Oak-feeder
Guides
Euclea
Euclea Slug Moths
Euclea is a genus of slug caterpillar moths in the family Limacodidae, containing at least 40 described species. The genus was established by Hübner in 1822. Larvae are known for their distinctive flattened, slug-like form and possess venomous spines that can deliver painful stings. The genus is well-represented in North America with species such as Euclea delphinii (spiny oak slug moth) and Euclea incisa (green oak-slug moth).
Euclea obliqua
Euclea obliqua is a species of slug moth in the family Limacodidae, described by Henry Edwards in 1886. Like other members of this family, its larvae possess venomous spines that can deliver painful stings to humans. The species is part of a genus containing several spiny, slug-like caterpillars that feed on oak and other hardwood foliage.
Glaphyria sesquistrialis
White-roped Glaphyria Moth
Glaphyria sesquistrialis, commonly known as the white-roped glaphyria moth, is a crambid moth first described by Jacob Hübner in 1823. The species is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with additional records from Honduras. Its larvae are documented to feed specifically on live oak (Quercus virginiana), indicating a specialized host relationship.
Halysidota davisii
Davis' Tussock Moth
Halysidota davisii, commonly known as Davis' tussock moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It was described by Henry Edwards in 1874 and is named in honor of Dr. Davis. The species has a restricted distribution in the southwestern United States. Adults are active during summer months, with larvae feeding on specific host plants.
Hemileuca
sheep moth, buck moth
Hemileuca n-sp is an undescribed species of sheep moth or buck moth in the family Saturniidae. The genus Hemileuca comprises 24 recognized species in North America, with additional cryptic diversity likely to be resolved through ongoing DNA studies. These moths are diurnal, fast-flying, and often brightly colored, leading to frequent misidentification as butterflies. Males are subject to fatal attraction by Argiope spiders, which mimic female moth pheromones to lure prey. The genus exhibits substantial geographic variation in coloration and morphology, with some species ranging from nearly white to nearly black depending on locality.
Hemileuca electra mojavensis
Hemileuca electra mojavensis is a subspecies of buck moth in the family Saturniidae, first described by Tuskes & McElfresh in 1993. As a member of the Hemileucinae subfamily, its larvae bear venomous spines characteristic of this group. The subspecies is associated with the Mojave Desert region and exhibits geographic variation typical of the Hemileuca electra species complex.
Hypsopygia olinalis
Yellow-fringed Dolichomia Moth, yellow-fringed dolichomia
A small pyralid moth of eastern North America, Hypsopygia olinalis is recognized by its distinctive yellow fringe along the wing margins. The species has a wingspan of 16–24 mm and exhibits a bimodal flight pattern with adults active from May through August in the northern part of its range and extending into September farther south. Larvae are documented feeders on Quercus species.
Isochaetes beutenmuelleri
Spun Glass Slug Moth
Isochaetes beutenmuelleri, commonly known as the spun glass slug moth, is a small moth in the family Limacodidae. It is named for its distinctive pupal stage, which appears nearly transparent and is covered in spiny, venomous hairs. The species is native to the eastern and central United States, where its larvae feed on oak and beech trees.
Lophocampa mixta
Speckled Tussock Moth
Lophocampa mixta is a tussock moth in the family Erebidae, described by Berthold Neumoegen in 1882. The species occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and Texas. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 37 mm. Larvae feed on Quercus emoryi (Emory oak).
Megalopyge
flannel moths, puss moths
Megalopyge is a genus of moths in the family Megalopygidae, commonly known as flannel moths or puss moths. The genus contains approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Larvae are densely covered in hair-like setae that conceal venomous spines, making them medically significant due to severe stinging reactions in humans. Adults are relatively small, stout-bodied moths with reduced mouthparts.
Meganola phylla
Coastal Plain Meganola Moth
A small moth in the family Nolidae with a wingspan of 18–24 mm. Adults are active from January through October, with peak activity between April and August. Larvae feed on Quercus (oak) species. Previously treated as a subspecies or color variant of Meganola minuscula.
Morrisonia mucens
Gray Woodgrain Moth, gray woodgrain
Morrisonia mucens, commonly known as the gray woodgrain moth, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 29 mm. It occurs across the southeastern and eastern United States, from coastal Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Texas. The species has one generation per year.
Nemoria arizonaria
emerald moth
Nemoria arizonaria is a North American emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. The species exhibits remarkable phenotypic plasticity in its larvae, which develop distinct camouflage morphs depending on diet: catkin-feeding larvae resemble oak catkins, while leaf-feeding larvae mimic twigs. Adults display seasonal dimorphism, with summer and winter/spring forms differing in wing markings; the summer form was formerly described as a separate species, Nemoria aemularia. The moth is restricted to canyon habitats in the southwestern United States at elevations of 4,000–8,000 feet.
Nycteola
Nycteoline moths
Nycteola is a genus of small moths in the family Nolidae, distributed across the Old World and New World. The genus is characterized by rectangular forewings, trifine venation, and distinctive male genitalia. Larvae feed primarily on woody plants in Fagaceae and Salicaceae, with some species considered potential forest pests. Adults of at least some species overwinter and show highly variable wing coloration and pattern.
Periclista albicollis
Periclista albicollis is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. The genus Periclista comprises approximately 20 North American species whose larvae feed on oak and hickory. Larvae of Periclista species are distinguished by bifurcate (branched) dorsal processes, which separate them from superficially similar lepidopteran caterpillars. The specific epithet 'albicollis' refers to a white collar marking, though detailed species-level descriptions remain limited in accessible literature.
Periclista major
Periclista major is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Blennocampinae. Sawflies are hymenopterans whose larvae superficially resemble lepidopteran caterpillars but possess six or more pairs of prolegs rather than five or fewer. The genus Periclista contains approximately 20 North American species, with larvae typically associated with oak and hickory foliage.
Periclista marginicollis
Periclista marginicollis is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Blennocampinae. Larvae are recognized by their green coloration and distinctive bifurcate (branched) dorsal spines. The species has a widespread eastern North American distribution and develops on oak and hickory host plants. Adults are rarely encountered compared to larvae, which feed externally on foliage.
Peridea angulosa
Angulose Prominent
Peridea angulosa is a moth in the family Notodontidae, commonly known as the angulose prominent. First described by James Edward Smith in 1797, this species is widely distributed across eastern North America. Adults are active from late spring through mid-summer and are associated with oak-dominated habitats. The larvae feed exclusively on Quercus species.
Phoberia atomaris
Common Oak Moth
Phoberia atomaris, known as the Common Oak Moth, is a medium-sized moth in the family Erebidae. It is distributed across eastern and central North America, from Canada to the southern United States. The species is univoltine, with adults active in spring and early summer. Larvae are specialized feeders on oak species.
Psaphida styracis
Fawn Sallow
Psaphida styracis, commonly known as the fawn sallow, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America, with an introduced population in the United Kingdom. The species exhibits a single generation per year, with adults active in early spring. Larvae are oak specialists, feeding on Quercus species.
Psilocorsis reflexella
Dotted Leaftier Moth
Psilocorsis reflexella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae. Larvae are leaf-tiers that bind oak leaves together to form shelters. The species serves as prey for solitary wasps, particularly mason wasps in the genus Ancistrocerus. It occurs across eastern and central North America.
Rectiostoma fernaldella
Stenomid Oak Leaf Tier
A small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by Riley in 1889. Adults are active in shady oak habitats during midday and have a single annual generation in California. Larvae are specialized leaf tiers that construct distinctive frass-sealed shelters between two leaves.
Rectiostoma xanthobasis
Yellow-vested Moth
Rectiostoma xanthobasis is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1876. It is distinguished by striking yellow and dark brown wing patterning that gives rise to its common name. The species is endemic to eastern North America, with larvae that feed on oak leaves from within silk-constructed shelters.
Satyrium calanus
Banded Hairstreak
Satyrium calanus, the banded hairstreak, is a common North American butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains and exhibits territorial behavior. The species has a single annual brood with adults active from early June to late August. Larvae develop on oaks, hickories, and walnuts.
Symmerista solistella
Symmerista solistella is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, described by Miller in 2021. It belongs to a genus known for caterpillars that serve as hosts for parasitoid wasps, particularly thread-waisted wasps in the genus Ammophila. The genus Symmerista is characterized by caterpillars that feed on oak and other hardwood foliage.