid moths established by James Halliday McDunnough in 1929. The genus contains six recognized species distributed primarily in North America. These moths belong to the subfamily Noctuinae, a diverse group commonly known as owlet moths. The genus name reflects a characteristic wing pattern feature, with 'hemi-' suggesting partial or half markings.
Homorthodes flosca
Homorthodes flosca is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1906 from the genus Homorthodes. Originally described as Himella flosca, it belongs to the tribe Eriopygini within the subfamily Noctuinae. The species has been documented in North America, though detailed biological information remains limited. Records from iNaturalist indicate it has been observed in the wild, but it appears to be infrequently encountered or reported.
Hypotrix ocularis
Hypotrix ocularis is a small noctuid moth described in 2010, distinguished by its distinctive eye-like wing marking. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and central Mexico. Adults are active in June.
Lasionycta conjugata
Lasionycta conjugata is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1899. It is restricted to high-elevation habitats in the Rocky Mountains, occurring from central Utah and Colorado northward to the Montana-Wyoming border. The species is nocturnal and active during mid-summer.
Lasionycta perplexella
Lasionycta perplexella is a species of noctuid moth described by Crabo and Lafontaine in 2009. It inhabits subalpine coniferous forests in western North America, ranging from southern Yukon through Alberta to Washington State. Adults are active during mid-July through August. The species was one of 17 new species described in a comprehensive 2009 revision of the genus Lasionycta.
Lasionycta secedens
Lasionycta secedens is a Holarctic moth species in the family Noctuidae. It was first described by Walker in 1858 under the name Plusia secedens. The species occurs across northern North America and northern Eurasia, with two recognized subspecies: the nominate form in eastern Canada and northern British Columbia, and subspecies bohemani in northern Eurasia, Alaska, and Yukon. A taxonomic revision published in ZooKeys in 2009 treated this species among 43 Lasionycta species in North America.
Leucocnemis nivalis
Leucocnemis nivalis is a species of noctuid moth described by Smith in 1894. It belongs to the family Noctuidae, commonly known as owlet moths. The species is native to North America and has been documented through 228 iNaturalist observations. It was originally described under the genus Oxycnemis before being transferred to Leucocnemis.
Lithophane joannis
Buckeye Pinion
Lithophane joannis, known as the Buckeye Pinion, is a noctuid moth described by Covell and Metzler in 1992. It is a small species with forewings measuring 15–17 mm. The species exhibits an unusual flight period spanning late autumn through early spring, active from October to April. It is endemic to a restricted range in the eastern United States.
Mammifrontia rileyi
Mammifrontia rileyi is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Benjamin in 1936. The species is found in North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9447.
Matigramma obscurior
Matigramma obscurior is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Franclemont and Todd in 1983. It is a member of the subfamily Erebinae, a diverse group of nocturnal moths. The species is known to occur in North America, though detailed biological information remains limited. It has been documented through nearly a thousand observation records, indicating it is not uncommon within its range.
Melanchra picta
Zebra Caterpillar Moth
Melanchra picta is a noctuid moth commonly known as the zebra caterpillar moth. The species is native to North America and is best known for its larval stage, which feeds on various cultivated plants including cabbages and beets. The moth belongs to the family Noctuidae, one of the largest families of moths, and is classified within the subfamily Noctuinae.
Melipotis florida
Melipotis florida is a moth species in the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae, described by Troubridge in 2020. It belongs to a genus of noctuid moths distributed primarily in the Americas. As a recently described species, detailed information about its biology and ecology remains limited. The species epithet 'florida' suggests a connection to the state of Florida, though this has not been explicitly confirmed in available sources.
Minofala
Minofala is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1905. The genus contains a single known species, Minofala instans. It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae and tribe Hadenini. Very little is known about the biology or distribution of this poorly documented genus.
Mythimna sequax
wheat armyworm
Mythimna sequax, commonly known as the wheat armyworm, is a noctuid moth species whose larvae are significant agricultural pests of wheat and other cereals. Native to the Americas, it has become established in southern Brazil where it causes substantial damage to winter wheat crops. The species exhibits nocturnal larval behavior, sheltering under soil debris during daylight hours. Climate change research indicates its voltinism (number of generations per year) is sensitive to temperature increases, with nonlinear phenological models providing more accurate predictions than traditional degree-day approaches.
Mythimna unipuncta
true armyworm moth, white-speck moth, common armyworm, rice armyworm
Mythimna unipuncta is a migratory noctuid moth found across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Larvae feed on grasses and cereal crops, causing significant agricultural damage during outbreaks. Adults are nocturnal and nectivorous, feeding on flower nectar and ripe or decaying fruit. The species exhibits seasonal migration, traveling north in spring and south in fall to optimize mating conditions. Larvae display characteristic armyworm behavior, moving en masse between fields when food sources are depleted.
Niphonyx segregata
Hops Angleshade
Niphonyx segregata, known as the Hops Angleshade, is a noctuid moth native to eastern Asia. The species was introduced to the northeastern United States in the 1990s and has established a breeding population there. It belongs to the subfamily Condicinae within the diverse family Noctuidae.
Orthomoia bloomfieldi
Orthomoia bloomfieldi is a noctuid moth described by Mustelin in 2000. It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest groups within Noctuidae. The species is known from North America, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be nocturnal.
Papaipema inquaesita
sensitive fern borer, Sensitive Fern Borer Moth
Papaipema inquaesita is a noctuid moth commonly known as the sensitive fern borer. The species is notable for its specialized larval association with sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), from which its common name derives. It belongs to the genus Papaipema, a group of borers that typically infest herbaceous plants and ferns.
Papaipema sauzalitae
figwort stem borer
Papaipema sauzalitae, commonly known as the figwort stem borer, is a noctuid moth species first described by Grote in 1875. The species belongs to the genus Papaipema, a group of stem-boring moths whose larvae tunnel into the stems of herbaceous plants. Its common name indicates a specialized relationship with figwort (Scrophularia) plants. The species is recorded from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9474.
Parabagrotis formalis
cutworm moth, dart moth
Parabagrotis formalis is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1874. It is recorded from North America, with observations from California and other western regions. The species is attracted to ultraviolet light and has been documented at blacklighting events. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 11047.1.
Parapamea buffaloensis
Lizard's-tail Borer Moth
Parapamea buffaloensis, commonly known as the Lizard's-tail Borer Moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1877. The species is native to North America and is associated with wetland habitats where its larval host plant, lizard's-tail (Saururus cernuus), occurs. The common name reflects its specialized relationship with this plant, as the larvae bore into the stems. Adults are nocturnal and have been documented through limited but consistent observations.
Plagiomimicus heitzmani
Plagiomimicus heitzmani is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Poole in 1995. It belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae and tribe Stiriini. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from Manitoba, Canada.
Polia propodea
Scarce Boreal Arches
Polia propodea is a noctuid moth species described by McCabe in 1980. It is known from North America, where it has been recorded in boreal regions. The species is referred to by the common name 'Scarce Boreal Arches' and belongs to the tribe Hadenini within the subfamily Noctuinae.
Protorthodes perforata
Protorthodes perforata is a small noctuid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. The species occurs across the southern United States and into central Mexico, with adults active during two distinct periods in spring and late summer through autumn. It is recognized by its pale gray forewings with contrasting dark spotting pattern.
Psammopolia arietis
Psammopolia arietis is a noctuid moth restricted to Pacific Coast sand beaches from Mendocino, California to south-western Alaska. Adults fly from late July to early September. The larvae inhabit sand dunes and feed on specific coastal plants including beach pea, seashore knotweed, and yellow sand-verbena. The species is absent from the inland Strait of Georgia, indicating a strict dependence on outer coastal habitats.
Pseudanarta vexata
Pseudanarta vexata is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by John G. Franclemont in 1941. It belongs to the genus Pseudanarta, a group of noctuid moths found in western North America. The species is poorly documented in public sources, with no observations recorded on iNaturalist and limited published information available.
Pseudeva purpurigera
Western Straight-lined Looper, Straight-lined Looper Moth
Pseudeva purpurigera, the Western Straight-lined Looper, is a noctuid moth found across western and eastern North America. Adults display distinctive thoracic and abdominal tufts that give a 'mohawk' appearance. The species has one generation annually, with adults active in mid-summer.
Pseudorthodes keela
Pseudorthodes keela is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, originally described by Smith in 1908 as Orthodes keela. It belongs to the tribe Eriopygini within the subfamily Noctuinae. The species is known from North America, though detailed biological information appears limited in available sources.
Pseudorthodes puerilis
cutworm moth, dart moth
Pseudorthodes puerilis is a species of noctuid moth described by Grote in 1874. It belongs to the tribe Eriopygini within the subfamily Noctuinae. The species is recorded from North America and has been assigned Hodges number 10583.
Pyrrhia cilisca
Bordered Sallow, American Bordered Sallow
Pyrrhia cilisca is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of 32–40 mm. Adults are active from May to October across eastern and central North America. The species was formerly split into North American (Pyrrhia adela) and Palearctic populations, but these are now synonymized.
Rhizedra lutosa
Large Wainscot, Isle of Wight Wainscot, Large Wainscot Moth
Rhizedra lutosa is a noctuid moth native to the Palearctic, ranging from Ireland to Japan. It has established populations in eastern North America following introduction. The species is notable for its subterranean larval habit, feeding on reed roots.
Rhyacia quadrangula
Quadrangle Dart
Rhyacia quadrangula, commonly known as the Quadrangle Dart, is a noctuid moth with a transcontinental distribution spanning the Arctic and boreal regions of Eurasia and North America. The species exhibits a disjunct range, occurring in Iceland, Greenland, central Asia including the Pamir Mountains, and across northern Canada and the northwestern United States. Adults are active during late summer, with flight records from July through September.
Schinia cumatilis
silver-banded gem, Silver-banded Gem Moth
Schinia cumatilis is a small noctuid moth known as the silver-banded gem, first described by Grote in 1865. The species occurs across western North America from the southwestern United States into southern Canada. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 24–27 mm. The larvae are specialist feeders on Artemisia frigida.
Schinia deserticola
A small noctuid moth of western North American deserts, formerly treated as a subspecies of Schinia cupes. Adults have a wingspan of 22–28 mm. The species is closely tied to its larval host plant Camissonia claviformis, with adults typically found resting on or near the flowers.
Schinia florida
Primrose Moth
Schinia florida, commonly known as the Primrose Moth, is a noctuid moth native to temperate North America. Adults display distinctive pink and yellow coloration, with pink forewings marked by pale yellow patterns and a creamy white abdomen. The species exhibits highly specialized ecological relationships: larvae feed exclusively on evening-primroses (Oenothera spp.), and adult emergence is precisely synchronized with the flowering period of their host plants. The moth has a single annual generation, with adults active during summer months when evening-primroses are in bloom.
Schinia jaguarina
Jaguar Flower Moth
Schinia jaguarina, commonly known as the Jaguar Flower Moth, is a noctuid moth species first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. The species is distributed across the Great Plains and adjacent regions of North America, with records from Canada south through Mexico. Adults are active primarily during summer months and are attracted to light. The larvae are specialized feeders on leguminous plants.
Scotogramma gatei
Scotogramma gatei is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, originally described as Mamestra gatei by Smith in 1910. It belongs to the genus Scotogramma, a group of noctuid moths primarily distributed in North America. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases but appears to be poorly documented in biological literature and natural history collections.
Sideridis congermana
German Cousin Moth, German cousin
Sideridis congermana is a noctuid moth commonly known as the German Cousin Moth. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species was first described by Morrison in 1874 and is native to North America. It is assigned Hodges number 10266 in the North American moth numbering system.
Spaelotis quadricava
Spaelotis quadricava is a species of noctuid moth described by J. Donald Lafontaine in 1998. It belongs to the genus Spaelotis, a group of ground-dwelling owlet moths within the subfamily Noctuinae. The species is known from North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and associated with terrestrial habitats.
Spodoptera
Armyworm Moths
Spodoptera is a genus of noctuid moths comprising approximately 30 species distributed across six continents. The larvae are commonly known as armyworms and include some of the most destructive agricultural pests worldwide. Several species, including the fall armyworm (S. frugiperda), beet armyworm (S. exigua), and cotton leafworm (S. littoralis), cause significant economic damage to crops. The genus is characterized by specific morphological traits that distinguish it from related noctuid genera.
Spodoptera frugiperda
Fall Armyworm, Fall Armyworm Moth
Spodoptera frugiperda, commonly known as the fall armyworm, is a migratory moth species native to the Americas that has become a devastating invasive pest across Africa and Asia. The larvae are polyphagous, feeding on more than 80 plant species including maize, sorghum, cotton, and soybean. Economic damage from this species has been severe, with estimated losses of $2.5–6.3 billion annually in affected African countries. The species cannot overwinter in temperate regions, reinvading northern areas annually through long-distance migration.
Spragueia apicalis
Yellow Spragueia Moth
Spragueia apicalis is a small noctuid moth commonly known as the Yellow Spragueia Moth. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism in size, with males slightly larger than females. The species has a broad distribution across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America to South America. Larvae have been documented feeding on Gutierrezia sarothrae, a species of snakeweed.