Noctuinae
Guides
Fishia illocata
Wandering Brocade, Wandering Brocade Moth
Fishia illocata is a noctuid moth known as the wandering brocade, first described by Francis Walker in 1857. It occurs across North America from coast to coast, with notable abundance in wet coastal forests and wet conifer forests of the northern Rocky Mountains. Adults are active in fall and have a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. The larvae feed on alder foliage.
Franclemontia
Franclemontia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Ferguson in 1992. The genus contains a single described species, Franclemontia interrogans (Walker, 1856). It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest lineages within the owlet moths. Very few observations of this genus exist in natural history databases.
Gloanna
Gloanna is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Nye in 1975. The genus contains three described species: G. grisescens, G. hecate, and G. mexicana. It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest and most diverse groups of owlet moths.
Gloanna hecate
Gloanna hecate is a species of owlet moth (family Noctuidae) described from North America in 1983. It belongs to a small genus within the subfamily Noctuinae. The species is recognized by the Hodges number 9844.1 in the North American moth numbering system. Published information on its biology and ecology remains limited.
Globia laeta
red sedge borer, red sedge borer moth
Globia laeta, commonly known as the red sedge borer, is a small noctuid moth native to eastern North America. The species was first described by Herbert Knowles Morrison in 1875 and was formerly placed in the genus Capsula before that name was changed to Globia due to a preoccupied mollusk genus. The moth is notable for its specialized larval habit of boring into the stems of Sparganium (bur-reed) plants.
Glottulini
Glottulini is a tribe of moths within the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae. Members are classified in the superfamily Noctuoidea, one of the largest groups of Lepidoptera. The tribe contains multiple genera of medium-sized noctuid moths. Little published information exists on the distinguishing characteristics of this tribe compared to related noctuine tribes.
Gonodes
Gonodes is a genus of owlet moths (Noctuidae) erected by Herbert Druce in 1908. The genus contains at least 12 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with records from Central and South America and the Caribbean. Species-level taxonomy has been revised by multiple authors including Hampson, Dyar, and E. D. Jones during the early 20th century. The genus is classified within the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest and most diverse groups of noctuid moths.
Graphiphora
Graphiphora is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae. The genus contains at least one recognized species, Graphiphora augur. These moths are classified within the subfamily Noctuinae, a diverse group of predominantly nocturnal Lepidoptera. The genus was established by Ochsenheimer in 1816.
Hada
Hada is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae (owlet moths), first described by Billberg in 1820. Species in this genus are classified within the tribe Hadenini and subfamily Noctuinae. The genus has been recorded from northern Europe, with distribution records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Like other noctuid moths, adults are primarily nocturnal.
Hada sutrina
Sutrina Moth
Hada sutrina is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1881. It occurs across North America, with documented records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10324, a standard identifier used in North American moth classification. As a member of the subfamily Noctuinae, it belongs to a diverse group of primarily nocturnal moths whose larvae are commonly known as cutworms.
Hadenini
cutworm moths, dart moths
Hadenini is a tribe of moths within the family Noctuidae, commonly known as cutworms or dart moths. The tribe comprises over 140 genera and approximately 1,000 described species distributed worldwide. Hadenini was historically classified within the subfamily Hadeninae, but following taxonomic revision, both were transferred to Noctuinae. The tribe includes economically significant species whose larvae are climbing cutworms that feed on woody shrubs and herbaceous plants.
Helotropha
Helotropha is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Lederer in 1857. The genus contains two recognized species: Helotropha leucostigma and Helotropha reniformis. These moths are classified within the subfamily Noctuinae, a large and diverse group of owlet moths. The genus is primarily documented from northern European regions.
Helotropha reniformis
reniform celaena, Kidney-spotted Rustic Moth
Helotropha reniformis, commonly known as the reniform celaena or Kidney-spotted Rustic Moth, is a noctuid moth described by Grote in 1874. It is native to North America with documented records across Canada and the northern United States. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9453.
Hemibryomima
Hemibryomima is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae. It was established by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1927. The genus contains two recognized species: Hemibryomima chryselectra (Grote, 1880) and Hemibryomima olivaria (Hampson, 1918). Both species are North American in distribution.
Hemieuxoa rudens
Creaky Dart
Hemieuxoa rudens is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the Creaky Dart. It is native to North America and belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, which includes many cutworm and dart moth species. The species was originally described as Agrotis rudens by Harvey in 1875 before being transferred to the genus Hemieuxoa.
Hemipachnobia
Hemipachnobia is a small genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae, established by James Halliday McDunnough in 1929. The genus contains two recognized species: H. monochromatea (Morrison, 1874) and H. subporphyrea (Walker, 1858). It is native to North America with documented occurrences in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont. As a noctuine noctuid, its members are presumed to be nocturnal and possess the characteristic stout-bodied, cryptically colored morphology typical of this diverse moth family.
Hexorthodes serrata
serrated dart moth
Hexorthodes serrata is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Smith in 1900 and is assigned Hodges number 10592 in the North American moth classification system. As a member of the subfamily Noctuinae and tribe Eriopygini, it belongs to a diverse group of ground-dwelling moths whose larvae are commonly known as cutworms.
Homorthodes
Homorthodes is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by McDunnough in 1943. The genus comprises approximately 20 described species distributed primarily in North America. One species, Homorthodes lindseyi, is commonly known as the Southern Scurfy Quaker Moth. Species within this genus are part of the tribe Eriopygini within the subfamily Noctuinae.
Homorthodes fractura
cutworm moth, dart moth
Homorthodes fractura is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1906. It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, commonly known as cutworm or dart moths. Two subspecies are recognized: H. f. fractura and H. f. mecrona. The species is recorded from North America with 74 iNaturalist observations as of data collection.
Homorthodes hanhami
cutworm moth, dart moth
Homorthodes hanhami is a noctuid moth species described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1911. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is known from two recognized subspecies: H. h. hanhami and H. h. semicarnea. It has been documented across North America with over 330 iNaturalist observations.
Homorthodes mania
cutworm moth, dart moth
Homorthodes mania is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Strecker in 1899. It belongs to a genus of small noctuid moths found primarily in North America. The species is recognized by its MONA/Hodges number 10537. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a nocturnal moth with larvae that feed on herbaceous vegetation.
Homorthodes perturba
cutworm, dart moth
Homorthodes perturba is a species of noctuid moth first described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1943. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae, a large and diverse family of moths commonly known as owlet moths. The species is documented from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available sources.
Hypotrix lunata
Hypotrix lunata is a noctuid moth described by Smith in 1906. It is restricted to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, with records from the Chiricahua, Huachuca, and Santa Rita Mountains in Arizona south to Durango, Mexico. The species is notable for its distinctive wing pattern featuring fused black reniform and orbicular spots that form a characteristic mark. It is superficially unlike any other North American noctuid species, making it relatively easy to identify in the field.
Hypotrix optima
Hypotrix optima is a small noctuid moth described by Dyar in 1920. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with a range extending from southeastern Arizona and central New Mexico south to Mexico City. Adults are active during a narrow mid-summer window. The species has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some authorities placing it in the genus Eriopyga.
Hyppa
Hyppa is a genus of noctuid moths distributed across the Holarctic region. The genus contains at least six described species, including the widespread Hyppa xylinoides and the type species Hyppa rectilinea. Species within this genus are generally medium-sized moths with relatively nondescript forewing patterns. Larval stages are associated with herbaceous vegetation, though specific host relationships remain incompletely documented for most species.
Hyppa contrasta
Summer Hyppa Moth, Russian Mustard Moth
Hyppa contrasta is a noctuid moth in the subfamily Noctuinae, commonly called the summer hyppa moth or Russian mustard moth. It was described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1946. The species occurs across northern North America, with records from the Canadian prairies and northeastern United States.
Hyppa indistincta
indistinct hyppa moth
Hyppa indistincta is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1894. It belongs to the genus Hyppa, which contains several North American noctuid moths. The species is recorded from North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9581. Published records remain limited, with few documented observations relative to other noctuids.
Ipimorpha pleonectusa
Even-lined Sallow, Blackcheeked Aspen Caterpillar
Ipimorpha pleonectusa, the Even-lined Sallow, is a noctuid moth native to North America. It is one of two recognized species in the genus Ipimorpha on the continent. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The common name 'blackcheeked aspen caterpillar' refers to the larval stage, though specific host plant associations require verification.
Kocakina fidelis
Intractable Quaker
Kocakina fidelis, commonly known as the Intractable Quaker, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae. It is the sole member of the genus Kocakina, which was established in 2006 to replace the junior homonym Himella. The species occurs across eastern North America from Quebec and Maine south to Florida, and west to Texas and Kansas. It inhabits dry woodland environments.
Lacinipolia circumcincta
cutworm moth, dart moth
Lacinipolia circumcincta is a noctuid moth species native to North America, originally described by Smith in 1891. As a member of the cutworm moth group, adults are attracted to ultraviolet light sources and are active during summer months. The species is part of a genus whose members are difficult to distinguish visually from one another.
Lacinipolia incurva
Lacinipolia incurva is a small owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by John B. Smith in 1888. The species is restricted to the southwestern United States and adjacent regions of Mexico, with records from California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Colorado. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 25 mm. The larvae are known to feed on dead leaves of Quercus hypoleucoides (silverleaf oak), indicating a detritivorous or saprophagous feeding strategy rather than typical herbivory on living plant tissue.
Lacinipolia rectilinea
Lacinipolia rectilinea is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1888. The genus Lacinipolia contains medium-sized nocturnal moths that are attracted to artificial light sources. Species within this genus are challenging to distinguish visually, often requiring examination of genitalia or other microscopic features for positive identification. The genus is part of the diverse Noctuinae subfamily, one of the largest groups of moths in North America.
Lacinipolia sharonae
Sharon's Cutworm, Sharon's Dart
Lacinipolia sharonae is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, described in 2001. It is part of the diverse owlet moth genus Lacinipolia, which contains numerous similar-looking species that are difficult to distinguish without close examination. The species is found in North America and has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 10406.3. Like other members of its genus, adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Lacinipolia spiculosa
Lacinipolia spiculosa is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Grote in 1883. It is found in North America and is one of several larger owlet moths in the genus Lacinipolia that are attracted to blacklights at night. Species in this genus are difficult to distinguish from one another by appearance alone.
Lacinipolia viridifera
Green Owlet Moth
Lacinipolia viridifera is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1937. The species is characterized by green coloration in at least some individuals, distinguishing it from the typically gray or mottled congeners in the genus Lacinipolia. Like other members of this genus, it is nocturnal and attracted to light sources. The specific epithet 'viridifera' refers to the green coloration ('viridis' = green, 'fero' = bearing).
Lasionycta coloradensis
Lasionycta coloradensis is a noctuid moth described by Richards in 1943. The species is endemic to the Rocky Mountains of western North America, with confirmed records from the Montana-Wyoming border south to New Mexico. It was among the 43 species treated in the comprehensive 2009 revision of the genus Lasionycta.
Leucania farcta
Meadow Wainscot Moth
Leucania farcta, commonly known as the meadow wainscot moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1881. It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae and tribe Leucaniini. The species is recorded from North America with 423 observations on iNaturalist. Its MONA/Hodges number is 10441.
Leucania insueta
Heterodox Wainscot Moth
Leucania insueta, known as the heterodox wainscot moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Guenée in 1852. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species occurs in North America with documented records from Canada and the northeastern United States.
Leucaniini
Wainscot Moths
Leucaniini is a tribe of noctuid moths within the subfamily Noctuinae, commonly known as wainscot moths. The tribe contains at least 40 described species distributed across multiple genera including Leucania, Mythimna, and Tiracola. Members are nocturnal and frequently collected using light traps. Some species, particularly within Tiracola, are agricultural pests with documented economic impact.
Leucocnemis
Leucocnemis is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae. The genus was established by George Hampson in 1908 and currently contains four recognized species distributed in North America. The genus name derives from Greek roots suggesting 'white' and 'thread' or 'filament', likely referring to some aspect of adult morphology.
Lithomoia
Lithomoia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae, tribe Xylenini. The genus contains two recognized species: Lithomoia germana and Lithomoia solidaginis. According to Catalogue of Life, Lithomoia is currently treated as a synonym of Xylena, though it remains in use in some sources. Species in this genus are associated with northern temperate regions.
Lithophane
shoulder-knot moths
Lithophane is a genus of noctuid moths commonly known as shoulder-knots. Species are characterized by their autumn to winter flight periods and cryptic forewing patterning that provides bark-mimicking camouflage. The genus includes both univoltine species that overwinter as eggs and those with prolonged adult winter diapause. Several species have expanded their ranges in recent decades, facilitated by horticultural planting of introduced conifers.
Lithophane subtilis
Subtle Pinion
Lithophane subtilis is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Franclemont in 1969. It belongs to the genus Lithophane, a group of moths commonly known as pinions that are primarily active during late fall through early spring. The species is known from North America, with records primarily from the eastern and central regions of the continent. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and exhibits adult activity during the colder months when few other moth species are active.
Loscopia
Loscopia is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae. The genus was established by Beck in 1992 and contains two recognized species: Loscopia roblei (described 2009) and Loscopia velata (described 1865). These moths are part of the diverse Noctuidae family, one of the largest families of Lepidoptera.
Loscopia velata
Veiled Ear Moth
Loscopia velata, commonly known as the veiled ear moth, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Francis Walker in 1865 and is found in North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae and is part of the diverse noctuid moth fauna of the continent.
Lycophotia phyllophora
Lycophotia Moth
Lycophotia phyllophora is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. Adults are active during summer months across northeastern North America. Larvae feed on leaves of woody plants in several genera including Alnus, Betula, and Salix. The species was first described by Grote in 1874 under the basionym Agrotis phyllophora.
Mammifrontia
Mammifrontia is a genus of noctuid moths erected by William Barnes and Arthur Ward Lindsey in 1922. The genus contains three described species: M. leucania, M. rileyi, and M. sarae. These moths belong to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest groups within the family Noctuidae. The genus name likely refers to distinctive frontal head structures, though this has not been formally documented.
Marilopteryx
Marilopteryx is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Franclemont in 1982. The genus contains three described species distributed in the Americas. Members of this genus are classified within the subfamily Noctuinae and tribe Eriopygini, a group of owlet moths.
Melanchra
Melanchra is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae. The genus includes approximately nine described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with the best-known species being Melanchra persicariae (Dot Moth) and Melanchra picta (Zebra Caterpillar Moth). Adults are typically nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvae of at least some species are polyphagous herbivores.
Meropleon
Meropleon is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Dyar in 1924. The genus contains six described species distributed in North America. These moths belong to the subfamily Noctuinae, commonly known as owlet moths. Species within Meropleon have been documented from the United States, with particular records from Vermont.