Noctuidae
Guides
Schinia vacciniae
Schinia vacciniae is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 19 mm. It belongs to the genus Schinia, a diverse group of flower moths known for their often colorful appearance and specialized associations with particular host plants. The species is documented from western North America, with records from Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Schinia varix
Schinia varix is a small noctuid moth described in 2003, notable for its striking sexual dimorphism in forewing coloration. Males display bright yellow forewings with dark purple bands, while females have darker forewings with similar patterning. The species is restricted to a narrow range in the south-central United States. Despite being collected as early as 1944, its formal description was delayed for nearly six decades.
Schinia velaris
A small noctuid moth in the genus *Schinia*, known from the southwestern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 25 mm. Larvae are documented to feed on *Lepidospartum squamatum*, a shrubby composite. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with the flowers of its host plant during its adult stage.
Schinia villosa
Little Dark Gem
Schinia villosa, commonly known as the Little Dark Gem, is a small noctuid moth first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1864. It is primarily a western North American species associated with montane habitats, though its range extends eastward across the Canadian prairies. The species exhibits the typical Schinia trait of flower-visiting behavior, with adults active in mid-summer and larvae feeding on Asteraceae hosts.
Schinia walsinghami
Schinia walsinghami is a small noctuid moth species with a wingspan of approximately 24 mm. Adults are active in late summer. The species belongs to the flower moth genus Schinia, whose members are typically associated with specific host plants and often rest on or near their host flowers during daylight hours. Larvae feed on species of Chrysothamnus and Ericameria (rabbitbrushes), both in the Asteraceae family.
Schinia zuni
Schinia zuni is a small moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by McElvare in 1950. The species is known from a limited number of records in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and New Mexico. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 26 mm. Like other members of the genus Schinia, this species likely exhibits flower-associated behavior, though specific biological details remain poorly documented due to its rarity.
Scotogramma deffessa
cutworm moth, dart moth
Scotogramma deffessa is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly referred to as a cutworm or dart moth. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10251. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only four records on iNaturalist. The genus Scotogramma contains multiple species of nocturnal moths whose larvae are known as cutworms.
Scotogramma fervida
cutworm moth, dart moth
Scotogramma fervida is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was first described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1912. The species is found in North America, with records from Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 10239. Two subspecies are recognized: S. f. fervida and S. f. proxima.
Scotogramma fieldi
cutworm moth, dart moth
Scotogramma fieldi is a noctuid moth species described in 1927 by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is distributed in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10250.
Scotogramma harnardi
Harnard's cutworm, Harnard's dart moth
Scotogramma harnardi is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described in 1924 by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin. It belongs to a genus of medium-sized noctuid moths commonly known as cutworms due to the feeding behavior of their larvae. The species is known from North America, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented.
Scotogramma ptilodonta
cutworm moth, dart moth
Scotogramma ptilodonta is a noctuid moth species in the tribe Hadenini, first described by Grote in 1883 under the basionym Trichopolia ptilodonta. The species is distributed across North America and has been assigned Hodges number 10244. Three subspecies are recognized: S. p. ptilodonta, S. p. albescens, and S. p. nevada.
Scotogramma yakima
Scotogramma yakima is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1900. It belongs to the genus Scotogramma within the tribe Hadenini. The species is known from North America. Limited information is available regarding its biology and ecology.
Selicanis
Selicanis is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Smith in 1900. The genus is monotypic, containing only Selicanis cinereola, described from the same publication. It is placed within the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest subfamilies of owlet moths. The genus is poorly known, with minimal published information beyond its original description.
Sericaglaea signata
Variable Sallow, Variable Sallow Moth
Sericaglaea signata, commonly known as the Variable Sallow Moth, is a noctuid moth species found in eastern and central North America. Adults are active from October through May, with a single generation per year and overwintering adults. The species has a wingspan of 35–43 mm. Larvae feed on the leaves of oak (Quercus), cherry/plum (Prunus), and basswood/linden (Tilia) species.
Setagrotis pallidicollis
pallidicollis dart moth
Setagrotis pallidicollis is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Grote in 1880. The species is found in North America. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 10975.
Setagrotis radiola
Setagrotis radiola is a noctuid moth described by Hampson in 1903. The species belongs to the genus Setagrotis, a small group within the tribe Agrotini. It is known from North America with confirmed records in Alberta, Canada. Available information on its biology and ecology remains limited.
Setagrotis vocalis
cutworm moth, dart moth
Setagrotis vocalis is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1879. The species belongs to the genus Setagrotis, a group of noctuine moths found in North America. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10975.1, indicating its placement within the North American moth classification system. Beyond these basic taxonomic details, specific biological information about this species remains limited in available sources.
Sideridis artesta
Hairy Artesta Moth
Sideridis artesta, commonly known as the hairy artesta moth, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was first described by Smith in 1903. The species is found in North America, with confirmed records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. It belongs to the genus Sideridis, a group of noctuid moths.
Sideridis fuscolutea
Sideridis fuscolutea is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1892. It occurs in western North America, with records from Alberta, Canada. The species belongs to the tribe Hadenini within the subfamily Noctuinae. Limited observational data exists for this species.
Sideridis maryx
Maroonwing Moth
Sideridis maryx, the maroonwing moth, is a North American noctuid moth first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It is of conservation concern in parts of its range, having been declared extirpated in Connecticut where it holds special concern status. The species' biology remains poorly documented, with its larval host plant unconfirmed.
Sideridis rosea
Rosewing Moth, Rosewing
Sideridis rosea, commonly known as the rosewing or rosewing moth, is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae. It was first described by Harvey in 1874, originally placed in the genus Mamestra. The species is found across North America, with confirmed records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Vermont). As a member of the Noctuinae subfamily, it belongs to a large group of moths commonly referred to as cutworms or dart moths.
Sideridis ruisa
Sideridis ruisa is a noctuid moth described by Forbes in 1913. 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 10262. Published records remain sparse, with limited observational data available.
Sideridis uscripta
uscripta dart moth
Sideridis uscripta is a species of dart moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1891. It is a small to medium-sized noctuid moth found in the northern Great Plains of North America. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited information available on its biology and ecology. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Sideridis, a group of noctuine moths primarily distributed across the Holarctic region.
Sigela n-sp-one
Sigela n-sp-one is an undescribed species within the genus Sigela, a group of moths in the family Erebidae (formerly Noctuidae). As a provisional designation, this taxon represents a distinct lineage recognized by lepidopterists but awaiting formal description and naming. Members of Sigela are generally small to medium-sized moths with characteristic wing patterns. The specific epithet "n-sp-one" indicates this is the first new species under consideration in this genus.
Spaelotis bicava
western w-marked cutworm
Spaelotis bicava is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Lafontaine in 1998. It is commonly known as the western w-marked cutworm. The species is distributed across North America, with confirmed records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Its MONA/Hodges number is 10926.1.
Spaelotis havilae
Western W-marked Cutworm, W-marked Cutworm
Spaelotis havilae is a noctuid moth commonly known as the western w-marked cutworm. 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 10927. It is part of a species complex that includes close allies.
Spaelotis unicava
cutworm moth, dart moth
Spaelotis unicava is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Lafontaine in 1998. The species is found in Central America and North America. It has been assigned the MONA (Moth Photographers Group) or Hodges number 10926.2. The genus Spaelotis belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, a diverse group of owlet moths.
Spaelotis velicava
Spaelotis velicava is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, described by J. Donald Lafontaine in 1998. It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, a large group of owlet moths. The species is known from North America. Published records indicate it is rarely encountered, with minimal observational data available.
Sparkia
Sparkia is a monotypic genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Nye in 1975. The sole species, Sparkia immacula, is restricted to Arizona and New Mexico in the southwestern United States. Adults are active from mid-June through late August.
Sparkia immacula
Sparkia immacula is a noctuid moth and the sole member of its genus. It is found in the southwestern United States, specifically in Arizona and New Mexico. The genus was established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. Very little biological information is available for this species.
Spodoptera albula
Gray-streaked Armyworm Moth, Unbarred Spodoptera Moth, Gray-streaked Armyworm
Spodoptera albula is a noctuid moth distributed from the southern United States through South America. The adult has a wingspan of 33–35 mm. Larvae are polyphagous but show a preference for Amaranthus species, and have been documented as a minor pest of soybean in Brazil. The species is one of several Spodoptera armyworms affecting agricultural crops in the Americas, though it remains less economically significant than congeners such as S. eridania or S. cosmioides.
Spodoptera androgea
androgea armyworm moth
Spodoptera androgea is a noctuid moth species found in North America and parts of South America. It belongs to the genus Spodoptera, commonly known as armyworms, which contains several economically significant agricultural pests. The species is one of many Spodoptera that can occur on soybean and other crops, though it is generally considered less economically important than congeners such as S. frugiperda (fall armyworm) or S. eridania (southern armyworm). The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 9671.1.
Spodoptera dolichos
Sweet Potato Armyworm Moth, Dolichos Armyworm Moth, Sweetpotato Armyworm Moth
Spodoptera dolichos is a noctuid moth species native to the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Central America to Argentina. The species was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1794. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 40 mm. Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on a wide variety of wild and cultivated plants.
Spodoptera eridania
Southern Armyworm Moth, Southern Armyworm
Spodoptera eridania is a highly polyphagous noctuid moth whose larvae are significant agricultural pests in tropical and subtropical regions of the Western Hemisphere. The species has emerged as one of the most important armyworm pests of soybean in Brazil and Argentina, particularly in cotton-growing regions, while remaining a sporadic pest in the southern United States. Larvae feed gregariously when young, skeletonizing leaves, and become solitary as they mature, often boring into fruit. The species has been introduced to West Africa (Nigeria and Cameroon).
Spodoptera exigua
Beet Armyworm, Small Mottled Willow Moth, Asparagus Fern Caterpillar
Spodoptera exigua, commonly known as the beet armyworm, is a highly polyphagous agricultural pest native to Asia that has been introduced worldwide. The species is a member of the family Noctuidae and is particularly destructive in vegetable crops, though it occasionally damages soybean in the southern United States. Larvae are characterized by variable green coloration with pinkish or yellowish undersides and a white lateral stripe. The species has gained attention in molecular research due to its gut microbiome interactions and baculovirus susceptibility, which have implications for biological control strategies.
Spodoptera hipparis
Spodoptera hipparis is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Druce in 1889. It occurs in North America and is assigned the MONA/Hodges number 9674. Like other members of the genus Spodoptera, it is part of a group commonly referred to as armyworms, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented compared to economically important congeners such as S. frugiperda (fall armyworm).
Spodoptera latifascia
velvet armyworm, lateral-lined armyworm, garden armyworm
Spodoptera latifascia is a noctuid moth native to Central America and the Antilles, extending into North America from Texas to Florida. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 42 mm and are active from March to October depending on location. The species was originally described by Walker in 1856 as Prodenia latifascia. Spodoptera cosmioides, a South American species formerly considered synonymous with S. latifascia, has been reinstated as a valid species.
Spodoptera ornithogalli
Yellow-striped Armyworm, Cotton Cutworm
Spodoptera ornithogalli is a noctuid moth widely distributed across the Americas, ranging from southern Canada through the United States, Mexico, Central America, and throughout much of South America. The species is primarily known as a polyphagous agricultural pest whose larvae feed on numerous crop plants. While occasionally damaging to soybean in the southeastern United States, it is generally considered a minor pest compared to other Spodoptera species. The larva is distinctive among armyworms for its relatively uniform black velvety appearance with contrasting bright yellow longitudinal stripes.
Spodoptera praefica
Western Yellow-striped Armyworm, Western Yellow-striped Armyworm Moth
Spodoptera praefica, the western yellow-striped armyworm, is a noctuid moth native to western North America. The species has two adult flight periods annually, occurring in early spring and late summer. Larvae are black with yellow stripes and feed on herbaceous plants including several agricultural crops. The species is considered a high risk for invasion into the European and Mediterranean region but is currently absent from that area.
Spragueia funeralis
Somber Spragueia
Spragueia funeralis is a species of bird dropping moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1881. The species is distributed across North America. It is commonly known as the Somber Spragueia. As a member of the bird dropping moth group, it likely exhibits cryptic coloration resembling avian feces, a defensive adaptation common in this ecological guild.
Spragueia guttata
spotted spragueia
Spragueia guttata, commonly known as the spotted spragueia, is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acontiinae. It is found across North America. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1875. The common name "spotted spragueia" refers to its characteristic spotted wing pattern. It is assigned Hodges number 9125 in the North American moth numbering system.
Spragueia leo
Common Spragueia Moth
Spragueia leo, known as the Common Spragueia Moth, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of 12–18 mm. It occurs across eastern and central North America, from Ontario and Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas. Adults are active from June through September, and larvae feed on Convolvulus species.
Spragueia magnifica
magnificent bird dropping moth
Spragueia magnifica is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Spragueia, a group commonly known as bird dropping moths due to their resemblance to avian feces. The species occurs in North America and is assigned Hodges number 9121 in the North American Moth Photographers Group numbering system. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Spragueia perstructana
Spragueia perstructana is a small noctuid moth described by Francis Walker in 1865. It is notable for its specialized larval diet on Lantana camara, an invasive shrub in many regions. The species occurs across a broad geographic range from the southern United States through the Caribbean and into Central America. Its small size and specific host association distinguish it within the genus Spragueia.
Stibaera curvilineata
Stibaera curvilineata is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Hampson in 1924. It belongs to the subfamily Condicinae. The species is documented from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9715. Available records are sparse, with limited observational data.
Stictiella emarginata
sand wasp
Stictiella emarginata is a solitary sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Bembicinae. It constructs nests in sandy soils and provisions cells with lepidopteran larvae, primarily Noctuidae and Hesperiidae. The species occurs across eastern North America from northern Michigan to the Atlantic Coast, with a flight season concentrated in late June through early August. Nesting behavior includes temporary nest closure, mound leveling, and orientation flights.
solitary-waspsand-waspnest-provisioninglepidopteran-predatoreastern-North-AmericaBembicinaeCrabronidaeHymenopterasandy-soil-habitattemporary-nest-closureorientation-flightmound-levelingNoctuidaeHesperiidaelate-summer-flight-seasonOntarioMichiganNew-Yorksand-prairieinsect-predatorground-nesting-waspsand-blowout-habitatCanadian-Forces-Base-BordenSimcoe-CountyCresson-1865emarginate-clypeusdisjunct-distribution-misconceptiongeographic-bridgemuseum-recordsfield-studiesnest-architectureprey-transportprovisioning-behaviorcell-constructionprey-storagelarval-developmentsolitary-HymenopteraApoideaSpheciformesAculeataApocritaHexapodaArthropodaInsectaAnimaliaEukaryotaCatalogue-of-LifeGBIFiNaturalistCanadian-Field-NaturalistKurczewskiBoyle2005KrombeinWillinkGillaspyBohartEvansMatthewsPateTimberlakeCooperHallIrwinSchlingerBallmerYanegaUCR-Entomology-Research-MuseumBembicid-HoldingsNyssonidaeBembicidaeBembiciniStictiellinaStictiellaStictiella-emarginataStictiella-bohartiStictiella-corniculataStictiella-evansiStictiella-fergusoniStictiella-flavescensStictiella-pulchellaStictiella-pulchella-serrataStictiella-p.-pulchellaXerostictiaMicrostictiaGlenostictiaStenioliaBembixBicyrtesEdithaMicrobembexRubricaStenogorytesStizusBembecinusStizoidesGorytesArgogorytesArigorytesClitemnestraHarpactusHoplisoidesLestiphorusMegistommumOryttusPsammaletesPseudoplisusSagenistaSpheciusTanyoprymnusTrichogorytesXerogorytesAlyssonDidineisAmmatomusAfrogorytesHapalomellinusNyssonEpinyssonFoxiaHyponyssonLosadaMetanyssonZanyssonAcanthostethusStiria
Stiria is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874. It comprises approximately 15 described species distributed primarily across western North America and Mexico, with one species extending into eastern North America. The genus belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae and is characterized by features typical of this group. Species occupy diverse habitats ranging from desert regions to montane environments.
Stiria brava
Stiria brava is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Stiriinae, described by Keegan and Wagner in 2022. It belongs to the genus Stiria, which comprises small to medium-sized noctuid moths. The species is known from very few observations (3 records on iNaturalist as of the source date), indicating it is either rare, recently described, or has a restricted range. As a newly described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Stiria dyari
Stiria dyari is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Hill in 1924. It is a member of the subfamily Stiriinae, a group of moths often associated with xeric or arid environments. The species is documented from North America, though specific details of its biology remain limited in published literature.
Stiria intermixta
Stiria intermixta is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar in 1918. It is a member of the subfamily Stiriinae and tribe Stiriini. The species is recorded from North America and has been documented through 76 iNaturalist observations. It is assigned Hodges number 9785.1 in the North American moth numbering system.