Nocturnal
Guides
Calyptra canadensis
Canadian owlet, meadow rue owlet moth
Calyptra canadensis, known as the Canadian owlet or meadow rue owlet moth, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. It is the only member of the genus Calyptra found in the New World; all other 16 species occur in the Old World. Adults feed on fruit by piercing the skin to access juices. The species is notable for its proboscis modified for piercing, though unlike some related Old World species, blood-feeding has not been documented in C. canadensis.
Camponotus floridanus
Florida Carpenter Ant
Camponotus floridanus, the Florida carpenter ant, is a large, conspicuous ant species native to the southeastern United States. It is notable for its striking bicolored appearance—reddish-orange head and mesosoma contrasting with a black gaster—and its highly aggressive defensive behavior. The species exhibits pronounced worker polymorphism with distinct minor and major castes, and maintains an obligate mutualism with the endosymbiotic bacterium Blochmannia floridanus. Colonies are fast-growing and can reach thousands of individuals, with unique behaviors including surgical amputation of injured nestmate limbs to prevent infection.
Capnobotes
shield-backed katydids, longwings
Capnobotes is a North American genus of shield-backed katydids (family Tettigoniidae) containing approximately nine described species. Members are commonly known as "longwings" due to their elongated forewings. The genus was established by Scudder in 1897 and is primarily distributed across arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Species exhibit morphological diversity in body form and wing structure, with common names reflecting these traits (slender, sooty, spatulate, etc.).
Capnobotes fuliginosus
sooty longwing
Capnobotes fuliginosus, commonly known as the sooty longwing, is a large katydid species found in arid regions of western North America and Mexico. First described by Cyrus Thomas in 1872, this species reaches up to 75 mm in length and is characterized by its brownish-gray coloration, long wings, and notably darker hindwings that are displayed when the insect is startled. It produces a loud, continuous, shrill song and is known to be preyed upon by the wasp Palmodes praestans.
Carabus chamissonis
Fisher's worm and slug hunter
Carabus chamissonis is a ground beetle species restricted to tundra environments across northern North America. It occupies open, dry tundra habitats with better drainage than those used by the related Carabus truncaticollis. The species exhibits brachyptery (reduced wings) and nocturnal activity patterns. Adults overwinter within their own pupal cavities, an unusual behavior among ground beetles. Disjunct populations occur on isolated mountaintops in New England, far south of the main Arctic range.
Carabus finitimus
Haldeman's worm and slug hunter
Carabus finitimus is a bluish-colored ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It inhabits bottomland forests along rivers in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal. The common name "Haldeman's worm and slug hunter" reflects its predatory habits.
Carabus forreri
Forrer's worm and slug hunter
Carabus forreri is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, known from dry oak-pine forests in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal. The species is part of the large genus Carabus, which includes many predatory ground beetles.
Carabus goryi
Gory's worm and slug hunter
Carabus goryi is a North American ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Gory's worm and slug hunter. The species inhabits cool, moist forests as well as agricultural settings including orchards and cultivated fields. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), nocturnal, and exhibit gregarious behavior. They are predatory, feeding on soft-bodied insect larvae including those of the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar).
Carabus sylvosus
woodland ground beetle, sylvan worm and slug hunter, silvan worm and slug hunter
Carabus sylvosus, commonly known as the woodland ground beetle or sylvan worm and slug hunter, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is native to North America, where it inhabits wooded environments including deciduous mixed forests, coniferous forests, and orchards. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, preying on Lepidoptera pupae and scarabaeids. The species has been documented in Canada and the United States.
Caradrinini
Caradrinini is a tribe of moths within the family Noctuidae, subfamily Hadeninae. The tribe contains approximately 18 recognized genera, including well-known agricultural pests such as *Spodoptera* (armyworms) and *Callopistria*, as well as the type genus *Caradrina*. Members are primarily nocturnal and exhibit considerable morphological diversity.
Carausius morosus
Indian Walking Stick, Common Stick Insect, Laboratory Stick Insect
Carausius morosus is a parthenogenetic phasmid native to Tamil Nadu, India, widely distributed globally through accidental introductions and captive culture. Females reproduce without males; no wild males have been reported, though gynandromorphs occasionally occur in captivity. The species is nocturnal, feeding at night and remaining motionless during daylight hours. It has become established outside its native range in locations including Great Britain, Portugal, South Africa, and the United States, where it occasionally damages ornamental plants.
Cardisoma guanhumi
blue land crab, great land crab
Cardisoma guanhumi is a large terrestrial crab native to tropical and subtropical Atlantic coastlines of the Americas. Adults exhibit striking sexual dimorphism in coloration and claw morphology, with males developing enlarged claws and typically displaying deep blue coloration while females remain lighter. The species constructs deep burrows in coastal soils that extend to the water table, enabling survival in terrestrial environments despite reproductive dependence on marine habitats for larval development. Populations have declined across much of their range due to overharvesting and habitat degradation, leading to protected status in several countries including Puerto Rico and Colombia.
Carphoides
Carphoides is a genus of geometer moths established by McDunnough in 1920. The genus contains three described species: C. inconspicuaria, C. incopriaria, and C. setigera. These moths are classified within the subfamily Ennominae of the Geometridae family. The genus appears to be restricted to North America based on species distributions.
Carposinoidea
fruitworm moths, copromorphoid moths
Carposinoidea is a superfamily of small to medium-sized moths (10–50 mm wingspan) commonly known as fruitworm moths. The group was historically divided into two families (Carposinidae and Copromorphidae), though this division has been questioned by some authorities. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvae are associated with a variety of host plants including gymnosperms and dicots, with some species considered agricultural pests.
Catalinia
Catalinia is a genus of small scorpions in the family Vaejovidae, established in 2017 following taxonomic revision of southwestern North American scorpion fauna. The genus comprises species formerly placed in the genus Pseudouroctonus, distinguished by reduced body size and unique morphological features. These scorpions inhabit rocky environments in arid regions of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. The genus name honors the Santa Catalina Mountains of Arizona, where the type species was discovered.
Catocala
underwing moths, underwings
Catocala is a large Holarctic genus of moths in the family Erebidae, containing over 250 species. Adults are medium to large with cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings when at rest. The genus is renowned among collectors for its diversity of hindwing patterns in orange, red, white, blue, or black. The common name "underwings" derives from the habit of hiding the colorful hindwings beneath the dull forewings. The genus name combines Greek words meaning "beautiful below" or "beautiful hindwings."
Catocala abbreviatella
Abbreviated Underwing
Catocala abbreviatella, the Abbreviated Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is a medium-sized underwing moth with a wingspan of 40–50 mm. Adults are active from July to August, with likely one generation per year. The species is distributed across the central United States, from Indiana south and west to Texas and Oklahoma, and north to Nebraska and Wisconsin.
Catocala aholibah
Aholibah Underwing Moth
Catocala aholibah, the Aholibah Underwing Moth, is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae. Like other Catocala species, it possesses cryptic, speckled gray-black forewings that conceal bright orange hindwings used as a startle display against predators. The species has been documented at light stations in Colorado and is among the larger underwing moths in its genus.
Catocala alabamae
Alabama Underwing, Titan Underwing
Catocala alabamae, commonly known as the Alabama Underwing or Titan Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species is notable for its distinctive underwing pattern typical of the genus Catocala, where dull forewings conceal brightly colored hindwings. It occurs primarily in the southeastern and central United States, with adults active during spring and summer months. The species has been documented feeding on several host plants in the rose family as larvae.
Catocala amatrix
Sweetheart Underwing
Catocala amatrix, commonly known as the Sweetheart Underwing, is a large moth in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 75–95 mm. The forewings are cryptically colored in gray-brown tones that provide camouflage against tree bark when the moth is at rest. When disturbed, the moth reveals strikingly colorful hindwings—typically orange-red with black bands—that serve as a startle defense against predators. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, with adults active from August to October. Larvae feed on several species of Populus (poplars and cottonwoods) and Salix (willows).
Catocala amica
girlfriend underwing
Catocala amica is a medium-sized underwing moth found across eastern and central North America. Adults are distinguished by bright yellow hindwings with a black marginal band and separate black dot near the anal angle, combined with spineless tibiae. The species is active from June to September and is attracted to ultraviolet light. Larvae feed exclusively on oak species (Quercus). The former subspecies C. a. lineella is now recognized as a distinct species, Catocala lineella.
Catocala amica-lineella
Girlfriend Underwing
Catocala amica-lineella is a species of underwing moth in the family Erebidae. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern: cryptic, bark-mimicking forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The hindwings are typically marked with bold bands of orange, red, or black that are flashed when the moth is disturbed. The species name 'amica-lineella' distinguishes it from the closely related C. amica, with which it was historically confused.
Catocala andromache
Andromache Underwing
Catocala andromache, the Andromache Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It belongs to the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, which are characterized by their cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings. The species is found in the southwestern United States, specifically from southern California to Arizona. Like other underwings, it exhibits the genus's namesake trait of concealing its vibrant hindwings beneath dull forewings at rest.
Catocala angusi
Angus' Underwing
Catocala angusi, known as Angus' Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is distinguished by its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a characteristic defense mechanism of underwing moths. The species occurs across the eastern and central United States, with adults active from July through October. Larval development is tied to hickory trees, specifically pecan and shagbark hickory.
Catocala antinympha
sweetfern underwing moth, sweetfern underwing
Catocala antinympha, the sweetfern underwing moth, is a North American underwing moth in the family Erebidae. It is distinguished by its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait shared with other members of the genus Catocala. The species has a single generation per year and is closely associated with sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina), its sole known larval host plant. Its range spans northeastern North America from Quebec and Ontario to the mid-Atlantic states.
Catocala badia coelebs
The Old Maid Underwing
Catocala badia coelebs is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as The Old Maid Underwing. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, which are exposed when the moth is disturbed. The subspecies was described by Grote in 1874 and is known from northeastern North America.
Catocala briseis
Briseis Underwing, Ribbed Underwing
Catocala briseis is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, distributed across the North American boreal forest region. Adults are active from July to September and possess the characteristic underwing morphology: cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings. The species was first described by William Henry Edwards in 1864.
Catocala carissima
carissima underwing
Catocala carissima, the carissima underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of Catocala cara but is now recognized as a distinct species. The species is distributed across the southeastern United States.
Catocala cerogama
Yellow-banded Underwing
Catocala cerogama, the yellow-banded underwing, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. Adults are recognized by their brownish-gray forewings and distinctive even, deep yellow bands on the hindwings. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. Adults fly from July through October, and larvae feed on American basswood.
Catocala chelidonia
Catocala chelidonia is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Grote in 1881. It belongs to the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and has three recognized subspecies with distinct geographic ranges. Adults are active during summer months, and larvae feed on oak species.
Catocala clintonii
Clinton's Underwing
Catocala clintonii, commonly known as Clinton's Underwing, is a species of underwing moth in the family Erebidae. It belongs to a genus renowned for its striking coloration concealed beneath cryptic forewings. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Wisconsin. Like other underwings, it exhibits the characteristic resting posture with forewings folded together, hiding the brightly patterned hindwings until disturbed.
Catocala concumbens
Pink Underwing, Sleepy Underwing
Catocala concumbens, commonly known as the pink underwing or sleepy underwing, is a medium-sized moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1858. It is distinguished by its cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings, a characteristic defensive trait of the genus Catocala. The moth occurs in eastern North America, extending westward across the Prairie Provinces to eastern Alberta. Adults are active in August, with larvae feeding on Populus and Salix species.
Catocala connubialis
Connubial Underwing
Catocala connubialis, the connubial underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is a medium-sized underwing moth with a wingspan of 37–47 mm. The species is distributed across eastern and central North America, from Ontario and the Maritime provinces south to Florida and west to Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Adults are active from June to September, with likely one generation per year.
Catocala crataegi
Hawthorn Underwing, Chokeberry Underwing
Catocala crataegi is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, native to eastern North America. Adults display the characteristic Catocala pattern of cryptic forewings concealing brightly colored hindwings. The species is named for its larval association with hawthorns (Crataegus). It was formerly considered conspecific with Catocala pretiosa, but the latter was reinstated as a valid species in 1982.
Catocala dejecta
Dejected Underwing
Catocala dejecta, the Dejected Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is found in eastern and central North America, from Massachusetts and Connecticut south to Florida, west to Texas and Oklahoma, and north to southern Ontario. Adults have a wingspan of 56–73 mm and are active from June to October, with timing varying by location. The larvae feed on hickories (Carya glabra, Carya ovata) and oaks (Quercus species).
Catocala delilah
Delilah Underwing, Delilah Underwing Moth
Catocala delilah is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, native to the southern and midwestern United States. Adults are active from May to June, with likely one generation per year. The species is distinguished by its grayish-brown forewings with irregular black markings and bright yellowish-orange hindwings with complex black banding patterns. It belongs to a cryptic species complex within the genus Catocala, and was previously considered conspecific with western populations now recognized as separate species.
Catocala desdemona
Desdemona underwing
Catocala desdemona, the Desdemona underwing, is a medium-sized moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1882. This species was formerly treated as a subspecies of Catocala delilah but is now recognized as distinct. It is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait shared with other members of the genus Catocala. The species has a southwestern North American distribution extending from the United States into Central America.
Catocala epione
Epione Underwing
Catocala epione, the Epione Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae first described by Dru Drury in 1773. It is one of over 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, recognized for their cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The species occurs in eastern and central North America and has been documented in forested habitats.
Catocala flebilis
Mourning Underwing, Mournful Underwing
Catocala flebilis, the mourning underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of 45–65 mm and are active from July to September. The species is distinguished by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a characteristic defense mechanism of underwing moths. Larvae feed specifically on Carya glabra and Carya ovata (hickory species).
Catocala frederici
Catocala frederici is a species of underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. It belongs to the genus Catocala, a diverse group of moths known for their cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and is active during the summer months.
Catocala gracilis
Graceful Underwing
Catocala gracilis, the Graceful Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 40–45 mm and are active from July to September. The species has one generation per year. Larvae feed on Leucothoe, Vaccinium pallidum, and possibly Quercus.
Catocala grotiana
Grote's Underwing Moth, Grote's Underwing
Catocala grotiana is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by James S. Bailey in 1879. The species is characterized by its cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings, a defensive trait common to the genus Catocala. It occurs in the western United States, with documented records from Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Washington, and areas north and east of California. Adults are active in late summer, with larvae feeding on Populus and Salix species.
Catocala hermia
Hermia Underwing, Hermia's Underwing Moth
Catocala hermia is an underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1880. The species is endemic to the Great Plains of North America, ranging from southern Canada through the western United States. Adults are active in late summer, and larvae feed on poplar and willow species. Like other underwing moths, it possesses cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings used in startle displays.
Catocala hermia francisca
Catocala hermia francisca is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1880. As a member of the genus Catocala, it possesses the characteristic bold, colorful hindwings that are concealed at rest by cryptic forewings. The subspecific epithet "francisca" indicates an association with the San Francisco region of California. Like other underwing moths, it is nocturnal and belongs to a group commonly studied by lepidopterists for their distinctive wing patterns and habitat associations.
Catocala herodias
Herodias Underwing, Gerhard's Underwing
Catocala herodias is an underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Strecker in 1876. The species comprises two subspecies with disjunct distributions: the nominate form occurs in Texas and Oklahoma, while subspecies C. h. gerhardi ranges from Massachusetts to Virginia. Adults have a wingspan of 55–65 mm and fly from July to August. The gerhardi subspecies is listed as endangered in Connecticut.
Catocala herodias gerhardi
Pine Barrens Underwing
Catocala herodias gerhardi is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae, described by Barnes and Benjamin in 1927. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it possesses cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, which are revealed when the moth is disturbed. The subspecific epithet "gerhardi" distinguishes this population from the nominate form. Underwing moths are notable for their distinctive resting posture, with forewings held together over the back to hide the hindwings beneath.
Catocala herodias herodias
Herodias Underwing
Catocala herodias herodias is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae. The genus Catocala, meaning "beautiful below," comprises over 250 species known for their cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. When at rest, the forewings provide camouflage against tree bark; when disturbed, the moth reveals vivid hindwing patterns of orange, red, black, white, or blue that startle predators. This subspecies is part of the North American underwing fauna, with adults typically active during summer months. Like other Catocala, they are primarily nocturnal and often associated with wooded habitats.
Catocala ilia
Ilia Underwing, Beloved Underwing, Wife Underwing
Catocala ilia is a nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Pieter Cramer in 1776. The species is notable for its highly variable forewing patterns and strikingly colored hindwings, which are typically concealed at rest. It occurs across eastern North America with a disjunct population in the southwestern United States represented by a distinct subspecies.
Catocala ilia zoe
Ilia Underwing
Catocala ilia zoe is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae, native to western North America. It is one of several subspecies of Catocala ilia, a widespread North American underwing moth known for its cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings. The subspecies was described by Behr in 1874. Like other underwings, it is nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Catocala ilia-umbrosa
Ilia Underwing, Ilia Underwing Moth
Catocala ilia-umbrosa is a large underwing moth in the genus Catocala, family Erebidae. Like other underwing moths, it conceals brightly patterned hindwings beneath cryptic forewings at rest. The species has been documented at moth-lighting events in Colorado, including at Bear Creek Nature Center in July 2018. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet lights.