Owlet-moth
Guides
Lacinipolia marinitincta
cutworm moth, dart moth
Lacinipolia marinitincta is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Harvey in 1875. It belongs to the genus Lacinipolia, which contains medium-sized owlet moths that are often difficult to distinguish visually at the species level. The species is known from North America, with observations documented in the western United States including Colorado. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Lacinipolia martini
cutworm moth, dart moth
Lacinipolia martini is a noctuid moth species described in 2001 by Selman & Leuschner. It belongs to the owlet moth genus Lacinipolia, a group whose members are difficult to distinguish by external appearance alone. The species occurs in North America and is attracted to blacklights, with adults active during summer months. Like other Lacinipolia species, it is presumed to have a larval stage that functions as a cutworm, though specific life history details remain poorly documented.
Lacinipolia meditata
Thinker Moth
Lacinipolia meditata, commonly known as the thinker moth, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It is a medium-sized nocturnal moth found across North America. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light sources, a common trait among noctuid moths. The species is part of a genus whose members can be difficult to distinguish visually without close examination.
Lacinipolia mimula
Lacinipolia mimula is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1883. It is part of the owlet moth genus Lacinipolia, which contains numerous similar species that are difficult to distinguish by appearance alone. The species has been recorded in North America. Like other members of its genus, adults are nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Lacinipolia patalis
Lacinipolia patalis is a species of owlet moth (family Noctuidae) found in North America. It was described by Grote in 1873, originally placed in the genus Xylomiges. The species is part of the subfamily Noctuinae and tribe Eriopygini. Like other members of its genus, it is nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Lacinipolia pensilis
Lacinipolia pensilis is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, distributed across the western cordilleran region of North America. Adults are active from August to September and are attracted to lights. The species can be distinguished from close relatives by its well-defined forewing markings and richer brown coloration. Larvae are thought to be ground-dwelling generalist feeders on shrubs and herbs.
Lacinipolia quadrilineata
Four-lined Arches
Lacinipolia quadrilineata is a species of owlet moth (Noctuidae) commonly known as the Four-lined Arches. First described by Grote in 1873 from the basionym Mamestra quadrilineata, this moth occurs across North America. The genus Lacinipolia belongs to the tribe Eriopygini within the subfamily Noctuinae. Adults are attracted to lights at night and are active during the summer months.
Lacinipolia rectilinea
Lacinipolia rectilinea is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1888. The genus Lacinipolia contains medium-sized nocturnal moths that are attracted to artificial light sources. Species within this genus are challenging to distinguish visually, often requiring examination of genitalia or other microscopic features for positive identification. The genus is part of the diverse Noctuinae subfamily, one of the largest groups of moths in North America.
Lacinipolia rodora
cutworm, dart moth
Lacinipolia rodora is a species of owlet moth (family Noctuidae) described by Harrison Dyar in 1911. It is part of a large genus of moths commonly known as cutworms or dart moths. The species is recorded from North America and is attracted to light at night. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits cryptic coloration that likely aids in daytime concealment.
Lacinipolia sareta
Sincere Arches
Lacinipolia sareta is a noctuid moth species found across western North America. It is one of the larger 'owlet moths' in the genus Lacinipolia, with adults showing variable coloration including gray and green forms. The species has two flight periods in its southern range, with adults active in early summer and again in autumn. Larvae are ground-dwelling and polyphagous, feeding on a variety of plant materials.
Lacinipolia sharonae
Sharon's Cutworm, Sharon's Dart
Lacinipolia sharonae is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, described in 2001. It is part of the diverse owlet moth genus Lacinipolia, which contains numerous similar-looking species that are difficult to distinguish without close examination. The species is found in North America and has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 10406.3. Like other members of its genus, adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Lacinipolia spiculosa
Lacinipolia spiculosa is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Grote in 1883. It is found in North America and is one of several larger owlet moths in the genus Lacinipolia that are attracted to blacklights at night. Species in this genus are difficult to distinguish from one another by appearance alone.
Lacinipolia strigicollis
Collared Arches Moth
Lacinipolia strigicollis, commonly known as the collared arches moth, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. The species was described by Wallengren in 1860 and is found in North America. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10415. The genus Lacinipolia contains multiple species that are difficult to distinguish visually without close examination.
Lacinipolia umbrosa
Lacinipolia umbrosa is an owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, native to North America. Like other members of the genus Lacinipolia, adults are nocturnal and attracted to light sources. The species was described by Smith in 1888 and is accepted as valid in current taxonomy. Available information on this species is limited, with few documented observations in public databases.
Lacinipolia vicina
Vicina Dart
Lacinipolia vicina is a small owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the Vicina Dart. It is found in the eastern United States, with records from Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey, and possibly Indiana. The species has two generations per year, with adults active in spring and fall. The larvae are believed to be polyphagous ground dwellers.
Lacinipolia viridifera
Green Owlet Moth
Lacinipolia viridifera is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1937. The species is characterized by green coloration in at least some individuals, distinguishing it from the typically gray or mottled congeners in the genus Lacinipolia. Like other members of this genus, it is nocturnal and attracted to light sources. The specific epithet 'viridifera' refers to the green coloration ('viridis' = green, 'fero' = bearing).
Lacinipolia vittula
cutworm moth, dart moth
Lacinipolia vittula is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as cutworm or dart moths. The species was described by Grote in 1882 and occurs in North America. Like other members of its genus, adults are attracted to lights at night and exhibit variable coloration, with some individuals appearing mottled gray with reflective wing scales and others green.
Lesmone griseipennis
Gray-winged Owlet Moth, gray-winged owlet
Lesmone griseipennis is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae. It was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1882, originally placed in the genus Trama. The species is recorded from North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 8654. The common name refers to its grayish wing coloration.
Lesmone hinna
Lifted Owlet
Lesmone hinna is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Geyer in 1837. It is commonly known as the Lifted Owlet and is assigned Hodges number 8653. The species belongs to the subfamily Erebinae within the superfamily Noctuoidea. It has been documented across North America with over 500 iNaturalist observations.
Leucocnemis
Leucocnemis is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae. The genus was established by George Hampson in 1908 and currently contains four recognized species distributed in North America. The genus name derives from Greek roots suggesting 'white' and 'thread' or 'filament', likely referring to some aspect of adult morphology.
Leucocnemis nivalis
Leucocnemis nivalis is a species of noctuid moth described by Smith in 1894. It belongs to the family Noctuidae, commonly known as owlet moths. The species is native to North America and has been documented through 228 iNaturalist observations. It was originally described under the genus Oxycnemis before being transferred to Leucocnemis.
Lithacodia phya
Lithacodia phya is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Druce in 1889. The species is recorded from North America and has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 9055.
Lithophane signosa
signate pinion, sycamore pinion moth
Lithophane signosa is a noctuid moth species native to North America, first described by Francis Walker in 1857. Commonly known as the signate pinion or sycamore pinion moth, it belongs to the genus Lithophane, a group of cold-adapted moths often active in late fall, winter, or early spring. The species has been documented extensively with over 6,000 iNaturalist observations. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9895.
Litoprosopus confligens
Litoprosopus confligens is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae. It is found in North America. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 8559. Very little specific information is available for this species compared to its congener Litoprosopus coachella, which is well-documented as a palm-associated pest in the southwestern United States.
Maliattha concinnimacula
red-spotted glyph, red-spotted maliattha, red-spotted lithacodia
Maliattha concinnimacula is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Guenée in 1852. Commonly known as the red-spotted glyph, this small moth is found in North America. The species is part of the subfamily Eustrotiinae and is assigned Hodges number 9050 in the North American moth numbering system. It has been documented in at least 1,242 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively well-recorded among citizen scientists.
Matigramma obscurior
Matigramma obscurior is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Franclemont and Todd in 1983. It is a member of the subfamily Erebinae, a diverse group of nocturnal moths. The species is known to occur in North America, though detailed biological information remains limited. It has been documented through nearly a thousand observation records, indicating it is not uncommon within its range.
Metria bilineata
Metria bilineata is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Smith in 1899. It belongs to the subfamily Erebinae and is native to North America. The species is part of the diverse noctuid moth fauna and has been recorded across a broad geographic range on the continent.
Micrathetis
Micrathetis new-species is a newly described moth species in the family Noctuidae, representing a recent addition to the genus Micrathetis. The genus Micrathetis belongs to the tribe Elaphriini within the subfamily Noctuinae, a group of owlet moths. As a newly described species, detailed information about its biology, distribution, and ecology remains limited pending further study.
Morrisonia
Fluid Arches, Confused Woodgrain
Morrisonia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Grote in 1874. The genus currently contains five recognized species, including the well-known Morrisonia confusa (Confused Woodgrain) and Morrisonia latex (Fluid Arches). These moths are part of the diverse Noctuinae subfamily, commonly known as owlet moths. Some authorities treat Morrisonia as a synonym of Achatia.
Neogrotella confusa
Neogrotella confusa is a noctuid moth described in 1922 by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin. It belongs to the subfamily Grotellinae within the owlet moth family Noctuidae. The species is known from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 11231. Observations of this species remain limited, with 28 records documented on iNaturalist.
Neoligia semicana
Northern Brocade
Neoligia semicana, commonly known as the Northern Brocade, is a species of noctuid moth described by Walker in 1865. It belongs to the genus Neoligia within the subfamily Noctuinae. The species is found in North America. As a member of the Noctuidae family, it shares characteristics typical of owlet moths, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Nephelodes
Bronzed Cutworm Moths
Nephelodes is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Guenée in 1852. The genus includes at least six recognized species, with Nephelodes minians (Bronzed Cutworm or Shaded Umber Moth) being the most well-known. These moths are placed in the tribe Tholerini within the subfamily Noctuinae. The genus has been documented in North America, with records from the United States including Vermont.
Nocloa nanata
Chihuahuan Nocloa
Nocloa nanata is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, described by Neumoegen in 1884. It is endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert region of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species is known by the common name Chihuahuan Nocloa, reflecting its restricted geographic association with this arid ecosystem. It belongs to the tribe Psaphidini within the subfamily Amphipyrinae, a group of owlet moths adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.
Nocloa pallens
Pale Nocloa
Nocloa pallens is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Tepper in 1882. The species is found in North America and is commonly known as the Pale Nocloa. It belongs to the tribe Psaphidini within the subfamily Amphipyrinae. The specific epithet 'pallens' refers to its pale coloration.
Noctuidae
owlet moths, cutworms, armyworms
Noctuidae is a large family of moths in the superfamily Noctuoidea, currently comprising approximately 1,089 genera and 11,772 species. The family is taxonomically unstable, having recently lost several subfamilies (Lymantriinae, Catocalinae, Calpinae) to the family Erebidae, making it now the second-largest family in Noctuoidea rather than the largest in Lepidoptera. Adults are predominantly nocturnal with cryptic brown, grey, or black coloration, though some tropical subfamilies exhibit bright coloration. Larvae are commonly known as cutworms or armyworms, with many species being significant agricultural pests.
Opsigalea blanchardi
Opsigalea blanchardi is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Todd in 1966. It is a rarely encountered species with limited published documentation. The genus Opsigalea contains few species and is poorly known relative to other noctuid genera. Available records suggest it occurs in North America, though specific habitat associations and biology remain undocumented in scientific literature.
Orthodes bolteri
Orthodes bolteri is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1900. The species has been documented at blacklight stations during bioblitz events in Colorado, including at Red Rock Canyon Open Space in 2019. Taxonomic placement has shifted over time, with the species formerly placed in Mamestra and Xestia. It occurs in North America and Middle America.
Oslaria pura
Oslaria pura is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1911. It is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9792.
Paectes abrostolella
Barrens Paectes Moth
Paectes abrostolella is a species of owlet moth in the family Euteliidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1866. It is distributed across North America and is known to occur in habitats ranging from prairies to montane areas. The species is notable for its distinctive resting posture, in which it raises its abdomen into the air. It is one of several North American species in the genus Paectes, a group that has been subject to recent taxonomic revision due to the discovery of cryptic species complexes.
Panopoda rigida
Panopoda rigida is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Smith in 1903. The species is known from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 8590. It was originally described under the basionym Siavana rigida. As a member of the Calpinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of moths commonly referred to as owlet moths.
Panthea
Panthea is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Pantheinae. The genus name derives from Greek and Persian, meaning 'of all gods.' Species within Panthea are primarily distributed in North America, with some Neotropical representatives including recently described species from Honduras and the Dominican Republic. The genus includes notable species such as Panthea furcilla (eastern panthea or tufted white pine caterpillar) and Panthea acronyctoides (black zigzag or tufted spruce caterpillar), whose larvae feed on conifer hosts.
Paramiana smaragdina
Paramiana smaragdina is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Neumoegen in 1884. It occurs in North America and has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 9803. As a member of the subfamily Noctuinae, it belongs to one of the largest and most diverse groups of moths. The species is known from documented occurrences but detailed natural history information appears limited in published sources.
Plagiomimicus heitzmani
Plagiomimicus heitzmani is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Poole in 1995. It belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae and tribe Stiriini. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from Manitoba, Canada.
Plagiomimicus kathyae
Plagiomimicus kathyae is a species of owlet moth (family Noctuidae) described by Adams in 2009. It belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae and tribe Stiriini. The species is known from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9750.1.
Plagiomimicus manti
Plagiomimicus manti is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes in 1904. It belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae and is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9744. Like other members of its genus, it is a nocturnal moth with limited published documentation of its biology.
Plagiomimicus mimica
Plagiomimicus mimica is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Poole in 1995. It is found in North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae and tribe Stiriini. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Plagiomimicus ochoa
Plagiomimicus ochoa is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes in 1904. It occurs in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9740. As a member of the subfamily Stiriinae, it belongs to a group of relatively small noctuids often associated with specific host plants. The early life stages and detailed biology of this species remain poorly documented.
Plagiomimicus pityochromus
Black-barred Brown
Plagiomimicus pityochromus, commonly known as the black-barred brown, is a noctuid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. It is found in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9754. The species belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae within the owlet moth family Noctuidae.
Plagiomimicus tepperi
Plagiomimicus tepperi is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, originally described as Schinia tepperi by Morrison in 1875. It belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae and tribe Stiriini. The species is known from North America, with 222 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Like other members of its genus, it is attracted to lights at night.
Pleromelloida cinerea
Ashy Pleromelloida Moth
Pleromelloida cinerea, commonly known as the ashy pleromelloida moth, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Smith in 1904, originally under the name Pleroma cinerea. The species is found in North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 10031. As a member of the Noctuidae, it belongs to one of the largest families of moths, though specific ecological details remain limited.