Noctuinae
Guides
Abagrotis baueri
Abagrotis baueri is a species of noctuid moth described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1949. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is known from North America, though specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain limited in the published literature.
Abagrotis duanca
Dark Dart
Abagrotis duanca is a noctuid moth first described by Smith in 1908. It occurs in the Pacific Northwest of North America, with records from Alberta's extreme southeastern corner, Saskatchewan, and surrounding regions. Adults fly from June to July in a single annual generation. The species has been reared on big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata).
Abagrotis forbesi
Forbes' dart moth
A noctuid moth species described by Benjamin in 1921. The species is part of the diverse dart moth genus Abagrotis, which contains numerous North American species. The specific epithet honors an entomologist, likely William T.M. Forbes, a prominent lepidopterist. The species has been documented in North America with 23 iNaturalist observations, though detailed natural history information appears limited in available sources.
Abagrotis mirabilis
Abagrotis mirabilis is a noctuid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1879. It occurs in western North America from British Columbia to California. The species has a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. Larvae feed on Juniperus and Cedrus species.
Abagrotis petalama
A small noctuid moth described by J. Donald Lafontaine in 1998. The species name derives from Greek 'petalos' (broad, flat) and 'ama' (together), referring to the broad, flattened male genitalia valvae that distinguish it from congeners. Known from limited specimens in western North America.
Abagrotis reedi
Reed's Dart
Abagrotis reedi is a noctuid moth described by John S. Buckett in 1969. It occurs across western and central North America, from California through the Rocky Mountain states to Iowa, with Canadian populations in the prairie provinces and British Columbia. The species has a moderate wingspan of 33–36 mm. It is one of approximately 30 species in the genus Abagrotis, a group of dart moths primarily distributed in North America.
Acopa carina
Acopa carina is a species of noctuid moth (owlet moth) described by Harvey in 1875. It is found in North America, with 95 observations recorded on iNaturalist. The species belongs to the genus Acopa within the subfamily Noctuinae. Its MONA or Hodges number is 9825.
Acrapex
Acrapex is a genus of noctuid moths established by George Hampson in 1894. Species in this genus are distinguished by their slender body form and specific wing venation patterns. The genus is placed within the subfamily Noctuinae.
Adelphagrotis
Adelphagrotis is a genus of noctuid moths described by Smith in 1890. The genus contains three recognized species distributed in North America. Members are classified in the subfamily Noctuinae, the largest subfamily of owlet moths. Little is known about the biology of most species.
Adelphagrotis stellaris
Adelphagrotis stellaris is a noctuid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1880. It is a West Coast endemic with a range extending from southern British Columbia through the Cascade Range to the central California Coast Range. The species belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, a diverse group of owlet moths.
Agnorisma badinodis
Pale-banded Dart, Spotted-sided Cutworm
Agnorisma badinodis is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 36 mm. It occurs in southern Canada and the eastern United States, with one generation annually. Larvae feed on a broad range of herbaceous plants and crops.
Agnorisma bollii
Square-spotted Dart
Agnorisma bollii is a noctuid moth known from a disjunct distribution in eastern and central North America. The species is considered rare across its range, with populations occurring west of the Appalachian Mountains and in the Chesapeake Bay region. Adults are active in late summer and autumn. The larval host plant remains unknown.
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.
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.
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 illapsa
Snowy Dart
Anicla illapsa, commonly known as the snowy dart, is a moth in the family Noctuidae. It occurs across eastern and central North America, with adults active from spring through fall. The species has a wingspan of 29–35 mm and produces two generations per year.
Anicla infecta
Green Cutworm Moth, Green Cutworm
Anicla infecta is a noctuid moth native to the Americas, ranging from southeastern Canada to South America. The species is known by two common names reflecting its life stages: the green cutworm (larva) and green cutworm moth (adult). Adults have a wingspan of 30–35 mm and are active from June through September. The species is attracted to blacklight and has been documented visiting flowers as a pollinator.
Anicla mus
Anicla mus is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by J. Donald Lafontaine in 2004. It belongs to the genus Anicla, a group of small to medium-sized noctuid moths found in North America. The species is part of the diverse noctuid fauna attracted to blacklights during fall and early winter months. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal in its adult activity pattern.
Anicla simplicius
Simple Dart
Anicla simplicius, commonly known as the Simple Dart, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. The species was described by Morrison in 1874 and is distributed across North America. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10907. As a member of the Noctuinae subfamily, it belongs to a large group of owlet moths that are primarily nocturnal and often attracted to artificial light sources.
Anicla sullivani
Sullivan's anicla
Anicla sullivani, or Sullivan's anicla, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Lafontaine in 2004. The species is found in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10901.1. Like other members of the genus Anicla, it is a nocturnal moth attracted to light sources.
Anicla tepperi
Black-girdled Dart
Anicla tepperi is a moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the Black-girdled Dart. The species occurs in central North America, ranging from eastern Manitoba and the Alberta foothills south to southern Colorado. Adults have a wingspan of 36–40 mm and fly from June to July. The larvae feed on grasses in the family Poaceae.
Apamea alia
Fox Apamea
Apamea alia, commonly known as the Fox Apamea, is a noctuid moth native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 39 mm and are active from June to August. The larvae feed on various grasses. The species exhibits a disjunct distribution, occurring in both eastern and western regions of the continent.
Apamea devastator
glassy cutworm moth, glassy cutworm
Apamea devastator, commonly known as the glassy cutworm moth, is a noctuid moth of northeastern North America. The adult has a wingspan of 35–40 mm and flies from May to September. The larva is a subterranean cutworm that feeds on grasses, attacking roots and basal stems. The species is economically significant as a pest of turfgrass and agricultural grasses.
Apamea spaldingi
Spalding's Quaker
Apamea spaldingi, commonly known as Spalding's Quaker, is a noctuid moth native to interior western North America. First described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1909, it is a relatively small cutworm moth with distinctive early-season flight timing compared to congeners. The species is recognized by its mottled grey forewings and lighter hindwings.
Apsaphida
Apsaphida is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, established by John G. Franclemont in 1973. It contains a single species, Apsaphida eremna, known only from Arizona. The genus belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest groups of owlet moths. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Balsa
Balsa is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae (Noctuoidea), described by Francis Walker in 1860. The genus belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest groups of owlet moths. Records indicate presence in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont. The genus includes multiple species, though specific biological details for individual species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Benjaminiola
Benjaminiola is a monotypic genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Strand in 1928. The genus contains a single species, Benjaminiola colorada. As a noctuid moth, it belongs to one of the largest families of Lepidoptera, commonly known as owlet moths.
Caradrina
rustics, mottled willows
Caradrina is a genus of noctuid moths erected by Ferdinand Ochsenheimer in 1816, currently comprising approximately 189 described species divided into eight subgenera. The genus includes species commonly known as rustics or mottled willows, with some subgenera (notably Paradrina and Platyperigea) treated as separate genera by certain authorities. Species within this genus exhibit bivoltine life cycles in temperate regions and show varying degrees of migratory behavior.
Catabena sagittata
Catabena sagittata is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1913. The species is native to North America and belongs to a genus of relatively small noctuid moths. Like other members of the family Noctuidae, adults are likely nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Catabenoides
Catabenoides is a genus of owlet moths (Noctuidae) established in 2002 by Poole. The genus was created to accommodate five species previously placed in Catabena and has since expanded to 14 recognized species. It is a New World genus with a xerophytic distribution spanning arid and semi-arid regions from the southern United States through Mexico to South America.
Cerastis enigmatica
Enigmatic Dart
Cerastis enigmatica, commonly known as the enigmatic dart, is a species of noctuid moth described by Lafontaine and Crabo in 1997. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is distributed across North America and is assigned Hodges number 10995.2.
Cerastis fishii
Fish's Dart
Cerastis fishii is a noctuid moth of eastern North America, commonly known as Fish's Dart. Adults are active in spring, with a flight period from March through June. The species has a wingspan of 30–36 mm. Larvae feed specifically on blueberry flowers and leaves.
Cerastis gloriosa
Cerastis gloriosa is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Crabo and Lafontaine in 1997. The species is found in North America and has been assigned the MONA or Hodges number 10995.3. As a member of the Noctuidae, it belongs to one of the largest families of moths, commonly known as owlet moths.
Chaetaglaea fergusoni
Ferguson's sallow moth
Chaetaglaea fergusoni, known as Ferguson's sallow moth, is a noctuid moth described by Vernon Antoine Brou Jr. in 1997. It is a member of the genus Chaetaglaea, a group of sallow moths characterized by their distinctive morphological features. The species is documented in North America and has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 9948.1.
Chersotis
Chersotis is a genus of noctuid moths in the subfamily Noctuinae, established by Boisduval in 1840. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed primarily across the Palearctic region. Species are predominantly found in mountainous and northern European habitats. Many species were described during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with several taxa originally placed in other genera before reassignment.
Choephora
Choephora is a monotypic genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Grote & Robinson in 1868. The genus contains a single species, Choephora fungorum, commonly known as the bent-line carpet. These moths belong to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest and most diverse groups within Noctuidae. The genus is recognized in major taxonomic databases including Catalogue of Life and GBIF.
Choephora fungorum
Bent-lined Dart, bent-line dart
Choephora fungorum, known as the bent-lined dart, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active in autumn and possess a wingspan of 33–47 mm. The species is notable for its broad geographic range spanning from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast.
Cobalos
Cobalos is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Smith in 1899. The genus contains two described species: Cobalos angelicus and Cobalos franciscanus, both described by Smith in the same year. These moths belong to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest groups of noctuid moths. The genus appears to be restricted to western North America based on the species epithets.
Cobalos angelicus
angelic dart
Cobalos angelicus is a small noctuid moth described by Smith in 1899. It belongs to the dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is known from North America, with records primarily from the western United States. It is assigned Hodges number 9423 in the North American moth numbering system.
Coenophila
rosy marsh moth (for C. subrosea)
Coenophila is a genus of owlet moths (Noctuidae) established by Stephens in 1850. The genus contains at least two recognized species, including the rosy marsh moth (C. subrosea), which is found in northern Europe and has been introduced to North America. Records indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the northeastern United States.
Conservula
Conservula is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874. The genus contains at least 17 described species distributed across multiple continents. Members exhibit distinctive morphological traits, including naked eyes without lashes, fully developed proboscis, and characteristic metathoracic tuft development that varies geographically.
Copablepharon
Copablepharon is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae, established by Harvey in 1878. The genus contains more than 20 described species distributed primarily in North America. Many species were described or revised in the early 2000s by Crabo, Lafontaine, and colleagues. The genus includes several subspecific taxa, particularly within C. canariana, C. longipenne, C. spiritum, and C. viridisparsa.
Copablepharon alaskensis
Copablepharon alaskensis is a noctuid moth described from Alaska in 2004. It belongs to a genus of sand-verbena moths associated with coastal and dune habitats. The species is known from a limited geographic range in northern North America.
Copablepharon atrinotum
Copablepharon atrinotum is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, described by Crabo and Lafontaine in 2004. The species belongs to a genus of sand-dwelling moths primarily distributed in North America. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only two documented observations on iNaturalist.