Noctuidae
Guides
Litoprosopus confligens
Litoprosopus confligens is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae. It is found in North America. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 8559. Very little specific information is available for this species compared to its congener Litoprosopus coachella, which is well-documented as a palm-associated pest in the southwestern United States.
Loscopia velata
Veiled Ear Moth
Loscopia velata, commonly known as the veiled ear moth, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Francis Walker in 1865 and is found in North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae and is part of the diverse noctuid moth fauna of the continent.
Lycophotia phyllophora
Lycophotia Moth
Lycophotia phyllophora is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. Adults are active during summer months across northeastern North America. Larvae feed on leaves of woody plants in several genera including Alnus, Betula, and Salix. The species was first described by Grote in 1874 under the basionym Agrotis phyllophora.
Lythrodes tripuncta
Lythrodes tripuncta is a noctuid moth species described in 1911 by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough. It belongs to the owlet moth family Noctuidae and is known from North America. The species is catalogued under Hodges number 9734 in the North American Moth Photographers Group system.
Macronoctua onusta
iris borer, Iris Borer Moth
Macronoctua onusta, commonly called the iris borer, is a noctuid moth native to North America. Adults are large, dull brown moths with distinctive smoky dark gray patterning and a uniquely shaped reniform spot. The species is a foodplant specialist whose larvae bore into the rhizomes of iris plants, making it a notable pest in gardens and horticulture. Adults fly in autumn, primarily September and October.
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.
Mamestra
Cabbage moth
Mamestra is a genus of noctuid moths established in 1816. The genus contains at least five described species, with M. brassicae (cabbage moth) being the most economically significant. Cell lines from M. brassicae are used in biopharmaceutical research for recombinant protein production.
Mamestra curialis
Scripted Arches Moth, Scripted Arches
Mamestra curialis is a noctuid moth native to North America, first described by John Bernhard Smith in 1887. The species has been documented across western Canada including Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. It was historically referred to as the "citrus cutworm" in California agricultural literature, where early-season larvae feed on young citrus fruit, though this common name has also been applied to related species. The species has gained attention in integrated pest management research due to its potential economic impact on citrus production.
Mammifrontia
Mammifrontia is a genus of noctuid moths erected by William Barnes and Arthur Ward Lindsey in 1922. The genus contains three described species: M. leucania, M. rileyi, and M. sarae. These moths belong to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest groups within the family Noctuidae. The genus name likely refers to distinctive frontal head structures, though this has not been formally documented.
Mammifrontia sarae
cutworm, dart moth
Mammifrontia sarae is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Mustelin in 2006. The species belongs to the genus Mammifrontia within the subfamily Noctuinae. It is found in North America and has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 9447.1. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only two records reported in iNaturalist.
Marathyssa nr-inficita
Marathyssa nr-inficita is a Nearctic moth species in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Euteliinae. The specific epithet "nr-inficita" indicates this taxon is near or related to Marathyssa inficita but has not been formally described or is of uncertain taxonomic status. Members of the genus Marathyssa are generally small to medium-sized noctuid moths with distinctive wing patterns. The species has been documented in North American records, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Marilopteryx
Marilopteryx is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Franclemont in 1982. The genus contains three described species distributed in the Americas. Members of this genus are classified within the subfamily Noctuinae and tribe Eriopygini, a group of owlet moths.
Marilopteryx carancahua
cutworm moth, dart moth
Marilopteryx carancahua is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Blanchard and Franclemont in 1982. It belongs to the tribe Eriopygini within the subfamily Noctuinae. The species is recorded from North America and has been assigned MONA (Moth Photographers Group) Hodges number 10633.1.
Marimatha nigrofimbria
Black-bordered Lemon Moth
Marimatha nigrofimbria, the Black-bordered Lemon Moth, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of 18–22 mm. It is characterized by yellowish forewings with distinct black borders along the outer margins. The species is widespread in eastern North America, with populations extending west to Arizona and California. It is listed as Critically Imperiled in New York State due to its position at the northern range limit.
Marimatha tripuncta
Three-spotted Lemon Moth
Marimatha tripuncta is a small noctuid moth described by Heinrich Benno Möschler in 1890. It occurs in the Caribbean and southern Florida, with adults active from late April through mid-October. The species belongs to the subfamily Acontiinae, a group of generally small, often yellowish moths. The common name "Three-spotted Lemon Moth" refers to the characteristic three dark spots on the pale yellow forewings.
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.
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.
Melanchra assimilis
Black Arches, Similar Black Noctuid, Black Arch
Melanchra assimilis is a noctuid moth native to North America. The species belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within family Noctuidae. It is recorded from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Vermont). The species is recognized by the common name 'black arches' or 'similar black noctuid' in reference to its dark wing patterning.
Melanchra pulverulenta
Graphite Arches
Melanchra pulverulenta is a noctuid moth commonly known as Graphite Arches. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is documented across North America with confirmed records in Canada and the United States.
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.
Meropleon ambifusca
Newman's Brocade
Meropleon ambifusca, commonly known as Newman's Brocade, is a noctuid moth species described by Newman in 1948. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is recorded from North America and holds conservation status as a species of special concern in Connecticut.
Meropleon cosmion
cutworm moth, dart moth
Meropleon cosmion is a species of noctuid moth described by Harrison Gray Dyar in 1924. It belongs to the family Noctuidae, commonly known as cutworm or dart moths. The species is recorded from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9425. Like other members of the genus Meropleon, it is part of the diverse Noctuinae subfamily, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Meropleon diversicolor
multicolored sedgeminer moth
Meropleon diversicolor, commonly known as the multicolored sedgeminer moth, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 29 mm. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with records spanning from Quebec and New Brunswick south to Georgia and west to Kansas and Oklahoma. The species is strongly associated with wetland habitats and has a larval stage that bores into sedges (Carex and related genera). Adults are active from June through October, with peak abundance in August and September.
Meropleon linae
Meropleon linae is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Metlevski in 2005. It is known from North America and is assigned Hodges number 9425.2. As a member of the Noctuinae subfamily, it belongs to a large group of primarily nocturnal moths whose larvae are commonly known as cutworms.
Meropleon titan
Titan Brocade
Meropleon titan is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Todd in 1958. It is found in North America and is known by the common name Titan Brocade. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9426. As a member of the Noctuidae, it belongs to a large and diverse family of moths commonly known as owlet moths or cutworms.
Mesapamea fractilinea
Broken-lined Brocade Moth, broken-lined brocade
Mesapamea fractilinea is a moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the broken-lined brocade. It is a cutworm or dart moth native to North America. The species was described by Grote in 1874 and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9406.
Metaxaglaea australis
Southern Sallow, southern sallow moth
Metaxaglaea australis, commonly known as the southern sallow moth, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. The species was described by Schweitzer in 1979. It is found in North America, where it inhabits woodland habitats. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9945.1.
Metaxaglaea inulta
Unsated Sallow, Arrowwood Sallow
Metaxaglaea inulta, known as the unsated sallow or arrowwood sallow, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults fly in late autumn, with activity extending unusually late into the year. The species is tightly associated with Viburnum host plants, from which one of its common names derives.
Metaxaglaea semitaria
Footpath Sallow, footpath sallow moth
Metaxaglaea semitaria, commonly known as the footpath sallow moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Franclemont in 1968. It belongs to the tribe Xylenini within the subfamily Noctuinae. The species is recorded from North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9945.
Micrathetis
Micrathetis new-species is a newly described moth species in the family Noctuidae, representing a recent addition to the genus Micrathetis. The genus Micrathetis belongs to the tribe Elaphriini within the subfamily Noctuinae, a group of owlet moths. As a newly described species, detailed information about its biology, distribution, and ecology remains limited pending further study.
Micrathetis triplex
Triplex Cutworm Moth
Micrathetis triplex, commonly known as the Triplex Cutworm Moth, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It is native to North America and has been documented in numerous observations. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1857.
Microhelia
Microhelia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Heliothinae, established by Hampson in 1910. The genus contains at least one described species, Microhelia angelica. It belongs to the diverse noctuid moth fauna, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in scientific literature.
Microhelia angelica
Microhelia angelica is a small noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1900. It occurs along the Pacific coast of North America from California to Washington. The species has a wingspan of 9–13 mm, making it one of the smaller members of the subfamily Heliothinae. Little is known of its biology beyond basic collection records.
Mimobarathra
Mimobarathra is a genus of noctuid moths erected by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1915. The genus is monotypic, containing only the single species Mimobarathra antonito, which was described by Barnes in 1907. It is endemic to Arizona in the southwestern United States. The genus belongs to the tribe Eriopygini within the subfamily Noctuinae.
Mimobarathra antonito
Mimobarathra antonito is a monotypic noctuid moth endemic to Arizona. The genus was erected by Barnes and McDunnough in 1915, with this species originally described by Barnes in 1907. It remains poorly known beyond its type locality and basic taxonomic placement.
Minofala instans
Minofala instans is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1905. It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae and tribe Hadenini. The genus Minofala is small and poorly documented, with limited available information on its biology and ecology.
Miodera
Miodera is a genus of owlet moths (family Noctuidae) established by Smith in 1908. The genus contains two described species: Miodera eureka (Barnes & Benjamin, 1926) and Miodera stigmata (Smith, 1908). It is classified within the subfamily Noctuinae and tribe Eriopygini. The genus has been documented in North America with limited observational records.
Miodera stigmata
cutworm, dart moth
Miodera stigmata is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1908. It is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10623, a standard numbering system for North American Lepidoptera. As a member of the subfamily Noctuinae and tribe Eriopygini, it belongs to a diverse group of moths whose larvae are commonly known as cutworms.
Morrisonia
Fluid Arches, Confused Woodgrain
Morrisonia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Grote in 1874. The genus currently contains five recognized species, including the well-known Morrisonia confusa (Confused Woodgrain) and Morrisonia latex (Fluid Arches). These moths are part of the diverse Noctuinae subfamily, commonly known as owlet moths. Some authorities treat Morrisonia as a synonym of Achatia.
Morrisonia confusa
Confused Woodgrain Moth, confused woodgrain
Morrisonia confusa is a noctuid moth known as the confused woodgrain, found across eastern North America. Adults are active in spring, with flight periods varying by latitude from April to June. The species is recognized by its moderate size and cryptic coloration. Larvae feed on a documented range of deciduous trees.
Morrisonia latex
Fluid Arches
A noctuid moth native to eastern and central North America, commonly known as the Fluid Arches. Adults are active in late spring and early summer. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. Larvae are polyphagous on deciduous trees and shrubs, with documented feeding on maples, birches, oaks, and other woody plants.
Morrisonia mucens
Gray Woodgrain Moth, gray woodgrain
Morrisonia mucens, commonly known as the gray woodgrain moth, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 29 mm. It occurs across the southeastern and eastern United States, from coastal Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Texas. The species has one generation per year.
Morrisonia triangula
Morrisonia triangula is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, described by Sullivan and Adams in 2009. The type locality is in Craven County, North Carolina, within the Croatan National Forest. It is known from the southeastern United States.
Mouralia tinctoides
Mouralia tinctoides is a small moth and the sole species in its genus, Mouralia. It belongs to the subfamily Plusiinae within the Noctuidae family. The species exhibits a broad distribution across the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through the Caribbean and Central America to South America. Despite its wide geographic range, published biological and ecological information remains limited.
Mythimna
Armyworm moths
Mythimna is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as armyworm moths. Several species are significant agricultural pests, with larvae that feed on cereal crops, corn, rice, and other grasses. The genus has a global distribution spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australasia. Notable species include M. unipuncta (true armyworm), M. separata (Oriental armyworm), and M. loreyi, all of which cause economic damage to major food crops. Adult moths have been documented as nocturnal pollinators of apple flowers and other crops.
Mythimna oxygala
Lesser Wainscot
Mythimna oxygala, commonly known as the lesser wainscot, is a noctuid moth species found in North America. It belongs to a genus that includes several agricultural pest species, though specific pest status for this species is not well documented. The species is part of the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae.
Nacopa bistrigata
Nacopa bistrigata is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918. It is known from North America and assigned Hodges number 9827. The species is part of the subfamily Noctuinae, a large group of predominantly nocturnal moths.
Nacopa melanderi
Nacopa melanderi is a species of owlet moth (family Noctuidae) described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1927. It is native to North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9828. The genus Nacopa is a small group within the large noctuid subfamily Noctuinae. Published observations of this species remain limited.
Narthecophora
Narthecophora is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Stiriinae. It contains a single species, Narthecophora pulverea, described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1900. The genus is restricted to the Sonoran Desert region of southern Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico.
Nedra stewarti
Nedra stewarti is a moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1875. It is found in California and Oregon. The species belongs to the genus Nedra, which is part of the subfamily Noctuinae. Limited information is available regarding its biology, ecology, and specific habitat requirements.