Populus-feeder
Guides
Brachylomia populi
Brachylomia populi is a noctuid moth species first described by Strecker in 1898. It inhabits the inland mountain regions of western North America, with larvae that feed specifically on cottonwood, aspen (Populus), and oak (Quercus) leaves. The species has a wingspan of approximately 30 mm and is known from 133 iNaturalist observations.
Catocala amatrix
Sweetheart Underwing
Catocala amatrix, commonly known as the Sweetheart Underwing, is a large moth in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 75–95 mm. The forewings are cryptically colored in gray-brown tones that provide camouflage against tree bark when the moth is at rest. When disturbed, the moth reveals strikingly colorful hindwings—typically orange-red with black bands—that serve as a startle defense against predators. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, with adults active from August to October. Larvae feed on several species of Populus (poplars and cottonwoods) and Salix (willows).
Catocala briseis
Briseis Underwing, Ribbed Underwing
Catocala briseis is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, distributed across the North American boreal forest region. Adults are active from July to September and possess the characteristic underwing morphology: cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings. The species was first described by William Henry Edwards in 1864.
Catocala concumbens
Pink Underwing, Sleepy Underwing
Catocala concumbens, commonly known as the pink underwing or sleepy underwing, is a medium-sized moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1858. It is distinguished by its cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings, a characteristic defensive trait of the genus Catocala. The moth occurs in eastern North America, extending westward across the Prairie Provinces to eastern Alberta. Adults are active in August, with larvae feeding on Populus and Salix species.
Catocala grotiana
Grote's Underwing Moth, Grote's Underwing
Catocala grotiana is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by James S. Bailey in 1879. The species is characterized by its cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings, a defensive trait common to the genus Catocala. It occurs in the western United States, with documented records from Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Washington, and areas north and east of California. Adults are active in late summer, with larvae feeding on Populus and Salix species.
Catocala marmorata
Marbled Underwing
Catocala marmorata, known as the marbled underwing, is a large moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by William Henry Edwards in 1864. Adults are active from July to September, with likely one generation per year. The larvae feed on Populus and Salix species.
Catocala semirelicta
Semirelict Underwing Moth
Catocala semirelicta is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it possesses cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, which are exposed when the moth is disturbed. The species occurs across a broad North American range spanning from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific, with particular abundance in western mountainous regions.
Enargia infumata
Smoked Sallow, Lesser Eyed Sallow
Enargia infumata is a noctuid moth known by the common names Smoked Sallow and Lesser Eyed Sallow. It occurs across northern and western North America, with populations extending from Alaska and eastern Canada south to California and Utah. The species has a single annual generation, with adults active during summer months. Larvae feed on leaves of Populus and potentially other woody plants in the willow family.
Epinotia nisella
Grey Poplar Bell, Yellow-headed Aspen Leaftier
Epinotia nisella is a small tortricid moth with a Holarctic distribution across northern Eurasia and northern North America. First described by Clerck in 1759, it is highly polymorphic in forewing coloration, showing extensive variation in grey, black, and brown patterns. The species is closely related to E. cinereana, from which it was recently reinstated as distinct based on DNA barcodes and genital morphology. Larvae feed on catkins and leaves of Populus and Salix species.
Exaeretia ciniflonella
Scotch flat-body
Exaeretia ciniflonella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae with a trans-Palearctic and western Nearctic distribution. Adults have a wingspan of 17–24 mm and are active from July through August, with individuals sometimes reappearing in early spring after overwintering. Larvae develop within rolled or folded leaves of birch, poplar, and willow.
Limenitis weidemeyerii
Weidemeyer's Admiral
Weidemeyer's Admiral is a medium-sized butterfly in the brush-footed family Nymphalidae, found across western North America from the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra Nevada and California. Adults display distinctive black and white dorsal wing patterns with rows of white spots, while the ventral surface shows brown with gray marginal markings. The species is named after 19th-century entomologist John William Weidemeyer, whose Rocky Mountain specimen was used for the original description. Larvae develop on woody plants in the genera Populus, Salix, Holodiscus, and Amelanchier, while adults feed on tree sap, carrion, and flower nectar.
Notodonta torva
Large Dark Prominent, Northern Finned Prominent
Notodonta torva is a moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1803. It is widespread across Europe and extends eastward through Asia to China, Korea, and Japan, with rare occurrences as an immigrant to Great Britain. The species is bivoltine in western Europe, producing two generations per year. Larvae feed primarily on poplar and willow species.
Pseudosciaphila duplex
Poplar Leafroller Moth, Aspen Leaftier, Spotted Aspen Leafroller
Pseudosciaphila duplex is a tortricid moth native to North America, commonly known as the poplar leafroller moth or aspen leaftier. Adults are active during summer months and possess a wingspan of 20–25 mm. The species is notable for its larval association with deciduous trees in the genera Populus, Betula, and Salix, where larvae feed on leaves.