Noctuidae
Guides
Plagiomimicus ochoa
Plagiomimicus ochoa is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes in 1904. It occurs in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9740. As a member of the subfamily Stiriinae, it belongs to a group of relatively small noctuids often associated with specific host plants. The early life stages and detailed biology of this species remain poorly documented.
Plagiomimicus olvello
Plagiomimicus olvello is a species of owlet moth (family Noctuidae) first described by William Barnes in 1907. It belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae and is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9742. Like other members of its genus, it is nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Plagiomimicus pityochromus
Black-barred Brown
Plagiomimicus pityochromus, commonly known as the black-barred brown, is a noctuid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. It is found in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9754. The species belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae within the owlet moth family Noctuidae.
Plagiomimicus spumosum
Frothy Moth
Plagiomimicus spumosum, commonly known as the frothy moth, is a noctuid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874. It has a transcontinental distribution across North America, from southern Canada to the United States. The species is univoltine, with adults active in mid-summer. Larvae are seed-feeding specialists on sunflower (Helianthus annuus), burrowing into the flower heads to consume developing seeds.
Plagiomimicus tepperi
Plagiomimicus tepperi is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, originally described as Schinia tepperi by Morrison in 1875. It belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae and tribe Stiriini. The species is known from North America, with 222 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Like other members of its genus, it is attracted to lights at night.
Platypolia anceps
Ashen-spotted Brocade
Platypolia anceps is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It is known from North America, with records from the United States and Canada. The species is recognized by the common name Ashen-spotted Brocade and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9976. It was originally described by Stephens in 1850 under the name Polia anceps.
Platypolia loda
cutworm moth, dart moth
Platypolia loda is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Strecker in 1898 and is native to North America. The species is recognized by MONA/Hodges number 9978 and includes two recognized subspecies: P. l. loda and P. l. gunderi.
Pleromella opter
Pleromella opter is a moth species and the sole member of the monotypic genus Pleromella within the family Noctuidae. It is endemic to western North America, occurring in southern Oregon, California, and Baja California. The species was first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1921. It is one of approximately 124 observed records documented in natural history databases.
Pleromelloida bonuscula
Pleromelloida bonuscula is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1898. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Alberta, Canada. The species is assigned Hodges number 10029 in the North American moth numbering system.
Pleromelloida cinerea
Ashy Pleromelloida Moth
Pleromelloida cinerea, commonly known as the ashy pleromelloida moth, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Smith in 1904, originally under the name Pleroma cinerea. The species is found in North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 10031. As a member of the Noctuidae, it belongs to one of the largest families of moths, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Plusia
Plusia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae. Species in this genus are commonly known as loopers or plusias. The genus includes several agricultural pest species whose larvae feed on various crop plants. Adults are typically nocturnal and exhibit specific mating behaviors including female pheromone release and wing fanning. Some species display migratory flight behavior in young adults.
Plusia contexta
Connected Looper Moth, connected looper
Plusia contexta, the connected looper moth, is a species of looper moth in the family Noctuidae. The species is found in eastern and central North America, where adults are active during warmer months. The common name refers to the looping locomotion of the larva, which possesses fewer prolegs than typical caterpillars. The species inhabits meadows and agricultural fields.
Plusia magnimacula
Large-spotted Looper Moth
Plusia magnimacula is a species of looper moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by D. Handfield and L. Handfield in 2006. The species is known from North America, with records from Vermont and other regions of the United States. It belongs to the subfamily Plusiinae, which contains many economically significant agricultural pests. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 8951.1.
Plusia nichollae
West Coast Plusia
Plusia nichollae is a species of looper moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae. It is native to North America, with a distribution concentrated on the western coast of the continent as suggested by its common name. The species was described by Hampson in 1913, originally placed in the genus Phytometra. Like other members of the genus Plusia, it is characterized by looping locomotion in its larval stage due to reduced proleg number. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 8951.
Plusia putnami
Putnam's Looper Moth, Lempke's Gold Spot
Plusia putnami is a noctuid moth with a trans-Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern Eurasia from Japan to western Europe and throughout much of North America. Adults are active from July to August in western Europe and May to October in northern North America. The species is notable for requiring genitalic dissection to reliably distinguish it from the similar Plusia festucae, as wing pattern differences between the two are not constant. The wingspan ranges from 32–42 mm.
Plusia venusta
White-streaked Looper Moth, White-streaked Looper
Plusia venusta, known as the white-streaked looper, is a species of looper moth in the family Noctuidae. It is found in North America. The species has a MONA (Hodges) number of 8953. As a member of the subfamily Plusiinae, the caterpillars exhibit the characteristic looping locomotion due to reduced prolegs.
Plusiina
Plusiina is a subtribe within the subfamily Plusiinae of the moth family Noctuidae. Members are commonly known as loopers or semiloopers due to their distinctive larval locomotion. The subtribe includes economically significant agricultural pests such as Rachiplusia nu and Chrysodeixis includens, which cause defoliation damage to soybean and other crops. Larvae are characterized by having three pairs of prolegs and a looping gait, distinguishing them from true geometrid loopers which possess only two pairs.
Plusiinae
Plusiine Looper Moths, Looper Moths
Plusiinae is a subfamily of moths within Noctuidae, commonly known as plusiine looper moths. The group is characterized by larvae with three pairs of prolegs that move with a distinctive looping gait. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of soybean and other legumes. The subfamily is relatively small compared to other noctuid groups, and its taxonomic status may be elevated to family rank pending resolution of Noctuidae paraphyly.
Plusiini
Plusiini is the largest tribe within the Plusiinae subfamily of Noctuidae moths. The tribe was established by Boisduval in 1828 and contains numerous genera, with at least one additional undescribed genus known to exist. Members of this tribe are commonly known as looper moths or owlet moths, though these common names are shared with related groups. The tribe has been extensively documented, with over 137,000 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Plusiodonta nr-compressipalpis
Plusiodonta nr-compressipalpis is a noctuid moth provisionally identified as near-compressipalpis, indicating morphological similarity to Plusiodonta compressipalpis without confirmed species status. The genus Plusiodonta comprises primarily tropical and subtropical moths, many with distinctive wing patterns and reduced mouthparts. This provisional designation suggests the specimen requires further taxonomic verification, possibly through genitalic dissection or DNA barcoding. Members of this genus are generally nocturnal and attracted to light.
Podagra crassipes
Podagra crassipes is the sole species in the monotypic genus Podagra, a group of moths in the family Noctuidae. The species was described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1902 and is known only from the US state of Arizona. As the only member of its genus, it represents a distinct lineage within the Grotellinae subfamily.
Poecilanthrax alpha
Poecilanthrax alpha is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. It belongs to a strictly North American genus of parasitoid flies whose larvae develop inside caterpillars, primarily cutworms and armyworms (Noctuidae). The genus Poecilanthrax contains approximately 35 species, with greatest diversity in the Great Basin region. Specific details about P. alpha's biology and distribution remain limited in published literature.
Polia
Polia is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Ochsenheimer in 1816. The genus includes the Grey Arches (Polia nebulosa), a species with a recently sequenced genome as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project. Polia species are characterized by variable forewing coloration and are found in temperate regions across Europe and Asia.
Polia imbrifera
Cloudy Arches Moth, cloudy arch
Polia imbrifera, commonly known as the Cloudy Arches Moth or cloudy arch, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. The species is native to North America and has been recorded across a broad geographic range including the United States and Canada.
Polia nimbosa
Stormy Arches, stormy arch
Polia nimbosa, commonly known as the Stormy Arches, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Guenée in 1852, with the basionym Aplecta nimbosa. The species is recognized by the MONA/Hodges number 10275 and is known to occur across North America. Three subspecies have been described: P. n. mystica, P. n. mysticoides, and the nominate P. n. nimbosa.
Polia nugatis
cutworm, dart moth
Polia nugatis is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1898. It is native to North America, with documented presence in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The species is classified within the tribe Hadenini and is one of approximately 146 observed taxa in its genus on iNaturalist.
Polia piniae
piney moth
Polia piniae, commonly known as the piney moth, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Buckett and Bauer in 1967. The species is found in North America, with confirmed records from Alberta, Canada. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 10274.
Polia richardsoni
Alpine Arches
Polia richardsoni is a noctuid moth species in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the Alpine Arches. First described by John Curtis in 1834, it is found across North America. The species belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family. It has two recognized subspecies: the nominate P. r. richardsoni and P. r. magna. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10279.
Policocnemis
Policocnemis is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, containing a single species, Policocnemis ungulatus. The genus was described by Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1932. The sole species is endemic to Texas.
Polychrysia esmeralda
delphinium leaftier
Polychrysia esmeralda, commonly known as the delphinium leaftier, is a noctuid moth described by Charles Oberthür in 1880. The species name derives from Greek roots meaning "many" and "gold," referring to the adult's shining golden wing coloration. It occurs across northern North America and eastern Siberia, with larvae specializing on toxic Ranunculaceae host plants including monkshood and delphinium. The species is notable for its distinctive larval behavior of tying leaves together with silk and spinning a gold-colored cocoon within.
Ponometia
Ponometia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acontiinae. The genus was erected by Herrich-Schäffer in 1868 and contains approximately 45 described species. Some authorities treat Ponometia as a synonym of Acontia, reflecting ongoing taxonomic debate. Species in this genus have been historically classified under several other genera including Conochares, Fruva, and Tarachidia.
Ponometia altera
Ponometia altera is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 21 mm. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically in New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The larvae feed on Ericameria species, a genus of shrubs in the sunflower family.
Ponometia bicolorata
bird-dropping moth
Ponometia bicolorata is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1912. It belongs to the bird-dropping moth group, named for their camouflage resemblance to avian feces. The species is recorded from North America and holds MONA/Hodges number 9084. Taxonomic authorities recognize it under the genus Ponometia, though some sources list it as a synonym of Acontia bicolorata.
Ponometia binocula
Prairie Bird-dropping Moth
Ponometia binocula, commonly known as the prairie bird-dropping moth, is a noctuid moth species first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1875. It belongs to the bird-dropping moth group, named for their resemblance to avian feces. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9089.
Ponometia candefacta
Olive-shaded Bird-dropping Moth
Ponometia candefacta, commonly known as the olive-shaded bird-dropping moth, is a small noctuid moth native to North America. It has been deliberately introduced to Russia as a biological control agent for common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). The species inhabits dry, disturbed, weedy areas at low elevations and is active during summer months.
Ponometia cuta
bird dropping moth
Ponometia cuta is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1905. It belongs to a group commonly known as bird dropping moths, recognized for their cryptic coloration resembling avian feces. The species is native to North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9094.
Ponometia dorneri
bird-dropping moth
Ponometia dorneri is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1913. It belongs to the subfamily Acontiinae, commonly known as bird-dropping moths for their cryptic appearance. The species occurs in North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9091. Taxonomic placement has been unstable, with the species previously placed in genera Tarache and Acontia.
Ponometia elegantula
Arizona bird-dropping moth
Ponometia elegantula, commonly known as the Arizona bird-dropping moth, is a noctuid moth species first described by Leon F. Harvey in 1876. The species belongs to the bird-dropping moth group, named for their resemblance to avian feces as a form of protective camouflage. It is recorded across North America with confirmed observations in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The species is assigned Hodges number 9109 in the North American Moth Photographers Group system.
Ponometia exigua
Bicolored Bird-dropping Moth
Ponometia exigua is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Bicolored Bird-dropping Moth. First described by Fabricius in 1793, it occurs across the southeastern United States, Caribbean islands, and extends through Central America to Brazil. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism. Larvae feed on specific host plants including Erechtites hieraciifolia and Waltheria ovata.
Ponometia huita
Ponometia huita is a small moth species in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acontiinae. It was originally described as Acontia huita by Smith in 1903 and later transferred to Ponometia. The genus Ponometia contains numerous small, often brightly patterned noctuid moths commonly known as bird-dropping moths due to their camouflage appearance. This species is part of a taxonomically complex group with ongoing revisions.
Ponometia libedis
Ponometia libedis is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1900. It belongs to the bird dropping moth group, named for their cryptic coloration that resembles avian feces. The species is cataloged under MONA/Hodges number 9096. Taxonomic placement has shifted between Ponometia and Acontia, with current sources favoring Ponometia.
Ponometia nigra
bird dropping moth
Ponometia nigra is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Mustelin in 2006. It belongs to the bird dropping moth group, a common name applied to several genera in the subfamily Acontiinae whose members often resemble bird droppings as a form of camouflage. The species is known from North America. It is cataloged under Hodges number 9101.1 in the North American moth numbering system.
Ponometia pulchra
bird-dropping moth
Ponometia pulchra is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, first described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1910. It belongs to a group commonly known as bird-dropping moths due to their cryptic appearance resembling avian feces. The species occurs in North America and is assigned Hodges number 9104.
Ponometia sutrix
bird dropping moth
Ponometia sutrix is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, commonly referred to as a bird dropping moth due to its resemblance to bird droppings—a form of protective camouflage. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1880, originally under the genus Tarache. It is currently classified in the genus Ponometia within the subfamily Acontiinae. The species has been recorded in North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published sources.
Ponometia tortricina
Yellowish Bird-dropping Moth
Ponometia tortricina is a small moth species in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the Yellowish Bird-dropping Moth. It belongs to a group of moths whose camouflage resembles bird droppings, an adaptation that helps avoid predation. The species was first described by Zeller in 1872 and has been recorded across multiple observation platforms.
Ponometia venustula
Pretty Bird-Dropping Moth
Ponometia venustula, commonly known as the Pretty Bird-Dropping Moth, is a species of noctuid moth first described by Francis Walker in 1865. It belongs to the subfamily Acontiinae, a group commonly referred to as bird-dropping moths due to their resemblance to avian feces as a defensive camouflage. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9087 and has been documented across North America with over 1,000 observations on iNaturalist.
Ponometia virginalis
Virgin Bird-Dropping Moth
Ponometia virginalis is a small noctuid moth commonly known as the Virgin Bird-Dropping Moth. The species is named for its resemblance to bird droppings, a form of camouflage. It occurs across western and central North America from Texas to Wyoming and west to Arizona. The forewings measure approximately 10 mm in length.
Pronoctua
Pronoctua is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1894. The genus is placed within the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest subfamilies of owlet moths. Very few observations of this genus exist in public databases, suggesting it may be rare, geographically restricted, or understudied.
Pronoctua peabodyae
Pronoctua peabodyae is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Harrison Gray Dyar in 1903. It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, a large and diverse group of owlet moths. The species is known from limited records in North America, with confirmed observations from Alberta, Canada. Available information on its biology and ecology remains sparse.
Pronoctua pyrophiloides
bronze dart
Pronoctua pyrophiloides, commonly known as the bronze dart, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Harvey in 1876 and is native to North America. The species belongs to a genus of cutworm or dart moths. Available records for this species are limited.