Nocturnal
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Catocala illecta
Magdalen Underwing
Catocala illecta, commonly known as the Magdalen Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1858. It is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait typical of underwing moths in the genus Catocala. The larvae feed on specific host plants including leadplant, honey locust, and black locust. Adults are active during late spring and early summer, with a single generation per year.
Catocala judith
Judith's Underwing
Catocala judith, or Judith's Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae first described by Strecker in 1874. It belongs to the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, which are characterized by dull forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The species is found in eastern North America, ranging from southern Quebec and Ontario south to Georgia and west to Oklahoma and Iowa. Like other underwings, it employs a startle defense by flashing its concealed hindwings when disturbed.
Catocala junctura
joined underwing, Stretch's underwing
Catocala junctura is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae, distributed across temperate North America from the eastern United States through the Great Plains to the Southwest and Pacific Coast. Adults are active from June to September and possess the characteristic underwing morphology: cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The species is associated with riparian habitats where its larval host plants, willows and cottonwoods, grow abundantly.
Catocala lacrymosa
Tearful Underwing
Catocala lacrymosa, the Tearful Underwing, is a medium-large underwing moth in the family Erebidae. Adults are active from July to September with one generation per year. The species exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern of dull cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. Larvae feed on hickory species (Carya).
Catocala luciana
Shining Underwing, Luciana Underwing Moth
Catocala luciana is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Herman Strecker in 1874. The species is native to western North America, with a distribution spanning the Great Plains from southern Canada to the southwestern United States. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it possesses cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a characteristic defensive adaptation. Adults are active in late summer and early autumn.
Catocala mcdunnoughi
McDunnough's underwing
Catocala mcdunnoughi, known as McDunnough's underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae described by Auburn Edmund Brower in 1937. It is endemic to California, where adults are active from June to August with likely one generation per year. The larvae feed on Quercus chrysolepis (canyon live oak). Like other underwing moths, it exhibits the characteristic cryptic forewings and colorful hindwings typical of the genus.
Catocala meskei
Meske's Underwing, Meske's Underwing Moth
Catocala meskei is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern: cryptic, bark-mimicking forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The species has a transcontinental North American distribution spanning from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains. Adults are active during mid to late summer, and larvae feed on poplar and willow species.
Catocala messalina
Messalina underwing
Catocala messalina, the Messalina underwing, is a moth species in the family Erebidae. It is one of more than 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths due to their habit of concealing brightly colored hindwings beneath cryptic forewings. The species was described by Achille Guenée in 1852 and is restricted to the southeastern and south-central United States.
Catocala micronympha
Little Nymph Underwing, Little Bride Underwing
Catocala micronympha is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae. The species is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a defensive trait common to the genus Catocala. It occurs across eastern and central North America, with adults active from spring through late summer. The larval stage feeds exclusively on oak species.
Catocala muliercula
Little Wife Underwing
Catocala muliercula, known as the Little Wife Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is one of more than 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly called underwing moths due to their habit of concealing brightly colored hindwings beneath cryptic forewings when at rest. This species occurs across eastern and central North America, from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Texas and New Mexico. Like other underwings, it is primarily nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Catocala obscura
Obscure Underwing
Catocala obscura, the obscure underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is found in eastern North America from southern Canada to the southeastern and midwestern United States. Adults are active from July to October, with a wingspan of 60–72 mm. The species is named for its relatively subdued hindwing pattern compared to other underwing moths.
Catocala obscura-residua
Obscure Underwing
Catocala obscura-residua is a species of underwing moth in the genus Catocala, family Erebidae. Like other underwing moths, it exhibits the characteristic resting posture where dull forewings conceal brightly colored hindwings. The genus Catocala contains over 250 species, with approximately half occurring in North America. These moths are nocturnal and are typically attracted to light sources, though they often remain on the periphery of light stations rather than landing directly on sheets.
Catocala ophelia
Ophelia Underwing
Catocala ophelia is a moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the Ophelia Underwing. It inhabits dry forests in the southwestern United States. Adults are active from July to October with likely one generation per year. The species exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern of dull forewings concealing brightly colored hindwings.
Catocala parta
Mother Underwing Moth, Mother Underwing
Catocala parta, the mother underwing, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. Adults are active from August to September and possess a wingspan of 70–78 mm. The species exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern of cryptic forewings concealing brightly colored hindwings. Larvae feed on Populus and Salix species.
Catocala relicta
White Underwing, Relict
Catocala relicta, commonly known as the White Underwing or Relict, is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Francis Walker in 1858, this species is notable for its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings. Adults are active from July to September across a broad North American range spanning southern Canada to the southwestern United States. The larvae feed on multiple host plants including birch, hickory, poplar, oak, and willow species.
Catocala residua
Residua Underwing
Catocala residua is a North American underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of 60–73 mm and are active from July to September. The species is distinguished by its cryptic forewings and brightly patterned hindwings characteristic of the genus Catocala.
Catocala retecta-luctuosa
Retecta Underwing, Luctuosa Underwing
Catocala retecta-luctuosa is a species of underwing moth in the genus Catocala, family Erebidae. Like other underwing moths, it is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings. The species is part of a diverse North American radiation of Catocala moths, many of which are challenging to distinguish without close examination. Its specific epithet reflects historical taxonomic treatment as a complex or related forms.
Catocala sappho
Sappho Underwing
Catocala sappho is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Strecker in 1874. It is a medium-sized underwing moth with a wingspan of 62–75 mm. Adults are active from May to July and again from September to October in highland areas. The species is found in the southeastern and central United States, ranging from Virginia and Tennessee south to Florida and west to Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Missouri, and Illinois. Larvae feed on Carya species (hickories and pecans).
Catocala serena
Serene Underwing
Catocala serena, the serene underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is found in eastern North America from southern Ontario and New England south to Tennessee, and west to Illinois and eastern Wisconsin. Adults are active from July to September with one generation per year. The larvae feed on shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) and black walnut (Juglans nigra).
Catocala subnata
Youthful Underwing
Catocala subnata, commonly known as the youthful underwing, is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1864, this species is characterized by its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a defensive trait shared with other members of the genus Catocala. The species has a broad distribution across eastern and central North America, with adults active during mid to late summer. Larvae feed on specific host trees in the walnut family.
Catocala ulalume
Ulalume Underwing
Catocala ulalume, the Ulalume Underwing, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Herman Strecker in 1878. It is one of approximately 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths for their habit of concealing brightly patterned hindwings beneath cryptic forewings when at rest. The species is distributed across the southeastern and south-central United States, with adults active during summer months and larvae specializing on hickory host plants.
Catocala unijuga
once-married underwing, once-married underwing moth
Catocala unijuga is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1858. Adults are characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a trait shared across the genus Catocala. The species is distributed across northern and western North America, with larvae feeding on poplars and willows. Adults fly from July to September in a single annual generation.
Catocala vidua
widow underwing
Catocala vidua, commonly known as the widow underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797. It is a medium-large underwing moth with a wingspan of 70–80 mm. Adults are active from August to October, with one generation per year. The larvae feed on several tree species including hickories, walnuts, oaks, black locust, and willow.
Catocala violenta
Catocala violenta is a nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae, part of the diverse underwing moth genus Catocala. Adults fly during mid-summer with a single annual generation. The species occupies a restricted geographic range in the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico, where larvae feed specifically on Gambel's oak.
Catocala whitneyi
Whitney's Underwing
Catocala whitneyi is an underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by G. M. Dodge in 1874. Adults have a wingspan of 45–50 mm and are active from July to August in a single generation. The species is notable for its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a defensive trait common to the genus Catocala.
Cecrita cubana
Cecrita cubana is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, described by Grote in 1866. It belongs to the genus Cecrita, a group of North American moths whose larvae are known as "prominents" due to their characteristic humps or projections. The species epithet "cubana" suggests a possible Caribbean association, though the species occurs in North America. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Celiptera frustulum
Black Bit Moth
Celiptera frustulum, known as the black bit moth, is a nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae. It occurs in eastern North America, with records extending north to Ontario. The species has two generations annually, with adults active in late spring and early summer. Its larvae are specialized feeders on black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia).
Cenophengus pallidus
Pale South Texas Glowworm
Cenophengus pallidus is a species of glowworm beetle in the family Phengodidae. It was described by Schaeffer in 1904 and is found in North America. The species is commonly known as the Pale South Texas Glowworm. Like other phengodid beetles, adults are bioluminescent, with females and larvae typically exhibiting the characteristic glowworm luminescence more prominently than males.
Cenopis mesospila
White-tailed Fruitworm, White-tailed Fruitworm Moth
A tortricid moth of eastern North America, historically classified under Sparganothis but now placed in Cenopis. Adults are small moths with distinctive patterning. The common name references both the adult's appearance and its larval association with fruit.
Cenopis niveana
Aproned Cenopis Moth
A tortricid moth of eastern North America, historically classified under Sparganothis. The species exhibits the characteristic bell-shaped resting posture of leafroller moths. Adults are active during warmer months, with over 800 observations documented.
Cenopis pettitana
Maple-Basswood Leafroller Moth
Cenopis pettitana, known as the Maple-Basswood Leafroller Moth, is a tortricid moth native to eastern North America. The species was originally described as Sparganothis pettitana by Robinson in 1869 and later transferred to the genus Cenopis. It is a leaf-rolling species whose larvae feed on maple and basswood foliage. The moth is relatively well-documented with over 5,500 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is common and frequently encountered in its range.
Centruroides
bark scorpion, bark scorpions
Centruroides is a highly speciose genus of buthid scorpions comprising at least 100 species distributed throughout the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Antilles, and northern South America. Commonly known as bark scorpions, members of this genus are notable for their strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light—except immediately after moulting—and several species possess venom potent enough to cause human fatalities. The genus includes species adapted to diverse habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to arid regions, with some showing marked intra-domiciliary tendencies in urban environments.
Centruroides gracilis
Slender Brown Scorpion, Florida Bark Scorpion, Brown Bark Scorpion, Red Bark Scorpion, Slender Red Scorpion, Alacran Prieto, Alacran Azul
Centruroides gracilis is a medium to large scorpion in the family Buthidae, notable for its wide color variation and extensive introduced range. Females reach up to 10 cm, while males can exceed 15 cm. The species exhibits remarkable phenotypic plasticity, with individuals in single populations or even litters showing colors ranging from reddish to dark brown with contrasting leg and chelae coloration. It is native to northern Central America but has been introduced to numerous regions including Florida, the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and the Canary Islands, often occurring in synanthropic habitats.
Centruroides sculpturatus
Arizona Bark Scorpion
Centruroides sculpturatus, commonly known as the Arizona bark scorpion, is a small, light brown scorpion native to the Sonoran Desert. It is the only scorpion species in North America considered dangerously venomous to humans, with stings capable of causing severe pain, numbness, and in rare cases life-threatening symptoms in young children. The species exhibits fluorescent properties under ultraviolet light due to compounds in its exoskeleton. It is frequently used in educational outreach programs due to its docile handling behavior in captivity.
Centruroides vittatus
Striped Bark Scorpion
Centruroides vittatus is the most common scorpion in the United States, occurring throughout the midsection of the country and northern Mexico. This species exhibits notable behavioral flexibility, including plant climbing and temperature-modulated antipredator responses. Populations show geographic variation in venom toxicity, with eastern populations exhibiting reduced toxicity linked to lower sodium β toxin gene expression. The species has been documented harboring the endosymbiont Mycoplasma vittatus, the first Mycoplasma species identified from an arachnid.
Ceratocapsus
Ceratocapsus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, containing more than 130 described species. Members of this genus are typical visitors to blacklights at night, suggesting nocturnal activity patterns. As mirid plant bugs, they possess piercing-sucking mouthparts characteristic of the family. The genus was established by Reuter in 1876.
Ceratocapsus apicatus
Ceratocapsus apicatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Van Duzee in 1921. It is known from North America, with documented records from California. As a member of the Miridae, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts characteristic of true bugs. The species is one of many in the diverse genus Ceratocapsus.
Ceratocapsus nigellus
Ceratocapsus nigellus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1923. It belongs to a diverse genus of mirid bugs found primarily in North America. The species is documented from the eastern and northeastern United States, including West Virginia. Like other members of the genus Ceratocapsus, it is attracted to lights at night and is considered a typical visitor to blacklight setups used in insect surveys.
Ceratocapsus pumilus
plant bug
Ceratocapsus pumilus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Uhler in 1887. It is found in North America, with records from the United States and Canada. As a member of the subfamily Orthotylinae, it belongs to a diverse group of mirid bugs that are commonly attracted to lights at night.
Ceratocapsus rubricornis
Ceratocapsus rubricornis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1927. It is one of several Ceratocapsus species known to occur in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is attracted to blacklights at night, suggesting nocturnal activity patterns. The species epithet 'rubricornis' refers to reddish coloration of the antennae or horns.
Ceratomia undulosa
Waved Sphinx, Scorpion Moth
Ceratomia undulosa, commonly known as the waved sphinx, is a North American hawk moth (family Sphingidae) first described by Francis Walker in 1856. The species is notable for its specialized relationship with ash trees (Fraxinus) as a primary larval host, making it vulnerable to population declines following the spread of the emerald ash borer. Adults are strictly nocturnal and hide before dawn. The alternative common name "Scorpion Moth" stems from a misconception: the Guiana Striped Scorpion commonly preys on the moth's egg clusters, leading to erroneous beliefs that the moths give birth to scorpions.
Cerodontha magnicornis
Cerodontha magnicornis is a small leaf miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. Larvae tunnel between the epidermal layers of grass blades and leaves of sedges and rushes, creating visible mines. Adults are attracted to blacklights and have been documented in early spring in North America. The genus Cerodontha contains numerous species with similar biology, many of which are difficult to distinguish without close examination.
Ceuthophilus californianus
California camel cricket
Ceuthophilus californianus, the California camel cricket, is a wingless orthopteran in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is native to California and adjacent regions of western North America. Like other camel crickets, it is adapted to dark, humid microhabitats and is primarily nocturnal. The species is part of a diverse genus of approximately 90 North American species, many of which are associated with caves, forests, and rocky terrain.
Ceuthophilus caudelli
Ceuthophilus caudelli is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae, first described by Hubbell in 1936. It belongs to a genus of approximately 90 native North American camel cricket species. Like other members of its genus, it is wingless, nocturnal, and associated with cool, damp habitats. The species is found in the southwestern United States.
Ceuthophilus conicaudus
conical-tailed camel cricket
Ceuthophilus conicaudus is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae, first described by Hubbell in 1936. It belongs to a genus of approximately 90 North American species commonly known as camel crickets or cave crickets. The specific epithet 'conicaudus' refers to a conical tail, distinguishing this species from relatives. Like other Ceuthophilus species, it is wingless, nocturnal, and associated with cool, damp habitats.
Ceuthophilus divergens
divergent camel cricket
Ceuthophilus divergens, the divergent camel cricket, is a wingless camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is native to North America, with documented records from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Missouri. As a member of the genus Ceuthophilus, it shares the characteristic hump-backed appearance and exceptionally long antennae typical of camel crickets.
Ceuthophilus fusiformis
Fusiform Camel Cricket
Ceuthophilus fusiformis, the fusiform camel cricket, is a species of camel cricket native to North America, particularly the Central Plains. It is one of approximately 90 species in the genus Ceuthophilus, which represents the most common native camel crickets in North America. The species is characterized by its spindle-shaped (fusiform) body and coloration ranging from brown to tan and orange. Like other camel crickets, it is wingless, nocturnal, and adapted to dark, moist habitats.
Ceuthophilus guttulosus
Thomas' camel cricket
Ceuthophilus guttulosus, commonly known as Thomas' camel cricket, is a species of wingless orthopteran in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It was described by Francis Walker in 1869 and is native to North America. Like other members of the genus Ceuthophilus, it is adapted to cool, damp, dark habitats and possesses the characteristic hump-backed profile and elongated appendages typical of camel crickets.
Ceuthophilus guttulosus angulosus
Camel cricket, Cave cricket
Ceuthophilus guttulosus angulosus is a subspecies of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. As a member of the genus Ceuthophilus, it shares traits with other American camel crickets: wingless adults, humpbacked appearance, and elongated antennae adapted for navigation in dark environments. This subspecies has been documented in several eastern and midwestern U.S. states. Like other camel crickets, it is primarily associated with cool, damp, dark habitats and is nocturnal in activity.
Ceuthophilus guttulosus guttulosus
camel cricket, cave cricket
Ceuthophilus guttulosus guttulosus is a subspecies of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. Like other members of the genus Ceuthophilus, it is wingless and possesses exceptionally long antennae adapted for navigation in dark environments. The species exhibits the characteristic hump-backed appearance that gives camel crickets their common name. This subspecies has been recorded from several eastern and midwestern U.S. states.