Noctuidae
Guides
Cosmia
pinion moths
Cosmia is a genus of noctuid moths comprising approximately 35 described species distributed across the Palaearctic region. The genus includes notable species such as the dun-bar (C. trapezina), lunar-spotted pinion (C. pyralina), and white-spotted pinion (C. diffinis). Several species are associated with elm trees, and at least one species (C. pyralina) has experienced population decline in Britain linked to Dutch elm disease affecting its host plants. The genome of C. pyralina has been sequenced, revealing a 803.3 Mb assembly with 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules.
Cosmia calami
American Dun-bar Moth
Cosmia calami, commonly known as the American Dun-bar Moth, is a noctuid moth species native to North America. The species is notable for its carnivorous larval stage, which preys on geometrid caterpillars rather than consuming plant material. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 32 mm. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning from the Pacific Northwest to the eastern United States.
Cosmia elisae
cutworm moth, dart moth
Cosmia elisae is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Lafontaine and Troubridge in 2003. It is native to North America and is assigned the MONA/Hodges number 9814.1. As a member of the genus Cosmia, it belongs to a group of noctuid moths commonly known as dagger moths or cutworms. The species remains poorly documented in scientific literature beyond its original description and basic taxonomic classification.
Cosmia praeacuta
cutworm moth, dart moth
Cosmia praeacuta is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1894. It is found in North America. The species is classified within the subfamily Noctuinae and tribe Xylenini. It is recognized by MONA/Hodges number 9814.
Cosmiina
Cosmiina is a subtribe of owlet moths (Noctuidae) within the tribe Xylenini. It comprises multiple genera including Ipimorpha, which contains species with broad geographic distributions spanning Europe, Asia, and North America. Members of this subtribe have been documented in high-altitude wetland habitats in China.
Crambodes
Crambodes is a monotypic genus of noctuid moths containing a single species, Crambodes talidiformis. The genus was established by Achille Guenée in 1852. The sole species occurs in the eastern and central United States.
Crimona
Crimona is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by John Bernhardt Smith in 1902. The genus contains five described species, all described from the late 20th century except the type species. Species are recorded from South America, with known distributions in Argentina and Chile.
Crocigrapha
Crocigrapha is a monotypic genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Grote in 1875. The sole species, Crocigrapha normani (Norman's quaker), occurs primarily in eastern North America with scattered records west to Alberta and Colorado. The genus belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, the largest group within the owlet moths.
Cropia
Cropia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, erected by Francis Walker in 1858. The genus contains approximately 25 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species within this genus are part of the diverse owlet moth fauna and are classified within the subfamily Noctuinae. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revisions, with several species originally described under other genera later transferred to Cropia.
Cropia connecta
Cropia connecta is a species of owlet moth (Noctuidae) described by Smith in 1894. The species is documented from North America and has been assigned Hodges number 9622 in the MONA (Moths of North America) system. As a member of the subfamily Noctuinae, it belongs to one of the largest moth families, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available literature.
Cryphia
Cryphia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Bryophilinae. Established by Jacob Hübner in 1818, the genus contains approximately 40 species distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. Several species have well-known common names, including the marbled beauty (C. domestica), marbled green (C. muralis), and tree-lichen beauty (C. algae).
Cryphia albipuncta
Cryphia albipuncta is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Bryophilinae. It was described by Hampson in 1894. Records indicate it occurs in North America. The genus Cryphia comprises small to medium-sized noctuid moths, many of which are associated with lichen- or moss-like camouflage coloration.
Cryphia cuerva
Cryphia Moth
Cryphia cuerva is a small noctuid moth found in western North America. Adults are active from July through October, with peak flight varying by latitude. The species was first described from material collected in California.
Cryphia fascia
Cryphia fascia
Cryphia fascia is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1903. It is recorded from North America and has been assigned the Hodges number 9288 in the Moth Photographers Group numbering system. The species belongs to the genus Cryphia, a group of moths whose larvae typically feed on lichens.
Cryphia oaklandiae
Cryphia oaklandiae is a North American noctuid moth described in 1911. The species has been moved between genera, currently recognized as Cryphia but also treated as Anarta oaklandiae in some classifications. It is a rarely collected species with limited documented observations.
Cryphia sarepta
Cryphia sarepta is a noctuid moth species first described by William Barnes in 1907. It belongs to the genus Cryphia, a group of small to medium-sized owlet moths often associated with lichen-feeding habits in their larval stages. The species is documented from western North America. Like other members of its genus, adults are likely nocturnal and may exhibit cryptic coloration.
Cucullia
Hooded Owlets
Cucullia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as Hooded Owlets. The genus was erected by Franz von Paula Schrank in 1802 and contains numerous species distributed across the Holarctic region. Adults are typically nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvae of many species are specialized feeders on plants in the Scrophulariaceae family, particularly Verbascum (mullein), with some species exhibiting conspicuous coloration and diurnal feeding habits.
Cucullia alfarata
Camphorweed Owlet, camphorweed cucullia
Cucullia alfarata is a noctuid moth species found in North America. The common name 'Camphorweed Owlet' references its association with camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris), a known host plant for larvae of this genus. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The species belongs to the subfamily Cuculliinae, a group whose larvae typically feed on the flowers and seeds of Asteraceae.
Cucullia antipoda
Cucullia antipoda is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Strecker in 1878. It occurs in North America with records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. The species belongs to the subfamily Cuculliinae, a group characterized by distinctive hood-like head structures in the larvae.
Cucullia astigma
Cucullia astigma is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Cuculliinae. The species was described by Smith in 1894 and is known to occur in North America. As a member of the genus Cucullia, it belongs to a group of moths whose larvae are typically associated with Asteraceae host plants. The species is represented by only two observations in iNaturalist, indicating it is either rare, underreported, or has a restricted distribution or activity period that limits detection.
Cucullia basipuncta
Cucullia basipuncta is a noctuid moth species described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918. It belongs to the subfamily Cuculliinae, a group commonly known as hooded owlet moths. The species is known from North America, with 12 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits the characteristic hooded resting posture with forewings folded over the body, though specific morphological details distinguishing it from congeneric species require examination.
Cucullia charon
Cucullia charon is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Poole in 1995 and is found in North America. The species is assigned the MONA/Hodges number 10191.2, a standardized numbering system for North American Lepidoptera. Like other members of the genus Cucullia, this species is part of a group commonly known as 'hooded owlet moths' due to the distinctive shape of their larval head capsules.
Cucullia cucullioides
A North American noctuid moth in the subfamily Cuculliinae, described by Barnes & Benjamin in 1923. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae typically feed on Asteraceae. Based on iNaturalist records, the species has been observed at least 13 times. The specific epithet 'cucullioides' suggests resemblance to another species or form within the genus.
Cucullia dorsalis
Cucullia dorsalis is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan) and the United States. The species was described by Smith in 1892 and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10190.2. As a member of the subfamily Cuculliinae, it belongs to a group of moths whose larvae often feed on the flowers and seeds of Asteraceae and other plant families.
Cucullia eccissica
Cucullia eccissica is a noctuid moth species described by Dyar in 1919. It belongs to the subfamily Cuculliinae, a group of owlet moths commonly known as "hooded owlets" due to the characteristic projecting labial palps that form a snout-like structure. The genus Cucullia contains numerous species, many of which are associated with specific host plants. This species occurs in both Middle America and North America based on distribution records, though detailed biological information appears limited in available sources.
Cucullia eucaena
Cucullia eucaena is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Cuculliinae. It was described by Harrison G. Dyar in 1919. The species is known from North America and has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 10201.1. Like other members of the genus Cucullia, it likely exhibits the characteristic hooded or cucullate forewing shape that gives the genus its name.
Cucullia eurekae
Cucullia eurekae is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Poole in 1995. It belongs to the subfamily Cuculliinae, a group commonly known as the hooded owlet moths due to the distinctive tufted thorax of many species. The species is known from North America, though detailed biological information appears limited in available sources.
Cucullia florea
Gray Hooded Owlet
Cucullia florea is a noctuid moth commonly known as the gray hooded owlet. It is found across North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Vermont). The species is part of the owlet moth family Noctuidae and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10197. The specific epithet "florea" and common name reference its association with flowers, though detailed biological information remains limited in published sources.
Cucullia heinrichi
Cucullia heinrichi is a species of owlet moth (family Noctuidae, subfamily Cuculliinae) described by Barnes and Benjamin in 1924. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are typically associated with Asteraceae host plants. As a member of the Cuculliinae, it shares characteristics with other 'hooded owlet' moths, including a distinctive resting posture with wings folded tent-like over the body.
Cucullia incresa
Cucullia incresa is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1910. It belongs to the subfamily Cuculliinae, a group commonly known as hooded owlet moths due to the characteristic projecting labial palps that form a 'snout' or hood-like structure. The genus Cucullia contains numerous species, many of which are associated with specific host plants, particularly in the Asteraceae family. This species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Cucullia laetifica
Rabbitbush Hooded Owlet
Cucullia laetifica is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Lintner in 1875. It is commonly known as the Rabbitbush Hooded Owlet. The species occurs in North America and is one of approximately 100 species in the genus Cucullia. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 10191.
Cucullia luna
Luna Moth
Cucullia luna is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Morrison in 1875. It is a member of the subfamily Cuculliinae, a group commonly known as hooded owlet moths due to the distinctive projecting labial palps that form a snout-like structure. The species occurs in North America, with confirmed records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Cucullia mcdunnoughi
Cucullia mcdunnoughi is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Cuculliinae. Described by Henne in 1940, it is distributed across North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10208. As a member of the genus Cucullia, it belongs to a group of moths whose larvae typically feed on the flowers and seed heads of Asteraceae.
Cucullia montanae
Mountain Hooded Owlet Moth
Cucullia montanae, commonly known as the mountain hooded owlet moth, is a species of noctuid moth found in North America. The species was described by Grote in 1882 and belongs to the subfamily Cuculliinae. It is recorded from western Canada including Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. The common name references both its mountainous distribution and the characteristic hooded appearance of Cucullia larvae.
Cucullia omissa
Omitted Cucullia Moth, Alberta falconer
Cucullia omissa is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Dod in 1916. It is distributed across central and northern North America, with records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, as well as the northeastern United States (Vermont). The species is one of approximately 100 recognized species in the genus Cucullia, a group of moths commonly known as 'falconers' due to their streamlined, aerodynamic appearance in flight.
Cucullia postera
Rusted Shark
Cucullia postera is an owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Guenée in 1852. It occurs across northern North America from the Canadian prairie provinces to the northeastern United States. The species is known to iNaturalist observers as the 'Rusted Shark' and has been documented in at least 20 observations. Its MONA (Moth Photographers Group) or Hodges number is 10198.
Cucullia pulla
Cucullia pulla is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1881. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Saskatchewan and other parts of the continent. The species is assigned Hodges number 10180 in the North American moth classification system. As a member of the subfamily Cuculliinae, it belongs to a group of moths whose larvae typically feed on Asteraceae and related plant families.
Cucullia serraticornis
Cucullia serraticornis is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Lintner in 1874. It occurs in North America and is assigned Hodges number 10184. As a member of the subfamily Cuculliinae, it belongs to a group of owlet moths commonly known as hooded owlets. The species is documented through observational records but detailed biological information remains limited in the available literature.
Cucullia similaris
Cucullia similaris is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Smith in 1892 and occurs in North America, with records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The species is assigned to the subfamily Cuculliinae, a group of moths whose larvae typically feed on herbaceous plants. The MONA (Moths of North America) or Hodges number for this species is 10195.
Cucullia speyeri
Speyer's paint, Speyer's cucullia, Speyer's hooded owlet moth
Cucullia speyeri is a noctuid moth species found in North America, ranging from the Canadian prairies to the Atlantic coast. The species inhabits open, dry grassland and meadow habitats. Adults are active in late spring and summer, with a wingspan of approximately 48 mm. The larvae feed on herbaceous Asteraceae and Conyza species. In Connecticut, the species is listed as a species of special concern and is believed to be extirpated.
Cucullia strigata
Streaked Hooded Owlet Moth, Streaked Hooded Owlet, Streaky Falconer
Cucullia strigata is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1892. It is known by two common names: the streaked hooded owlet and the streaky falconer. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Alberta, Canada, and broader North American range. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10183.
Cydosiinae
Cydosiinae is a small subfamily of moths within Noctuidae, containing approximately 20 species distributed primarily across the Indo-Pacific region. The group is characterized by distinctive wing patterns and structural features that set it apart from other noctuid subfamilies. Species in this subfamily are relatively poorly studied compared to more diverse noctuid groups, with limited published information on their biology and ecology.
Dargida aleada
Wheat Head Armyworm
Dargida aleada is a noctuid moth known as one of the wheat head armyworms, a group of late-season pests of wheat in the Texas High Plains. The species belongs to a genus of 13 morphologically similar species whose larvae feed within wheat heads, damaging kernels primarily during the soft dough stage. Adults are medium-sized moths with yellow-brown forewings bearing a lengthwise brown stripe. The species has one generation per year, with larvae emerging in late May and June.
Dargida procinctus
Girdler Moth, Olive Green Cutworm
Dargida procinctus is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Girdler Moth or Olive Green Cutworm. It occurs across western and central North America from the Canadian prairies to the southwestern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 40 mm. Larvae feed primarily on grasses, with Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass) documented as a preferred host.
Dargida rubripennis
Pink Streak, Pink Streak Moth
Dargida rubripennis, commonly known as the pink streak, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote and Coleman Townsend Robinson in 1870. The species is listed as threatened in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Adults have a wingspan of 32–37 mm. The larvae are known as wheat head armyworms and feed on developing wheat kernels, particularly in the soft dough stage.
Derrima stellata
pink star moth
Derrima stellata, commonly known as the pink star moth, is a small noctuid moth native to eastern North America. The species has a wingspan of 21–30 mm and exhibits bivoltine flight periods in spring and summer. It was historically notable among lepidopterists for its poorly understood life history, which was resolved in 2024 when larvae were discovered feeding on seeds of dead pinweed (Lechea species). The species is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut, reflecting apparent rarity or habitat loss in parts of its range.
Diachrysia
burnished brass moths
Diachrysia is a genus of noctuid moths comprising approximately eleven species, distributed across the Holarctic region. The genus is best known for the burnished brass (D. chrysitis), which displays striking structural coloration on its forewings. Species in this genus are characterized by metallic golden or brassy wing patches produced by nanoscale multilayer structures rather than chemical pigments. The taxonomic relationship between D. chrysitis and the closely related D. stenochrysis remains unresolved in some populations.
Diarsia calgary
Calgary Dart
Diarsia calgary, commonly known as the Calgary Dart, is a noctuid moth described by Smith in 1898. It is a medium-sized moth with a wingspan of approximately 30 mm. The species occupies a broad elevational range across western North America, from subarctic Yukon through mountainous regions to the southwestern United States.
Diarsia dislocata
Dislocated Dart
Diarsia dislocata, commonly known as the Dislocated Dart, is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1904. It occurs across boreal and montane regions of North America, with a transcontinental Canadian distribution and scattered records in Alaska, Washington, and Colorado. The species belongs to the diverse genus Diarsia, which contains numerous similar-looking dart moths. Its common name likely refers to a distinctive wing pattern feature that separates it from congeners.
Diarsia esurialis
Diarsia esurialis is a noctuid moth species native to the Pacific coast of North America. It is abundant in wet coastal forests from Alaska through California. Adults fly in midsummer and have a wingspan of approximately 33 mm. The larvae feed on foliage of Corylus (hazelnut) and Alnus (alder).