Winter-moth
Guides
Alsophila pometaria
Fall Cankerworm Moth, Fall Cankerworm, Inchworm
Alsophila pometaria, the fall cankerworm, is a native North American geometrid moth notable for its sexually dimorphic adults: males are winged and capable of flight, while females are wingless, flightless, and lack functional mouthparts. The species exhibits a distinctive life cycle with adult emergence in late autumn and early winter, egg-laying on tree bark, and larval feeding in spring. Caterpillars are known as "inchworms" or "loopers" due to their characteristic looping locomotion. The species is a generalist defoliator of deciduous hardwood trees and can reach outbreak densities, causing significant economic and ecological impact.
Alypia wittfeldii
Wittfeld's Forester
Alypia wittfeldii, commonly known as Wittfeld's Forester, is a small noctuid moth endemic to the southeastern Atlantic coastal plain of the United States. First described by Henry Edwards in 1883, this species is notable for its restricted distribution, occurring almost exclusively in Florida (excluding the western panhandle), coastal Georgia, and South Carolina. Adults are active during the winter and early spring months, with forewings measuring 13–14 mm in length. The species belongs to the forester moths (genus Alypia), a group characterized by bright coloration and diurnal activity patterns that contrast with the typically nocturnal habits of most noctuids.
Erannis
Erannis is a genus of geometer moths (Geometridae: Ennominae) erected by Jacob Hübner in 1825. The genus comprises approximately twelve species distributed primarily across the Holarctic region, with greatest diversity in northern temperate zones. Several species are significant forest pests, with larvae feeding on coniferous and deciduous trees. Taxonomic placement remains debated: some authorities recognize the tribe Erannini with Erannis as type genus, while others merge this group into Boarmiini or Bistonini.
Eupithecia matheri
Eupithecia matheri is a small geometrid moth described by Frederick H. Rindge in 1985. It is one of numerous 'pug' moths in the genus Eupithecia, characterized by narrow wings and a distinctive resting posture. Adults are active in late winter and early spring, with flight records from late January through early April. The species has been documented visiting apple flowers at night, contributing to nocturnal pollination services.
Eupithecia scabrogata
Pug moth
Eupithecia scabrogata is a small geometrid moth described by Pearsall in 1912. It occurs in western North America from British Columbia south to California and Arizona. Adults are active primarily from November through March, with a possible second generation in May. The species has been documented visiting apple flowers at night, contributing to nocturnal pollination services.
Eupithecia shirleyata
Shirley's Pug
Eupithecia shirleyata is a small geometrid moth, commonly known as a 'pug' moth, first described from the southwestern United States in 1922. The species exhibits a characteristic narrow-winged resting posture typical of its genus. Adults are active during winter months, with flight records spanning from late November through early April. The species has been documented visiting apple flowers, indicating a potential role in nocturnal pollination.
Eupsilia schweitzeri
Schweitzer's Sallow
Eupsilia schweitzeri is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, described in 2016 from the northeastern United States. It belongs to the sallow moth genus Eupsilia, which are medium-sized noctuid moths active during late fall, winter, and early spring. The species was named in honor of entomologist Dale F. Schweitzer. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a cold-season active adult with larvae feeding on woody plants.
Lithophane
shoulder-knot moths
Lithophane is a genus of noctuid moths commonly known as shoulder-knots. Species are characterized by their autumn to winter flight periods and cryptic forewing patterning that provides bark-mimicking camouflage. The genus includes both univoltine species that overwinter as eggs and those with prolonged adult winter diapause. Several species have expanded their ranges in recent decades, facilitated by horticultural planting of introduced conifers.
Lithophane abita
Bald Cypress Pinion
Lithophane abita is a noctuid moth described in 2009 from the southeastern United States. It is one of several Lithophane species associated with bald cypress swamps and related wetland habitats. Adults are active during winter months, with flight periods varying geographically from October through April. The species is named from the Latin 'abita' (to depart), likely referencing its seasonal disappearance during warmer months.
Lithophane antennata
ashen pinion, green fruitworm
Lithophane antennata is a noctuid moth native to North America. Adults are active during late fall and winter, with larvae feeding on various deciduous trees and shrubs. The species is known by two common names reflecting different aspects of its biology: 'ashen pinion' describes the adult's dull grayish wing coloration, while 'green fruitworm' refers to the larval stage that damages developing fruit. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9910.
Lithophane franclemonti
Franclemont's Pinion
Lithophane franclemonti, commonly called Franclemont's Pinion, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Metzler in 1998 and is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9888.1. It belongs to the genus Lithophane, a group of moths known for their late-season flight periods and cryptic winter-adult biology.
Lithophane subtilis
Subtle Pinion
Lithophane subtilis is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Franclemont in 1969. It belongs to the genus Lithophane, a group of moths commonly known as pinions that are primarily active during late fall through early spring. The species is known from North America, with records primarily from the eastern and central regions of the continent. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and exhibits adult activity during the colder months when few other moth species are active.
Operophtera
winter moths
Operophtera is a genus of geometrid moths comprising approximately four recognized species, including the economically significant winter moth (O. brumata) and Bruce spanworm (O. bruceata). The genus is notable for its unusual winter-active adult phenology, with adults emerging and mating during cold months when most other Lepidoptera are dormant. Several species have been introduced outside their native ranges, with O. brumata established as an invasive defoliator in North America. The genus has become a model system for studying hybrid zone dynamics, as O. brumata and O. bruceata form a documented clinal hybrid zone in the northeastern United States.
Operophtera bruceata
Bruce spanworm, Bruce Spanworm Moth, native winter moth, hunter's moth
Operophtera bruceata is a native North American geometrid moth commonly known as the Bruce spanworm. Females are wingless and flightless, while males have fully developed wings with a 25–30 mm wingspan. The species is notable for forming a documented clinal hybrid zone with the invasive congener winter moth (O. brumata) in the northeastern United States. Population outbreaks have caused significant defoliation of deciduous forests, with one outbreak in Alberta peaking in 1958 at approximately 50,000 square miles of moderate to heavy infestation.
Sericaglaea signata
Variable Sallow, Variable Sallow Moth
Sericaglaea signata, commonly known as the Variable Sallow Moth, is a noctuid moth species found in eastern and central North America. Adults are active from October through May, with a single generation per year and overwintering adults. The species has a wingspan of 35–43 mm. Larvae feed on the leaves of oak (Quercus), cherry/plum (Prunus), and basswood/linden (Tilia) species.