Noctuoidea
Guides
Phalaenophana
litter moths
Phalaenophana is a genus of litter moths in the subfamily Hypeninae of the family Erebidae, established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. The genus contains approximately ten described species distributed across the Americas, with records from North America (including Vermont) and South America (Brazil, Ecuador, Chile). The most well-known species is Phalaenophana pyramusalis, commonly called the dark-banded owlet moth. Current taxonomic databases treat Phalaenophana as a synonym of Phaeolita, though it remains widely used in identification resources.
Phyprosopus callitrichoides
Curve-lined Owlet, Curved-lined Owlet
Phyprosopus callitrichoides is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 28–35 mm and are active from May to August. The species is notable for its distinctive larval morphology, which has been described as "fantastically bizarre." Larvae feed on greenbrier (Smilax species).
Phytometra
Phytometra is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Adrian Hardy Haworth in 1809. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, previously placed in the subfamily Phytometrinae within Erebidae or in Calpinae within Noctuidae. It now resides in Boletobiinae, tribe Phytometrini. The genus contains approximately 40 described species distributed across multiple continents, with notable species including Phytometra viridaria (small purple-barred) and Phytometra rhodarialis (pink-bordered yellow moth).
Ponometia cuta
bird dropping moth
Ponometia cuta is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1905. It belongs to a group commonly known as bird dropping moths, recognized for their cryptic coloration resembling avian feces. The species is native to North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9094.
Proroblemma testa
Proroblemma testa is a moth species in the family Noctuidae (subfamily Acontiinae), originally described from North America in 1913. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9080. As a member of the genus Proroblemma, it belongs to a group of small moths whose larvae are often associated with specific host plants, though detailed biological information for this particular species remains limited.
Protorthodes incincta
banded Quaker moth
Protorthodes incincta, commonly known as the banded Quaker moth, is a noctuid moth species native to western North America. Adults display remarkable color polymorphism, ranging from pale whitish-grey to blackish-grey with intermediate brown, orange, and grey forms. The species occupies dry grassland and open forest habitats across the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and adjacent regions. Flight period extends from early June through early October, with larval stages feeding on herbaceous plants including legumes.
Pseudanthoecia tumida
Pseudanthoecia tumida is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Grote in 1880. It belongs to the tribe Eriopygini within the subfamily Noctuinae. The species is known from North America, though detailed biological information remains limited. Like many noctuid moths, it is presumably nocturnal in its adult activity.
Pseudorthodes iole
Pseudorthodes iole is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Schaus in 1894. It belongs to the genus Pseudorthodes within the tribe Eriopygini. The species is recorded as present in North America. Like other members of the Noctuidae, it is likely nocturnal as an adult. The larval stage is presumably a cutworm, feeding on vegetation, though specific host plant associations have not been documented in the provided sources.
Pygarctia neomexicana
Pygarctia neomexicana is a moth species in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. It was described by William Barnes in 1904. The species occurs in the southwestern United States, with adult flight activity recorded from April through September.
Renia
Renia Moths, Litter Moths
Renia is a genus of litter moths in the subfamily Herminiinae of the family Erebidae. The genus was established by Achille Guenée in 1854. Species within this genus are commonly referred to as renia moths or litter moths. The genus includes at least 13 described species, with several having common names based on distinctive markings or behaviors.
Scolecocampa
Scolecocampa is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Achille Guenée in 1852. The genus was previously classified in the subfamily Calpinae of Noctuidae before reclassification to Erebidae. The genus contains at least seven described species distributed in the Americas. Species-level biology remains poorly documented for most members.
Selenisa
Selenisa is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae. The genus was established by Hayward in 1967 and contains approximately 12 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. One species, Selenisa sueroides, has been studied for its associated parasitoid fauna.
Sigela minuta
Sigela minuta is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Scolecocampinae, described by Troubridge in 2020. The specific epithet 'minuta' suggests small size. As a recently described species, published knowledge about its biology and ecology remains limited. It belongs to a genus of noctuoid moths whose members are typically nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Sigela rosea
Sigela rosea is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Scolecocampinae, described by James Troubridge in 2020. It is placed in the genus Sigela, a group of moths within the diverse Noctuoidea superfamily. As a recently described species, detailed information about its biology and ecology remains limited. The specific epithet 'rosea' likely refers to pink or rose coloration in the adult moth.
Toxocampinae
Toxocampinae is a subfamily of moths within the family Erebidae, superfamily Noctuoidea. The subfamily was previously classified as the tribe Toxocampini within the former subfamily Catocalinae, but phylogenetic analysis supports its recognition as a distinct subfamily outside the Erebinae (formerly Catocalinae). Males possess a primitive form of genital claspers resembling those found in some Noctuidae subfamilies. The subfamily includes approximately 200 species across six genera, with the genus Lygephila being among the most studied.
Toxonprucha
cruel toxonprucha moth, spotted toxonprucha moth, bird toxonprucha
Toxonprucha is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae, containing approximately 13 described species. The genus was established by Heinrich Benno Möschler in 1890. Species are distributed across the southwestern United States (primarily Arizona), Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Several species have received common names, including the 'cruel toxonprucha moth' (T. crudelis), 'spotted toxonprucha moth' (T. pardalis), and 'bird toxonprucha' (T. volucris).
Toxonprucha killamae
Toxonprucha killamae is a moth species described by James T. Troubridge in 2020. It belongs to the genus Toxonprucha within the subfamily Erebinae of the family Erebidae. The species was recently described, and published information remains limited. It is part of the diverse assemblage of underwing and related moths in the Noctuoidea superfamily.
Tripudia
Tripudia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Eustrotiinae. The genus was erected by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1877. It contains approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with most species described by Harrison G. Dyar in the early 20th century. The genus remains taxonomically active, with new species described as recently as 2009.
Tyrissa
Tyrissa is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae, erected by Francis Walker in 1866. The genus contains approximately 12 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with some species extending into the southern United States (Florida). Species have been recorded from Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, Paraguay, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Florida. The genus is taxonomically placed within the superfamily Noctuoidea.
Tyrissa multilinea
Tyrissa multilinea is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1913. It is found in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 8650. The species belongs to the subfamily Calpinae within the large and diverse Erebidae family.
Xestia infimatis
cutworm, dart moth
Xestia infimatis is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1880. It is found in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10972. As a member of the genus Xestia, it belongs to a diverse group of noctuine moths commonly known as dart moths or cutworms.
Zale calycanthata
Double-banded Zale Moth, double-banded zale
Zale calycanthata, commonly known as the double-banded zale, is a moth species in the family Erebidae. First described by James Edward Smith in 1797, this species occurs in eastern North America. Adults exhibit a pronounced spring flight period, with peak abundance during March and April.
Zale chisosensis
Zale chisosensis is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, first described in 1982. It belongs to the genus Zale, a group of moths commonly known as zale moths. The species is found in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is a nocturnal moth whose larvae feed on woody plants.
Zale clandestina
Clandestine Zale Moth
Zale clandestina is a moth species in the family Erebidae, described by James T. Troubridge in 2020. It belongs to the genus Zale, a group of nocturnal moths commonly known as "zale moths" or "underwing moths" due to their characteristic wing patterns. The species epithet "clandestina" suggests a secretive or hidden nature, possibly reflecting its cryptic appearance or elusive habits. Like other members of the genus, it is presumed to be nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Zale colorado
Zale colorado is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae. It was described by Smith in 1908, originally placed in the genus Phaeocyma. The species is found in North America. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 8715.
Zale edusina
Goat Zale Moth
Zale edusina is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae, described by Harvey in 1875. It is found across North America and is one of numerous species in the diverse genus Zale. The species is assigned Hodges number 8693 in the North American moth numbering system. Like other members of its genus, it is a nocturnal moth with larvae that feed on various woody plants.
Zale lafontainei
Zale lafontainei is a moth species in the family Erebidae, described by J. Donald Lafontaine and David Troubridge in 2020. The species belongs to the genus Zale, a group of underwing and related moths within the subfamily Erebinae. Like other Zale species, it is presumed to be nocturnal with cryptically colored adults. The species was named in honor of J. Donald Lafontaine, a prominent Canadian lepidopterist who has made substantial contributions to the taxonomy of Noctuoidea.
Zale metata
Washed-out and Black-eyed Zale Moths and Allies
Zale metata is a nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae, part of the diverse owlet moth group. The species belongs to a genus commonly known as the "Washed-out and Black-eyed Zale Moths and Allies." Larvae of Zale moths have been documented as hosts for the parasitoid wasp Ammophila nigricans, a large sphecid wasp that provisions its nests with caterpillars. The specific epithet "metata" was established by Smith in 1908, with the species originally described under the basionym Phaeocyma metata.
Zelicodes linearis
Dusty-winged Tan
Zelicodes linearis is the sole species in the monotypic moth genus Zelicodes, family Erebidae. It was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883 (originally as Litognatha linearis), with the genus established in 1896. The species is known from Arizona, USA, and is commonly called the Dusty-winged Tan. As a member of subfamily Calpinae, it belongs to a group of moths often associated with fruit-feeding behaviors, though specific biological details for this species remain limited.