Uraniidae
Guides
Antiplecta triangularis
Antiplecta triangularis is a scoopwing moth in the family Uraniidae, first described by Warren in 1906. The species occurs across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7652. As a member of subfamily Epipleminae, it belongs to a group of small moths characterized by distinctive wing shapes and postures.
Calledapteryx
scoopwing moths
Calledapteryx is a monotypic genus of scoopwing moths in the family Uraniidae, containing only the species Calledapteryx dryopterata. The genus was established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1868. Some taxonomic authorities treat Calledapteryx as a synonym of Epiplema.
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.
Callizzia amorata
Gray Scoopwing, gray scoopwing moth
Callizzia amorata, commonly known as the gray scoopwing moth, is a swallowtail moth in the family Uraniidae. It is found across North America from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic. Adults are most frequently observed during late spring and summer months. The species is recognized by its distinctive wing posture and patterning.
Epipleminae
Scoopwing Moths, Epiplemiine Moths
Epipleminae is the largest and most diverse subfamily of the family Uraniidae (Lepidoptera), comprising over 600 species in approximately 70 genera. These small, drab-colored nocturnal moths are distinguished by several unique morphological and behavioral traits, including a sexually dimorphic tympanal organ with structural details unlike any other lepidopteran group. The subfamily exhibits a primarily pantropical distribution with limited extension into temperate regions. Historically, Epipleminae were frequently misclassified within Geometridae or Drepanidae due to superficial phenetic similarities.
Erosia incendiata
Erosia incendiata is a moth species in the family Uraniidae, first described by Guenée in 1857. It has been treated under both the genus Erosia and Epiplema, reflecting historical taxonomic uncertainty. The species is part of a small family of moths that includes both day-flying and nocturnal species, some with distinctive wing shapes. Observations on iNaturalist suggest it occurs in tropical regions, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Philagraula
Philagraula is a monotypic genus of scoopwing moths in the family Uraniidae, established by Hulst in 1896. The genus contains a single described species, Philagraula slossoniae. Scoopwing moths (Uraniidae) are a small family of Lepidoptera known for their distinctive wing shapes and often iridescent coloration.
Philagraula slossoniae
Slosson's Scoopwing Moth
Philagraula slossoniae, commonly known as Slosson's Scoopwing Moth, is a small moth in the family Uraniidae, subfamily Epipleminae. The species was described by George D. Hulst in 1896 and is native to North America. It belongs to a group of moths characterized by distinctive wing modifications. The specific epithet honors a person with the surname Slosson, likely an entomologist or collector of the era.
Psamathia
Psamathia is a genus of moths in the family Uraniidae, subfamily Epipleminae. The genus was established by Francis Walker in 1861. Species in this genus are found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Asia. The genus belongs to a family known for moths with distinctive wing shapes and often iridescent coloration.
Psamathia placidaria
Psamathia placidaria is a species of moth in the family Uraniidae. The genus Psamathia belongs to a small family of moths that includes both day-flying and nocturnal species. This species is known from a limited number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or restricted in distribution. Members of Uraniidae are often associated with tropical and subtropical regions.
Urania
Urania is a genus of day-flying moths in the family Uraniidae, established by Fabricius in 1807. The genus name derives from Greek mythology, meaning 'heavenly' or 'of heaven,' referencing the muse of astronomy. These moths are notable for their exceptionally bright, iridescent coloration that rivals or exceeds that of butterflies. The genus includes species that exhibit distinctive behaviors such as puddling along riverbanks to obtain mineral salts.
Urania fulgens
urania swallowtail moth, green page moth
Urania fulgens is a day-flying moth in the family Uraniidae, notable for its iridescent green coloration and swallowtail-like wing shape. The species is highly migratory, with populations moving through Mexico, Central America, and northwestern South America. It has been recorded as a vagrant to Texas. Mass migrations have been documented, including a significant event observed in Costa Rica in 2005 with Tapantí National Park identified as a possible destination.
Uraniinae
uraniine moths
Uraniinae is a subfamily of moths in the family Uraniidae, containing seven genera distributed in tropical regions worldwide. The group exhibits striking ecological and morphological dichotomy: three genera (Alcides, Chrysiridia, Urania) are diurnal, brightly colored with iridescent markings, and chemically defended, while the remaining four genera (Cyphura, Lyssa, Urapteritra, Urapteroides) are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular with subdued coloration. Lyssa species are notable for their large size, with wingspans reaching 10–16 cm. The subfamily includes approximately 80 described species, with the Madagascan sunset moth (Chrysiridia rhipheus) being among the most celebrated lepidopterans for its coloration.