Nocturnal
Guides
Abablemma bilineata
Abablemma bilineata is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1916. It is found in North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Acontiinae, a group of moths often characterized by relatively simple wing patterns and nocturnal habits. Based on iNaturalist records, it has been documented in at least 121 observations, suggesting it is not exceptionally rare within its range.
Acacesia
Acacesia is a genus of orb-weaver spiders (family Araneidae) containing six species with predominantly neotropical distribution. The genus was established by Eugène Simon in 1895. Most species are known only from museum specimens, with A. hamata being the only species documented in the United States and the only one with substantial natural history information available. Close relatives include the genera Ocrepeira and Cyclosa.
Acacesia hamata
Difoliate Orbweaver
Acacesia hamata, commonly known as the Difoliate Orbweaver, is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is the only species of its genus found north of Mexico, with a distribution ranging from the eastern United States south to Argentina. The species is recognized by its distinctive abdominal pattern featuring a dagger-like mark within a wedge-shaped folium. It builds vertical orb webs at night and removes them before dawn, typically in grassy or shrubby habitats near forest edges.
Acanthepeira
Star-bellied Orb-web Spiders, Starbellied Orbweavers
Acanthepeira is a genus of orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, first described by George Marx in 1883. The genus comprises five North American species, most notably Acanthepeira stellata, known for its distinctive star-shaped abdominal tubercles. These spiders are recognized for their unusual spiked abdomens that function as camouflage against predators. The genus ranges from southeastern Canada through the eastern and central United States to southern California.
Acanthepeira stellata
starbellied orbweaver, starbellied spider
Acanthepeira stellata is a distinctive orb-weaving spider known for its hard, spiked abdomen covered in prominent tubercles that give it a star-like appearance. The species ranges from Canada to Mexico and is commonly found in grasslands, prairies, meadows, and agricultural areas. It is nocturnal, constructing vertical orb webs close to the ground to capture prey. The spider exhibits effective crypsis, resembling plant debris such as burs or seed pods when at rest.
Achatia
Quaker moths
Achatia is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as Quaker moths. The genus contains approximately 16 described species distributed primarily in North America. Species within this genus are typically spring-flying nocturnal moths attracted to light. The caterpillars are generalist feeders on deciduous trees and shrubs.
Achyra bifidalis
Achyra bifidalis is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of 20–24 mm, distributed across the Americas from the southern United States through South America. The species was described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1794. Larvae feed on Gossypium (cotton) and Portulaca species.
Acleris variegana
Garden Rose Tortrix, Garden Rose Tortricid, Fruit Tortricid
A small tortricid moth with distinctive wing patterning, recognized as a significant agricultural pest of rosaceous fruit trees. Adults fly nocturnally during late summer and are attracted to light. The species has a broad Palearctic distribution with introduced populations in North America. Larval damage is most severe from the spring generation, which attacks fruit buds, flowers, and developing fruits.
Acontia coquillettii
bird dropping moth
Acontia coquillettii is a small noctuid moth species native to western North America. It is characterized by its predominantly white forewings with distinctive grey and olive markings on the distal portion, a pattern that serves as camouflage resembling bird droppings. The species has been documented in California and Oregon, with specific records from the Snake River region in Malheur County. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Acontia found in North America.
Acritogramma metaleuca
Acritogramma metaleuca is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Hampson in 1913. It belongs to the subfamily Erebinae, a diverse group of nocturnal moths. The species is known from North America. It is assigned Hodges number 8682 in the MONA (Moths of North America) numbering system.
Acrobasis suavella
Thicket Knot-horn, Blackthorn Knot-horn
Acrobasis suavella is a small pyralid moth native to Europe, with an established introduced population in southwestern Canada. Adults fly nocturnally during summer months and are readily attracted to light. The larva is a concealed feeder, constructing a silken gallery within which it feeds on host plant material over an extended autumn-to-spring period. The species has been the subject of genome sequencing as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project.
Acrolophus
Grass Tubeworm Moths
Acrolophus is a genus of moths in the family Acrolophidae, originally described by Felipe Poey in 1832. The genus was formerly classified in the family Tineidae (clothes moths) but has been reassigned to Acrolophidae based on revised phylogenetic understanding. Species in this genus are commonly known as "grass tube moths" or "grass tubeworm moths" due to the distinctive larval behavior of spinning silken tubes at the base of grasses or around grass roots for concealment while feeding. The genus exhibits exceptional individual variation in color pattern within species, rendering field identification of many specimens difficult or impossible without dissection or molecular analysis.
Acrolophus
grass tube moths
Acrolophus is a genus of moths in the family Acrolophidae, commonly known as "grass tube moths." The family was formerly placed in Tineidae (clothes moths and kin) but has been reclassified based on updated evolutionary relationships. Larvae of many species construct silken tubes at the base of grasses or grass roots for concealment while feeding.
Acrolophus arizonellus
Acrolophus arizonellus is a moth species in the family Acrolophidae, first described by Walsingham in 1887. It belongs to a genus commonly known as "grass tube moths" due to the larval habit of spinning silken tubes at the base of grasses. The species is documented from the southwestern United States.
Acrolophus filicicornis
Acrolophus filicicornis is a species of moth in the family Acrolophidae, commonly known as grass tube moths. The genus was formerly placed in family Tineidae (clothes moths) but has been reclassified to Acrolophidae based on revised phylogenetic understanding. Larvae of Acrolophus species construct silken tubes at the base of grasses or among grass roots for concealment while feeding.
Acrolophus forbesi
Forbes' Grass Tubeworm Moth
Acrolophus forbesi is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae, commonly known as grass tubeworm moths. It was described by Hasbrouck in 1964 and occurs in the southeastern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 17 mm. Like other members of its genus, the caterpillars likely construct silken tubes at the base of grasses or grass roots for concealment while feeding.
Acrolophus griseus
Grass Tube Moth
Acrolophus griseus is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae, described by Lord Walsingham in 1887. It belongs to a genus commonly known as 'grass tube moths' due to the larval habit of spinning silken tubes at grass bases or roots for concealment while feeding. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It was historically classified in the family Tineidae but has been reassigned to Acrolophidae based on phylogenetic studies.
Acrolophus kearfotti
Acrolophus kearfotti is a moth species in the family Acrolophidae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1903. The species is found in southwestern North America, with records from Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, and New Mexico. Adult moths have a wingspan of 24–27 mm. Like other members of the genus Acrolophus, the caterpillars are known as "grass tube moths" for their habit of spinning silken tubes at the base of grasses or grass roots for concealment while feeding.
Acrolophus laticapitana
Grass Tube Moth
Acrolophus laticapitana is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae, described by Walsingham in 1884. The species is found in western North America from northern California to southern Arizona. Adults have forewings measuring 6.5–9.5 mm in length. Like other members of the genus, it is commonly known as a "grass tube moth" due to larval behavior. The species includes two recognized subspecies: the nominate form and A. l. unistriganus described by Dyar in 1903.
Acrolophus mora
dark acrolophus
Acrolophus mora is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae, commonly known as the dark acrolophus. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1881. It occurs across eastern North America from Quebec to Florida and west to the Mississippi River drainage. Sexual dimorphism is present in wingspan, with males measuring approximately 20 mm and females approximately 26 mm.
Acrolophus mortipennella
Long-horned Grass Tubeworm Moth
Acrolophus mortipennella is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae, described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. It belongs to a genus commonly known as "grass tube moths" due to larval behavior of spinning silken tubes at grass bases or roots. The species occurs across the southeastern and central United States, with adults active during summer months. It is attracted to ultraviolet light sources at night.
Acrolophus occidens
grass tube moth
A species of grass tube moth in the family Acrolophidae. The genus Acrolophus was formerly placed in the family Tineidae (clothes moths) but has been reclassified based on updated taxonomy. Like other members of the genus, the caterpillars are known as "grass tube moths" for their habit of spinning silken tubes at the base of grasses or grass roots for concealment while feeding. Adults are attracted to blacklights and ultraviolet light sources.
Acrolophus parvipalpus
Acrolophus parvipalpus is a moth in the family Acrolophidae, described by Hasbrouck in 1964. It belongs to a genus commonly known as "grass tube moths" due to larval behavior. The species is found in southwestern North America, with records from Arizona and Texas. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to light.
Acrolophus plumifrontella
Eastern Grass-tubeworm Moth, Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth
A small moth in the family Acrolophidae, known as the Eastern Grass-tubeworm Moth. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 28 mm and are active from April through October across the eastern and central United States. The common name refers to the larval habit of constructing silken tubes at the base of grasses. Formerly classified in the family Tineidae, this species was reassigned to Acrolophidae based on revised understanding of lepidopteran phylogeny.
Acrolophus popeanella
Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth
Acrolophus popeanella is a moth in the family Acrolophidae, commonly known as Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth. The species was described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1859. Adults are small moths with distinctive dark brown wings marked with lighter brown blotches and a striped pattern near the forewing margins. The larvae are root-feeders, specifically documented to feed on red clover (Trifolium pratense). The species is widely distributed across the eastern and central United States, occurring in diverse habitats from grasslands to urban environments.
Acrolophus propinqua
Walsingham's Grass Tubeworm Moth
Acrolophus propinqua, commonly known as Walsingham's Grass Tubeworm Moth, is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae. The species is found across the eastern and southeastern United States, with a wingspan of 22–26 mm. As with other members of the genus, the caterpillars construct silken tubes at the base of grasses or grass roots for concealment while feeding.
Acrolophus texanella
Texas Grass Tubeworm Moth, Grass Tubeworm
Acrolophus texanella, commonly known as the Texas Grass Tubeworm Moth, is a small moth species in the family Acrolophidae. The species was formerly classified in the family Tineidae but has been reassigned to Acrolophidae based on revised taxonomic understanding. Like other members of its genus, it is known as a "grass tube moth" due to the larval habit of spinning silken tubes at the base of grasses. The species is found across the eastern and southern United States, from Maryland to Florida and west to Texas.
Acrolophus walsinghami
Acrolophus walsinghami is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae, first described by Möschler in 1890. The genus Acrolophus, commonly known as "grass tube moths," includes species whose larvae construct silken tubes at grass bases or roots for concealment while feeding. Adults are attracted to light and have been documented during moth surveys in late summer. The species has undergone taxonomic reclassification, formerly placed in the family Tineidae before being moved to Acrolophidae.
Acronicta albarufa
Barrens dagger moth
Acronicta albarufa, the barrens dagger moth, is a nocturnal noctuid moth with a fragmented distribution across North America. Adults are typically 3.0–3.5 cm in length and active from June to August, with some populations producing a partial second brood. The species is strongly associated with oak and pine barren habitats, particularly pitch pine–bear oak communities in the Northeast and oak savannahs in the western and southern portions of its range. It is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut and believed extirpated there.
Acronicta brumosa
Charred Dagger, charred dagger moth
Acronicta brumosa, commonly known as the charred dagger moth, is a noctuid moth native to North America. The species exhibits a wingspan of approximately 38 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on various Quercus (oak) species. The species was first described by Guenée in 1852.
Acronicta laetifica
Pleasant Dagger, Pleasant Dagger Moth
Acronicta laetifica, commonly known as the Pleasant Dagger, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae. It is a member of the dagger moth genus Acronicta, characterized by distinctive forewing markings that include a dark dagger-shaped streak. The species occurs across eastern North America, with larvae that feed on various woody plants.
Acronicta marmorata
marble dagger moth, Marbled Oak Dagger
Acronicta marmorata, commonly known as the marble dagger moth or Marbled Oak Dagger, is a noctuid moth species native to western North America. The species is characterized by its marbled wing pattern and moderate size, with a wingspan of approximately 43 mm. Adults are active during mid-summer months, with larvae specializing on oak foliage.
Acronicta noctivaga
night-wandering dagger moth
Acronicta noctivaga is a small noctuid moth commonly known as the night-wandering dagger moth. It occurs in north-eastern North America with adults active during late spring through summer. The species has been recorded feeding on poplar as a larva. The common name references both its nocturnal activity and the dagger-like markings typical of the genus.
Acronicta othello
Acronicta othello is a noctuid moth described by Smith in 1908. It belongs to the dagger moth genus Acronicta, a group characterized by distinctive dark markings on the forewings that often resemble daggers or swords. The species occurs in western North America, with records from California and surrounding regions. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Acronicta rubricoma
Hackberry Dagger, ruddy dagger moth
Acronicta rubricoma, commonly known as the Hackberry Dagger or ruddy dagger moth, is a noctuid moth found in eastern and central North America. The species has a wingspan of 38–44 mm. Adults are active from April to October with two generations per year. The larvae feed on elm, hackberry, and sumac.
Acrossus rufipes
Night-flying Dung Beetle
Acrossus rufipes is a scarab beetle commonly known as the night-flying dung beetle. The species is notable for its strong negative phototaxis, remaining buried in soil or dung during daylight and emerging only after dark to fly and seek food or mates. It is among the largest members of its genus, with a robust body adapted for burrowing using its shovel-shaped head. The species has experienced taxonomic instability, having been classified under Aphodius before returning to Acrossus.
Actias
Moon Moths, Asian-American Moon Moths
Actias is a genus of Saturniid moths commonly known as moon moths, distributed across Asia and the Americas. The genus is distinguished by elongated hindwing tails and includes well-known species such as the Luna moth (A. luna) of North America and the Spanish moon moth (A. isabellae) of Europe. Adult moths lack functional mouthparts, limiting their lifespan to several days to one week after emergence. Caterpillars feed on leaves of various woody plants including sweetgum, pine, hickory, walnut, and birch.
Admetovis oxymorus
cutworm moth, dart moth
Admetovis oxymorus is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1873. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species occurs in North America and has been frequently misidentified with related species in the genus. Its larvae are believed to be climbing cutworms that feed on woody shrubs.
Aegomorphus quadrigibbus
Four-humped Longhorned Beetle
Aegomorphus quadrigibbus is a longhorned beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1831 as Acanthoderes quadrigibba. The species is characterized by four prominent tubercles on the pronotum and distinctive heart-shaped elytral patterning. Historically associated with hardwood forests in eastern North America, it has recently emerged as an agricultural pest in Mexican Persian lime orchards. The species was transferred to the genus Aegomorphus by Yanega in 1996.
Aethes smeathmanniana
Smeathmann's Aethes Moth
A small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 12–19 mm. Adults are active from May to August. The species has a trans-Atlantic distribution, occurring across Europe, Asia Minor, and eastern North America. Larvae develop within seeds of various plants, particularly composites.
Agapema dyari
Chihuahuan Agapema
Agapema dyari is a giant silkmoth in the family Saturniidae, endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert region of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species is characterized by distinctive wing patterning and is among the smaller members of the genus Agapema. Adults are short-lived and do not feed; their primary function is reproduction. Larvae feed on specific host plants, though detailed life history documentation remains limited.
Agapema homogena
Rocky Mountain Agapema
Agapema homogena is a giant silkmoth in the family Saturniidae, first described by Dyar in 1908. It is commonly known as the Rocky Mountain Agapema. The species occurs in North America and Central America. Adults are nocturnal and do not feed.
Agathodes monstralis
Sky-pointing Moth
Agathodes monstralis is a species of moth in the family Crambidae, commonly known as the Sky-pointing Moth. The species was described by Guenée in 1854 and is placed in the subfamily Spilomelinae. It is one of several species in the genus Agathodes, which are distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. The common name refers to a characteristic resting posture where the moth holds its wings and body oriented upward.
Agathymus
giant-skippers
Agathymus is a genus of large skipper butterflies described by H.A. Freeman in 1959. The genus comprises approximately 30 species distributed across arid regions of North America from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Costa Rica. Larvae are specialized stem-borers in agave plants, making this genus ecologically dependent on desert agave communities. Species are commonly known as giant-skippers.
Agelenopsis aperta
Desert Grass Spider, Funnel-web Spider
Agelenopsis aperta, commonly known as the desert grass spider, is a medium-sized funnel-web weaver native to arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It constructs characteristic non-sticky funnel-shaped webs in crevices and vegetation, where it waits to ambush prey. The species exhibits notable territorial behavior and complex courtship rituals involving abdominal swaying and pheromone release that induces a temporary cataplectic state in females.
Agonum ferruginosum
Agonum ferruginosum is a ground beetle in the subfamily Platyninae, described by Dejean in 1828. It occurs in North America with records from the United States, Canada, and Alaska. In central Alberta marshes, it is one of the most abundant carabid species in emergent vegetation of flooded zones, where it exhibits habitat partitioning with sympatric congeners. The species is nocturnal and shows earlier reproduction and teneral adult emergence compared to some co-occurring Agonum species.
Agonum thoreyi
Agonum thoreyi is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae. In central Alberta marshes, it is one of four most abundant carabid species in emergent vegetation of flooded zones. It shows relatively even distribution across macrohabitats compared to congeners, with preference for microsites featuring emergent substrate or dead vegetation piles. Its reproductive timing is later than sympatric Agonum nigriceps and A. ferruginosum. The species is nocturnal.
Agrius
sweetpotato hornworms, convolvulus hawkmoths
Agrius is a genus of hawkmoths (Sphingidae) containing approximately 3–5 species, most notably Agrius cingulata (sweetpotato hornworm) and Agrius convolvuli (convolvulus hawkmoth). These are large, robust moths with distinctive pinkish abdominal bands. The larvae are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and related Convolvulaceae. Adults are powerful fliers capable of long-distance migration, with some populations undertaking transcontinental movements. The genus occurs across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with some species extending into temperate zones during summer months.
Agrius cingulata
pink-spotted hawkmoth, sweetpotato hornworm
Agrius cingulata is a large sphingid moth with broad neotropical distribution extending northward through migratory behavior. Adults are nocturnal nectar feeders with exceptionally long proboscises, while larvae are robust hornworms that feed voraciously on Convolvulaceae, particularly sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), causing significant agricultural damage. The species has been documented as a "nectar thief" of rare orchids, removing nectar without providing pollination services.
Agrochola
Agrochola is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1821. Species are primarily autumn-flying (late August to November) with overwintering eggs. The genus includes species of conservation concern; Agrochola litura has declined substantially in Britain (73% abundance decrease 1970–2016). Long-term monitoring data from Prague showed Agrochola lychnidis exhibited significant population decrease over 29 years. Some authorities treat Sunira as a subgenus of Agrochola.