Noctuidae
Guides
Acronicta fragilis
Fragile Dagger, fragile dagger moth
Acronicta fragilis, commonly known as the fragile dagger moth, is a small noctuid moth native to North America. First described by Guenée in 1852, it ranges from Newfoundland south to Florida and west across Canada. The species is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut. Adults are active in early summer, with larvae feeding on several deciduous tree species.
Acronicta hasta
forked dagger moth, speared dagger moth, cherry dagger moth, dart dagger moth
Acronicta hasta is a noctuid moth native to eastern North American deciduous woodlands. Adults have a wingspan of 35–45 mm and are active from April to September, with multiple generations in southern portions of the range. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852; Acronicta furcifera was synonymized with it in 1998. Three subspecies are recognized: A. h. hasta, A. h. telum, and A. h. manitoba.
Acronicta hastulifera
Frosted Dagger Moth
Acronicta hastulifera, commonly known as the frosted dagger moth, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. First described by James Edward Smith in 1797, it is native to the northeastern United States with a range extending south to Georgia. The species is part of a complex that includes the large gray dagger moth, and its larvae feed on various hardwood trees.
Acronicta heitzmani
Heitzman's Dagger, Heitzman's dagger moth
Acronicta heitzmani is a species of dagger moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Charles V. Covell and Eric H. Metzler in 1992. The species is endemic to the central United States, with documented occurrence in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, and Ohio. It is a relatively small noctuid moth with forewing lengths of 12–14.5 mm in males and 12.5–15 mm in females. Like other members of the genus Acronicta, it is a nocturnal species attracted to artificial light sources.
Acronicta immodica
Medium Dagger, Medium Oak Dagger
Acronicta immodica is an owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the medium dagger or medium oak dagger. The species occurs in eastern North America. It was renamed from Acronicta modica in a recent taxonomic revision when the type specimen of A. modica was determined to actually represent Acronicta haesitata, necessitating the new name A. immodica for this species.
Acronicta impleta
yellow-haired dagger moth, powdered dagger
Acronicta impleta, commonly known as the yellow-haired dagger moth, is a noctuid moth species native to most of North America. Adults are active from April to July, with timing varying by location. The species is recognized by its moderate wingspan of approximately 42 mm. Larvae feed on the foliage of several deciduous tree genera including elm, maple, birch, willow, and oak. Two subspecies are recognized: A. i. impleta and A. i. illita.
Acronicta insita
Large Gray Dagger, Fingered Dagger
Acronicta insita, commonly known as the Large Gray Dagger or Fingered Dagger, is a noctuid moth found across North America from Newfoundland to the Pacific coast. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1856. Formerly, Acronicta hesperida and Acronicta dactylina were treated as separate species but are now recognized as synonyms. Adults have a wingspan of 45–55 mm and fly from May to July.
Acronicta insularis
cattail caterpillar, Henry's marsh moth
Acronicta insularis is a noctuid moth native to North America, with larvae known as the cattail caterpillar and adults as Henry's marsh moth. The species was first described in 1868 and was reclassified from Simyra to Acronicta in 2015 based on phylogenetic analysis. It has a transcontinental distribution across the United States and southern Canada, with adults active from spring through late summer and larvae feeding on wetland plants including cattails and various grasses.
Acronicta laetifica
Pleasant Dagger, Pleasant Dagger Moth
Acronicta laetifica, commonly known as the Pleasant Dagger, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae. It is a member of the dagger moth genus Acronicta, characterized by distinctive forewing markings that include a dark dagger-shaped streak. The species occurs across eastern North America, with larvae that feed on various woody plants.
Acronicta lanceolaria
lanceolate dagger moth, pointed dagger
Acronicta lanceolaria is a noctuid moth native to North America, ranging from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1875. Adults fly in early June in a single generation. It is listed as a species of special concern and believed extirpated in Connecticut.
Acronicta lepusculina
Cottonwood Dagger Moth, Cottonwood Dagger
Acronicta lepusculina, commonly known as the cottonwood dagger moth, is a noctuid moth species first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. Adults have a wingspan of 40–50 mm and are active from May to July. The species is notable for its larval association with woody plants in the genera Salix, Populus, and Betula.
Acronicta lithospila
Streaked Dagger, streaked dagger moth
Acronicta lithospila is a noctuid moth commonly known as the streaked dagger moth. Described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874, this species occurs in eastern North America from Canada south to the United States. Adults fly during summer months, and larvae feed on hardwood trees including hickory, oak, and chestnut.
Acronicta liturata
Acronicta liturata is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, originally described by Smith in 1897. It is currently treated as a synonym of Acronicta brumosa in taxonomic databases. The species belongs to the dagger moth genus Acronicta, a group known for caterpillars with distinctive tufts or 'daggers' of setae. Like other members of this genus, it is presumed to have a life cycle involving herbivorous larval stages and nocturnal adult moths.
Acronicta lupini
lupine dagger, little bear
Acronicta lupini is a noctuid moth found in alpine habitats across western North America, from Canadian provinces and territories south to California. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 33 mm and are active from May through August. The common names "lupine dagger" and "little bear" refer to this species' appearance and possibly its association with lupine plants.
Acronicta nr-othello
A North American dagger moth currently recognized as a near-relative to Acronicta othello, awaiting formal taxonomic resolution. The 'nr' designation indicates this population or specimen cluster resembles A. othello but may represent an undescribed species or distinct geographic variant. Dagger moths in this genus are characterized by their stout bodies and typically exhibit bold wing patterns with distinctive dark markings.
Acronicta othello
Acronicta othello is a noctuid moth described by Smith in 1908. It belongs to the dagger moth genus Acronicta, a group characterized by distinctive dark markings on the forewings that often resemble daggers or swords. The species occurs in western North America, with records from California and surrounding regions. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Acronicta ovata
ovate dagger moth, Epauleted Oak Dagger
Acronicta ovata is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of 28–35 mm. Adults are active from June to September, with two or more generations per year across its broad North American range. The species is known for its larval association with hardwood trees, particularly oaks.
Acronicta parallela
Parallel Dagger, parallel dagger moth
Acronicta parallela, commonly known as the parallel dagger moth, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It was originally described by Grote in 1879 and was treated as a synonym of Acronicta falcula for many years before being reinstated as a valid species in 2011 based on morphological and genetic evidence. The species occurs in North America, with confirmed records from Colorado and Oklahoma.
Acronicta perblanda
Acronicta perblanda is a noctuid moth species described by Ferguson in 1989. 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 has a restricted distribution in the southeastern United States, documented from coastal North Carolina south to Florida and west to Missouri and Louisiana.
Acronicta perdita
Pacific Dagger
Acronicta perdita is a noctuid moth species occurring along the Pacific coast of North America from British Columbia to California. Adults have a wingspan of 42–46 mm and are active from April to July. The larvae feed on Ceanothus and Purshia species.
Acronicta retardata
retarded dagger moth, Maple Dagger
Acronicta retardata, commonly known as the retarded dagger moth or Maple Dagger, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 25–32 mm and are active from April to August depending on location. The species produces multiple generations annually. Larvae are specialized feeders on maple leaves, specifically red maple (Acer rubrum) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum).
Acronicta rubricoma
Hackberry Dagger, ruddy dagger moth
Acronicta rubricoma, commonly known as the Hackberry Dagger or ruddy dagger moth, is a noctuid moth found in eastern and central North America. The species has a wingspan of 38–44 mm. Adults are active from April to October with two generations per year. The larvae feed on elm, hackberry, and sumac.
Acronicta sagittata
Acronicta sagittata is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1940. It is known from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9273. Like other members of the genus Acronicta, it belongs to the dagger moth group, though specific details about its biology and appearance remain poorly documented in available literature.
Acronicta sinescripta
Acronicta sinescripta is a moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acronictinae. The species has a southeastern United States distribution centered on the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains. Adults are active from March through September with multiple generations per year.
Acronicta sperata
Hopeful Dagger Moth, Hopeful Dagger
Acronicta sperata, commonly known as the Hopeful Dagger Moth, is a North American noctuid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Adults have a wingspan of 30–35 mm and are active from May to June. The larvae feed on Populus (poplar) and Alnus (alder) species. Two subspecies are recognized: A. s. sperata and A. s. speratina.
Acronicta spinea
Acronicta spinea is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1876. It belongs to the genus Acronicta, commonly known as dagger moths, characterized by distinctive dark markings on the forewings that often resemble a dagger shape. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available literature.
Acronicta superans
Splendid Dagger, Splendid Dagger Moth
A medium-sized noctuid moth with a 40–45 mm wingspan. Adults are active from May to August across much of eastern and central North America. The species has shown recent westward range expansion into Alberta.
Acronicta tota
Acronicta tota is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1879. It belongs to the dagger moth genus Acronicta, a diverse group of noctuid moths whose caterpillars often possess distinctive tufts or projections. The species is documented from Texas and has been recorded in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be nocturnal and attracted to light sources, though specific behavioral details remain poorly documented.
Acronicta tritona
Triton dagger moth
Acronicta tritona, commonly known as the Triton dagger moth, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. The species was first described by Jacob Hübner in 1818. Adults have a wingspan of 35–40 mm. The larva feeds on specific host plants including Helonias bullata and various Vaccinium species.
Acronicta valliscola
Acronicta valliscola is a small noctuid moth described by André Blanchard in 1968. It is known exclusively from Big Bend National Park in western Texas, making it one of the most geographically restricted species in the genus. The species has a wingspan of 30–35 mm. Very little is known about its biology or ecology due to its limited known distribution and few documented observations.
Acronicta vinnula
delightful dagger moth
Acronicta vinnula, commonly known as the delightful dagger moth, is a small noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 28–32 mm and are active from April through August, with at least two generations per year. The species is notable for its larvae feeding exclusively on elm leaves.
Acronictinae
Acronictinae is a large subfamily of moths within the family Noctuidae. Members are commonly known as dagger moths, a name derived from the distinctive dark, dagger-shaped markings present on the forewings of many species. The subfamily contains numerous species distributed across diverse habitats, with larvae that exhibit varied feeding habits.
Acroria
Acroria is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae, and tribe Dypterygiini. Established by Francis Walker in 1858, this genus belongs to the diverse owlet moth family, which contains many nocturnal species. The genus has been documented in citizen science observations, with over 200 records on iNaturalist.
Actebia
Eversmann's rustic, Portland moth
Actebia is a genus of noctuid moths established by Stephens in 1829. The genus includes several species distributed across northern regions, with notable members including Actebia fennica (Eversmann's rustic or black army cutworm) and Actebia praecox (Portland moth). Some species have been observed to respond to landscape fire smoke with altered reproductive behavior.
Adelphagrotis
Adelphagrotis is a genus of noctuid moths described by Smith in 1890. The genus contains three recognized species distributed in North America. Members are classified in the subfamily Noctuinae, the largest subfamily of owlet moths. Little is known about the biology of most species.
Adelphagrotis indeterminata
A noctuid moth found along the Pacific coast of North America. Adults have a wingspan of 30–40 mm. The species is recognized as having two subspecies: A. i. indeterminata and A. i. innotabilis. Flight activity has been recorded from May through October, with peak occurrence in late summer and autumn.
Admetovis oxymorus
cutworm moth, dart moth
Admetovis oxymorus is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1873. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species occurs in North America and has been frequently misidentified with related species in the genus. Its larvae are believed to be climbing cutworms that feed on woody shrubs.
Admetovis similaris
cutworm moth, dart moth
Admetovis similaris is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes in 1904. The species is found in North America. It belongs to the genus Admetovis, which contains three species characterized by distinctive flame-shaped forewing marks. Little is known about its specific biology, though larvae of related species are believed to be climbing cutworms that feed on woody shrubs.
Aetole cera
Aetole cera is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acontiinae. Species in this genus are generally small to medium-sized moths with distinctive wing patterns. The genus Aetole is part of the diverse tribe Acontiini, which contains many species with cryptic or aposematic coloration.
Agnorisma badinodis
Pale-banded Dart, Spotted-sided Cutworm
Agnorisma badinodis is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 36 mm. It occurs in southern Canada and the eastern United States, with one generation annually. Larvae feed on a broad range of herbaceous plants and crops.
Agnorisma bollii
Square-spotted Dart
Agnorisma bollii is a noctuid moth known from a disjunct distribution in eastern and central North America. The species is considered rare across its range, with populations occurring west of the Appalachian Mountains and in the Chesapeake Bay region. Adults are active in late summer and autumn. The larval host plant remains unknown.
Agrochola
Agrochola is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1821. Species are primarily autumn-flying (late August to November) with overwintering eggs. The genus includes species of conservation concern; Agrochola litura has declined substantially in Britain (73% abundance decrease 1970–2016). Long-term monitoring data from Prague showed Agrochola lychnidis exhibited significant population decrease over 29 years. Some authorities treat Sunira as a subgenus of Agrochola.
Agrochola lota
Red-line Quaker
A medium-sized noctuid moth found in damp habitats across Europe and Asia. Adults fly in autumn and are attracted to light. Larvae feed on willow and sallow, hiding in spun leaves during daylight hours. The species was introduced to Newfoundland and has been the subject of long-term population monitoring studies in Europe.
Agrochola pulchella
cutworm moth, dart moth
Agrochola pulchella is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1900. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae, one of the largest families of Lepidoptera. The species is recorded from North America and has been assigned Hodges number 9955 in the North American moth numbering system. Like other members of the genus Agrochola, it is a nocturnal species attracted to light.
Agrotis apicalis
Agrotis apicalis is a noctuid moth described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1868. It has a wingspan of approximately 38 mm. The species is restricted to the Caribbean region and Florida, with records from the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Florida. Like other members of the genus Agrotis, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Agrotis arenarius
Sable Island Cutworm Moth
Agrotis arenarius is a noctuid moth endemic to Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. First described by Neil in 1983, this species is known from only a handful of observations. Its restricted distribution to a single small island makes it one of the most geographically limited Agrotis species. The specific epithet "arenarius" refers to the sandy habitat of its island home.
Agrotis buchholzi
Buchholz's dart moth
Agrotis buchholzi, commonly known as Buchholz's dart moth, is a noctuid moth species first described by Barnes and Benjamin in 1929. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is found in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10654.
Agrotis daedalus
Agrotis daedalus is a noctuid moth species native to the Great Plains of North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 38 mm and are active in early spring, with one generation per year. The species is distributed from west Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona west to northern Nevada, and north to southern Alberta and south-central Saskatchewan.
Agrotis gravis
Agrotis gravis is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1874. It is restricted to a highly specialized coastal habitat, occurring exclusively on sandy ocean beaches with foreshore dunes along the Pacific coast of North America. The species has been documented from British Columbia southward through California, with 22 iNaturalist observations recorded. Its narrow ecological niche and specific substrate requirements make it vulnerable to coastal habitat disturbance.
Agrotis malefida
Rascal Dart, Palesided Cutworm
Agrotis malefida, commonly known as the rascal dart or palesided cutworm, is a noctuid moth species distributed across the southern United States and throughout the Neotropics from Mexico to Argentina and Chile. The species exhibits notable seasonal variation in adult emergence, appearing in late January in northern portions of its range while flying year-round in southern regions. Larvae are significant agricultural pests, feeding on a broad range of broad-leaved herbaceous plants and causing damage to major crops including corn, cotton, and various vegetables.