Noctuidae
Guides
Agrotis orthogonia
Pale Western Cutworm Moth, Pale Western Cutworm
Agrotis orthogonia, the Pale Western Cutworm Moth, is a noctuid moth native to dry regions of western North America. Its larvae are subterranean cutworms that feed on the stems of wheat and other small grains just below the soil surface, causing significant agricultural damage during outbreaks. The species prefers loose, sandy, dry, or dusty soils and is particularly associated with wheat production systems. Adult moths emerge in late summer and fall, with most eggs hatching in late winter or early spring.
Agrotis ruta
Subarctic Dart
Agrotis ruta is a noctuid moth with a Holarctic distribution, first described by Eduard Friedrich Eversmann in 1851. It is primarily found in northern regions of North America and Eurasia. The species has a wingspan of 40–46 mm. Agrotis patula was synonymized with this species in 1989.
Agrotis vancouverensis
Vancouver Dart
Agrotis vancouverensis, commonly known as the Vancouver Dart, is a noctuid moth native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Adults are active in late spring and early summer with a single annual generation. The forewings measure approximately 33 mm in length.
Agrotisia
Agrotisia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Hampson in 1908. The genus contains three described species: Agrotisia evelinae (Benjamin, 1933), Agrotisia subhyalina (Hampson, 1908), and Agrotisia williamsi (Schaus, 1923). It belongs to the tribe Eriopygini within the subfamily Noctuinae. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited information available on its biology and ecology.
Agrotisia evelinae
A North American noctuid moth described by Benjamin in 1933. The species belongs to the tribe Eriopygini within the subfamily Noctuinae. Limited observational records exist, with 28 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Alastria
Alastria is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Lafontaine and Troubridge in 2004. The genus contains at least one described species, Alastria chico. It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest groups of owlet moths.
Aleiodes nolophanae
Aleiodes nolophanae is a specialist braconid parasitoid wasp described by Ashmead in 1889. It parasitizes caterpillars of the green cloverworm (Hypena scabra, Noctuidae). Research demonstrates that host plant species significantly affects parasitoid phenotype: wasps reared from hosts feeding on alfalfa exhibit larger body mass and, in some populations, greater longevity compared to those from soybean-fed hosts. This geographic variation in plant-mediated effects has implications for biological control applications.
Aleptina aleptivoides
Aleptina aleptivoides is a small noctuid moth described from North America in 1912. The species belongs to the subfamily Condicinae, a group of generally inconspicuous moths with limited ecological documentation. Available records suggest it occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. The specific epithet "aleptivoides" references its resemblance to the related genus Aleptina, indicating taxonomic confusion or similarity at the time of description.
Aleptina junctimacula
Aleptina junctimacula is a small owlet moth (Noctuidae) described by André Blanchard in 1984. It belongs to the subfamily Condicinae and is known only from North America. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9071.1. It remains poorly documented in published literature.
Aleptinoides ochrea
Aleptinoides ochrea is a noctuid moth species described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1912. It belongs to the subfamily Acontiinae and tribe Chamaecleini. The species is known from North America. Records from the Meloidae Holdings list appear to be a taxonomic error, as this species is definitively a lepidopteran, not a coleopteran.
Alypia langtoni
Langton's Forester, Six-spotted Forester
Alypia langtoni, known as Langton's Forester or the Six-spotted Forester, is a diurnal moth in the family Noctuidae. First described by William Couper in 1865, this species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing spotting pattern. Males possess eight white spots on black wings, while females have six. The species has a broad transcontinental distribution across North America, with larvae that feed on fireweed (Chamaenerion species). Adults are active during daylight hours, an unusual trait among noctuids.
Alypia mariposa
Mariposa Forester
Alypia mariposa, the Mariposa Forester, is a day-flying moth in the family Noctuidae, first described in 1868. It is endemic to California's Coast Ranges and Sierra foothills, with a distribution spanning from Kern County northward to Placer County. Adults are active in spring, flying during April through June. The species is distinguished from its congener Alypia ridingsii by wing pattern differences.
Alypia wittfeldii
Wittfeld's Forester
Alypia wittfeldii, commonly known as Wittfeld's Forester, is a small noctuid moth endemic to the southeastern Atlantic coastal plain of the United States. First described by Henry Edwards in 1883, this species is notable for its restricted distribution, occurring almost exclusively in Florida (excluding the western panhandle), coastal Georgia, and South Carolina. Adults are active during the winter and early spring months, with forewings measuring 13–14 mm in length. The species belongs to the forester moths (genus Alypia), a group characterized by bright coloration and diurnal activity patterns that contrast with the typically nocturnal habits of most noctuids.
Alypiodes
forester moths
Alypiodes is a genus of noctuid moths in the subfamily Agaristinae, commonly referred to as forester moths. The genus contains five described species distributed in North America. Members are diurnal and often brightly colored, resembling butterflies in appearance. The genus was established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883.
Alypiodes bimaculata
Two-spotted Forester
Alypiodes bimaculata, commonly known as the two-spotted forester, is a diurnal moth in the family Noctuidae. Despite its common name, it bears more than two spots; the name refers specifically to the single small spot on each hindwing. The species was first described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1853 and occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Alypiodes geronimo
Geronimo Forester
Alypiodes geronimo is an owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes in 1900. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing pattern, with females bearing two spots on the forewing and males possessing a third additional spot. Larvae feed on leaves of Boerhavia species. It occurs in North America and Mexico.
Amolita roseola
Amolita roseola is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1903. It belongs to the subfamily Acronictinae and is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9821, a standardized numbering system for North American Lepidoptera. Like other members of the genus Amolita, it is a nocturnal moth with typical owlet moth characteristics.
Amphipoea erepta
cutworm, dart moth
Amphipoea erepta is a noctuid moth species found in North America. A subspecies, A. e. ryensis, has a highly restricted range, occurring only in a single 25-acre meadow in Pelham Bay Park, The Bronx, New York City. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9461.
Amphipoea keiferi
Northwestern Iris Borer Moth
Amphipoea keiferi is a noctuid moth described by Benjamin in 1935. It is known from western North America. The common name suggests larval association with iris plants, though direct documentation is limited. It belongs to a genus whose members often exhibit ear-like forewing patterns and concealed hindwings in repose.
Amphipoea lunata
Amphipoea lunata is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1891. It is known from North America, with 54 observations documented on iNaturalist. The species has been placed in different genera over time, with GBIF currently listing it as a synonym under Eriopyga lunata while NCBI retains it in Amphipoea. Its MONA/Hodges number is 9455.
Amphipoea senilis
Southwestern Ear Moth
Amphipoea senilis is a noctuid moth species in the subfamily Acronictinae, first described by Smith in 1892. It is known from North America, with the common name Southwestern Ear Moth suggesting a distribution in the southwestern United States. The species has been assigned Hodges number 9459. Like other members of the genus Amphipoea, it is classified as a cutworm or dart moth.
Amphipyra
Amphipyra is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, constituting the sole genus in the tribe Amphipyrini. The genus is the only remaining member of the subfamily Amphipyrinae, with other former members reassigned to subfamilies such as Hadeninae. Caterpillars of at least one species, Amphipyra pyramidea, have been documented as prey for birds including the eastern bluebird. The genus has been recorded across multiple continents including Europe and North America.
Amphipyra brunneoatra
Amphipyra brunneoatra is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Strand in 1916. It occurs in North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9641. The species belongs to the genus Amphipyra, which includes several similar nocturnal moths. Available information on this species is limited; it appears to be infrequently encountered and poorly documented in the literature.
Amphipyra glabella
Grey Amphipyra, Smooth Amphipyra
Amphipyra glabella is a noctuid moth found across eastern and central North America. Adults are active from August to September with one generation per year. The species was first described by Herbert Knowles Morrison in 1874. It is one of several Amphipyra species known as "amphipyra" moths, characterized by their stout bodies and cryptic coloration.
Amyna bullula
Hook-tipped Amyna Moth
Amyna bullula is a small noctuid moth known by the common name hook-tipped amyna moth. It occurs across much of North America and is one of two recognized subspecies within the species. The species is characterized by a distinctive hooked wing tip. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9069.
Anagrapha
Anagrapha is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae, established by McDunnough in 1944. The genus contains at least one confirmed species, Anagrapha falcifera (celery looper), which serves as the original host for AfMNPV (Anagrapha falcifera multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus), a broad host-spectrum baculovirus with significant importance in biological control research. The virus isolated from this species has been shown to infect 43 species across 13 lepidopteran families and is genetically identical to the Rachiplusia ou virus isolate.
Anaplectoides
green arches (for A. prasina)
Anaplectoides is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by McDunnough in 1929. The genus comprises at least 13 described species distributed across the Holarctic and Oriental regions. The best-known species is Anaplectoides prasina (green arches), a widespread Palearctic moth. Some species, particularly A. virens, are recognized as agricultural pests due to their polyphagous herbivorous habits.
Anaplectoides brunneomedia
Brown-lined Dart
Anaplectoides brunneomedia, commonly known as the brown-lined dart, is a noctuid moth restricted to a few localities in the Appalachian Mountains. The species was described by McDunnough in 1946 and remains poorly known due to its limited distribution and rarity. Adults are active during summer months. The specific epithet 'brunneomedia' refers to the brown median line on the forewing.
Anaplectoides prasina
Green Arches
A medium-sized noctuid moth with distinctive green forewings marked by dark green or blackish patterning. The species exhibits notable color polymorphism, with forms ranging from pale whitish-green to dark brownish-grey. Adults are active from May to August across a broad Holarctic distribution. Larvae are broad generalist feeders on both herbaceous plants and hardwood trees.
Anaplectoides pressus
Dappled Dart, dappled dart moth
Anaplectoides pressus, commonly known as the dappled dart moth, is a noctuid moth native to North America. The species was first described by Grote in 1874 under the basionym Eurois pressus. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is recorded in Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, as well as in the United States.
Anarta alta
cutworm, dart moth
Anarta alta is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. First described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1924, this species is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10229. Originally described under the genus Scotogramma, it was later transferred to Anarta. The specific epithet 'alta' may refer to high-elevation habitats, though this interpretation is speculative.
Anarta edwardsii
Edwards' Beach Moth
Anarta edwardsii is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It occurs in North America and Oceania, including Hawaii. The species was described by Smith in 1888. It belongs to the genus Anarta, which comprises numerous noctuid moth species.
Anarta farnhami
cutworm moth, dart moth
Anarta farnhami is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was first described by Grote in 1873 under the basionym Mamestra farnhami. The species is found in North America, with confirmed records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate Anarta farnhami farnhami and Anarta farnhami palaearctica described by Hacker in 1998.
Anarta florida
cutworm moth, dart moth
Anarta florida is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was originally described by John Bernhard Smith in 1900 under the name Mamestra florida. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10257. Records indicate presence in North America.
Anarta nigrolunata
Pied Alpine Beauty
Anarta nigrolunata is a noctuid moth first described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1867. It is known by the common name Pied Alpine Beauty. The species occurs in Arctic and alpine environments across North America. It was formerly placed in the genus Hadula but is now classified in Anarta. It is distinct from the similar Anarta melanopa, which was previously considered conspecific.
Anarta oaklandiae
Oakland's Cutworm Moth, Oakland's Dart
Anarta oaklandiae is a noctuid moth species described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1937. Originally placed in the genus Scotogramma, it was later transferred to Anarta. The species is assigned Hodges number 10234 in the North American moth numbering system. Very few observations exist, with only one documented record on iNaturalist.
Anarta oregonica
Oregon Cutworm Moth
Anarta oregonica is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1881. The species is native to western North America and is assigned Hodges number 10228. As a member of the genus Anarta, it belongs to a group of moths commonly associated with open, often arid or alpine habitats.
Anathix aggressa
cutworm, dart moth
Anathix aggressa is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1907. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is native to North America, with confirmed records from the Canadian prairie provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9963.
Androloma disparata
Disparate Forester
Androloma disparata, commonly known as the Disparate Forester, is a sexually dimorphic moth species in the family Noctuidae. It occurs in Mexico and Texas. The larvae feed on plants in the Vitaceae family, including pepper vine (Ampelopsis arborea). The species is assigned Hodges number 9322.
Andropolia aedon
Andropolia aedon is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1880. Originally described as Polia aedon, it was later transferred to the genus Andropolia. The species occurs in western North America from British Columbia and Alberta south through the Rocky Mountain region to California. Like other members of the subfamily Acronictinae, it is a nocturnal species attracted to ultraviolet light sources.
Andropolia olga
cutworm moth, dart moth
Andropolia olga is a noctuid moth species in the subfamily Acronictinae, described by Smith in 1911. It is recorded from North America. The species is part of a genus of owlet moths that are primarily nocturnal and attracted to artificial light sources. Like other members of Andropolia, it likely exhibits typical noctuid moth biology with complete metamorphosis and larval stages that may include cutworm-type feeding behavior.
Andropolia theodori
Andropolia theodori is a noctuid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1878. It occurs in western North America from British Columbia to California, with three recognized subspecies corresponding to geographic regions. The species has a wingspan of 43–55 mm and is attracted to blacklights.
Anhimella
A small genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, containing three recognized species. The genus was established by McDunnough in 1943. Species occur in North America, with records from both eastern and western regions. Adults are nocturnal and belong to the diverse subfamily Noctuinae.
Anhypotrix
Anhypotrix is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established in 2010. It contains a single described species, Anhypotrix tristis, originally described by Barnes & McDunnough in 1910. The genus is placed in the tribe Eriopygini within the subfamily Noctuinae. Very few observations of this genus exist in public databases.
Anicla
Anicla is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Grote in 1874. The genus currently comprises approximately 18 recognized species distributed across North America. Species within Anicla are divided into three subgenera: Anicla, Euagrotis (formerly treated as a separate genus), and an unassigned group. The genus includes the Green Cutworm Moth (Anicla infecta), which is frequently observed at blacklight traps during autumn.
Anicla beata
Anicla beata is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Grote in 1883 and is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10904. Limited observational data exists for this species, with few documented records compared to more common relatives in the genus.
Anicla digna
Anicla digna is a noctuid moth species described by Morrison in 1875. It is a small owlet moth with a wingspan of approximately 30 mm. The species occurs in North America, with documented records from Texas and South Carolina.
Anicla espoetia
Anicla espoetia is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Dyar in 1910. It belongs to a genus of moths commonly known as cutworms or darts. The species is found in both North America and Middle America. Like other members of the genus Anicla, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Anicla exuberans
Exuberant Dart
Anicla exuberans is a noctuid moth known as the Exuberant Dart, first described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1898. It is characterized by a moderate wingspan of 37–41 mm and a univoltine life cycle with adults active during summer months. The species occupies dry interior habitats across western North America, ranging from central Mexico to the Canadian prairies.
Anicla forbesi
Forbes' Dart
Anicla forbesi (Forbes' Dart) is a noctuid moth species distributed across northeastern and north-central North America. Adults are active during summer months, with flight records from June through August. The species has a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. Larvae have been successfully reared on timothy grass (Phleum pratense) and likely feed on various native grasses in natural habitats.