Year-round-activity
Guides
Acleris cervinana
Acleris cervinana is a small tortricid moth native to North America, with a wingspan of 15–17 mm. Adults are active nearly year-round across a broad geographic range. The larvae feed on specific woody plants including yellow birch, hazel, and alder species.
Acleris flavivittana
multiform leafroller moth
Acleris flavivittana, commonly known as the multiform leafroller moth, is a small tortricid moth native to eastern North America. The species exhibits year-round adult activity, an unusual trait among temperate moths. Larvae are documented to feed on apple (Malus pumila) and wild black cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), suggesting potential economic significance in orchards.
Acleris negundana
speckled acleris moth
Acleris negundana, the speckled acleris moth, is a small tortricid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active nearly year-round and have a wingspan of 16–17 mm. The species is strongly associated with its larval host plant, Acer negundo (boxelder), from which its specific epithet is derived.
Acleris nigrolinea
Black-lined Acleris
Acleris nigrolinea is a tortricid moth native to North America, commonly known as the Black-lined Acleris. The species exhibits broad geographic distribution across Canada and the United States. Adults are active nearly year-round in suitable climates. Larvae feed on a diverse range of woody plants including birch, cherry, poplar, fir, pine, and willow.
Acleris ptychogrammos
A small tortricid moth with a wingspan of approximately 15 mm. Adults have been recorded on wing nearly year-round in southern parts of its range. The larval host plant is red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea).
Acleris semiannula
Half-ringed Acleris Moth
Acleris semiannula is a small tortricid moth found across eastern and central North America. Adults are active year-round and have a wingspan of 12–15 mm. Larvae develop on three documented host plants: red maple, silver maple, and white oak. The species was originally described as Teras semiannula by Robinson in 1869.
Amorbia cuneanum
Western Avocado Leafroller Moth
Amorbia cuneanum, known as the western avocado leafroller moth, is a tortricid moth ranging from Baja California, Mexico, to southwestern Canada. It is a polyphagous species whose larvae feed on diverse woody plants including avocado, citrus, and various native shrubs and trees. Adults are active year-round with two generations annually. The species is of economic concern due to larval damage to avocado and citrus crops.
Argiope argentata
Silver Argiope, Silver Garden Spider, Silver Garden Orbweaver
Argiope argentata is a large, striking orb-weaving spider found from the southern United States through Central and South America to Chile and Argentina. Females are notable for their silvery cephalothorax and distinctive X-shaped stabilimentum in their webs, formed by four zigzag silk bands. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism, with females reaching 12–16 mm body length while males are only 4–5 mm. Unlike many temperate Argiope species that mature in late summer, A. argentata adults may be found year-round in warmer regions, with males maturing as early as February. The spider incorporates UV-reflecting silks into both its body coloration and web decorations, which may function to attract pollinating prey by mimicking floral signals.
Argyrotaenia floridana
Florida Leafroller
Argyrotaenia floridana is a small tortricid moth distributed across the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. Males have forewings measuring 5.5 mm, while females are larger at 7.5–9 mm. Adults are active year-round, an unusual trait among temperate tortricids. The species was described by Obraztsov in 1961.
Callopistria floridensis
Florida Fern Moth, Florida Fern Caterpillar
Callopistria floridensis, commonly known as the Florida Fern Moth or Florida Fern Caterpillar, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 29 mm. The species is notable for its year-round adult activity in tropical and subtropical regions, with larvae that feed exclusively on ferns. It has gained scientific attention as the only known terrestrial animal capable of accumulating high levels of arsenic when feeding on the brake fern Pteris vittata. While primarily a native species across the Americas, it occasionally becomes a pest in greenhouses.
Cisthene striata
Striated Lichen Moth
Cisthene striata, described by Rodrigues Ottolengui in 1898, is a small lichen moth in the family Erebidae. It is known from a limited distribution in the eastern and central United States, with records from Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and Florida. The species has a wingspan of approximately 17 mm. Adults have been recorded on wing year-round in Florida, suggesting continuous breeding activity in warmer portions of its range.
Cisthene subjecta
Subject Lichen Moth
Cisthene subjecta, commonly known as the subject lichen moth, is a small tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It was first described by Francis Walker in 1854. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States and is active year-round as an adult. With a wingspan of approximately 12 mm, it belongs to a genus whose members have been documented to produce acoustic warning signals to deter bat predators.
Dicerca lurida
Hickory Jewel Beetle
Dicerca lurida is a jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as the Hickory Jewel Beetle. Adults measure 12–20 mm and display cryptic coloration that renders them nearly invisible against tree bark despite their metallic luster when viewed as pinned specimens. The species is strongly associated with hickory trees (Carya spp.) and is one of the most common jewel beetles in eastern North America. Unlike most jewel beetles with restricted seasonal activity, D. lurida occurs year-round as adults, including winter hibernation under loose bark.
Doryodes latistriga
Doryodes latistriga is a moth in the family Erebidae described from specimens collected in coastal habitats of the northern Gulf of Mexico. It inhabits tidal creeks and salt marshes from Alabama to Louisiana. The species exhibits seasonal variation in wing coloration, with lighter spring and summer forms and darker fall and winter forms. Adults are active year-round.
Eudonia strigalis
striped eudonia moth
Eudonia strigalis, known as the striped eudonia moth, is a small crambid moth described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1906. It occurs across eastern North America from Nova Scotia to Florida. The species shows latitudinal variation in adult activity patterns, with year-round flight in the south and a restricted season in northern populations.
Eugnosta bimaculana
narrow-patch carolella moth, two-spotted carolella
Eugnosta bimaculana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 13–14 mm. It occurs across the southeastern and south-central United States, from Maryland to Florida and west to Texas and Oklahoma. Adults are active year-round in the southern portion of its range, with more restricted flight periods in northern populations.
Eugnosta deceptana
Deceptive Cochylid
Eugnosta deceptana is a small tortricid moth known from southern Texas. Adults are active across much of the year with records from November through January and again in March, May, June, and August. The species was described by August Busck in 1907 and remains poorly documented beyond basic collection data.
Eurema albula
Ghost Yellow
Eurema albula, commonly known as the ghost yellow, is a small butterfly in the family Pieridae. It ranges from southern Texas through the West Indies and tropical Central and South America to Brazil. Adults are active year-round in tropical regions and feed on flower nectar. The species inhabits tropical forests and second-growth vegetation.
Givira francesca
Francesca Carpenterworm Moth
Givira francesca is a small moth in the family Cossidae, commonly known as carpenter millers or carpenterworm moths. It occurs in the southeastern United States, with records from Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Adults are active year-round and have a wingspan of 22–27 mm. The larvae are known to bore into the bark of Pinus trunks.
Homaledra sabalella
Palm Leaf Skeletonizer Moth
Homaledra sabalella, commonly known as the palm leaf skeletonizer moth, is a small moth in the family Pterolonchidae. The species has undergone multiple taxonomic reclassifications, moving from Coleophoridae to Batrachedridae before its current placement. It is found in the southeastern United States and Caribbean islands. The larvae are specialized feeders on palm fronds.
Idaea tacturata
dot-lined wave moth
Idaea tacturata is a small geometrid moth occurring in the southeastern United States. The species was described by Francis Walker in 1861 and is active year-round in the southern portion of its range. Larvae feed on Trifolium species (clovers).
Lymire edwardsii
Edwards' Wasp Moth, rubber tree caterpillar
Lymire edwardsii is a moth in the family Erebidae (subfamily Arctiinae) described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1881. The species is known for its caterpillars, which feed on Ficus species and frequently cause extensive injury to these trees, earning the common name 'rubber tree caterpillar.' Adults have a wingspan of 35–40 mm with bluish-gray wings and are active year-round in southern Florida.
Mecidea
narrow stink bugs
Mecidea is a genus of narrow-bodied stink bugs (Pentatomidae) comprising eight described species. It is the sole genus in the tribe Mecideini native to the New World. Species are grass-feeding specialists found in xeric and semiarid grasslands, with documented activity throughout the year including winter months. The genus has been studied primarily through life history work on M. major and M. minor in the southwestern United States.
Mecidea major
Mecidea major is a grass-feeding stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. A detailed life history study in southern New Mexico documented year-round activity of adults and nymphs, including winter months—unusual for a pentatomid. The species is bivoltine with a possible partial third generation. Five nymphal instars have been described and can be distinguished by body size and wing pad development.
Mesolia incertellus
Mesolia incertellus is a small crambid moth described by Zincken in 1821. It is known from the southeastern United States, with records from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Illinois. The species exhibits nearly year-round adult activity in Florida, suggesting adaptation to subtropical conditions. Its small size and broad seasonal presence distinguish it from many temperate moth species.
Nelphe carolina
little Carol's wasp moth, Florida eucereon
Nelphe carolina is a moth species in the subfamily Arctiinae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1887. It is known from southern Texas, Florida, Mexico, and Cuba. Adults have a wingspan of 31–34 mm and have been recorded on wing year-round. The larvae feed on Cynanchum species. The species is also known as the Florida eucereon or little Carol's wasp moth, and is currently placed in the genus Nelphe, though it was formerly treated under Eucereon.
Perimede erransella
Gray Perimede Moth
Perimede erransella is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, described by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1874. It occurs across eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf Coast. The species has a wingspan of approximately 12 mm and is active year-round as an adult. Larvae are known to feed on a diverse range of woody host plants including tulip tree, hickory, oak, bald cypress, and elm.
Perimede falcata
Perimede falcata is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, described by Annette Frances Braun in 1919. It occurs across eastern North America from the Great Lakes region to the Gulf Coast. Adults are active year-round and are characterized by distinctive wing coloration.
Petrophila jaliscalis
Jalisco Petrophila
Petrophila jaliscalis is a small aquatic moth in the family Crambidae, described by Schaus in 1906. The species has a broad North American distribution spanning from Alberta, Canada through the western United States to Mexico. Adults are active nearly year-round and have forewings measuring 7–11 mm. The larvae are aquatic and feed on algae.
Pherbellia schoenherri
Spot-winged Little Snailkiller
Pherbellia schoenherri is a small snail-killing fly in the family Sciomyzidae, distributed across the Palearctic region. Adults measure 4–5 mm and exhibit distinctive wing patterning with spinules on the costal vein. The species is notable for its specialized parasitoid life history: females oviposit on the shells of amber snails (Succineidae), particularly Succinea putris, and the larvae consume the host animal before pupating within the shell. It is among the most common and widespread Sciomyzidae in Europe, with an exceptionally long flight period spanning most of the year.
Pselnophorus belfragei
Belfrage's plume moth
Pselnophorus belfragei is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, native to the southeastern United States. The species is named for Swedish-American naturalist Gustav Wilhelm Belfrage. It is distinguished by its diminutive size and characteristic plume moth wing morphology. The moth is active throughout the year and has a documented association with Dichondra caroliniensis as a larval host plant.
Pseudeuophrys lanigera
House Jumping Spider
Pseudeuophrys lanigera is a small jumping spider native to southwestern Europe that has expanded its range northward and eastward since the mid-20th century. It is strongly associated with human structures, particularly in northern parts of its range where it is found almost exclusively indoors or on building exteriors. Adults are active year-round, including winter months. The species shows notable adaptation to dry, heated environments of modern concrete buildings.
Pyrausta volupialis
volupial pyrausta moth, Volupial Mint Moth
Pyrausta volupialis is a small crambid moth described by Grote in 1877. The species occurs across western North America from the southwestern United States through Mexico. Larvae feed on plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae), including rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Adults are active year-round in suitable climates.
Rhectocraspeda periusalis
Eggplant Webworm Moth
Rhectocraspeda periusalis is a small crambid moth commonly known as the eggplant webworm moth. It exhibits sexual dimorphism in adult size and is active year-round in tropical and subtropical regions. The species is notable as a pest of solanaceous crops, with larvae feeding on eggplant, tomato, pepper, tobacco, and various nightshades. Its distribution spans the Caribbean, southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
Sabulodes aegrotata
Omnivorous Looper
Sabulodes aegrotata, commonly known as the omnivorous looper, is a geometrid moth native to northwestern North America. The species is notable for its broad larval diet spanning multiple plant families, including alder, willow, and California bay laurel. Adults are active year-round and possess a wingspan of 35–44 mm. The species serves as a host for egg parasitoids in the families Mymaridae and Trichogrammatidae.
Sparganothoides lentiginosana
Lentiginos Moth
Sparganothoides lentiginosana, the lentiginos moth, is a small tortricid moth and the sole member of the Lentiginosana Group within its genus. It occurs across the southeastern and south-central United States south to Mexico. Adults are active nearly year-round with multiple generations per year. Sexual dimorphism in forewing length is documented.
Sylvicola
wood gnats, window gnats, window midges, window flies
Sylvicola is a genus of wood gnats in the family Anisopodidae containing over 80 described species. The genus is widely distributed across the western Palaearctic, with some species introduced to North America and oceanic islands. Adults are active year-round in temperate regions and are frequently observed indoors near windows, earning them the common name 'window gnats.' The most thoroughly documented species, S. cinctus, serves as a representative for understanding genus-level traits.
Virbia rubicundaria
ruddy holomelina, black-banded holomelina, least holomelina
Virbia rubicundaria is a small moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the ruddy holomelina. It occurs along the southeastern United States coast from Georgia to eastern Texas. Adults are active throughout the year with multiple generations. The species is among the smallest in its genus.
Walshia miscecolorella
Sweet Clover Root Borer Moth, sweetclover root borer moth
Walshia miscecolorella is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, commonly known as the sweet clover root borer moth. It was described by V.T. Chambers in 1875. The species is notable for its broad North American distribution and year-round adult activity. Larvae feed on roots and lower stems of various leguminous plants and other species.