Notodontidae
Guides
Afilia
Afilia is a genus of moths in the family Notodontidae, first described by William Schaus in 1901. The genus belongs to the subfamily Hapigiinae and contains three recognized species: Afilia oslari, A. cinerea, and A. purulha. These moths are part of the diverse notodontid fauna, commonly known as prominent moths. The genus has been documented through 198 iNaturalist observations, indicating some level of field detectability.
Americerura scitiscripta
black-etched prominent, Black-etched Prominent Moth
Americerura scitiscripta, commonly known as the black-etched prominent moth, is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae. It was originally described in the genera Cerura and Tecmessa before being placed in Americerura, a genus now restricted to the New World. The species is broadly distributed across North America, with adults active from early spring through autumn depending on latitude.
Astiptodonta
Astiptodonta is a genus of prominent moths in the family Notodontidae, containing at least two described species. The genus was established by Miller & Franclemont in 2021. Species in this genus occur in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The genus belongs to the subfamily Heterocampinae within the superfamily Noctuoidea.
Cargida
Cargida is a monotypic moth genus in the family Notodontidae, established by William Schaus in 1901. It contains a single species, Cargida pyrrha, described by Herbert Druce in 1898. The genus is endemic to Mexico.
Caribbeana bichorda
Caribbeana bichorda is a moth species in the family Notodontidae, first described by Hampson in 1901. It belongs to a genus endemic to the Caribbean region. The species is documented from limited observations, with iNaturalist records indicating it is rarely encountered. As a member of the Heterocampinae subfamily, it shares morphological traits with related prominents but remains poorly studied in terms of natural history.
Cecrita
prominent moths
Cecrita is a genus of prominent moths in the family Notodontidae, established by Francis Walker in 1855. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. These moths are part of the subfamily Heterocampinae. Two species, Cecrita guttivitta (saddled prominent) and Cecrita biundata (wavy-lined heterocampa), are relatively well-known and frequently encountered.
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.
Cecrita guttivitta
Saddled Prominent
Cecrita guttivitta, commonly known as the Saddled Prominent, is a moth in the family Notodontidae. It is distributed across eastern North America and has been documented in considerable numbers on iNaturalist. The species was described by Walker in 1855. Its taxonomic placement has been subject to some uncertainty, with some sources listing it under the genus Disphragis.
Cecrita lunata
Cecrita lunata is a moth species in the family Notodontidae, the prominents. It was first described by Henry Edwards in 1884 and is found in the western United States and Mexico. The species was transferred from the genus Heterocampa to Cecrita in 2021 based on published research. It has been assigned Hodges number 7993 in the North American moth numbering system.
Clostera
Clostera is a genus of moths in the family Notodontidae, subfamily Pygaerinae, containing approximately 30 described species distributed across the Holarctic and Oriental regions. Multiple species, including C. anachoreta, C. anastomosis, C. fulgurita, and C. cupreata, are recognized as significant defoliators of poplar (Populus) trees in forestry contexts across China, India, Europe, and Japan. The genus has been extensively studied for its economic impact and as a target for biological control and Bt toxin research.
Clostera jocosa
Clostera jocosa is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by Edwards in 1886. It belongs to the genus Clostera, which comprises moths commonly known as "chocolate-tip" or "prominent" moths due to their characteristic wing patterns. The species is documented in the Catalogue of Life and has very few observations on iNaturalist, suggesting it may be rare, underreported, or restricted in range. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to have larvae that feed on willow or poplar (Salicaceae), though specific host records for this species have not been confirmed.
Clostera strigosa
striped chocolate-tip, drab tent-maker moth
Clostera strigosa is a moth species in the family Notodontidae (the prominents), described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1882. It is known by two common names: the striped chocolate-tip and the drab tent-maker moth. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Vermont). The specific epithet 'strigosa' refers to the streaked or striped appearance typical of this species.
Coelodasys
prominent moths
Coelodasys is a genus of prominent moths in the family Notodontidae, established by Packard in 1864. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in North America. Species include the plain schizura (Coelodasys apicalis) and the unicorn prominent (Coelodasys unicornis). The genus is classified within the subfamily Heterocampinae.
Coelodasys conspecta
Coelodasys conspecta is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, described by Edwards in 1875. It belongs to the subfamily Heterocampinae, a group known for caterpillars with distinctive morphological adaptations. The species has been documented through approximately 70 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists. As with many Notodontidae, the larval stage is likely the most frequently observed life stage.
Crinodes
Crinodes is a genus of moths in the family Notodontidae, established by Herrich-Schäffer in 1855. The genus is placed in the subfamily Dudusinae. At least one species, Crinodes besckei, has been studied for larval mouthpart functional morphology. The genus contains multiple species with records spanning the Americas.
Dasylophia anguina
black-spotted prominent
Dasylophia anguina, the black-spotted prominent, is a sexually dimorphic moth in the family Notodontidae. Males display black streaks on the forewing with white hindwings, while females show a yellow-brown basal patch with gray hindwings. The species exhibits geographic variation in voltinism, with one brood in northern regions and two or more in the south.
Dasylophia melanopa
Dasylophia melanopa is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, described by Barnes in 1901. The species belongs to the subfamily Nystaleinae and is native to North America. It is represented by 26 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists. Taxonomic status varies between sources, with Catalogue of Life treating it as accepted while GBIF lists it as a synonym of Dasylophia seriata.
Dasylophia saturata
Dasylophia saturata is a species of moth in the family Notodontidae, described by Barnes in 1901. It belongs to the subfamily Nystaleinae, a group of prominent moths. The genus Dasylophia is characterized by distinctive morphological features including prominent tufts and modified setae on the body. As with other notodontid moths, adults are nocturnal and larvae feed on woody plants.
Datana
Datana is a genus of prominent moths in the family Notodontidae, erected by Francis Walker in 1855. The genus comprises approximately 13 described species distributed across North America. Larvae of Datana species are known defoliators of hardwood trees and are among the common late-season defoliators of southern U.S. forests. Several species are notable agricultural and ornamental pests, particularly on pecan and walnut trees.
Datana angusii
Angus' Datana Moth, Angus's datana moth
Datana angusii is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, described by Grote and Robinson in 1866. It occurs in North America, with records from the United States including Vermont. The species is part of a genus whose larvae are known as significant defoliators of hardwood trees. The MONA (Hodges) number for this species is 7903.
Datana contracta
Contracted Datana Moth
Datana contracta, commonly known as the contracted datana, is a moth species in the family Notodontidae. It is native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Maine to Florida and westward to Arkansas and Wisconsin. The species has a wingspan of 35–50 mm. Larvae feed on foliage of various woody plants including blueberries, hickories, oaks, sycamore, and witch-hazel.
Datana diffidens
Datana diffidens is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1917. It is native to North America and is one of approximately ten species in the genus Datana found on the continent. Like other members of its genus, the larvae are likely folivorous, though specific host plant associations for this species remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded in iNaturalist with over 340 observations, suggesting it is encountered with some regularity by naturalists.
Datana drexelii-major
Datana drexelii-major is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae. The genus Datana contains multiple species of late-season defoliators that feed on hardwood trees. Larvae of Datana species are known to be gregarious feeders and can cause localized defoliation, though typically without significant long-term impacts to tree health. The specific taxonomic status and distinguishing features of D. drexelii-major relative to other Datana species require further clarification.
Datana integerrima
Walnut Caterpillar Moth
Datana integerrima, commonly known as the walnut caterpillar moth, is a North American species in the family Notodontidae. The adult moths have a wingspan of 35–50 mm and are active from May to August. The larvae are notable defoliators of walnut, hickory, and other hardwood trees, feeding gregariously in large groups. While capable of causing significant defoliation, single-season outbreaks rarely cause lasting damage to healthy trees.
Datana major
azalea caterpillar, major datana
Datana major is a moth in the family Notodontidae, commonly known as the azalea caterpillar or major datana. The species ranges across the eastern and central United States, from Maryland south to Florida and west to Kansas and Arkansas. Adults are active from June to August, with one generation per year in most of the range and a partial second generation in southern areas. The larvae are notable pests of azaleas and related ornamental plants.
Datana modesta
Datana modesta is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by William Beutenmüller in 1890. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus whose larvae are known as generalist feeders on woody plants. The species is part of a group of late-season defoliators that typically cause minor, aesthetic damage rather than significant tree health impacts.
Datana neomexicana
Datana neomexicana is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by Doll in 1911. It occurs in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7913. Like other members of the genus Datana, it is a late-season defoliator whose larvae feed on tree foliage. The species is part of a group of hardwood defoliators that typically cause minor, aesthetic damage rather than significant tree health impacts.
Datana perfusa
Large Datana
Datana perfusa is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, commonly known as the Large Datana. Described by Harrison Gray Dyar in 1923, this moth is part of a genus whose larvae are well-known defoliators of hardwood trees. The genus Datana includes several species whose caterpillars feed gregariously and are frequently documented as late-season defoliators of oaks and other hardwoods. While specific details for D. perfusa are limited, the genus is characterized by distinctive caterpillars with warning coloration and defensive behaviors.
Datana perspicua
spotted datana, spotted datana moth
Datana perspicua, the spotted datana, is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae. It was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote and Coleman Townsend Robinson in 1865. The species is found in North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 7908. Three subspecies are recognized: D. p. mesillae, D. p. opposita, and the nominate D. p. perspicua.
Datana robusta
annual buttonweed, robust datana moth
Datana robusta is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by Herman Strecker in 1878. It is native to North America and is commonly known as the annual buttonweed or robust datana moth. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7909. Like other members of the genus Datana, it is a late-season defoliator of hardwood trees.
Dicranurinae
Dicranurinae is a subfamily of prominent moths within the family Notodontidae, order Lepidoptera. The subfamily was established by Duponchel in 1845. Members are characterized by distinctive larval morphology, including modified head structures and often prominent anal processes. The group is primarily distributed in the Palearctic and Oriental regions, with some representation in other biogeographic realms.
Dudusinae
Dudusinae is a subfamily of moths within the family Notodontidae (prominent moths), established by Matsumura in 1929. Members of this subfamily are primarily distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, with significant diversity in Southeast Asia and surrounding areas. The subfamily is characterized by specific morphological features of the adult moths, particularly in wing venation and genitalia structure.
Elasmia mandela
Elasmia mandela is a moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by Herbert Druce in 1887. The species occurs in Mexico, Costa Rica, Texas, and Oklahoma. Adults are active from April to early October. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form in Mexico and Costa Rica, and E. m. santaana in Texas, Oklahoma, and probably Mexico.
Elasmia mandela santaana
Elasmia mandela santaana is a subspecies of moth in the family Notodontidae, described by Metzler and Knudson in 2011. It belongs to the genus Elasmia, a group of prominent moths within the subfamily Nystaleinae. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the broader species E. mandela. Records indicate presence in both Middle America and North America.
Ellida caniplaga
Linden Prominent, linden prominent moth
Ellida caniplaga, the linden prominent moth, is a North American notodontid moth distributed across eastern and central United States and Canada. Adults fly from April through September with two generations annually in southern populations. The species is strongly associated with Tilia (linden/basswood) trees, upon which larvae feed.
Elymiotis
Elymiotis is a genus of moths in the family Notodontidae, subfamily Nystaleinae. The genus was established by Francis Walker in 1857 and contains two described species: E. notodontoides and E. tlotzin. Members of this genus are found in the Neotropical region. As part of the prominent moth family Notodontidae, these moths are characterized by their distinctive resting posture and often cryptic coloration.
Euhyparpax
Euhyparpax is a genus of moths in the family Notodontidae, erected by Edna Libby Beutenmüller in 1893. The genus contains two described species: Euhyparpax amatame (Dyar, 1916) and Euhyparpax rosea Beutenmüller, 1893. These moths belong to the subfamily Heterocampinae, commonly known as prominents. The genus is rarely encountered, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist.
Furcula
prominent moths
Furcula is a genus of moths in the family Notodontidae, subfamily Cerurinae. The genus contains multiple species distributed across the Holarctic region. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvae are known for their distinctive forked posterior structure, which gives the genus its name (Latin for 'little fork').
Furcula borealis
White Furcula Moth
Furcula borealis, commonly known as the white furcula moth, is a North American notodontid moth with a wingspan of 31–42 mm. Adults are active from April to August across a broad range extending from New Hampshire to Florida and westward to Texas, Colorado, and South Dakota. The larvae feed on woody plants including cherry, willow, and poplar species.
Furcula gigans
Furcula gigans is a moth species in the family Notodontidae, first described by McDunnough in 1922. The species has been recorded across central and western Canada and the northeastern United States. Taxonomic status varies by source: Catalogue of Life treats it as accepted, while GBIF lists it as a synonym of Furcula occidentalis. Like other members of the genus Furcula, it belongs to the prominent moth group characterized by distinctive larval morphology including a forked tail-like structure.
Furcula modesta
Modest Furcula Moth, Modest Furcula, Modest Kitten
Furcula modesta is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by Hudson in 1891. The species is known by the common names modest furcula or modest kitten. It is distributed across North America, with confirmed records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Vermont). As a member of the genus Furcula, it belongs to a group of moths whose caterpillars are commonly known as 'kittens' due to their distinctive forked defensive posture.
Furcula nivea
Furcula nivea is a moth species in the family Notodontidae, first described by Berthold Neumoegen in 1891. It is found in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7938. The species includes three recognized subspecies: F. n. nivea, F. n. meridionalis, and F. n. niveata.
Furcula occidentalis
Western Furcula Moth, Double-lined Furcula, Willow Kitten
Furcula occidentalis is a notodontid moth known by several common names including western furcula moth, double-lined furcula, and willow kitten. The species exhibits a broad transcontinental distribution across North America, from the Yukon to the Atlantic coast. Adults are active from spring through summer with one to two generations annually. The larvae feed primarily on willow (Salix) species and occasionally on poplar (Populus), giving rise to the 'willow kitten' common name.
Furcula scolopendrina
zigzag furcula moth, poplar kitten moth
Furcula scolopendrina is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, commonly known as the zigzag furcula moth or poplar kitten moth. It was described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1869 and is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7940.
Furcula wileyi
Furcula wileyi is a moth species in the family Notodontidae, first described by Dyar in 1922. The genus Furcula belongs to the subfamily Cerurinae, a group of prominent moths known for their distinctive larval morphology. As a member of the Noctuoidea superfamily, this species exhibits the typical characteristics of owlet moths. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only 16 documented observations on iNaturalist, suggesting it is either rare, cryptic, or restricted in distribution.
Gluphisia
Gluphisia is a genus of moths in the family Notodontidae, first described by Boisduval in 1828. Species in this genus are commonly referred to as 'prominent moths' and are attracted to artificial light sources, including blacklights used in moth surveys. The genus includes six recognized species distributed across North America and Eurasia.
Gluphisia avimacula
Four-spotted Gluphisia Moth, four-spotted gluphisium, avimacula pebble
Gluphisia avimacula is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by George H. Hudson in 1891. It is distributed across North America, with confirmed records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Vermont). The species is attracted to ultraviolet light sources and is active during summer months. Like other members of the genus Gluphisia, it is a nocturnal moth with distinctive wing patterning.
Gluphisia septentrionis
Common Gluphisia Moth
Gluphisia septentrionis is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, commonly known as the Common Gluphisia Moth. It is a North American species with a broad distribution across northern and central regions of the continent. The species is frequently attracted to ultraviolet light sources, making it a common subject of observation during moth-watching events. It is one of the more frequently observed members of its genus, with substantial occurrence records in citizen science databases.
Gluphisia severa
Banded Pebble Moth
Gluphisia severa is a North American moth in the family Notodontidae, commonly known as the banded pebble moth. First described by Henry Edwards in 1886, it is one of approximately 3,800 species of prominent moths. The species has been documented through citizen science platforms with over 475 observations, indicating it is regularly encountered by observers. Like other members of the genus Gluphisia, it is nocturnal and attracted to artificial light sources.
Gluphisia wrightii
Gluphisia wrightii is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1886. It is found in North America and has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 7932. The species belongs to the genus Gluphisia, which includes several North American moth species commonly referred to as 'prominents' due to the tufted projections on their caterpillars.