Noctuidae
Guides
Abagrotis apposita
cutworm moth, dart moth
Abagrotis apposita is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1878. It belongs to a genus of cutworm and dart moths whose larvae are known as cutworms. The species occurs in North America and has been assigned Hodges number 11037. It is part of the diverse Noctuidae family, one of the largest moth families.
Abagrotis baueri
Abagrotis baueri is a species of noctuid moth described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1949. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is known from North America, though specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain limited in the published literature.
Abagrotis benjamini
Coastal Heathland Cutworm Moth
Abagrotis benjamini is a moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Franclemont in 1955. It is currently treated as a synonym of Abagrotis nefascia. The species is known from coastal heathland habitats in North America, with records from Alberta, Canada. As a member of the cutworm moth group, it likely shares ecological traits with related Abagrotis species, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Abagrotis denticulata
cutworm moth, dart moth
Abagrotis denticulata is a noctuid moth species described by McDunnough in 1946. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is recorded from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 11026. Available information on this species remains limited.
Abagrotis discoidalis
Abagrotis discoidalis is a noctuid moth described by Grote in 1876, with a wingspan of approximately 31 mm. It is restricted to western North America, ranging from southern Alberta south through the Rocky Mountain states to northern Arizona and New Mexico. Adults are active from June to August in Alberta, with a single annual generation.
Abagrotis dodi
Abagrotis dodi is a noctuid moth described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1927. It occurs in western North America from southern Yukon through the Rocky Mountain region to Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington. Adults fly in late summer with a single annual generation. The species is known from relatively few observations.
Abagrotis duanca
Dark Dart
Abagrotis duanca is a noctuid moth first described by Smith in 1908. It occurs in the Pacific Northwest of North America, with records from Alberta's extreme southeastern corner, Saskatchewan, and surrounding regions. Adults fly from June to July in a single annual generation. The species has been reared on big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata).
Abagrotis forbesi
Forbes' dart moth
A noctuid moth species described by Benjamin in 1921. The species is part of the diverse dart moth genus Abagrotis, which contains numerous North American species. The specific epithet honors an entomologist, likely William T.M. Forbes, a prominent lepidopterist. The species has been documented in North America with 23 iNaturalist observations, though detailed natural history information appears limited in available sources.
Abagrotis glenni
Abagrotis glenni is a noctuid moth described by Buckett in 1968. It occurs in western North America from British Columbia south to California and east to Utah. Adults are active in spring, with larvae feeding on coniferous host plants.
Abagrotis hennei
Abagrotis hennei is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Buckett in 1968. It belongs to a genus of soil-dwelling moth larvae commonly known as cutworms or darts. The species is recorded from North America. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvae are ground-dwelling and feed on vegetation.
Abagrotis kirkwoodi
cutworm moth, dart moth
Abagrotis kirkwoodi is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Buckett in 1968. It is recorded from North America. Like other members of the genus Abagrotis, it likely exhibits nocturnal adult activity and possesses the characteristic robust body form typical of noctuine moths. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 11014.
Abagrotis mexicana
Mexican cutworm, Mexican dart moth
Abagrotis mexicana is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Lafontaine in 1998. The species belongs to a genus of soil-dwelling larvae commonly known as cutworms or dart moths. It is distributed across Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available literature. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 11029.1.
Abagrotis mirabilis
Abagrotis mirabilis is a noctuid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1879. It occurs in western North America from British Columbia to California. The species has a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. Larvae feed on Juniperus and Cedrus species.
Abagrotis petalama
A small noctuid moth described by J. Donald Lafontaine in 1998. The species name derives from Greek 'petalos' (broad, flat) and 'ama' (together), referring to the broad, flattened male genitalia valvae that distinguish it from congeners. Known from limited specimens in western North America.
Abagrotis reedi
Reed's Dart
Abagrotis reedi is a noctuid moth described by John S. Buckett in 1969. It occurs across western and central North America, from California through the Rocky Mountain states to Iowa, with Canadian populations in the prairie provinces and British Columbia. The species has a moderate wingspan of 33–36 mm. It is one of approximately 30 species in the genus Abagrotis, a group of dart moths primarily distributed in North America.
Abagrotis rubricundis
Abagrotis rubricundis is a noctuid moth described by Buckett in 1968. It is restricted to mountainous regions of California and southwestern Oregon. The species has a wingspan of approximately 38 mm. It is a rarely recorded species with limited ecological data available.
Abagrotis scopeops
Abagrotis scopeops is a noctuid moth described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1904. It is a western North American species with a wingspan of approximately 36 mm. Adults are active in early fall. The species is relatively well-documented with 95 iNaturalist observations.
Abrostola
spectacle moths
Abrostola is a genus of noctuid moths in the tribe Abrostolini, characterized by distinctive thoracic markings resembling spectacles or goggles. The genus includes at least two well-studied European species: A. tripartita (the spectacle) and A. triplasia (the dark spectacle). Both species are associated with nettle as a primary larval host plant. The genus has been the subject of recent genomic research, with chromosomally complete genome assemblies available for both A. tripartita and A. triplasia.
Abrostola urentis
Spectacled Nettle Moth, Variegated Brindle
Abrostola urentis is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of 30–32 mm. It is known by two common names: the spectacled nettle moth and the variegated brindle. The species has a broad distribution across North America, with adults active in summer and larvae specialized on stinging nettle.
Abrostolini
Abrostolini is a small tribe of moths in the subfamily Plusiinae, family Noctuidae. The tribe was established by Eichlin and Cunningham in 1978 and contains two genera: Abrostola and Mouralia. Members of this tribe are part of the diverse noctuid moth fauna, with species distributed across various regions.
Achatia distincta
Distinct Quaker
Achatia distincta, commonly known as the Distinct Quaker, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active in early spring, with a single annual generation flying from late March to early May. The species is notable for its relatively broad host plant range, with larvae feeding on leaves of multiple deciduous tree genera including ash, birch, maple, oak, and grape.
Achatodes
Achatodes is a genus of noctuid moths containing at least two described species. The genus includes Achatodes zeae, commonly known as the elder shoot borer moth, whose larvae bore into elder shoots. The genus was established by Guenée in 1852.
Achatodes zeae
Elder Shoot Borer Moth, Spindle Worm
Achatodes zeae, known as the elder shoot borer moth or spindle worm, is a noctuid moth whose larvae bore into the shoots of elder bushes (Sambucus nigra). The species was first described in 1841 and gained agricultural attention in 1927 following an outbreak in Wisconsin. Its life cycle spans approximately one year, with extended egg dormancy and larval development focused on elder vegetation.
Acontia
Acontia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Ferdinand Ochsenheimer in 1816. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many species formerly placed here now transferred to Tarache. The genus remains under study, with related genera Eusceptis, Pseudalypia, and Spragueia sometimes included but currently treated as separate pending further research.
Acontia behrii
Acontia behrii is a moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1900. It is found in North America and assigned Hodges number 9164. As a member of the genus Acontia, it shares characteristic morphological traits with congeners including elongated palpi with pointed frontal tuft, well-developed third palpal segment, simple filiform antennae lacking complex modifications, and smooth-scaled thorax and abdomen without tufts or patches.
Acontia chea
bird dropping moth
Acontia chea is a species of noctuid moth commonly known as a bird dropping moth due to its camouflage resemblance. It was described by Druce in 1889 and is found in North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Acontiinae within the family Noctuidae. As a member of the Acontia genus, it shares the characteristic wing patterns that mimic bird droppings as a defensive adaptation.
Acontia coquillettii
bird dropping moth
Acontia coquillettii is a small noctuid moth species native to western North America. It is characterized by its predominantly white forewings with distinctive grey and olive markings on the distal portion, a pattern that serves as camouflage resembling bird droppings. The species has been documented in California and Oregon, with specific records from the Snake River region in Malheur County. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Acontia found in North America.
Acontia cretata
Chalky Bird Dropping Moth
Acontia cretata, commonly known as the Chalky Bird Dropping Moth, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of 22–27 mm. It occurs across the southwestern and south-central United States. Adults are active from April to September. The species was first described by Grote and Robinson in 1870.
Acontia jaliscana
Acontia jaliscana is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acontiinae. It was described by Schaus in 1898 from specimens collected in Jalisco, Mexico. The species is part of a genus characterized by small to medium-sized moths with often striking wing patterns. Records indicate presence in North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Acontia n-sp-two
Acontia n-sp-two is an undescribed species in the genus Acontia, a group of small to medium-sized moths in the family Noctuidae. As an undescribed species, it has been documented in entomological collections but lacks formal taxonomic description. Members of Acontia are generally characterized by distinctive wing patterns and are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. The species awaits formal description to establish its diagnostic characteristics and phylogenetic relationships.
Acontiinae
bird dropping moths
Acontiinae is a subfamily of moths within the family Noctuidae, commonly known as bird dropping moths. The subfamily contains over 50 genera and approximately 430 described species distributed worldwide in temperate and tropical climates. Many species exhibit remarkable bird-dropping mimicry as adults, with cryptic coloration and patterning that renders them nearly invisible against lichen-covered bark or actual bird droppings.
Acontiini
Acontiini is a tribe of moths within the subfamily Acontiinae (family Noctuidae). Members are generally small to medium-sized noctuoid moths. The tribe has been the subject of taxonomic revision, with some genera historically placed here later reassigned to related tribes. Acontiini includes species with diverse morphologies but generally shares characteristics of reduced or simplified wing venation patterns compared to other noctuine groups.
Acopa carina
Acopa carina is a species of noctuid moth (owlet moth) described by Harvey in 1875. It is found in North America, with 95 observations recorded on iNaturalist. The species belongs to the genus Acopa within the subfamily Noctuinae. Its MONA or Hodges number is 9825.
Acrapex
Acrapex is a genus of noctuid moths established by George Hampson in 1894. Species in this genus are distinguished by their slender body form and specific wing venation patterns. The genus is placed within the subfamily Noctuinae.
Acronicta
Dagger Moths
Acronicta is a genus of approximately 150 noctuid moth species distributed primarily in the temperate Holarctic, with some species extending into adjacent subtropical regions. Adults are medium-sized moths commonly known as dagger moths due to distinctive black dagger-shaped markings on the forewings of most species; some species display a conspicuous dark ring marking instead. The genus was established by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
Acronicta afflicta
afflicted dagger moth
Acronicta afflicta, commonly known as the afflicted dagger moth, is a noctuid moth species found across eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 36 mm and are active from May to September depending on location. The species is notable for its larval association with oak species (Quercus), distinguishing it ecologically from related dagger moths.
Acronicta albarufa
Barrens dagger moth
Acronicta albarufa, the barrens dagger moth, is a nocturnal noctuid moth with a fragmented distribution across North America. Adults are typically 3.0–3.5 cm in length and active from June to August, with some populations producing a partial second brood. The species is strongly associated with oak and pine barren habitats, particularly pitch pine–bear oak communities in the Northeast and oak savannahs in the western and southern portions of its range. It is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut and believed extirpated there.
Acronicta albarufa exempta
Acronicta albarufa exempta is a subspecies of dagger moth in the family Noctuidae. It belongs to the genus Acronicta, a diverse group of moths commonly known as dagger moths due to the dagger-like markings on their forewings. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological variation within the species A. albarufa. Like other Acronicta species, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with caterpillar and adult moth stages.
Acronicta atristrigatus
Acronicta atristrigatus is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Smith in 1900. The species is recorded from North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9232. As a member of the genus Acronicta, it belongs to a group commonly known as dagger moths, though specific natural history details for this particular species remain poorly documented.
Acronicta australis
Acronicta australis is a moth species in the family Noctuidae (owlet moths), first described by Mustelin and Leuschner in 2000. It is found in North America. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9275.1 for North American moth identification purposes. As a member of the dagger moth genus Acronicta, it likely shares the characteristic dagger-like markings on the forewings typical of this group, though specific morphological details require direct examination.
Acronicta beameri
Acronicta beameri is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, first described by Todd in 1958. The species is known from the southwestern United States, with a recorded wingspan of 37–43 mm. It belongs to the genus Acronicta, commonly known as dagger moths.
Acronicta betulae
birch dagger moth, River Birch Dagger
Acronicta betulae, commonly known as the birch dagger moth or River Birch Dagger, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are characterized by a distinctive wing appearance described as resembling two layers on the forewings. The species exhibits bivoltine flight periods in spring and late summer. Larvae are specialized feeders on birch leaves, with Betula nigra (river birch) documented as a primary host.
Acronicta browni
Acronicta browni is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, described by Mustelin and Leuschner in 2000. It belongs to the genus Acronicta, commonly known as dagger moths, characterized by distinctive dark dagger-shaped markings on the forewings of many species. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from California. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to have a typical noctuid life cycle with nocturnal adult activity.
Acronicta brumosa
Charred Dagger, charred dagger moth
Acronicta brumosa, commonly known as the charred dagger moth, is a noctuid moth native to North America. The species exhibits a wingspan of approximately 38 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on various Quercus (oak) species. The species was first described by Guenée in 1852.
Acronicta cryptica
Cryptic Oak Dagger
Acronicta cryptica, commonly known as the Cryptic Oak Dagger, is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae. As a member of the dagger moth genus Acronicta, it shares the characteristic forewing pattern elements typical of this group, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented. The species epithet 'cryptica' suggests a concealing or camouflaged appearance. Available records are sparse, with limited observational data documenting its occurrence.
Acronicta dolli
Doll's Dagger, Doll's dagger moth
Acronicta dolli is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1918. It is native to North America and is commonly known as Doll's Dagger or Doll's dagger moth. The species belongs to the dagger moth genus Acronicta, a group characterized by caterpillars with distinctive hair tufts or projections. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 9277.
Acronicta edolata
Acronicta edolata is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1881. It belongs to the genus Acronicta, commonly known as dagger moths, which are characterized by distinctive dark dagger-shaped markings on their forewings. The species is known from limited records in North America, with confirmed occurrence in Arizona.
Acronicta exilis
exiled dagger moth, Lesser Oak Dagger
Acronicta exilis is a noctuid moth commonly known as the exiled dagger moth or Lesser Oak Dagger. It is native to eastern North America, with documented populations in Iowa, New York, Maryland, Arkansas, Delaware, and Manitoba. The species is associated with oak habitats, as its larvae feed on Quercus species. Like other dagger moths, it likely exhibits typical noctuid life history traits including nocturnal adult activity and complete metamorphosis.
Acronicta falcula
corylus dagger moth, Hazel Dagger
Acronicta falcula is a North American noctuid moth commonly known as the corylus dagger moth or Hazel Dagger. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1877 and occurs primarily in the northeastern and north-central United States and adjacent Canada. It is associated with Corylus (hazel) species, on which its larvae feed. The species is considered rare in some parts of its range and is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut.
Acronicta fallax
Green Marvel, Green Marvel Moth
Acronicta fallax, commonly known as the green marvel moth, is a noctuid moth found across most of North America. First described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1854, this species has a wingspan of approximately 34 mm. Adults are active year-round in warmer regions, with particularly extended flight periods in Florida from February through November. The species belongs to the dagger moth genus Acronicta, characterized by distinctive caterpillars often bearing prominent defensive setae.