Noctuidae
Guides
Papaipema rigida
rigid sunflower borer, Joe-Pye Weed and Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth
Papaipema rigida is a noctuid moth commonly known as the rigid sunflower borer. The species is native to North America and is one of approximately 50 species in the genus Papaipema, a group of borers specialized on herbaceous plants. The common name references its association with rigid sunflower (Helianthus rigida) and related composite plants. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1877.
Papaipema silphii
Silphium Borer Moth, silphius borer moth
Papaipema silphii, commonly known as the Silphium Borer Moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Bird in 1915. It belongs to the genus Papaipema, a group of moths whose larvae are specialized borers in the stems and roots of herbaceous plants. The species is found in North America and is associated with plants in the genus Silphium. The species has been assigned Hodges number 9498 in the North American moth numbering system.
Papaipema speciosissima
osmunda borer, regal fern borer
Papaipema speciosissima is a noctuid moth commonly known as the osmunda borer or regal fern borer. The species was described in 1868 and is native to North America. As a member of the genus Papaipema, it is a fern-boring moth whose larvae develop inside fern stems or rhizomes. The specific epithet 'speciosissima' (most beautiful) suggests distinctive appearance among congeners.
Papaipema stenocelis
Chain Fern Borer Moth, chain fern borer
Papaipema stenocelis, known as the chain fern borer moth, is a noctuid moth native to North America. The species is a member of the genus Papaipema, a group of borers that specialize in feeding internally on the stems and roots of ferns and other plants. Its common name references its association with chain ferns (Woodwardia spp.). The species was described by Harrison Gray Dyar in 1907.
Papaipema sulphurata
Water-willow Stem Borer, Decodon Stem Borer, Swamp Loosestrife Borer Moth
Papaipema sulphurata is a noctuid moth endemic to southeastern Massachusetts, including Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. The species is an obligate specialist on Decodon verticillatus (water-willow or swamp loosestrife), with larvae that tunnel into stems and feed on vascular tissue. Adults fly in autumn, with a wingspan of 32–38 mm. The species is considered rare due to its restricted range and specific host plant requirements.
Papaipema unimoda
meadow rue borer, Meadow Rue Borer Moth
Papaipema unimoda is a noctuid moth commonly known as the meadow rue borer. Adults are active in late summer and fall, with a single annual generation. The species is notable for its larval habit of boring into the roots and stems of herbaceous host plants.
Papestra biren
Glaucous Shears, Glaucous Shears Moth
Papestra biren, commonly known as the glaucous shears, is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of 30–38 mm. The species was first described by Goeze in 1781 and exhibits notable color variation across its range, including purplish-grey, ashy-grey, and dark ruddy-grey forms. Adults are active from May to July in a single annual generation. The species has a broad Palearctic distribution and was introduced to North America in 1935, where it has since expanded southward from Newfoundland.
Papestra quadrata
Quadrate Shears
Papestra quadrata is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Quadrate Shears. The species was described by Smith in 1891 and originally placed in the genus Mamestra. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate P. q. quadrata and P. q. ingravis. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10310.
Parabagrotis exsertistigma
Parabagrotis exsertistigma is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, originally described by Morris in 1874. It is a member of the genus Parabagrotis, which contains several North American noctuid species. The species has been recorded in western Canada and is attracted to ultraviolet light sources, a common trait among noctuid moths. Its Hodges number is 11047.
Parabagrotis sulinaris
Parabagrotis sulinaris is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Lafontaine in 1998. It belongs to the genus Parabagrotis, a group of noctuid moths found in North America. The species is known from distribution records in North America, with 209 observations recorded on iNaturalist. It is assigned Hodges number 11048.
Paradiarsia
Paradiarsia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by McDunnough in 1929. The genus belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, a diverse group commonly known as owlet moths. Species within Paradiarsia are primarily found in North America. The genus is characterized by medium-sized moths with relatively dull coloration, typical of many noctuine moths.
Paramiana
Paramiana is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1924. The genus currently contains five recognized species distributed in North America. Based on its placement in the subfamily Noctuinae, members are nocturnal and possess the characteristic features of owlet moths.
Paramiana
Paramiana is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae. The specific epithet "n-sp" indicates an undescribed or unidentified species within this genus. Information regarding this particular species is limited, as it has not been formally described in scientific literature. The genus itself belongs to the diverse owlet moth family, which contains thousands of species worldwide.
Paramiana canoa
Paramiana canoa is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Barnes in 1907. Originally placed in the genus Cerma, it was later transferred to Paramiana. The species is known from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented. It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest and most diverse groups of moths.
Paramiana marina
Peridot Sallow
Paramiana marina is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1906. Originally placed in the genus Cerma, it was later transferred to Paramiana. The species is known from North America and is commonly referred to as the Peridot Sallow. Like other noctuids, it is nocturnal and likely has a typical complete metamorphosis life cycle with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.
Paramiana n-sp-two
Paramiana n-sp-two is an undescribed species within the noctuid moth genus Paramiana, a group of medium-sized owlet moths in the tribe Xylenini. The genus Paramiana is native to western North America, with species distributed primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. As an undescribed species, formal documentation is limited to specimen records and preliminary taxonomic notes. The species is recognized as distinct based on genitalic morphology and wing pattern characteristics that separate it from described congeners.
Paramiana perissa
Paramiana perissa is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Nye in 1975. It is a noctuine moth found in North America, with a MONA/Hodges number of 9805. The species is part of a small genus within the diverse Noctuidae family. Available records indicate it is a rarely encountered species with limited published documentation.
Paramiana smaragdina
Paramiana smaragdina is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Neumoegen in 1884. It occurs in North America and has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 9803. As a member of the subfamily Noctuinae, it belongs to one of the largest and most diverse groups of moths. The species is known from documented occurrences but detailed natural history information appears limited in published sources.
Parapamea
Parapamea is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Bird in 1927. The genus contains a single described species, Parapamea buffaloensis, described by Grote in 1877. These moths belong to the diverse subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest groups within the Noctuidae.
Parastichtis suspecta
Suspected, Suspected Moth
Parastichtis suspecta, commonly known as the suspected or suspected moth, is a noctuid moth with broad distribution across the Palearctic and North America. Adults are highly variable in coloration, ranging from pale grey to rich reddish-brown or nearly black forms. The species has a single annual generation in Europe, with adults active in late summer. Larvae are specialized feeders on willow species, with a distinctive life cycle involving overwintering as eggs and pupation underground.
Paratrachea
Paratrachea is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by George Hampson in 1908. The genus contains two recognized species: P. laches and P. viridescens. Both species are placed in the subfamily Noctuinae.
Paratrachea viridescens
mossy sallow
Paratrachea viridescens is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the mossy sallow. It was first described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1918. The species is found in North America and is assigned Hodges number 9627.
Patara n-sp-fl
Patara n-sp-fl is an undescribed species within the genus Patara, a group of moths in the family Noctuidae (subfamily Erebidae). The 'n-sp-fl' designation indicates a provisional species name used in collections or databases prior to formal description, with 'fl' likely referring to Florida as the geographic origin of the type material. Species in this genus are generally medium-sized moths with relatively plain forewings and subtle patterning. Formal description and characterization of this entity await taxonomic revision.
Peridroma
variegated cutworm moth
Peridroma is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae. The genus includes approximately 12 described species, with Peridroma saucia (variegated cutworm) being the most economically significant due to its status as a widespread agricultural pest. Species in this genus are found across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, with some species introduced to new regions. The genus is characterized by medium-sized moths with relatively stout bodies and cryptic coloration typical of noctuine moths.
Peridroma saucia
Variegated Cutworm, Pearly Underwing, False Black Cutworm Moth
Peridroma saucia is a highly polyphagous noctuid moth with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution across temperate and subtropical regions. The species is a significant agricultural pest, with larvae feeding on numerous crop plants including vegetables, fruits, and field crops. Adults are migratory, moving northward in spring and returning south in autumn, with 2–4 generations per year depending on latitude. Recent research has documented its role as a nocturnal pollinator of apple and other crops, revealing ecological functions beyond its pest status.
Perigea
Perigea is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Condicinae, erected by Achille Guenée in 1852. The genus contains approximately 50 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Species exhibit considerable diversity in wing pattern and coloration. The genus has been recorded from diverse habitats including lowland rainforests, dry forests, and subtropical woodlands.
Perigea enixa
Perigea enixa is a species of owlet moth (family Noctuidae) described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1875. It belongs to the subfamily Condicinae. The species is known from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9689.2. Records of this species are sparse, with only limited observational data available.
Perigonica
Perigonica is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Smith in 1890. The genus contains five described species, all named by Smith or Dyar between 1888 and 1911. These moths are found in North America, with records from the United States and Canada. The genus is part of the diverse owlet moth family, which includes many nocturnal species.
Perigonica angulata
cutworm moth, dart moth
Perigonica angulata is a species of noctuid moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly referred to as a cutworm or dart moth. The species was described by Smith in 1890 and occurs in North America. It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest and most diverse groups within the Noctuidae. The genus Perigonica contains multiple species distributed across North America.
Perigonica fulminans
cutworm moth, dart moth
Perigonica fulminans is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1890. It is found in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10466. As a member of the Noctuidae, it belongs to a large family commonly known as owlet moths, cutworms, or dart moths.
Perigonica pectinata
cutworm moth, dart moth
Perigonica pectinata is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Smith in 1943 and is known from North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10469. As a member of the subfamily Noctuinae, it belongs to a large group of predominantly nocturnal moths whose larvae are commonly known as cutworms.
Perilitini
Perilitini is a small tribe of braconid wasps in the subfamily Microgastrinae. Members are koinobiont endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, primarily associated with hosts in the family Noctuidae (owlet moths). The tribe is characterized by reduced wing venation and a compact body form. Taxonomic boundaries within Perilitini have been historically unstable, with some genera transferred to or from related tribes based on molecular phylogenetic studies.
Phobolosia anfracta
Phobolosia anfracta is a small moth species described by Henry Edwards in 1881, originally placed in the genus Nola. It belongs to the subfamily Acontiinae within the family Noctuidae. The species is known from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 8439. Despite its relatively broad geographic range, detailed biological information remains limited.
Phoenicophanta bicolor
Phoenicophanta bicolor is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1916. It is known from North America and has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 9028. The genus Phoenicophanta is placed in the subfamily Acontiinae.
Phoenicophanta modestula
Phoenicophanta modestula is a small noctuid moth described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1924. It belongs to the subfamily Acontiinae, a group of small, often brightly patterned owlet moths. The species is known from North America, with scattered records across the continent. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9029.
Phosphila miselioides
Spotted Phosphila Moth, spotted phosphila
Phosphila miselioides, commonly known as the spotted phosphila, is a noctuid moth species described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It is a member of the cutworm or dart moth group within family Noctuidae. The species is documented across North America with substantial observational records.
Phosphilini
Phosphilini is a tribe of moths within the family Noctuidae. Members are classified under the order Lepidoptera. The tribe contains multiple genera of noctuid moths.
Photedes
Photedes is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Lederer in 1857. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed primarily across the Palearctic region, with some representation in North America. At least one species, Photedes minima (Small Dotted Buff), has been subject to genomic study, revealing a chromosome count of 31 (30 autosomes plus Z chromosome). Species in this genus are generally small to medium-sized moths associated with moist habitats.
Photedes defecta
narrow-winged borer, narrow-winged borer moth
Photedes defecta is a small noctuid moth commonly known as the narrow-winged borer. First described by Grote in 1874, it occurs across northern North America from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific. Adults are active in mid to late summer with a primary flight period from July through September. The species has historically been classified under the genus Hypocoena but is now placed in Photedes.
Photedes enervata
many-lined cordgrass moth, many-lined photedes
Photedes enervata is a noctuid moth occurring in Atlantic coastal marshes of North America. The species was transferred from Hypocoena to Photedes based on morphological and genetic evidence. Larvae are specialist feeders on Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass), tying them to salt marsh ecosystems. Adults are rarely encountered away from coastal wetland habitats.
Photedes includens
Included Cordgrass Borer Moth, included cordgrass borer
Photedes includens, commonly known as the included cordgrass borer, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded across Canada and the United States. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9434. Like other members of the genus Photedes, it is associated with wetland habitats where its larval host plants occur.
Photedes inops
spartina borer moth
Photedes inops is a noctuid moth native to North America, commonly known as the spartina borer moth. Its larvae feed on Spartina pectinata, with host plant association appearing exclusive. The species holds conservation status as a species of special concern in Connecticut.
Photedes panatela
Northern Cordgrass Borer Moth, Northern Cordgrass Borer
Photedes panatela, known as the northern cordgrass borer moth, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Smith in 1904, originally under the basionym Erastria panatela. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Vermont). It is assigned Hodges number 9436 in the North American moth numbering system.
Phuphena
Phuphena is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Francis Walker in 1858. The genus contains approximately 13 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species within this genus are classified within the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest subfamilies of owlet moths. The genus has been documented through museum specimens and limited field observations.
Phuphena tura
cutworm, dart moth
Phuphena tura is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Druce in 1889. It is found in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9634. The species belongs to a group of noctuid moths whose larvae are known as cutworms, characterized by their habit of cutting down young plants at or near the soil surface.
Plagiomimicus
Plagiomimicus is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. The genus contains approximately 25 described species distributed primarily in North America. Members of this genus are nocturnal and attracted to artificial light sources. The early life stages of many species remain poorly documented.
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.
Plagiomimicus hilli
Plagiomimicus hilli is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, originally described as Stiria hilli by Barnes and Benjamin in 1923. It belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae, a group of owlet moths. The species is known from North America. Information regarding its biology, ecology, and specific habitat requirements remains limited in published sources.
Plagiomimicus kathyae
Plagiomimicus kathyae is a species of owlet moth (family Noctuidae) described by Adams in 2009. It belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae and tribe Stiriini. The species is known from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9750.1.
Plagiomimicus mimica
Plagiomimicus mimica is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Poole in 1995. It is found in North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae and tribe Stiriini. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to light sources.