Oak-feeder
Guides
Acleris semipurpurana
Oak Leafshredder Moth, Oak Leaftier, Oak Leaf Tier
Acleris semipurpurana is a tortricid moth species and the most common of several moths known as "oak leaftiers." The larvae are significant defoliators of red oak group (Lobatae) trees in eastern North America. It has one generation annually, with eggs overwintering on branches and larvae feeding in spring. Outbreaks have caused considerable tree mortality, particularly in the Appalachian region during the 1960s–1970s.
Acrobasis blanchardorum
Acrobasis blanchardorum is a species of snout moth (family Pyralidae) described by Herbert H. Neunzig in 1973. It is known from North America, with Texas as the type locality. The larvae feed on Quercus species, including Quercus grisea.
Acrobasis caliginella
Acrobasis caliginella is a snout moth (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) described by George Duryea Hulst in 1878. The species is restricted to the southwestern United States, with confirmed records from California and Arizona. Larvae feed on multiple oak species (Quercus spp.), including coast live oak and interior live oak. Like other Acrobasis species, it likely develops as a concealed feeder in host plant tissues.
Acrobasis minimella
Acrobasis minimella is a small snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described by Émile Louis Ragonot in 1889. It occurs in the eastern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 17 mm. Its larvae are specialized feeders on oak species (Quercus).
Acronicta afflicta
afflicted dagger moth
Acronicta afflicta, commonly known as the afflicted dagger moth, is a noctuid moth species found across eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 36 mm and are active from May to September depending on location. The species is notable for its larval association with oak species (Quercus), distinguishing it ecologically from related dagger moths.
Acronicta brumosa
Charred Dagger, charred dagger moth
Acronicta brumosa, commonly known as the charred dagger moth, is a noctuid moth native to North America. The species exhibits a wingspan of approximately 38 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on various Quercus (oak) species. The species was first described by Guenée in 1852.
Acronicta exilis
exiled dagger moth, Lesser Oak Dagger
Acronicta exilis is a noctuid moth commonly known as the exiled dagger moth or Lesser Oak Dagger. It is native to eastern North America, with documented populations in Iowa, New York, Maryland, Arkansas, Delaware, and Manitoba. The species is associated with oak habitats, as its larvae feed on Quercus species. Like other dagger moths, it likely exhibits typical noctuid life history traits including nocturnal adult activity and complete metamorphosis.
Anisota stigma
Spiny Oakworm Moth
Anisota stigma is a Saturniidae moth commonly known as the spiny oakworm moth. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, with males uniquely attracted to light among Anisota species. Its larvae feed primarily on oak foliage. The moth was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775.
Anisota virginiensis discolor
pink-striped oakworm
Anisota virginiensis discolor is a subspecies of the pink-striped oakworm, a wild silk moth in the family Saturniidae. The larvae are gregarious feeders on oak foliage, capable of causing localized heavy defoliation. Caterpillars are visually distinctive with pink or orange longitudinal stripes and fleshy horns behind the head. The subspecies is part of a complex of oak-feeding Anisota species that periodically reach outbreak levels, though damage is typically aesthetic rather than causing long-term tree harm.
Antaeotricha
Antaeotricha is a large genus of moths in the family Depressariidae, containing over 400 described species in the Western Hemisphere. It represents the largest genus within the subfamily Stenomatinae. Species in this genus are primarily Neotropical in distribution, with many exhibiting specialized habitat associations such as dry sandhills and scrub vegetation. The genus was established by Zeller in 1854 and has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with numerous species described in recent years.
Antaeotricha humilis
Dotted Anteotricha Moth
Antaeotricha humilis is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, first described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1855. It is widespread across the eastern and central United States, where its larvae feed on oak species by tying leaves together. Adults are characterized by their small size and pale, subtly marked forewings with distinctive brown spotting.
Antaeotricha schlaegeri
Schlaeger's Fruitworm Moth
Antaeotricha schlaegeri, commonly known as Schlaeger's Fruitworm Moth, is a small moth species in the family Depressariidae (formerly placed in Oecophoridae). Adults have a wingspan of 21–30 mm and are notable for their resemblance to bird droppings, a form of camouflage. The species occurs in northeastern North America, ranging from southern Canada south to North Carolina and west to Kansas and Texas. Larvae feed on oak species, particularly Quercus alba, and have also been recorded on birch (Betula species).
Apoda
slug moths, slug caterpillar moths
Apoda is a genus of moths in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as slug moths due to the distinctive caterpillar morphology. The genus includes species whose larvae are characterized by a flattened, slug-like body form and reduced or absent prolegs, moving with a gliding motion rather than typical caterpillar crawling. Caterpillars in this genus possess venomous spines or setae that can cause painful stings upon contact with human skin. The genus is part of a larger group of limacodid moths known for their unusual larval forms and defensive capabilities.
Apoda rectilinea
Rectilinea Slug Moth
Apoda rectilinea is a slug moth in the family Limacodidae, native to North America. The caterpillars are known for their distinctive flattened, slug-like form and are associated with oak foliage. Adults are small, relatively plain moths that are attracted to light. The species is part of a genus whose larvae feed on specific host plants and possess stinging spines.
Apyrrothrix
Apyrrothrix is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae) first described by Lindsey in 1921. The genus is currently recognized as a synonym of Pyrrhopyge, though it was historically treated as distinct. Species in this group are large, robust skippers commonly known as firetips, characterized by their dull coloration and association with oak habitats. The type species, Apyrrothrix araxes (dull firetip skipper), has been documented feeding on Baccharis salicifolia flowers in Arizona's Santa Rita Mountains.
Archips fervidana
Oak Webworm Moth
Archips fervidana, commonly known as the oak webworm moth, is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 18–25 mm. Its larvae are leafrollers that construct silk-bound shelters within rolled leaves. The species is distributed across eastern and central North America, with larvae feeding specifically on Carya (hickory) and Quercus (oak) species.
Archips semiferanus
Oak Leafroller Moth, Oak Leaf Roller, Oak Leafroller
Archips semiferanus is a tortricid moth whose larvae are major defoliators of oak trees in eastern North America. The species produces one generation annually, with eggs laid in July, overwintering, and hatching the following spring. Larvae roll oak leaves with silk to form shelters, feeding inside until pupation in June. Outbreaks can cause extensive tree mortality, with over one million acres defoliated in Pennsylvania during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The female sex pheromone has been studied extensively and contains (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate as a primary component.
Blennocampini
Blennocampini is a tribe of sawflies within the family Tenthredinidae. Larvae of this group possess distinctive bifurcate (forked) dorsal cuticular projections that distinguish them from many other sawfly larvae. The tribe includes genera such as Periclista, which are associated with woody plants including oaks. Adults are small to medium-sized sawflies with typical tenthredinid morphology.
Brachionycha borealis
Boreal Fan Moth
Brachionycha borealis is a noctuid moth described by Smith in 1899. It occurs across northern North America from Maine and Pennsylvania west to central Alberta. The species has a single annual generation and is active in early spring, with adults flying from April to May. Larvae feed on oak and blueberry species.
Brachypnoea lecontei
Texas Live Oak Leaf Beetle
Brachypnoea lecontei is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species was described in 2003 following taxonomic revision of LeConte's original 1858 specimen, which had been synonymized with Brachypnoea puncticollis until genetic and morphological study of type material confirmed its distinct status. It is found in the Great Plains of the United States and has a documented association with Texas live oak.
Caliroa liturata
Caliroa liturata is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. The larvae are known to feed on oak leaves, producing a distinctive skeletonizing damage pattern. Adults are small, dark-colored sawflies. The species has been documented in North America, though detailed natural history information remains limited.
Calledapteryx dryopterata
Brown Scoopwing, brown scoopwing moth
Calledapteryx dryopterata, the Brown Scoopwing, is a moth species in the family Uraniidae and the sole member of its genus. It is found in the eastern United States. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1868. It belongs to a small family of moths that includes both day-flying and night-flying species, some with distinctive wing shapes.
Cameraria bethunella
A small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, native to eastern North America. Larvae create mines in leaves of chestnut and oak species. Adults are tiny with wingspans under 8 mm. The species was originally described by Chambers in 1871.
Cameraria obstrictella
Cameraria obstrictella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Clemens in 1859. It is found in eastern North America, where its larvae create leaf mines on oak species and wax myrtle. The species has a wingspan of 7–8 mm.
Cameraria serpentinensis
Cameraria serpentinensis is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, endemic to California. Adults have forewings 3.2–4.2 mm in length. The species is named for its association with serpentine soils, where one of its oak hosts occurs. Larvae create distinctive ovoid mines on several Quercus species.
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 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 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 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 jair
Jair underwing, Barrens underwing
Catocala jair is a small underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Strecker in 1897. It is restricted to a narrow coastal plain distribution in the southeastern United States, occurring in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, coastal North Carolina, and northern Florida. The species has a wingspan of 35–40 mm and adults are active from May to June, with likely one generation per year.
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.
Chimoptesis
Chimoptesis is a genus of tortricid moths established by Powell in 1964, placed in the subfamily Olethreutinae and tribe Eucosmini. The genus contains four described species distributed in North America. Larvae of at least one species have been associated with oaks (Quercus).
Chionodes bibo
Chionodes bibo is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Hodges in 1999. It is known from Arizona in the southwestern United States. The larvae feed on oak species (Quercus), making it a specialist herbivore associated with this plant genus.
Chionodes bicostomaculella
Two-spotted Chionodes Moth
Chionodes bicostomaculella is a small gelechiid moth found in eastern North America. Adults display distinctive dark forewings with ochreous costal spots and irregular transverse banding. Larvae are known to feed on oak species (Quercus). The species was described by Chambers in 1872.
Chionodes pereyra
Chionodes pereyra is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Clarke in 1947. It occurs across eastern and central North America, with records spanning from Massachusetts and Michigan south to Florida and Texas. The larvae are specialized feeders on red oak group Quercus species.
Chionodes petalumensis
Chionodes petalumensis is a gelechiid moth species distributed across western North America from southern British Columbia to California, Arizona, and Colorado. The species was first described from Petaluma, California, which is reflected in its specific epithet. Its caterpillars are specialized feeders on oak leaves, with documented associations to Garry oak and valley oak.
Chionodes thoraceochrella
Chionodes thoraceochrella is a small gelechiid moth distributed across much of North America. The species is recognized by its distinctive wing pattern featuring dark brown and black scaling on a whitish fuscous ground color, with characteristic longitudinal streaks and an angulated white fascia near the wing apex. Larvae are known to feed on several oak species and chokecherry.
Cleora sublunaria
double-lined gray moth, Double-lined Gray
Cleora sublunaria, known as the double-lined gray moth, is a geometrid moth species native to North America. Adults are active primarily from February to June with a single annual generation. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in forewing length, with males measuring 13–17 mm and females 14–17 mm. Larvae feed on oak (Quercus) and sweetfern (Comptonia) species.
Coleophora discostriata
Coleophora discostriata is a small case-bearing moth in the family Coleophoridae, first described by Walsingham in 1882. It is known from California and other parts of the western United States. The species is associated with oak (Quercus) host plants, with larvae constructing distinctive pistol-shaped cases. Adults are active in mid-summer.
Coleotechnites quercivorella
Coleotechnites quercivorella is a small gelechiid moth native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 11 mm. The species is widely distributed across Canada and the United States, with records spanning from British Columbia and Alberta to the Atlantic coast and south to Texas and California. Larvae are specialized feeders on oak (Quercus) species.
Cyclophora dataria
A small geometrid moth found in western North American oak woodlands. Adults have a wingspan of 23–25 mm and are active in late spring and summer. The larvae feed exclusively on Quercus species and can be found in July and August. As a member of Geometridae, larvae possess reduced prolegs (two or three pairs), producing the characteristic looping locomotion of inchworms.
Cyrtepistomus
oriental broad-nosed weevils
Cyrtepistomus is a genus of oriental broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae, containing at least 20 described species. The genus is native to Asia, with some species introduced to North America. One well-documented species, Cyrtepistomus castaneus, is known as the Asiatic oak weevil and has established populations feeding on oak trees in North American forests.
Dasychira basiflava
Yellow-based Tussock Moth, yellow-based tussock
Dasychira basiflava, commonly known as the Yellow-based Tussock Moth, is a species of tussock moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1864, this species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in size, with females substantially larger than males. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with populations extending from southeastern Alaska to the southern United States. The species shows geographic variation in voltinism, with one generation per year in northern regions and partial second generations in the south.
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 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.
Diapheromera femorata
Northern Walkingstick, Common Walkingstick
Diapheromera femorata is the most widespread and economically significant stick insect native to the United States. Adults reach 75–95 mm in length, with females typically larger than males. The species is notable for periodic outbreak populations that can cause localized defoliation of trees, particularly oaks. It is the only phasmid of documented economic importance in North America, with historical outbreaks affecting thousands of hectares in Michigan, Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
Dichomeris georgiella
Georgia Dichomeris Moth
Dichomeris georgiella is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 19–21 mm, distributed across eastern and central North America. Adults are active from March to October. The larvae are known to feed on scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) and northern red oak (Quercus rubra). The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1866.
Eriocraniella mediabulla
A small primitive moth in the family Eriocraniidae, described in 1986 from the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plain of the southeastern United States. Adults are active in early spring and possess distinctive metallic luster on the wings. The larvae are leaf miners on oaks, creating serpentine mines that expand into blotches.
Erynnis juvenalis clitus
Clitus Duskywing
Erynnis juvenalis clitus is a subspecies of the Juvenal's Duskywing skipper, a small brown butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is distributed across central and eastern North America, with records from Canada through the United States. The subspecies is active in early spring, with adults flying from April through May. It is one of several difficult-to-distinguish duskywing skippers in the genus Erynnis.