Noctuoidea
Guides
Herminiinae
Litter Moths
Herminiinae is a subfamily of moths in the family Erebidae, order Lepidoptera. Members are commonly called litter moths due to the feeding habits of their caterpillars. The subfamily was previously treated as a separate family (Herminiidae) or as a subfamily of Noctuidae, but phylogenetic analysis places it within Erebidae, most closely related to Aganainae.
Heterocampinae
prominent moths
Heterocampinae is a subfamily of prominent moths within the family Notodontidae. It contains at least 60 described species in North America, with additional species in other regions. The group includes economically and ecologically significant genera such as Heterocampa, Schizura, and Lochmaeus. Adults are nocturnal and larvae often exhibit distinctive defensive postures.
Homoglaea carbonaria
cutworm moth, dart moth
Homoglaea carbonaria is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Harvey in 1876. It was originally placed in the genus Lithophane before being transferred to Homoglaea. The species is known from North America, with records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. As a member of the Noctuidae, it likely has a typical noctuid life cycle with larvae that are cutworms, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 9883.
Hormoschista
double-lined brown moth
Hormoschista is a monotypic moth genus in the family Erebidae, established by Heinrich Benno Möschler in 1890. It contains a single species, Hormoschista latipalpis, commonly known as the double-lined brown moth. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, previously placed in Noctuidae (subfamily Acontiinae) or Phytometrinae within Erebidae.
Hypena minualis
sooty hypena, sooty bomolocha moth, Sooty Snout
Hypena minualis is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1854. It is found in North America, with distribution records including the northeastern United States. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 8457. As a member of the genus Hypena, it belongs to a group commonly known as snout moths due to their elongated labial palps.
Hypena palparia
Variegated Snout-moth, Mottled Bomolocha, Mottled Snout
Hypena palparia is a medium-sized moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1861. The species occurs across much of North America, from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific, with adults active primarily in early summer. Larvae feed on the leaves of specific woody plants including ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) and hazelnuts (Corylus species). The moth is known by multiple common names reflecting its patterned appearance and snout-like labial palps.
Hypena sordidula
Sordid Hypena, Sordid Bomolocha Moth, Sordid Snout
Hypena sordidula, the Sordid Hypena or Sordid Bomolocha Moth, is a small moth in the family Erebidae described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. It is distributed across eastern and central North America, with adults active from May through August and two generations per year. The species is notable for its specialized larval association with Laportea species, and for historical confusion regarding its host plant relationships.
Hypena tenebrosa
Hypena tenebrosa is a moth species in the family Erebidae, subfamily Hypeninae, described by Walker in 1865. The species was originally described under the genus Peliala before being transferred to Hypena. As a member of the genus Hypena, it belongs to a group commonly known as snout moths due to their elongated labial palps. The specific epithet "tenebrosa" refers to darkness or shadow, likely alluding to the moth's coloration.
Hypena vega
Hypena vega is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Smith in 1900. It belongs to the genus Hypena, a group of snout moths characterized by their elongated labial palps that project forward like a snout. The species is documented from North America with limited observational records.
Hypeninae
Hypenine Snout Moths
Hypeninae is a subfamily of moths within the family Erebidae, first described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1851. Members are commonly known as snout moths due to their elongated labial palps that project forward like a snout. The subfamily was previously classified within Noctuidae but has been reclassified to Erebidae following taxonomic revisions. A notable species, Mecistoptera griseifusa, has been documented feeding exclusively on tears using its proboscis.
Hypenula cacuminalis
Long-horned Owlet, Long-horned Owlet Moth
Hypenula cacuminalis, commonly known as the long-horned owlet moth, is a small moth in the family Erebidae. It is native to the southeastern United States, ranging west to Texas and Arizona. The species exhibits extended flight activity in warmer regions, with multiple generations per year in the southern part of its range.
Hyperstrotia nana
white-lined graylet, White-lined Graylets
Hyperstrotia nana, commonly known as the white-lined graylet, is a species of moth in the family Erebidae. It is native to North America and has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 9035. The species was first described by Hübner in 1818 under the basionym Cryphia nana. Records indicate presence in the United States, including Vermont.
Hyperstrotia secta
Black-patched Graylet, black-patched graylet moth
Hyperstrotia secta is a small moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Grote in 1879. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with records spanning from New England to the Gulf Coast and west to Oklahoma. Adults are active during spring and summer months. The species is characterized by its small size and distinctive wing pattern featuring a black patch.
Hyperstrotia villificans
Hyperstrotia villificans is a small moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Boletobiinae, described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918 from North America. Originally described as Cryphia villificans, it was later transferred to the genus Hyperstrotia. The species belongs to the tribe Phytometrini, a group of generally small, nocturnal moths often associated with wooded or shrubby habitats.
Ianassa wagneri
Ianassa wagneri is a species of moth in the family Notodontidae, subfamily Heterocampinae. The species was described by Miller and Franclemont in 2021. It belongs to the genus Ianassa, a group of prominent moths within the superfamily Noctuoidea. Very little specific information has been published about this recently described species.
Idia occidentalis
Western Idia
Idia occidentalis is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Smith in 1884. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of Idia lubricalis but is now recognized as a distinct species. The species is found in western North America, with adults active primarily in late summer in northern parts of its range. It inhabits dry, open environments including arid grasslands and badlands.
Ipnista
Ipnista is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae, described by William Schaus in 1916. The genus contains at least two described species: Ipnista marina (described by H. Druce in 1891) and Ipnista tucumana (described by Schaus in 1933). It belongs to the diverse moth superfamily Noctuoidea.
Iscadia
Iscadia is a genus of moths in the family Nolidae, established by Francis Walker in 1857. The genus is placed in the subfamily Eligminae. Observations of this genus have been documented on iNaturalist, indicating ongoing presence in natural environments. The genus represents a group of noctuoid moths with characteristics typical of the Nolidae family.
Kakopoda
Kakopoda is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae. The genus was erected by J. B. Smith in 1900 and contains five described species distributed from the southern United States through Central America and into northern South America. The genus is placed within the superfamily Noctuoidea. Most documented records for the genus come from the species Kakopoda progenies.
Lacinipolia consimilis
cutworm moth, dart moth
Lacinipolia consimilis is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by McDunnough in 1937. It belongs to the genus Lacinipolia, commonly known as cutworm or dart moths. The species is distributed in North America. As with many Lacinipolia species, visual identification to species level is challenging and typically requires examination of genitalia.
Latebraria amphipyroides
Latebraria amphipyroides is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Guenée in 1852. It occurs from the southern United States through Central America, with confirmed records from Cuba and Costa Rica. The species belongs to the subfamily Calpinae, a group of moths often associated with fruit-feeding habits.
Lesmone fufius
Lesmone fufius is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Schaus in 1894. The species is native to North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 8652. It belongs to the genus Lesmone within the subfamily Erebinae. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Lesmone griseipennis
Gray-winged Owlet Moth, gray-winged owlet
Lesmone griseipennis is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae. It was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1882, originally placed in the genus Trama. The species is recorded from North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 8654. The common name refers to its grayish wing coloration.
Lesmone hinna
Lifted Owlet
Lesmone hinna is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Geyer in 1837. It is commonly known as the Lifted Owlet and is assigned Hodges number 8653. The species belongs to the subfamily Erebinae within the superfamily Noctuoidea. It has been documented across North America with over 500 iNaturalist observations.
Letis
Letis is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1821. The genus belongs to the subfamily Calpinae within the superfamily Noctuoidea. Several species have been described, including the type species Letis specularis Hübner, 1821, and notable members such as Letis hercyna, Letis magna, and Letis scops. The genus has been documented through 714 iNaturalist observations.
Macristis schausi
Bulia schausi
Macristis schausi is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Hypeninae, described by Barnes & Benjamin in 1924. It is native to northwestern Mexico and has been intercepted at U.S. ports of entry on commercial produce shipments, indicating potential invasive risk. The species was previously known under the synonym Bulia schausi. It is not established in the United States.
Macrochilo
litter moths
Macrochilo is a genus of litter moths in the subfamily Herminiinae of family Erebidae. The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1825 and comprises approximately 13 species distributed across three continents. Species occur in North America, Europe, and Madagascar, with the greatest diversity in North America. The genus includes several species with established common names, such as the slant-lined owlet and dotted fan-foot.
Manulea bicolor
Manulea bicolor is a moth species in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae, described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1864. It belongs to the tribe Lithosiini, a group commonly known as footman moths. The species is recognized as valid and accepted in taxonomic databases. Distribution records indicate presence in the United States, specifically Vermont.
Marathyssa
Beautiful Marathyssa Moth (for M. pulcherrimus)
Marathyssa is a genus of moths in the family Euteliidae, established by Francis Walker in 1865. The genus contains approximately 20 described species distributed across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Several species occur in North America, including the type species M. basalis. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some sources historically placing it in Noctuidae.
Massala
Massala is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae. It was established by Francis Walker in 1865. Species in this genus are distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, including parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia. The genus is part of the diverse erebid moth fauna and is characterized by features typical of calpine moths.
Matigramma adoceta
Matigramma adoceta is a moth species in the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae. It was described by John G. Franclemont in 1986. The species is known from North America, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented.
Matigramma rubrosuffusa
Matigramma rubrosuffusa is a nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae, described by Grote in 1882. It belongs to the diverse subfamily Erebinae, commonly known as the underwing and related moths. The species is known from North America, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Meganola dentata
toothed meganola moth
Meganola dentata is a species of nolid moth in the family Nolidae, found in North America. The species was described by Dyar in 1899 and is known by the common name 'toothed meganola moth'. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 8986. The species belongs to the genus Meganola, which comprises small to medium-sized moths within the superfamily Noctuoidea.
Meganola minuscula
confused meganola, Confused Meganola Moth
Meganola minuscula, commonly known as the confused meganola, is a species of nolid moth in the family Nolidae. It was first described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1872. The species is distributed across North America, with confirmed records from Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Vermont). It is assigned Hodges number 8983 in the North American moth numbering system.
Melipotis
Melipotis is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus contains approximately 50 recognized species distributed primarily in the Americas. Adults are nocturnal and have been observed visiting flowers, including dandelions. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including modified palps and leg structures.
Melipotis cellaris
Cellar Melipotis Moth, Cellar Graphic
Melipotis cellaris is a moth in the family Erebidae with a broad Neotropical and southern Nearctic distribution. Adults have a wingspan of 35-37 mm and are active year-round in at least part of their range. The species has been recorded from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and into South America.
Melipotis indomita
Indomitable Melipotis, Indomitable Graphic Moth
Melipotis indomita is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1858. It is widely distributed across the Americas, ranging from the West Indies and Mexico through much of the United States. The species has a wingspan of 40–55 mm and produces multiple generations per year. Larvae feed exclusively on Prosopis species.
Melipotis perpendicularis
Perpendicular Melipotis Moth, Perpendicular Graphic
Melipotis perpendicularis is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Guenée in 1852. It occurs in North America, with confirmed records from Manitoba, Canada. The species is part of the diverse Melipotis genus, which contains numerous similar-looking underwing and related moths. Its MONA (Moth Photographers Group) Hodges number is 8598, indicating its place in the standardized North American moth numbering system.
Metalectra geminicincta
Metalectra geminicincta is a moth species described by Schaus in 1916, belonging to the family Erebidae. The genus Metalectra comprises small to medium-sized moths, many with distinctive wing patterns. This species is recorded from North America. Information on its biology and ecology remains limited.
Metalectra richardsi
Richards' fungus moth
Metalectra richardsi, commonly known as Richards' fungus moth, is a species of moth in the family Erebidae. The species was described by Auburn Edmond Brower in 1941. It is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 8505.
Mocis disseverans
Yellow Mocis Moth
Mocis disseverans, commonly known as the Yellow Mocis Moth, is a nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae. It occurs in the Caribbean and the southern United States, with documented populations in Florida, Texas, and Mississippi. The species has a wingspan of approximately 40 mm. Like other members of the genus Mocis, it is likely associated with grassland and open habitats.
Mycterophora monticola
Mycterophora monticola is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae, described by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. The specific epithet "monticola" (mountain-dwelling) suggests an association with montane habitats. Records indicate presence in North America. The genus Mycterophora belongs to a group of moths commonly known as underwings or related forms, though detailed natural history information for this particular species appears limited in available sources.
Noctuidae
owlet moths, cutworms, armyworms
Noctuidae is a large family of moths in the superfamily Noctuoidea, currently comprising approximately 1,089 genera and 11,772 species. The family is taxonomically unstable, having recently lost several subfamilies (Lymantriinae, Catocalinae, Calpinae) to the family Erebidae, making it now the second-largest family in Noctuoidea rather than the largest in Lepidoptera. Adults are predominantly nocturnal with cryptic brown, grey, or black coloration, though some tropical subfamilies exhibit bright coloration. Larvae are commonly known as cutworms or armyworms, with many species being significant agricultural pests.
Nolidae
Tufted Moths, Tuft Moths
Nolidae is a family of small to medium-sized moths within the superfamily Noctuoidea, comprising approximately 1,400-1,700 described species worldwide. Members are characterized by relatively dull coloration and, in the subfamilies Nolinae and Collomeninae, distinctive tufts of raised scales on the forewings. The family was historically treated as a subfamily of Noctuidae but is now recognized as distinct based on morphological and molecular evidence. A defining feature of the family is the construction of a silk cocoon with a vertical exit slit for pupal emergence.
Notodontidae
Prominent Moths
Notodontidae is a family of moths comprising approximately 3,800 described species, first established by James Francis Stephens in 1829. The family is distributed globally but reaches its greatest diversity in tropical regions, particularly the New World. Adults are characterized by heavy bodies, long wings held folded across the back at rest, and predominantly dull coloration in grey or brown tones. The family name derives from Greek roots meaning 'back tooth,' referring to the tuft of hair often present on the trailing edge of the forewing. Larvae exhibit remarkable morphological diversity and possess chemical defenses uncommon in other Lepidoptera.
Ophisma
Ophisma is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Achille Guenée in 1852. The genus contains approximately 21 described species distributed primarily in tropical regions of the Americas. Many species were described in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by authors including Guenée, Walker, Schaus, and Hampson.
Paectes asper
Paectes asper is a moth in the family Euteliidae first described by Michael G. Pogue in 2013. The species is widespread across the Caribbean region, ranging from southern Florida and the Bahamas through the Greater Antilles (excluding Puerto Rico) to the Lesser Antilles including the British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Dominica. The specific name derives from Latin 'asper' meaning rough, referring to the roughened texture of the apex of the free saccular extension in the male genitalia.
Paectes nubifera
Clouded Paectes Moth
Paectes nubifera is a species of moth in the family Euteliidae, first described by Hampson in 1912. It is found in North America and is known by the common name Clouded Paectes Moth. The species has a Hodges number of 8965. It belongs to a genus that has been the subject of recent taxonomic revision, with several cryptic species complexes identified through detailed morphological study of genitalia.
Pangraptinae
Pangraptinae is a subfamily of moths within the family Erebidae. Phylogenetic analysis provides only weak support for its status as a clade, and the subfamily is expected to undergo significant revision with further study. The subfamily is most closely related to a clade containing Aganainae, Herminiinae (litter moths), and Arctiinae (tiger and lichen moths). The genus Pangrapta includes the most frequently encountered species in at least one well-surveyed region.
Paraeschra
Paraeschra is a genus of moths in the family Notodontidae, described in 2018 by Miller & Franclemont. It belongs to the subfamily Notodontinae, a group commonly known as prominent moths. The genus was established relatively recently in lepidopteran taxonomy, suggesting it was separated from related genera based on morphological or molecular evidence. As a notodontid genus, its members likely share characteristics with other prominent moths, though species-specific details remain limited in available sources.