Nocturnal
Guides
Holoverticata
Woodlice and Pillbugs
Holoverticata is an infraorder of isopod crustaceans encompassing the familiar terrestrial woodlice and pillbugs. Members of this group are distinguished by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies, seven pairs of walking legs, and ability to occupy moist terrestrial habitats. The group includes species capable of conglobation (rolling into a ball) as well as those that remain flattened. This infraorder represents the most successful lineage of crustaceans to colonize land.
Homaledra octagonella
Octagonal Casemaker Moth
Homaledra octagonella is a small moth species in the family Pterolonchidae, commonly known as the Octagonal Casemaker Moth. The species was described by Walsingham in 1882. Members of this genus are known for constructing distinctive larval cases from plant material. The family placement has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some sources historically placing it in Coleophoridae.
Homoeosoma
sunflower moth
Homoeosoma is a genus of pyralid moths (family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae) containing multiple species associated with plants in the Asteraceae family. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, particularly of sunflower (Helianthus annuus), as well as species feeding on weedy composites such as ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and thistles. Several species have been studied extensively for their host plant relationships, chemical ecology, and potential for biological control of invasive weeds.
Homolobinae
Homolobinae is a subfamily of braconid parasitoid wasps containing three genera: Exasticolus, Homolobus, and Westwoodiella. Members are relatively large braconids, often nocturnal, and function as koinobiont endoparasitoids of caterpillars. The subfamily was previously expanded to include Charmontinae as a tribe. They can be distinguished from similar Macrocentrinae by the presence of an occipital carina.
Hoplistoscelis
damsel bugs
Hoplistoscelis is a genus of damsel bugs in the family Nabidae, first described by Reuter in 1890. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed in North America. Members of this genus are small predatory true bugs, typically nocturnal hunters that prey on other insects. They are economically significant as natural pest control agents in agricultural systems.
Hoplistoscelis heidemanni
damsel bug
Hoplistoscelis heidemanni is a small predatory true bug in the damsel bug family Nabidae. As with other nabids, it is a nocturnal predator that subdues other insects, including prey larger than itself. The species is recorded from North America. Damsel bugs in this genus are among the smaller members of the family, with adults typically under 12 millimeters in length.
Hoplistoscelis pallescens
damsel bug
Hoplistoscelis pallescens is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae, commonly known as damsel bugs. Adults measure less than 12 millimeters in length. Like other nabids, it is a nocturnal predator that subdues prey, including insects larger than itself. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, including Massachusetts and Vermont.
Hoplistoscelis sericans
damsel bug
Hoplistoscelis sericans is a species of damsel bug in the family Nabidae. It is found in North America and is one of approximately 41 species of damsel bugs documented north of Mexico. Damsel bugs in this genus are small, predatory true bugs that are economically important as biological control agents in agricultural systems.
Hormoschista latipalpis
Double-lined Brown Moth
Hormoschista latipalpis, commonly known as the Double-lined Brown Moth, is the sole species in its monotypic genus Hormoschista. First described by Francis Walker in 1858, this moth belongs to the family Erebidae (formerly placed in Noctuidae). It is distributed across eastern North America and the Caribbean. The species is nocturnal and attracted to light.
Hyaliodes harti
Hart's plant bug
Hyaliodes harti is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1941. It occurs in eastern North America, with records from the United States and Canada. The species belongs to a genus of mirid plant bugs that are often associated with vegetation and can be attracted to artificial light sources. As with many mirids, specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Hyalophora
Giant Silk Moths, Silkmoths
Hyalophora is a genus of giant silk moths in the family Saturniidae, containing some of the largest and most visually striking moths in North America. The genus includes the cecropia moth (H. cecropia), North America's largest native moth, along with several other notable species such as the Columbia silkmoth and Glover's silkmoth. Adults are characterized by their large size, broad wings with distinctive eyespot patterns, and reduced mouthparts—they do not feed. Larvae are equally impressive, with bright coloration and prominent tubercles or spines. The genus was established by James Duncan and John O. Westwood in 1841.
Hyalophora euryalus
Ceanothus silkmoth, Ceanothus silk moth
Hyalophora euryalus, the ceanothus silkmoth, is a large saturniid moth native to western North America. Adults lack functional mouthparts and do not feed, living solely to reproduce. The species is notable for its broad host plant range spanning multiple plant families. Larvae possess urticating hairs and scoli that can cause skin irritation. The moth has a single generation per year, with adults active from January through July depending on latitude and elevation.
Hyalophora euryalus euryalus
Ceanothus silk moth, Western cecropia moth
Hyalophora euryalus euryalus is a subspecies of giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae, native to western North America. Adults are among the largest moths in the region, with wingspans reaching up to 15 centimeters. The subspecies is distinguished by its reddish-brown wing coloration with prominent eyespots and white crescent markings. Like other Hyalophora species, adults lack functional mouthparts and do not feed, living only long enough to mate and reproduce. Larvae are notable for their large size, colorful tubercles, and urticating spines.
Hydropionea fenestralis
Hydropionea fenestralis is a small crambid moth described in 1914, with forewings 12–15 mm in length. Adults display a distinctive reticulated wing pattern and are active from May to October. The species was long considered a mystery regarding its larval biology until 2023, when researchers documented it as a seed borer in Agave salmiana fruits in central Mexico—an unusual host association given its phylogenetic placement in Glaphyriinae. The moth occurs in mountainous regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, with confirmed records from Arizona, Mississippi, Durango, Veracruz, and Puebla.
Hylobius transversovittatus
Purple Loosestrife Root Borer
A root-boring weevil native to Europe, Asia, northwest Africa, and parts of Australia. Adults and larvae feed exclusively on purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). Introduced to North America in 1992 as a classical biological control agent to manage invasive populations of its host plant in wetlands.
Hypagyrtis esther
Esther Moth
Hypagyrtis esther, commonly known as the Esther Moth, is a species of geometrid moth first described by William Barnes in 1928. The species exhibits a broad distribution across the eastern and central United States. Adults display extended flight periods with regional variation in timing. Larvae are specialized feeders on pine foliage.
Hyparpax venus
Venus Moth
Hyparpax venus is a species of moth in the family Notodontidae, described by Berthold Neumoegen in 1892. It is native to North America and belongs to the prominent moth group, which are characterized by their distinctive resting postures and often tufted or hairy bodies. The species name 'venus' references the Roman goddess of beauty, a common naming convention in this genus.
Hypena
Hypena is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, first described by Franz von Paula Schrank in 1802. The genus comprises over 680 species worldwide, predominantly distributed in tropical regions. Species in this genus are non-migratory and overwinter as pupae. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly the green cloverworm (Hypena scabra), which is a major defoliator of soybeans in the eastern United States. The genus also includes biological control agents such as Hypena opulenta, introduced to North America to control invasive swallow-worts.
Hypena abalienalis
white-lined hypena, white-lined bomolocha moth, white-lined snout
Hypena abalienalis, commonly known as the white-lined hypena or white-lined bomolocha moth, is a small to medium-sized moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Francis Walker in 1859, this species occurs across eastern North America from southern Canada through the northern United States. Adults are active primarily from spring through mid-summer, with multiple generations per year. The species is distinguished by characteristic wing markings and is frequently attracted to artificial light sources.
Hypena baltimoralis
Baltimore Hypena, Baltimore Bomolocha
A moth of the family Erebidae, described by Guenée in 1854. Adults fly from April to October with multiple generations per year, more numerous in southern portions of its range. The species is strongly associated with deciduous forests and maple-feeding larvae.
Hypena bijugalis
Dimorphic Snout, Dimorphic Bomolocha, Dimorphic Hypena, Toothed Snout-Moth
Hypena bijugalis, commonly known as the Dimorphic Snout, is a moth species in the family Erebidae, subfamily Hypeninae. It occurs across southern Canada from Nova Scotia to Vancouver Island, and throughout the United States to Florida. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with distinct differences in appearance between males and females. It is a nocturnal species attracted to light sources.
Hypena edictalis
Large Bomolocha, Large Snout
Hypena edictalis, commonly known as the Large Bomolocha or Large Snout, is a moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Francis Walker in 1859, this species occurs across eastern and central North America. Adults are active from June to August, with one generation in northern populations and partial second generations in more southerly regions. The species is notable for its moderate size and distinctive wing patterning.
Hypena eductalis
Red-footed Snout, Red-footed Bomolocha Moth, Alder Smoke
A small moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1859. Formerly placed in the genus Lomanaltes, now synonymized under Hypena. The species exhibits two generations per year in much of its eastern range. Larvae are specialized feeders on alder leaves.
Hypena humuli
Hop Looper, Hop Vine Moth, Hop Vine Snout
Hypena humuli, commonly known as the hop looper or hop vine moth, is a moth species in the family Erebidae. First described by Thaddeus William Harris in 1841, it has a broad distribution across North America from coast to coast in Canada south to Florida and Arkansas in the east and California in the west. The species is an emerging agricultural pest of hops (Humulus lupulus), with larvae feeding on hop foliage. It has been studied for its phenology and natural enemy associations in Washington State hop yards.
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 scabra
Green Cloverworm Moth, Black Snout, Green Cloverworm
Hypena scabra, commonly known as the green cloverworm moth or black snout, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is an abundant species across much of North America east of the Rocky Mountains, with multiple generations per year. The larvae are significant agricultural pests, particularly of soybeans and other legumes, though they feed on a wide variety of plants. Adults are active from early spring through late fall, or year-round in warmer regions.
Hypena vetustalis
tropical bomolocha moth
Hypena vetustalis, commonly known as the tropical bomolocha moth, is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae. It is found in North America and has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 8454.1. The species was first described by Guenée in 1854. As a member of the genus Hypena, it shares the triangular wing posture at rest characteristic of this group.
Hypenopsis macula
Black-spotted Schrankia
Hypenopsis macula, commonly known as the black-spotted schrankia moth, is a small erebid moth found across much of North America and into Central America. The species was first described by Herbert Druce in 1891 under the name Schrankia macula, and has since been reclassified to the genus Hypenopsis. It occurs in a broad range of habitats from the eastern United States through the Southwest and into Mexico and Central America.
Hypenula
litter moths
Hypenula is a genus of litter moths in the subfamily Herminiinae, family Erebidae. These moths are associated with forest floor habitats where their larvae feed on decaying plant matter. The genus was established by Grote in 1876 and contains multiple species distributed in North America.
Hypercompe scribonia
Giant Leopard Moth, Great Leopard Moth, Giant Woolly Bear (larval stage), Black Woolly Bear (larval stage), Eyed Tiger Moth
Hypercompe scribonia, the giant leopard moth, is the largest eastern tiger moth in North America. Adults are striking white moths with black circular spots and bars, while larvae are known as giant woolly bears—large, densely hairy black caterpillars with red rings visible between body segments when curled. The species is nocturnal, with males frequently attracted to lights. Larvae overwinter and complete development in spring, feeding on a broad range of herbaceous and woody plants.
Hypexilis
Hypexilis is a genus of longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, and tribe Graciliini. The genus was established by Horn in 1885 and contains two described species: H. longipennis Linsley, 1935 and H. pallida Horn, 1885. Members of this genus are known from western North America, particularly in montane juniper-oak-pinyon woodland habitats.
Hypnoidus nocturnus
Nocturnal Click Beetle
Hypnoidus nocturnus is a species of click beetle (Elateridae) commonly known as the Nocturnal Click Beetle. It is distributed across northern and western North America, including Alaska, western Canada, and associated regions. The species is characterized by its small size, dark coloration, and the ability to produce a clicking sound by flexing its body—a defensive mechanism shared with other members of the family. Observations of this species remain limited, with few documented records in public databases.
Hypocoena basistriga
White-veined Sedge Moth
Hypocoena basistriga is a small noctuid moth with a distinctive pattern of white-veined forewings against a dark brown background. It inhabits mesic environments across western North America, from Alaska to the western Great Lakes region. The species has a single annual generation with adults active in late summer and early fall. Larval biology remains undocumented, though related species are stem borers in monocots.
Hypoptinae
carpenter moths, goat moths
A subfamily of carpenter moths (Cossidae) distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with some genera extending into North America. The subfamily includes approximately 10 recognized genera, including Givira, Langsdorfia, and Hypopta. Hypoptinae are characterized by their generally robust body form and nocturnal habits. Many species exhibit distinctive wing patterns ranging from dark, mottled coloration to pale, nearly white forms. The subfamily has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, with new species and genera described from Andean and Brazilian localities.
Hypothyce
May beetles, Junebugs
Hypothyce is a genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Melolonthinae, containing four described species in the United States. All species are restricted to isolated sandhill habitats along the North American Coastal Plain. The genus exhibits pronounced geographic isolation, with each species known from a single state: Texas, Georgia, or Alabama. Several species remain poorly known, with females undescribed for three of four species.
Hypsopygia
Hayworms
Hypsopygia is a genus of pyralid moths described by Jacob Hübner in 1825. Members are relatively large compared to other pyralids. The genus has undergone extensive taxonomic revision, with several former genera (Dolichomia, Herculia, Ocrasa, Orthopygia, Pseudasopia) now mostly merged into it. Species exhibit diverse ecological strategies: some are nest parasites of social wasps, while others are pests of stored hay and dried vegetation. Several species are attracted to light and are nocturnal.
Hypsopygia costalis
Gold Triangle, Clover Hayworm Moth, Clover Hay Moth
A small pyralid moth native to Europe, now established in eastern North America. Adults display a distinctive golden triangular marking on the forewings. The species is notable as a pest of stored hay and dried vegetation, with larvae feeding on clover and alfalfa hay. Adults are nocturnal, active from July through November in the British Isles, with earlier emergence (May–July) reported elsewhere. The genome has been sequenced, revealing 818 Mb across 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules.
Hyssia
Hyssia is a genus of noctuid moths established by Guenée in 1852. Species in this genus are nocturnal. The genus contains at least six described species distributed across the Palearctic region.
Hystrichophora
Hystrichophora is a genus of small moths in the family Tortricidae, first described by Walsingham in 1879. These moths belong to the subfamily Olethreutinae and tribe Enarmoniini. Members of this genus are leafroller moths, with larvae that roll or tie leaves to create shelters. The genus is part of the diverse Tortricidae family, which contains many economically significant agricultural pests.
Idia
litter moths, American idia moths
Idia is a genus of litter moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Herminiinae. These moths are primarily nocturnal and are commonly attracted to light sources. The genus includes the well-known American Idia Moth (Idia americalis) and related species. Members of this genus are found across North America and are frequently documented in citizen science projects such as iNaturalist.
Idia aemula
Common Idia, Powdered Snout, Waved Tabby
A small litter moth in the family Erebidae, recognized by its gray forewings with intricate dark lines and a distinctive pale to orange-brown reniform spot. Adults are nocturnal and active from spring through fall, with multiple generations per year. The larvae feed on dead leaves, contributing to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. The species is widespread across eastern North America and has been reported in the Palearctic region.
Idia concisa
American Idia Moth
Idia concisa, commonly known as the American Idia Moth, is a species of litter moth in the subfamily Herminiinae. It is a nocturnal species attracted to artificial light sources. The species is part of a taxonomically complex group within the genus Idia, where identification often requires careful examination of genitalic structures. Adults are active during warmer months and are frequently encountered by moth enthusiasts using blacklight or porch light setups.
Idia denticulalis
Toothed Idia Moth
Idia denticulalis is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Leon F. Harvey in 1875. The species is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, from Quebec south to Alabama and Texas. Adults are active from spring through late summer, with generation timing varying by latitude. Larvae feed on lichen and detritus.
Idia diminuendis
Orange-spotted Idia Moth
Idia diminuendis is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described in 1918. It occurs across eastern and central North America. The species has two generations per year in most of its range and is attracted to light.
Idia forbesii
Forbes' Idia Moth
Idia forbesii is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by George Hazen French in 1894. The species is widely distributed across eastern North America, with populations exhibiting univoltine life cycles in northern regions and multivoltine cycles in southern regions. Adults are active from late spring through fall depending on latitude.
Idia gopheri
Gopher Tortoise Moth, Tortoise Commensal Noctuid Moth
Idia gopheri is a litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by J. B. Smith in 1899. The species is notable for its specialized association with gopher tortoise burrows, where its larvae develop. It has a restricted distribution centered on Florida, with potential range extension into adjacent southeastern states.
Idia rotundalis
Rotund Idia Moth, Chocolate Idia
Idia rotundalis is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Herminiinae. First described by Francis Walker in 1866, it is widespread across eastern North America. The species exhibits latitudinal variation in voltinism, with one generation annually in northern populations and two or more generations in southern populations. Larvae are detritivores that feed on dead leaves and other organic debris.
Ilexia intractata
Black-dotted Ruddy Moth
A medium-sized geometrid moth with ruddy-brown forewings marked by scattered black dots. The common name refers to this distinctive spotted pattern. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The species is well-documented across eastern North America with over 7,500 iNaturalist observations.
Indiopsocus ceterus
common barklouse
Indiopsocus ceterus is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, first described by Mockford in 1974. It is a small, winged insect that inhabits bark and foliage surfaces. The species is known from the Caribbean Sea region and North America, including Cuba and the United States. It has been documented at blacklight stations, indicating nocturnal activity.
Indiopsocus coquilletti
common barklouse
Indiopsocus coquilletti is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae. It is found in Central America and North America, including the United States and Mexico. Barklice in this family are commonly encountered on bark, foliage, and other surfaces where they feed on organic debris.