Spring-moth
Guides
Achatia
Quaker moths
Achatia is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as Quaker moths. The genus contains approximately 16 described species distributed primarily in North America. Species within this genus are typically spring-flying nocturnal moths attracted to light. The caterpillars are generalist feeders on deciduous trees and shrubs.
Achatia distincta
Distinct Quaker
Achatia distincta, commonly known as the Distinct Quaker, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active in early spring, with a single annual generation flying from late March to early May. The species is notable for its relatively broad host plant range, with larvae feeding on leaves of multiple deciduous tree genera including ash, birch, maple, oak, and grape.
Acronicta betulae
birch dagger moth, River Birch Dagger
Acronicta betulae, commonly known as the birch dagger moth or River Birch Dagger, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are characterized by a distinctive wing appearance described as resembling two layers on the forewings. The species exhibits bivoltine flight periods in spring and late summer. Larvae are specialized feeders on birch leaves, with Betula nigra (river birch) documented as a primary host.
Acronicta sperata
Hopeful Dagger Moth, Hopeful Dagger
Acronicta sperata, commonly known as the Hopeful Dagger Moth, is a North American noctuid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Adults have a wingspan of 30–35 mm and are active from May to June. The larvae feed on Populus (poplar) and Alnus (alder) species. Two subspecies are recognized: A. s. sperata and A. s. speratina.
Acronicta spinigera
Nondescript Dagger, nondescript dagger moth
Acronicta spinigera, commonly known as the nondescript dagger moth, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active from spring through summer, with flight periods varying by latitude. The species is characterized by its relatively plain, unmarked appearance compared to other dagger moths, hence its common name. It is one of approximately 150 species in the genus Acronicta, a diverse group of owlet moths whose caterpillars often bear distinctive tufts of setae or spines.
Aethes floccosana
A small tortricid moth native to the eastern and central United States. First described in 1863, this species is characterized by its compact size and relatively restricted geographic range. Adults are active during late spring and early summer. The species has been documented across seven states but remains poorly studied regarding its biology and ecology.
Agrotis daedalus
Agrotis daedalus is a noctuid moth species native to the Great Plains of North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 38 mm and are active in early spring, with one generation per year. The species is distributed from west Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona west to northern Nevada, and north to southern Alberta and south-central Saskatchewan.
Agrotis obliqua
Oblique Dart
Agrotis obliqua is a noctuid moth native to North America, first described by Edgar Albert Smith in 1903. The species has a wingspan of approximately 30 mm. Adults are active in spring and early summer, with a single generation produced annually. It is found across a broad geographic range from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island, extending southward to Colorado, Arizona, and California.
Anavitrinella
Common Gray (for A. pampinaria)
Anavitrinella is a genus of geometrid moths erected by James Halliday McDunnough in 1922. The genus contains four recognized species, with Anavitrinella pampinaria (common gray) being the most widespread and well-documented. Species in this genus are characterized by relatively plain, grayish wing coloration that makes identification challenging. The caterpillars are inchworms typical of the family Geometridae.
Apantesis margo
Margo's Tiger Moth
Apantesis margo is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, described by Schmidt in 2009. It was originally placed in the genus Grammia but transferred to Apantesis in a taxonomic revision that consolidated several related genera. The species is restricted to grassland and transitional habitats in the north-central United States and adjacent regions, with flight activity concentrated in late spring. The specific epithet honors the author's wife.
Archiearinae
Archiearinae is a small subfamily of geometer moths (Geometridae) comprising approximately 2 genera and 3 species in the Baikal region of Siberia. The subfamily is characterized by early spring flight activity, with adults emerging before host plant foliage develops. Species-level taxonomy and identification rely heavily on genitalia morphology.
Archiearis infans
Infant Moth, The Infant
Archiearis infans, commonly known as the Infant Moth, is a species of geometrid moth described by Heinrich Benno Möschler in 1862. It belongs to the subfamily Archiearinae, a group of early-emerging spring moths. The species exhibits a transcontinental distribution across northern North America, with two recognized subspecies: the nominate form in the eastern and central range, and A. i. oregonensis in the Pacific region.
Aseptis fumosa
Aseptis fumosa is a noctuid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1879. It is widespread across western North America, from western Canada through the western United States to California. The species occupies diverse habitats ranging from coastal chaparral to dry conifer forests and shrub steppe. Adults are active in spring and early summer, with larvae feeding on specific woody shrubs in the Rosaceae and Rhamnaceae families.
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.
Caenurgina annexa
Banded Grass Moth
Caenurgina annexa, commonly known as the banded grass moth, is a species of moth in the family Erebidae. It was described by Henry Edwards in 1890. The species is endemic to western North America, with adults active during spring months. The wingspan measures 28–30 mm.
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.
Cerastis fishii
Fish's Dart
Cerastis fishii is a noctuid moth of eastern North America, commonly known as Fish's Dart. Adults are active in spring, with a flight period from March through June. The species has a wingspan of 30–36 mm. Larvae feed specifically on blueberry flowers and leaves.
Cerastis tenebrifera
Reddish Speckled Dart
Cerastis tenebrifera, commonly known as the reddish speckled dart, is a noctuid moth distributed across eastern and central North America. The species is univoltine, with adults active in spring. Larvae have been documented feeding on a diverse range of host plants across multiple families.
Cissusa indiscreta
Indiscreet Cissusa Moth, Indiscrete Cissusa Moth
Cissusa indiscreta is a moth species in the family Erebidae, distributed across western North America from British Columbia to central Colorado. Adults are active in spring with a single annual generation. Larvae are specialized feeders on Quercus species.
Cladara limitaria
mottled gray carpet moth, Mottled Gray Carpet
Cladara limitaria is a geometrid moth found across North America from Alaska to Newfoundland and south to Alabama. Adults are active in spring, with a wingspan of 21–28 mm. Larvae feed on sheep laurel and conifers. The species inhabits deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forests and is attracted to light.
Digrammia irrorata
Pale-lined Angle
Digrammia irrorata is a geometrid moth species first described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1876. It occurs across western North America from Oklahoma to California, extending north into southwestern Canada. The species has a wingspan of 23–26 mm. Adults are active from March through June in northern populations, with multiple generations occurring in southern portions of the range.
Dyseriocrania griseocapitella
Chinquapin leaf-miner, Chinquapin Leafminer Moth
Dyseriocrania griseocapitella is a small moth in the family Eriocraniidae, commonly known as the Chinquapin leaf-miner. Adults are active from late February to late May, with males having slightly larger wingspans than females. The larvae are leaf miners on Castanea and Quercus species, creating distinctive mines that begin as narrow serpentine tracks before expanding into large blotches.
Epirrhoe alternata
Common Carpet Moth, White-banded Toothed Carpet
A small to medium-sized geometrid moth with distinctive banded wing patterns. The species exhibits broad geographic distribution across the Palearctic, Near East, and North America. Adults are active primarily in spring and early summer. The species is well-documented with over 27,000 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is frequently encountered and relatively conspicuous.
Eriocraniella xanthocara
Eriocraniella xanthocara is a small, iridescent moth in the family Eriocraniidae, described by Donald R. Davis in 1978. It is endemic to California, ranging from Shasta County south to Santa Clara County and Santa Cruz Island. Adults are active in spring from early March to late April, with one generation per year. The larvae are leaf miners on two oak species.
Ethmia epileuca
Ethmia epileuca is a small moth in the family Ethmiidae (formerly placed in Depressariidae). It is restricted to the southwestern United States, occurring in southern California and Tucson, Arizona. Adults are active in late winter and early spring, with flight period from February through April. The species exhibits distinctive wing patterning with a straight longitudinal line dividing brown or gray-brown upper and white lower forewing areas.
Ethmia nadia
Ethmia nadia is a small moth in the family Ethmiidae (formerly placed in Depressariidae). It is endemic to California, where adults are active in spring and early summer. The larvae feed on Phacelia ramosissima, a plant in the Boraginaceae family.
Ethmia zelleriella
Zeller's Ethmia Moth
Ethmia zelleriella is a small moth in the family Ethmiidae (formerly placed in Depressariidae or Coleophoridae) found in eastern North America. Adults are active primarily in spring and early summer, with evidence of a second generation in some regions. The species is associated with oak woodlands and foothill habitats, where larvae feed on Phacelia species (Boraginaceae). The moth has distinctive black-and-white patterned forewings and is one of approximately 50 Ethmia species occurring north of Mexico.
Eupithecia bowmani
Pug moth
Eupithecia bowmani is a small moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Cassino & Swett in 1923. The species occurs in the Rocky Mountains region of western Canada and the north-central United States. Adults are active in spring and early summer and have been documented visiting apple flowers, where they may contribute to nocturnal pollination. Like other members of the genus Eupithecia, this species exhibits the characteristic narrow-winged resting posture of 'pug' moths.
Eupithecia jejunata
Swift Pug
Eupithecia jejunata, commonly known as the Swift Pug, is a small moth in the family Geometridae. It is found in the southeastern United States, with a range extending from eastern Texas north to Missouri and east to coastal North Carolina. Adults are active primarily from February to mid-May, with a possible partial second generation. The species has been documented visiting apple flowers, contributing to nocturnal pollination of agricultural crops.
Exyra ridingsii
Ridings' Pitcherplant Moth, Riding's Pitcherplant Looper Moth
Exyra ridingsii is a small noctuid moth specialized on pitcher plants (Sarracenia). Adults are active in spring and have a wingspan of 24–31 mm. The species is named after James Ridings and is one of several Exyra species that have evolved to exploit pitcher plant habitats.
Feralia comstocki
Comstock's Sallow
Feralia comstocki, commonly known as Comstock's Sallow, is a noctuid moth found across northern and western North America. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874. Adults fly in spring, with larvae feeding on pine species. One subspecies, F. c. columbiana, is recognized.
Feralia jocosa
jocose sallow, joker moth
Feralia jocosa is a noctuid moth known as the jocose sallow or joker moth. It occurs across boreal and temperate forests of North America from Newfoundland to coastal British Columbia, though it is replaced by the related Feralia deceptiva in the lower mainland and Vancouver Island. The species is a spring flyer with a narrow wingspan of 30–32 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on Pinus species, with documented use of Tsuga canadensis in some populations.
Filatima hemicrossa
Filatima hemicrossa is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 20–21 mm. It occurs in scattered localities across North America including Texas, Montana, and Florida. Adults are active during spring, with flight records from April to May.
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.
Givira minuta
Givira minuta is a small moth in the family Cossidae, first described from southern Arizona in 1910. The species is characterized by its diminutive size, with a wingspan of approximately 17 mm, and distinctive wing coloration featuring light ocherous brown forewings with a creamy costal margin and dark smoky brown hindwings. Adults are active during spring months, with flight records from April through June. The species belongs to a genus of carpenter moths, though specific biological details beyond basic morphology and phenology remain poorly documented.
Haploa confusa
confused haploa, Lyman's haploa
Haploa confusa is a North American tiger moth in the family Erebidae, first described by H.H. Lyman in 1887. Adults display distinctive cream-colored forewings with brown markings and nearly white hindwings. The caterpillar is strikingly patterned with black ground color, straight yellow dorsal and sub-dorsal stripes, and a broad lateral stripe. The species has been documented feeding on hound's tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) and Penstemon digitalis during larval stages.
Heliomata cycladata
common spring moth
Heliomata cycladata is a small geometrid moth known as the common spring moth, first described in 1866. It occurs across eastern North America from southern Canada through the eastern United States. Adults fly in spring and early summer, with larvae specializing on two leguminous tree hosts.
Heliomata infulata
Rare Spring Moth
Heliomata infulata, commonly known as the Rare Spring Moth, is a geometrid moth species described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1863. It is a member of the subfamily Ennominae within the family Geometridae. The species is documented from North America and has a Hodges number of 6263. Despite its common name, specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in scientific literature.
Idaea furciferata
Notch-winged Wave, notch-winged wave moth
Idaea furciferata, commonly known as the notch-winged wave moth, is a small geometrid moth native to eastern and central North America. Adults are active from spring through mid-summer, with males slightly larger than females. The species is associated with open habitats where its larval host plants, clover and dandelion, occur.
Leucobrephos
Leucobrephos is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Archiearinae. The genus was described by Grote in 1874 and contains three recognized species: L. brephoides, L. middendorfii, and L. mongolicum. Species in this genus are distributed across northern regions of Eurasia and North America.
Lomographa vestaliata
White Spring Moth, Spring Faerie
A small, all-white geometrid moth with a wingspan of 15–23 mm. Adults are diurnal and active in spring, often associated with flowering plants. The species occurs across much of North America in dry, shrubby habitats.
Loxostege offumalis
Loxostege offumalis is a small crambid moth described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886. The species is known only from California in western North America. Adults are active in early spring, with flight records from February to March. The moth has been documented as a host for the mason wasp Euodynerus annulatus.
Lycia ursaria
Stout Spanworm Moth, Bear
Lycia ursaria is a moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the stout spanworm moth or bear. First described by Francis Walker in 1860, it occurs in southern Canada and the northern United States. Adults are active in spring, with larvae feeding on leaves of various broadleaved trees and shrubs. The species has a single generation per year.
Metarranthis obfirmaria
Yellow-washed Metarranthis
Metarranthis obfirmaria is a small geometrid moth of eastern North America. Adults fly in spring and early summer, with larvae feeding on woody plants including blueberries, cherries, and oaks. The species was originally described under the genus Epirranthis.
Morrisonia confusa
Confused Woodgrain Moth, confused woodgrain
Morrisonia confusa is a noctuid moth known as the confused woodgrain, found across eastern North America. Adults are active in spring, with flight periods varying by latitude from April to June. The species is recognized by its moderate size and cryptic coloration. Larvae feed on a documented range of deciduous trees.
Ogdoconta sexta
Ogdoconta sexta is a small noctuid moth described in 1913 from extreme southern Texas. Adults are active in spring and early summer, with a secondary flight period in September. The species has a very restricted known range, limited to two counties at the Texas-Mexico border.
Orthosia erythrolita
Orthosia erythrolita is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It occurs in North America. The species was described by Grote in 1879. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10477. Like other members of the genus Orthosia, it likely exhibits spring flight activity typical of the group.
Orthosia flaviannula
Orthosia flaviannula is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1899. It belongs to the genus Orthosia, a group of early spring-flying moths commonly known as Quaker moths. Like other Orthosia species, it likely exhibits a univoltine life cycle with adults emerging in early spring. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Orthosia garmani
Garman's Quaker
Orthosia garmani, known as Garman's Quaker, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. The species is found in North America. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10488. The genus Orthosia includes several early spring-emerging species, though specific details for O. garmani remain limited in available sources.
Orthosia praeses
Orthosia praeses is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1879. It belongs to the spring-flying Orthosia genus, a group of early-emerging cutworm moths in North America. The species is documented in entomological records with a MONA/Hodges number of 10480. Like congeners, it likely exhibits univoltine flight activity concentrated in early spring.