Nocturnal-moth
Guides
Amorpha juglandis
walnut sphinx
Amorpha juglandis, the walnut sphinx, is the sole species in the monotypic moth genus Amorpha (family Sphingidae). The species is notable for its caterpillar's unique defensive behavior: producing high-pitched whistles by expelling air through specialized abdominal spiracles. This acoustic defense has been experimentally shown to startle avian predators. Adults are nocturnal and active primarily during early night hours.
Drasteria fumosa
Smoky Arches
Drasteria fumosa, known as the Smoky Arches, is a moth species in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 34–43 mm and are active during summer months. The species was first described by Herman Strecker in 1898.
Euxoa brunneigera
Euxoa brunneigera is a noctuid moth species occurring in western North America from British Columbia south to California. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 30 mm and exhibit variable coloration ranging from grey to brown. The species belongs to the genus Euxoa, which includes numerous cutworm species whose larvae are agricultural pests.
Euxoa oblongistigma
Euxoa oblongistigma is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1888. It belongs to the large genus Euxoa, which includes numerous cutworm species. The species is documented from western Canada with records from Alberta and Saskatchewan. Like other Euxoa species, it is likely nocturnal as an adult. Specific biological details beyond basic taxonomy and distribution remain poorly documented in published literature.
Glaucina interruptaria
Glaucina interruptaria is a North American moth species in the family Geometridae, described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1882. The species belongs to the genus Glaucina, which contains several similar-looking geometrid moths with cryptic wing patterns. Like other members of this genus, it is presumed to be nocturnal and to possess the characteristic slender body and broad wings typical of geometrid moths.
Prorella mellisa
Prorella mellisa is a Geometridae moth species described by John Arthur Grossbeck in 1908. It occurs in the western United States, with records from California, Arizona, Colorado, and Montana. Adult flight activity has been documented in May and from July through October.
Smerinthus astarte
Drowsy-eyed Sphinx
Smerinthus astarte is a sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae, currently treated as a synonym of Smerinthus cerisyi by most authorities. The species is known from western North America, with records from Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Vermont. The caterpillars feed on aspen, cottonwood, and willow foliage. Adults are nocturnal and possess distinctive eyespot patterns on the hindwings.
Smerinthus saliceti
Salicet sphinx, Salicet Sphinx Moth
Smerinthus saliceti, commonly known as the Salicet sphinx, is a moth in the family Sphingidae first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1875. This medium-sized sphinx moth has a wingspan of 67–89 mm and is found in riparian habitats from Mexico City northward through western Texas, Arizona, and into extreme southern California. Adults are active from April to September, with evidence suggesting two generations per year. The species is associated with willow and other riparian vegetation.
Sympistis picina
Sympistis picina is a noctuid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1880. It belongs to the genus Sympistis, a large group of owlet moths primarily distributed in North America. The species is documented in limited numbers, with few observations recorded in biodiversity databases. Like other members of Sympistis, it is presumed to be nocturnal with adults active during late summer and fall.
Tolype notialis
Small Tolype Moth
Tolype notialis is a species of lappet moth in the family Lasiocampidae, described by Franclemont in 1973. It is commonly known as the Small Tolype Moth. The species belongs to a genus of moths characterized by distinctive tufted or lappet-like projections on their bodies. As a member of the Lasiocampidae, it shares the family's general biology as a medium-sized moth with larvae that feed on woody plants.
Toxonprucha pardalis
Spotted Toxonprucha
Toxonprucha pardalis, commonly known as the spotted toxonprucha, is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae. The species was originally described as Yrias pardalis by Smith in 1908 and later transferred to the genus Toxonprucha. It is distributed across North America and belongs to the subfamily Erebinae, a diverse group of nocturnal moths. The genus name Toxonprucha derives from Greek roots, while the specific epithet pardalis refers to the spotted or leopard-like pattern typical of this species.
Xestia mixta
Mixta Xestia Moth
Xestia mixta is a noctuid moth first described by Francis Walker in 1856 under the basionym Acronycta mixta. It is known from North America, with verified records from Vermont and broader distribution across the continent. The species belongs to the genus Xestia, a diverse group of owlet moths found primarily in northern regions. As with many Xestia species, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to light sources.