A
List
of
Moths
in the West Indies
of the Caribbean
including those
during
Focus On Nature Tours
A List compiled by Armas Hill
A LINK to a LIST of CARIBBEAN BUTTERFLIES
A LINK to a SET of PHOTOS of
SOME CARIBBEAN MOTTH (in Jamaica)
A LINK to a SET of PHOTOS of SOME
CARIBBEAN MOTHS (in the Dominican Republic)
Photo at upper right: a
WHITE-LINED SPHINX, Hyles lineata
(photo by Howard Eskin)
Codes:
M#xxxx: MONA (Moths of North America)
Numbers
These generally were Hodge's Numbers from the "Check List of the Lepidoptera North Of Mexico"
by R.W. Hodges et. al.
That 1983 list (actually compiled thru 1978) is outdated, but those numbers have
long been used (and continue to be in the MONA listing).
Numbers noted as (PNE:xxx) refer to pages
with illustrations in the "Peterson Field Guide to Moths of Northeastern
North America", by David Beadle & Seabrooke Leckie,
2012
Numbers noted as (PNP:xxx) refer to pages
with photographs in the book "Pollinators of Native Plants" by
Heather Holm 2014.
Numbers noted as (W:xx) refer to pages in the book
"Caterpillars of Eastern North America" by David Wagner, 2005.
CU: in Cuba
CY: in the Cayman Islands
DR: in the Dominican Republic
GD: in Guadeloupe
JM: in Jamaica
PR: in Puerto Rico
SL: in Saint Lucia
SV: in Saint Vincent
(ph): species with a photo in the FONT website
There is an excellent website with photos of moths of Puerto Rico by Aaron
Cavosie,
in the "Moth Photographer's Group". A link to it is here:
http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/AC-PR/ACindex.shtml
Species in this list with photos in the Aaron
Cavosie site are notated (ph:AC)
There is another excellent website with photos of moths in Jamaica by Matthew
Barnes.
A link to that site is here, including "21 beautiful moths in
Jamaica":
http://www.mbarnes.force9.co.uk/jamaicamoths/jamaicahome.htm
Species in this list with photos in the Matthew Barnes site are notated (ph:MB)
G.N. Wolcott in a 1951 catalogue of the lepidoptera listed 830
species of moths as being in Puerto Rico.
In a 1995 review, J. Maldonado put the total at 936 species
The increase from 830 to 936 is due in no small part to identifications made
from photographs by Aaron Cavosie.
Some of the material in the following list is based upon "A
Preliminary Checklist of the Moths of Puerto Rico" by Bob Patterson in
which there are 910 species.
Most likely, in the future there will be changes to some current
identifications, and it can also be safely said that there are still species of
moths to be described in Puerto Rico and elsewhere in the West Indies.
In this listing, there is updated taxonomy with the family EREBIDAE containing
moths that were formerly classified in the family NOCTUIDAE, plus all of
the former members of the families ARCTIIDAE and LYMANTRIIDAE.
This re-classification has not yet met with general consensus, and many
resources and publications still follow the older classification scheme.
As of now, there are 1,740 species of moths in this list.
Among
the Moth Groupings in the following list, links to these families:
Uraniidae:
Scoopwings positioned
at the beginning of the list due to their attractiveness, would be by GEOMETRIDAE
MICROMOTHS:
Nepticulidae: Pygmy Moths Opostegidae: White Eyecap
Moths
Tischeriidae: "Trumpet" Leaf Miner Moths
Tineidae: Fungus Moths
TINEIDAE includes the
subfamilies: ERECHTHLINAE and MEESSIINAE
Acrolophidae: Burrowing Webworm Moths
Psychidae & Oikticinae: Bagworm Moths
Lyonettiidae: Leaf Miner Moths
Gracillariidae:
principal family of Leaf Miner Moths
Elachistidae: Grass Miner Moths
ELACHISTIDAE includes subfamilies: DEPRESSARIINAE, ETHMIINAE, STENOMATINAE
Alucitidae: Many-plumed Moths Blastobasidae: Scavenger Moths
Coleophoridae: Case-bearer Moths
Batrachedridae: Flower
Moths Cosmopterigidae: Cosmet Moths
Oecophoridae: Concealer Moths
Gelechiidae:
Twirler
Moths Schistonoeidae
Subfamilies in GELECHIIDAE
include ANACAMPSINAE, ANOMOLOGINAE, DICHOMERIDINAE, GELECHIINAE
Choreutidae: Metalmark Moths
Yponomeutidae: Ermine Moths
Argyresthiinae
Urodidae: False Burnet Moths Plutellidae: Diamondback
Moth Heliodinidae: Sun Moths
Cossidae: Cossid Millers Tortricidae: Leafroller Moths
Megalopygidae: Flannel Moths
Those in COSSIDAE
are also called CARPENTERWORM MOTHS or LEOPARD MOTHS
Subfamilies in COSSIDAE include COSSINAE, ZEUZERINAE
In TORTRICIDAE subfamilies include OLETHREUTINAE and TORTRICINAE
Crambidae:
Crambid Snout Moths (or "Grass
Moths") Pyralidae: Snout Moths
Subfamilies in CRAMBIDAE
include ACENTROPINAE (Aquatic Crambids), CRAMBINAE, DICHOGAMINAE,
EVERGESTINAE, GLAPHYRIINAE, MIDILINAE, MUSOTIMINAE, ODONTIINAE, PYRAUSTINAE,
SPILOMELINAE
MACROMOTHS: Hedylidae: American Moth
Butterflies
Geometridae: Geometer Moths (Loopers, Inchworms,
Spanworms) Sphingidae: Sphinx Moths
Subfamilies in GEOMETRIDAE
include ENNOMINAE, GEOMETRINAE (the Emeralds),
LARENTIINAE (Carpets and Pugs), OENOCHROMINAE, STERRHINAE
Notodontidae:
Prominents Erebidae: subfamilies
Lymantriinae, Herminiinae: Litter Moths
All of the families and
subfamilies in this list from NOTODONTIDAE to the end are in superfamily
NOCTUOIDEA.
Erebidae:
subfamilies Hypeninae, Phytometrinae, Calpinae, Eulepidotinae, Scoliopteryginae
In the above link,
HYPENINAE are the SNOUTS. In with EULEPIDOTINAE are those in subfamily
OPHIDERINAE.
Erebidae: subfamilies Anobinae, Hypenodinae,
Rivulinae Erebidae:
subfamily Erebinae
In HYPENODINAE is the
Schrankia Moth. Followed in the list by subfamily HYPOCALINAE, with the HYPOCALA
MOTH.
In subfamily EREBINAE, a large number of species, including some that were in
what was subfamily CATOCALINAE.
Among the moths in EREBINAE is the well-known BLACK
WITCH.
Arctiinae:
Tiger Moths, Ctenuchini: Wasp Moths, Lithosiini: Lichen Moths, & Pericopini
Euteliidae
Nolidae Noctuidae:
subfamilies Plusiinae, Bagisarinae, Cuculliinae: Hooded Owlets
In this list with
EUTElIDAE are those in subfamily STICTOPTERINAE (of NOCTUIDAE).
The families EUTEIIDAE and NOLIDAE are closely related to NOCTUIDAE, all in the
NOCTUOIDEA superfamily.
In NOLIDAE are the NOLID or TUFT MOTHS, including here the subfamiles
CHLOEPHORINAE, SARROTHRIPINAE,
and NOLINAE.
PLUSIINAE (in the link
above) includes LOOPERS and MILLER MOTHS.
Noctuidae:
subfamilies Eustrotiinae, Acontiinae, Amphipyrinae
Also in the above link to
EUSTROTIINAE are the subfamilies DIPHTHERINAE, AMPHIPYRINAE, and ONCOCNEMIDINAE.
EUSTROTIINAE include the GLYPHS.
ACONTIINAE are the BIRD-DROPPING MOTHS.
In DIPHTHERINAE is the unique HIEROGLYPHIC MOTH.
In AMPHIPYRINAE are the AMPHIPYRINE SALLOWS.
In ONCOCNEMIDINAE are the ONCOCNEMIDINE SALLOWS.
Noctuidae:
subfamilies Agaristinae, Condicinae, Heliothinae, Eriopinae
In AGARISTINAE are the
WOOD-NYMPHS and FORESTERS.
CONDICINAE are the GROUNDLINGS.
HELIOTHINAE are the FLOWER MOTHS.
ERIOPINAE are the FERN MOTHS.
Noctuidae:
subfamily Noctuinae
Included in the link
above to NOCTUINAE are the subfamilies GLOTTULINAE and HADENINAE.
Genera in the above link include:
ELAPHRIA - the MIDGETS
LACINIPOLIA - the SMALL ARCHES
LEUCANIA - the WAINSCOTS
ORTHODES - the QUAKERS
SPODOPTERA - the ARMYWORM MOTHS
Links
to Lists & Photo Galleries of Moths in:
Eastern North America (part 1)
Eastern North America
(part 2)
Central America South America
Other
Links:
Upcoming Birding & Nature
Tours in the West Indies Upcoming FONT Tours Elsewhere
Alphabetical Directory of Moths by Genus
with Photos in the FONT
Website
A List & Photo Gallery of Butterflies of the West Indies
Other Photo Galleries & Lists of:
Butterflies, Moths,
Dragonflies & Damselflies
Birds
Mammals Amphibians,
Reptiles Marine Life
Plants
The following is from
the book "Butterfly People. An American Encounter with the Beauty of the
World", by William Leach, published in 2013, comparing moths to
butterflies:
"Moths and butterflies both belong to the same order,
Lepidoptera. Each undergo a complete metamorphosis and each are with wings
covered by scales, shingled one upon another, and stamped with color that
contributes to the total "tiled mosaic" of the wing.
Both have a proboscis, or a long, slender, coiled-up tube attached to the head,
which the insects uncoil to suck nectar from many kinds of flowers, pollinating
as they go. As caterpillars, however, they are much more choosy, with
some dependent on only one food plant, others on a few, and still others on many
different species of plants.
Both moths and butterflies are cold-blooded, requiring an infusion
from the heat of an ambient atmosphere.
But even with their similarities, the differences between moths and butterflies
abound.
In the most general terms, the majority of moths have feathery, tapered
antennae. These, like radar, guide them through the dark, and the males rely on
them to pick up the scent of females.
Butterflies generally have clubbed or hooked antennae, used to smell and
track down nectar, and for sexual purposes.
Moths have thick, commonly hairy bodies and large multifaceted, compound
eyes and usually inhabit the night, while the majority of butterflies fly
by day and have smaller eyes and thinner, relatively hairless bodies.
The classic exception for moths are those belong to the URANIIDAE family.
They look like butterflies in nearly every respect and are among the most
stunning diurnal lepidoptera in the world."
Our list of moths here begins with those in the Family URANIIDAE, as it is
attractive, as well as being a moth that to many appears to be a butterfly.
After the family URANIIDAE, the first part of this list are the MICROMOTHS (MICROLEPIDOPTERA),
followed by the MACROMOTHS (MACROLEPIDOPTERA.
A List of Moths in
the Caribbean:
Family
URANIIDAE: the SCOOPWINGS
URANIIDAE is in the superfamily GEOMETROIDEA
Others in that group
later in this list, mostly in the Family GEOMETRIDAE
- Erosia incongua ______ JM
- Urania fulgens (ph)
______ M#7658 CY
URANIA SWALLOWTAIL MOTH (or
Green Urania
Urania fulgens is undoubtedly the most spectacular of the day-flying
moths in the Cayman Islands. It could be misidentified as a swallowtail
butterfly, but its wing pattern is unlike any West Indian swallowtail.
Urania fulgens is not a resident in the Caymans, but it occurs there at
times, probably blown off course during its migration in Central America.
In the Cayman Islands, dozens of Green Uranias were blown to Grand Cayman
(probably from Central America), from September 28 to 30, 2010 by Tropical
Depression #16 (which briefly became Tropical Storm Nicole).
A Urania Swallowtail Moth photographed during a FONT
Tour
in Costa Rica
(photo by Rosemary Lloyd)
- Urania boisduvalii ______
CU (species endemic to western Cuba)
- Urania poeyi (phMB) ______
CU JM(rare)
Urania poeyi, of Cuba, apparently occurs in Jamaica as a stray.
It is very similar to Urania fulgens (above) of mostly Central
America, and they may actually be the same species.
- Urania sloanus (phMB) ______
JM (species was endemic to Jamaica, now extinct; last
reported about 1895, but possibly survived until around 1908)
A number of photographs and illustrations follow in this list, but mostly
in the latter part, beyond the moths in the CRAMBIDAE.
In ARCTIINAE, in particular, there are photos of some especially striking and colorful
species.
Subfamily EPIPLEMINAE in the
Family URANIIDAE
Moths in EPIPLEMINAE are small to medium
in size, with dark colors.
EPIPLEMINAE live on all continents except Europe and Antarctica. It
is widely distributed in the tropics and poorly represented in temperate
zones.
With some 550 species identified in 70 genera worldwide, EPIPLEMINAE
is the most numerous subfamily of URANIIDAE.
- Epiplema ecludaria ______ PR
- Epiplema ineptaria ______ PR
- Epiplema obvallataria ______ PR
- Nedusia excavata (phMB) ______ PR
- Nedusia aegisthus (phMB)
______ DR JM
- Syngria ramosaria ______ PR
- Syngria reticularia ______ PR
- Trotorhombia metachromata ______
M#7657.2 PR
Family NEPTICULIDAE: the
PYGMY MOTHS, or MIDGET MOTHS
- Stigmella gossypii ______ M#0076
PR
COTTON LEAFMINER MOTH
Family OPOSTEGIDAE: WHITE EYECAP MOTHS
This family is characterized by
particularly large eyecaps over compound eyes.
- Pseudopostega clavata ______ PR species described in 2007
- Pseudopostega colognatha ______
PR species described in 2007
- Pseudopstega ferruginia ______ PR
species described in 2007
- Pseudopstega latifurcata ______
PR species described in 2007
- Pseudopstega latisaccula ______
PR species described in 2007
- Pseudopostega longifurcata
______ JM species described
in 2007
- Pseudopostega mignonae ______ JM
species described in 2007
- Pseudopostega saltatrix ______ JM
PR
- Pseudopostega sectila ______ PR
- Pseudopostega venticola
______ M#0119.5 DR
PR
Family TISCHERIIDAE: the
"TRUMPET" LEAF MINER MOTHS
- Astrotischeria heliopsisella ______
M#0159 PR
Family TINEIDAE:
FUNGUS MOTHS or TINEID MOTHS
The larvae of the TINEIDS feed on fungi, lichens and
detritus
The moths of the TINEIDAE and the ACROLOPHIDAE (below)
are small, streamlined moths with variably patterned forewing markings.
Many have a forewing fringe slightly flared with hair-like scales.
The adults are mostly nocturnal and come to lights in small
numbers.
- Antipolistes anthracelia ______
PR
- Erechthias minuscula ______ M#0304
PR (in ERECHTHLINAE)
CARIBBEAN SCAVENGER MOTH
- Ereunetis aeneoalbida ______ PR
(in ERECHTHLINAE)
- Ereunetis particolor ______ PR
(in ERECHTHLINAE)
- Eudarcia argyrophaea ______ PR
(in MEESSIINAE)
- Eudarcia tischeriella ______
PR (in MEESSIINAE)
- Haplotinea insectella ______ M#0325
PR (in MYRMECOZELINAE)
FUNGUS GRAIN MOTH
- Infurcitinea luteella ______
PR (in MEESSIINAE)
- Infurcitinea palpella ______ PR
(in MEESSIINAE)
- Lepyrotica brevistrigata ______
PR (unassigned as to subfamily)
- Lepyrotica fragilella
______ DR (unassigned as to subfamily)
- Mea incudella ______ PR
(in MEESSIINAE)
- Mea yunquella ______ PR
(in MEESSIINAE)
- Niditinea fuscella ______ M#0411
PR
species described by Linnaeus in 1758 (in TINEINAE)
BROWN-DOTTED CLOTHES MOTH
Despite its name, the Brown-dotted Clothes Moth feeds on feathers in
bird nests.
- Opogona simplex ______
DR (in HIEROXESTINAE)
- Protodarcia plumella ______ PR
(in MEESSIINAE)
- Protodarcia tischeriella
______ DR (in MEESSIINAE)
- Taeniodictys sericella ______ PR
(unassigned as to subfamily)
- Tinea cretella
______ DR (in TINEINAE)
- Tinea familiaris ______ DR
PR (in TINEINAE)
- Tinea minutella ______ PR
(in TINEINAE)
- Tinea palliddorsella ______ PR
(in TINEINAE)
- Tinea scythropiella ______ PR
(in TINEINAE)
- Tineola walsinghami ______ PR
(in TINEINAE)
- Tiquadra aeneonivella ______ PR
(in HAPSIFERINAE)
- Urodus mirella ______ PR
- Xystrologa antipathetica ______
M#0426.1
PR (unassigned as to subfamily)
Family ACROLOPHIDAE: the
BURROWING WEBWORM MOTHS
Moths in this grouping are also said
to be the subfamily ACROLOPHINAE in TINEIDAE.
- Acrolophus arcanella ______ M#0340
PR
GRASS TUBEWORM MOTH
- Acrolophus arcasalis ______ DR
- Acrolophus australis ______
DR
- Acrolophus harpasen ______ PR
- Acrolophus illudens ______ JM
- Acrolophus indecora
______ DR
- Acrolophus irrisoria ______ JM
- Acrolophus occultum
______ DR
- Acrolophus ochracea ______ PR
- Acrolophus plumifrontella (phAC) ______
M#0372 PR
EASTERN GRASS TUBEWORM MOTH
- Acrolophus triatomellus ______
PR
- Acrolophus triformellus ______ PR
- Acrolophus umbratipalpis ______
DR
- Acrolophus vitellus ______ PR
- Acrolophus walsinghami ______ M#0386.1
PR
Families PSYCHIDAE and
OIKETICINAE: the
BAGWORM MOTHS
- Cryptothelea nigrita ______ M#0441
PR (in PSYCHINAE)
NIGRITA BAGWORM MOTH
- Cryptothelea watsoni
______ DR PR (in PSYCHINAE)
- Lumacra
haitiensis ______ DR species described in 1964
(in PSYCHINAE)
- Oiketicus kirbyi (phMB) ______
DR JM
PR (in OIKETICINAE)
- Paucivena hispaniolae ______ DR
JM species described in 1975 (in PSYCHIDAE)
- Paucivena reticulata ______
JM PR species described
in 1975 (in PSYCHIDAE)
- Pterogyne insularis ______ DR
species described in 1975 (in PENESTOGLOSSINAE)
- Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis
______ H#0457 DR
EVERGREEN BAGWORM MOTH
Family LYONETIIDAE: the larvae are LEAF MINERS
- Leucoptera coffeella ______ PR
Family GRACILLARIIDAE: the principal
family of LEAF-MINING MOTHS
The GRACILLARIIDAE are very small, streamlined moths that usually
rest propped up on their forelegs.
The larvae are leafminers on a variety of deciduous trees.
Adults are nocturnal and visit lights in small numbers.
- Acrocercops albomarginatum ______ PR
- Acrocercops cymelia ______ PR
- Acrocercops inconspicua ______ PR
- Acrocercops pontifica ______
PR
- Acrocercops undifraga
______ DR
- Acrocercops zebrulella ______ PR
- Caloptilia aseneocapitelia ______
M#0590 PR
- Dialectica rendalli ______ JM
PR
- Diallectica permixtella
______ DR
- Dialictica sanctaecrucis ______
DR JM PR
- Eucosmorpha dives ______ DR
PR
- Macrosaccus gliricidius ______ JM
- Neurobathra cupreela ______ JM
- Parectopa pulverella
______ DR
- Parectopa undosa
______ DR
- Phyllocnistis citrella ______ M#0854.1
DR
JM PR
CITRUS LEAFMINER MOTH
- Spanioptila spinosum ______ PR
Family ELACHISTIDAE: GRASS-MINER MOTHS
Subfamily DEPRESSARIINAE
- Gonionota rosacea ______ DR
Subfamily ETHMIINAE in the Family ELACHISTIDAE
The ETHMIINAE is a distinctive group of small, flattish moths with long
upward-curving labial pulps.
All are nocturnal and visit lights in small numbers.
- Ethmia abraxasella ______
M#0994.1
DR JM PR
- Ethmia confusella ______ M#0996
DR
PR
- Ethmia cubensis ______ JM
- Ethmia farrella ______
M#0998 JM
species described in 1973
- Ethmia gelidella ______ JM
- Ethmia humilis ______ JM
species described in 1973
- Ethmia joviella ______
PR
- Ethmia julia ______
PR species described in 1973
- Ethmia kirbyi ______ M#0997
DR
PR
- Ethmia nivosella ______ DR
PR
- Ethmia notatella ______ M#0995
DR
PR
- Ethmia paucella
______ DR
- Ethmia piperella ______ JM
species described in 1973
- Ethmia scythropa ______
JM
- Ethmia submissa ______ M#0994.2
JM
PR
- Ethmia subsimilis ______
M#0994.3 JM
Subfamily
STENOMATINAE in the Family ELACHISTIDAE
- Cerconota anonella ______ DR
- Mothonica ocellea ______
PR
Family ALUCITIDAE: the
MANY-PLUMED MOTHS
- Alucita montana (ph) (phAC) ______
M#2313 PR (PNE:125)
SIX-PLUME MOTH
The Six-plume Moth is distinctive, with wings made up of multiple
feathery plumes, which it usually holds spread while at rest. It comes to
lights in small numbers.
Six-plume Moth
- Orneodes eudactyla ______ PR
Family BLASTOBASIDAE:
SCAVENGER MOTHS
or the subfamily BLASTOBASINAE
in
the family COLEOPHORIDAE
(below)
- Auximobasis constans ______ PR
- Auximobasis insularis ______ PR
- Auximobasis variolata ______ PR
- Blastobasis glandulelia ______ M#1162
PR (PNE:55)
ACORN MOTH
- Blastobasis subolivacea ______
PR
Family COLEOPHORIDAE: CASEBEARING MOTHS,
the ''CASE-BEARERS''
Those in COLEOPHORIDAE are small, streamlined moths, usually with
long forward-pointing antennae.
The larvae mine in leaves and seeds, living in cases made from plant
material and frass,
Many species are difficult to identify as adults and are best identified by
their larval cases.
Adults are mostly nocturnal and come to lights in small numbers.
- Coleophora pulchricornis ______
M#1363
PR
- Pammces picticornis ______ PR
Family BATRACHEDRIDAE: FLOWER MOTHS
- Batrachedra albistrigelia
______ PR
- Homaledra sabalella ______ M#1422
PR
PALM LEAF SKELETONIZER MOTH
Family COSMOPTERIGIDAE: COSMET MOTHS
The COSMOPTERIGIDAE are small moths with moderately
narrow wings.
The larvae are predominantly miners of leaves or stems, or they feed on flower
buds or seed heads.
The adults are nocturnal and come to lights, but a few species may also be
observed during the day.
- Aphanosara planistes ______ PR
- Batrachedra albistrigella ______
PR
- Cosmopterix abnormalis _____
JM
- Cosmopterix albicaudus ______ JM
- Cosmoperix argentifera ______ JM
species described in 2010
- Cosmopterix astrapias (or
Cosmopterix bendidia) ______
M#1473 JM
PR
- Cosmopterix attenuatella ______
M#1474 JM PR
- Cosmopterix carpo ______ PR
species described in 2010
- Cosmopterix ebriola ______ M#1495
JM
species described in 1962
- Cosmopterix floridanella ______
M#1497 JM
- Cosmopterix gemmiferella ______
M#1490 PR
- Cosmopterix interfracta ______
JM PR
- Cosmopterix irrubricata ______ JM
- Cosmopterix similis ______ PR
- Cosmopterix teligera ______
JM
- Cosmopterix vanderwolfi ______
PR species described in 2010
- Ithome curvipunctella ______ M#1639
PR
- Ithome fuscula ______ PR
- Ithome pernigrella ______ PR
- Pebobs elaria ______ JM
- Petobus ipomoeae ______ PR
- Petobus sanctivincenti ______ PR
- Perimede annulata ______ PR
- Perimede purpurescens ______ PR
- Pyroderces stigmato phora ______ PR
- Stilbosis phaeoptera ______ PR
- Tricionella mediocris ______ PR
Family OECOPHORIDAE: the
CONCEALER MOTHS
- Agonopterix argillacea ______ PR
- Mothonica ocellea ______ PR
Family GELECHIIDAE:
the TWIRLER MOTHS
The GELECHIIDAE is a huge assemblage of small and very small moths,
with upward-pointing labial palps that curve over the head like tiny horns.
It is a varied group. Some are remarkably colorful or metallic, while others
are relatively plain and difficult to identify.
The adults of most species come to lights in small to moderate numbers. Some
are commonly observed during the day.
Subfamily ANOMOLOGINAE
in the Family GELECHIIDAE
- Monochroa absconditella ______
M#1706
PR
Subfamily GELECHIINAE in
the Family GELECHIIDAE
- Agnippe evippeella ______
M#1774 PR
- Aristotelia diolcella ______ PR
- Aristotelia lignicolora ______ PR
- Aristotelia penicillata ______ DR
PR
- Aristotelia pudibundella
______ M#1756 DR
- Aristotelia trossulella
______ DR
- Aristotelia vagabundelia ______ PR
- Chionodes salva ______ PR
- Gelechia exclarella ______ PR
- Keiferia gudmannella ______ PR
- Keiferia lycopersicella
______ M#2047 DR
TOMATO PINWORM MOTH
- Nicanthes rhodoclea ______ PR
- Phthorimaea operculella ______
DR PR
- Polyhymno luteostrigella ______ PR
- Recurvaria annulicornis ______ PR
- Recurvaria eromene ______ PR
- Recurvaria kittelia ______ DR
PR
- Stegasta bosqueella ______ M#2209
PR
RED-NECKED PEANUTWORM MOTH
- Stegasta capitella ______
DR PR
- Symmetrischema striatella ______
M#2039
PR
- Telphusa distictella ______ PR
- Telphusa perspicua ______ DR
PR
- Tildenia gudmannella
______ DR
Subfamily ANACAMPSINAE in
the Family GELECHIIDAE
- Anacampsis insularis ______ PR
- Anacampis mangelivora ______ PR
- Anacampis meibomiella ______ PR
- Anacampis melanophaea ______ PR
- Anacampis picticornis ______ PR
- Brachyacma palpigera (phAC) ______
M#2272 PR
SOYBEAN WEBWORM MOTH
- Compsolechia plumbeolata ______ PR
- Pectinophora gossypiella ______
M#2261 PR
PINK BOLLWORM MOTH
- Sitotroga cerealella ______ PR
Subfamily DICHOMERIDINAE in
the Family GELECHIIDAE
- Commatica bufuscella ______ PR
- Dichomeris acuminata ______ M#2284
PR
- Dichomeris arotrosema ______ PR
- Dichomeris indigna ______ PR
- Dichomeris manelia ______
PR
- Dichomeris melissia ______ PR
- Dichomeris pectinella ______ PR
- Dichomeris piperata ______
PR
- Empedaula rhodocosma ______ PR
- Eunebristis zingarella ______ PR
- Glaucacna iridea ______ PR
- Oecia oecophila ______ PR
- Onebala elliptica ______
PR
- Thiotricha godmani
______ DR
- Thiotricha sciurella ______ PR
Family SCHISTONOEIDAE
- Schistonoeidae fulvidella
______ PR
Family CHOREUTIDAE: the
METALMARK MOTHS
The relationship of the moths in the family
CHOREUTIDAE has long been disputed.
They have been placed in the family GLYPHIPTERIGIDAE in the
superfamily YPONOMEUTOIDEA,
and also in the superfamily SESIOIDEA.
Those in CHOREUTIDAE are very small moths with broad wings that
often have metallic scales.
The wings are usually held above the body while at rest.
Adults are active during the day and can be found visiting flowers or
resting among vegetation.
- Brenthia confluxana ______ JM
- Brenthia elongata ______ PR
species described in 1985
- Brenthia hibiscusae ______ PR
species described in 1985
- Hemerophila biferana ______
DR
- Tortyra auriferalis ______ DR
- Tortyra aurofasciana ______
PR
Family YPONOMEUTIDAE:
the ERMINE MOTHS
Those in YPONOMEUTIDAE are small to tiny moths with long, narrow
wings.
The Ermines (in the genus Yponomeuta) are distinctive, being white
with many small black spots that are variable in umber and placement.
The adults are nocturnal and come to lights in small to moderate
numbers.
- Atteva siderea ______
DR
- Euame obligatella ______
PR
- Yponomeuta triangularis ______
PR
Family ARGYRESTHIIDAE
Now said by some to be subfamily ARGYRESTHIINAE of YPONOMEUTIDAE
(above).
(above).
The ARGYRESTHIIDAE are tiny moths whose white
and gold coloration is the most distinguishing feature when viewed with the
naked eye.
The adults are nocturnal and frequently visit lights in small to moderate
numbers.
- Argyresthia conjugella ______ M#2449
PR
APPLE FRUIT MOTH
Family URODIDAE (formerly in
YPONOMEUTIDAE)
- Urodus mirella ______ DR
PR
- Urodus sordidata ______ PR
Family PLUTELLIDAE: the DIAMONDBACK MOTH
Those in PLUTELLIDAE are small,
narrow-winged moths.
The Plutella species rest with their antennae held forward from the
body. The flared wings may appear to curl up at the tips.
The adults are nocturnal and come to lights in small numbers.
- Plutella xylostella (ph) ______
M#2366 DR PR (PNE:47)
species described by Linnaeus
in 1758
DIAMONDBACK MOTH
The Diamondback Moth was introduced into the New World from
Europe before the 1850s.
Above & below: the Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella
(lower photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Family HELIODINIDAE: SUN
MOTHS
HELIODINIDS
are tiny, brightly colored
day-flying moths.
- Embola melanotela ______ DR
- Heliodines quinqueguttata ______ PR
Family COSSIDAE: the COSSID MILLERS,
or CARPENTER MILLERS
Moths in COSSIDAE are from small to large, with a pattern of
reticulated coloration in the wings. They are predominately gray or brown
and sometimes cream-colored, with a stout body, and an abdomen that is long
and frequently containing a large quantity of fat.
COSSIDAE is a cosmopolitan family. Worldwide, about 700 species have
been identified.
- Cossula morgani ______ JM
species described in 1957 (in COSSINAE)
- Psychonoctua personalis (phMB) ______
DR JM
PR (in ZEUZERINAE)
- Voousia punctifer (phMB) ______
JM (in COSSINAE)
Family TORTRICIDAE:
the
LEAFROLLER MOTHS
Subfamily OLETHREUTINAE
In the OLETHREUTINE MOTHS, in the subfamily OLETHREUTINAE,
as with other TORTRICID MOTHS, the forewing margin is usually
slightly curved. But it is narrower at the base, giving the moth a more
tapered appearance.
Many species in this grouping have fuzzy labial palps.
While head shape and wing posture are similar to those in the tribe COCHYLINI
(below), the OLETHREUTINE MOTHS can be recognized by their
higher head profile with the resulting straighter "back".
Most, as larvae, are leafrollers.
Adults come to lights, sometimes in moderate numbers.
- Ancylis virididorsana (phAC) ______
PR
- Bactra philocherda
______ DR species described in 1964
- Bactra priapeia ______ M#2709
PR
- Bactra verutana (phAC) ______
M#2707 PR
JAVELIN MOTH
- Cacocharis canofascia ______ PR
- Cacocharis cymotoma
______ M#2704 DR
- Crocidosema calvifrons ______ PR
COTTON TIPWORM MOTH
- Crocidosema longipalpana ______
M#3274.2 DR
PR
- Crocidosema plebejana (phAC) ______
M#3274 DR PR
COMMON TIPWORM MOTH
- Crocidosema unica ______ M#3724.3
PR
- Cryptaspasma bipenicilla
______ DR species described in 2004
- Cryptaspasma lugubris
______ DR
- Cydia ingens
______ DR
- Cydia membrosa
______ M#3458 DR
- Cydia albimaculana ______ M#3461
PR (PNE:123)
WHITE-MARKED CYDIA MOTH
- Cydia fahlbergiana (phAC) ______
M#3482 PR
- Dichrorampha excitana ______
M#3450
PR
- Endothenia hebesana ______
M#2738 PR (PNE:109)
DULL-BARRED ENDOTHENIA (or the
VERBENA BUD MOTH)
- Epiblema strenuana ______ M#3172
DR PR
RAGWEED BORER MOTH
- Episimus guiana
______ DR
- Episimus transferrana
______ DR
- Ethelgoda texanana ______ JM
PR
- Eucosma autochthones ______ PR
- Gymnandrosoma aurantianum ______
DR PR
- Gymnandrosoma desotanum ______ M#3496
PR
- Gymnandrosoma leucothorax
______ DR PR species described in
2001
- Gymnandrosoma punctidiscanum (phAC)
______ M#3495 PR
DOTTED ECDYTOLOPHA MOTH
- Gymnandrosoma trachycerus ______ PR
- Olethreutes anthracana ______ PR
- Olethreutes subapicana
______ DR
- Rhopobota cicatrix
______ DR species described in 1999
- Rhopobota macroceria
______ DR species described in 1999
- Rhopobota microceria
______ DR species described in 1999
- Rhopbota unidens
______ DR species described in 1999
- Rhyacionia frustrana
______ DR
- Rhyacionia pallidicosta
______ DR species described in 1999
- Strepsicrates smithiana ______
M#2907 DR PR
BAYBERRY LEAFTIER MOTH
TORTRICIDAE, Subfamily TORTRICINAE
in the Family TORTRICIDAE
This group includes those in the tribe COCHYLINI: the
COCHYLID MOTHS
Those below in the genera Amorbia and Platynota are SPARGANOTHID
LEAFROLLERS in the tribe SPARGANOTHIDINI.
These are small moths, similar in appearance to other members of the
subfamily, but they have longer labial palps giving, as with the COCHYLID
MOTHS, a snouty appearance. Many of the SPARGANOTHIDINI are
brightly colored.
Generally, the TORTRIX LEAFROLLERS in the subfamily TORTRICINAE
are small, flat moths with straight or slightly rounded wings that form a
shallow point at the apex.
Many species show a dark triangle on the outer edge of the forewing.
It is the larvae that are typically leafrollers.
Adults are nocturnal and come to lights in small numbers.
The COCHYLID MOTHS are small with flared wings that are kept folded
at rest. The head, with its fuzzy labial palps, is usually tucked downward,
creating a snouty, hunch-backed appearance.
The larvae are seed, flower, and stem borers.
Adults are nocturnal and come to lights in small numbers.
- Aethes olibra ______ JM
(endemic) species
described in 1994 (in COCHYLINI)
- Aethesoides distigmatana ______ PR
- Amorbia effoetana ______ PR
(in SPARGANOTHIDINI)
- Amorbia sp. ______ DR
- Apinoglossa comburana ______ PR
- Apotoforma monochroma
______ DR
- Apotoforma negans
______ DR
- Apotoforma rotundipennis ______
M#3564 PR
- Argyrotaenia bisignata
______ DR species described in 1999
- Argyrotaenia ceramica
______ DR species described in 1999
- Argyrotaenia felisana
______ DR species described in 1999
- Argyrotaenia mesosignaria
______ DR species described in 1999
- Argyrotaenia minisignaria
______ DR species described in 1999
- Argyrotaenia neibana ______ DR
species described in 1999
- Argyrotaenia nuezana ______ DR
species described in 1999
- Argyrotaenia ochrochroa ______ DR
species described in 1999
- Argyrotaenia thamaluncus ______
DR species described in 1999
- Bonagota dominicana ______ DR
species described in 1999
- Claduncaria ochrochlaena ______
DR species described in 1999
- Cochylis bunteoides ______ PR
(in COCHYLINI)
- Cochylis parallelana ______ M#3779
PR (in COCHYLINI)
- Cochylis pimana ______ DR
- Cochylis protectana ______ PR
(in COCHYLINI)
- Cochylis
tectonicana ______ PR (in
COCHYLINI)
- Cochylis vicinitana ______ PR
(in COCHYLINI)
- Coellostathma discopunctana (phAC) ______
M#3747 PR
THE BATMAN MOTH
- Coellostathma parallelana
______ DR
- Drachmobola insignitana ______ PR
- Eugnosta chalicophora
______ DR species described in 1999
- Ewunia gemella ______ PR
species described in 2002
- Lasiothyris puertoricana ______ PR
species described in 2007
- Lorita lepidulana ______ PR
- Maricaona maricaonana ______ PR
species described in 2007
- Orthocomotis independentia
______ DR species described in 1999
- Platphalonidia subolivacea ______
M#3835.1 PR
- Platynota flavedana (phAC) ______
M#3732 DR PR (in SPARGANOTHIDINI)
BLACK-SHADED PLATYNOTA MOTH
- Platynota restitutana
______ DR
- Platynota rostrana (phAC) ______
M#3745 DR PR (in SPARGANOTHIDINI)
OMNIVOROUS PLATYNOTA MOTH
- Saphenista multistrigata ______
PR
- Saphenista peraviae
______ DR species described in 1994
- Saphenista semistrigata ______ PR
Family MEGALOPYGIDAE: the
FLANNEL MOTHS, also called the CRINKLED FLANNEL MOTHS
Moths in MEGALOPYGIDAE are small to medium in size, with a very hairy
abdomen. Females are usually larger and heavier, but there is no marked
sexual dimorphism.
The family MEGALOPYGIDAE is restricted to the New World, and has its
greatest diversity in the Neotropics.
242 species have been described, mainly in Central America & South
America.
- Megalopyge krugi ______ PR
Family
CRAMBIDAE:
the CRAMBID SNOUT MOTHS, or "GRASS MOTHS"
Subfamily ACENTROPINAE: AQUATIC CRAMBIDS
Those in ACENTROPINAE are small deltoid moths
that often have beautiful complex wing markings.
Their resting posture may either be with wings spread, or folded, sometimes
quite tightly, to form a deltoid shape.
The larvae are aquatic, feeding on water lilies and other aquatic
vegetation.
They come to lights in small numbers, and can sometimes be seen fluttering
above lily pads or other vegetation in ponds.
- Chrysendeton claudialis ______ DR
- Chrysendeton medicinalis ______
M#4744 PR
BOLD MEDICINE MOTH
- Neargyractis fulvicinctalis
______ JM
- Neargyractis moniligeralis ______
JM PR
- Neargyractis plusialis ______ PR
- Parapoynx diminutalis (ph) (phAC)
______ M#4765 PR
HYDRILLA LEAFCUTTER MOTH
Hydrilla Leafcutter Moth
- Parapoynx fluctuosalis ______ PR
- Petrophila albulalis
______ JM
- Petrophila doriscalis ______ PR
- Petrophila gratalis
______ DR
- Petrophila insullalis
______ DR
- Petrophila malcusalis
______ DR
- Petrophila opulentalis ______ PR
- Petrophila sumptuosalis ______ PR
Family CRAMBIDAE, Subfamily CRAMBINAE
Those in CRAMBINAE are small, narrow moths that are commonly
found in grassy woodlands and old fields.
They rest with their wings tight to the body, forming a tubular shape.
Long fuzzy palps give them a snouty look. They are predominantly
golden-brown, often with satin-white streaks.
Adults are regular visitors to lights and are frequently flushed from
vegetation in the daytime.
- Argyria diplomachalis ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Argyria lacteeila ______ M#5463
PR
MILKY UROLA MOTH
- Argyria vestalis
______ JM
- Crambus coccophyhorus
______ JM
- Crambus discludellus ______ PR
- Crambus moeschleralis ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Crambus quinquareatus ______
M#5369
PR
LARGE-STRIPED GRASS-VENEER MOTH
- Cyclocena lelex ______ PR
- Diatraea crambidoides
______ M#5476 DR
SOUTHERN CORNSTALK BORER MOTH
- Diatraea saccharalis ______ M#5475
DR JM PR
SUGARCANE BORER MOTH
- Donacoscaptes micralis
______ JM
- Fissicrambus curtelius
______ JM
- Fissicrambus fissiradiellus ______
M#5430 DR PR
- Fissicrambus haytiellus
______ M#5433 DR
CARPET-GRASS WEBWORM MOTH
- Fissicrambus minuellus ______ M#5437
PR
- Fissicrambus profanellus ______
M#5431 JM PR
- Mesolia jamaicensis
______ JM
- Mesolia plurimella
______ DR
- Microcausta argenticilia
______ JM
- Microcausta flavipunctalis
______ M#5456 PR
- Microcrambus atristrigellus
______ JM
- Microcrambus biguttellus (ph) ______
M#5419 PR
(PNE:151)
GOLD-STRIPED GRASS-VENEER
Gold-striped Grass-Veneer
- Microcrambus discludellus ______
M#5423 DR PR
- Microcrambus elegans (ph) ______
M#5420
PR (PNE:153)
ELEGANT GRASS-VENEER
Elegant Grass-Veneer
- Microcrambus francescellus
______ DR
- Microcrambus podalirius ______
DR
- Microcausta flavipunctalis ______ PR
- Parapediasia ligonella ______ M#5451.1
JM
PR
- Pediasia luteotelia
______ JM
- Prionapteryx eugraphis
______ DR JM
- Urola nivalis (ph) ______
M#5464 PR (PNE:153)
SNOWY UROLA MOTH
Snowy Urola
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Family CRAMBIDAE, Subfamily DICHOGAMINAE
- Alatuncusia bergii ______ M#4793
JM PR
BERG'S ALATUNCUSIA MOTH
- Chrysendeton bromachalis ______ PR
- Chrysendeton medicinalis ______ PR
- Chrysendeton miralis ______ PR
- Dichogama colotha ______
M#4792 PR
- Dichogama decoralis ______ JM
- Dichogama fernaldi ______ PR
- Dichogama gudmanni ______ PR
- Dichogama innocua (phMB) ______ JM
PR
- Dichogama jessicales ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Dichogama redtenbacheri (phAC) ______ H#4790
JM PR
CAPER-LEAF WEBWORM MOTH
Family CRAMBIDAE, Subfamily EVERGESTINAE
- Evergestella evincalis ______
M#4932 JM PR
- Evergestis rimosalis (phMB)
______ M#4898 JM
CROSS-STRIPED CABBAGEWORM MOTH
- Microtheoris ophionalis ______
PR
- Mimoschinia rufofascialis ______ PR
- Mimoschinia thalialis ______
PR
- Symphysa discalis
______ JM
- Trischistognatha palindialis ______
PR
- Trischistognatha pyrenealis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#4933 DR JM
PR
Family CRAMBIDAE, Subfamily GLAPHYRIINAE
- Aethiophysa savoralis ______ PR
- Alatuncusia canalis
______ DR
- Chalcoela pegasalis ______ M#4896
JM PR
WASP PARASITIZER
MOTH
- Dichogama decoralis
_______ DR
- Dichymolomia metalophota (phMB) ______
M#4890 JM PR
- Glaphyria badierana ______ JM
PR
- Glaphyria decisa ______ JM
- Glaphyria dolatalis ______ PR
- Glaphyria pupillalis ______ JM
- Hellula phidilealis (phMB) ______
M#4847 DR JM PR
CABBAGE BUDWORM MOTH
- Hellula rogatalis
______ DR
- Lipocosma hebescalis ______ PR
- Stegea jamaicensos ______
JM
Family CRAMBIDAE, Subfamily MIDILINAE
- Odilia noralis ______ PR
species described in 1940
Family CRAMBIDAE, Subfamily MUSOTIMINAE
- Barisoa intentalis ______ JM
- Neurophyseta mineolatis ______
PR species described in 1940
- Neurophyseta rufalis ______ JM
- Undulambia albitessellalis
______ JM
- Undulambia grisealis ______
JM
- Undulambia leucocymalis ______ JM
- Undulambia oedizonalis ______ JM
- Undulambia phaeochroalis ______
JM
Family CRAMBIDAE, Subfamily ODONTIINAE
- Basonga paradisalis (phMB)
______ JM
- Cliniodes cyllarusalis ______
JM
- Cliniodes euphrosinalis ______ JM
PR
- Cliniodes nacrealis ______ DR
species described in 1964
- Cliniodes opalalis (phMB)
______ JM
- Cliniodes semilunalis ______ PR
- Cliniodes underwoodi (phMB)
______ JM
- Microtheoris ophionalis ______ JM
- Mimoschina rufofascialis (phMB)
______ DR JM
Family CRAMBIDAE, Subfamily PYRAUSTINAE (including SPILOMELINAE)
- Achyra bifidalis (phMB) ______
M#4974 DR JM PR
- Achyra nudalis ______ PR
- Achyra rantalis ______ M#4975
DR JM PR (PNE:167)
GARDEN WEBWORM MOTH
- Achyra similalis ______ PR
- Agathodes designalis (ph) (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5240
DR JM PR
Agathodes designalis monstralis ______ subspecies in
the West Indies
SKY-POINTING MOTH
(also occurs in Mexico, Central America, South America)
Agathodes designalis, the Sky-pointing Moth
(copyrighted photo by Lisa Johnson)
- Apogeshna infirmalis ______ JM
PR
- Apogeshna acestealis
______ DR
- Apogeshna stenialis (phAC) ______
M#5177 PR
CHECKERED APOGESHNA MOTH
- Araschnopsis
(or Sisyracera) subulalis
(phAC) ______ M#5194
JM PR
- Arthromastix lauralis (phMB)
______ DR JM PR (has also
been in subfamily SPILOMELINAE)
- Asciodes denticulinea ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Asciodes fimbriauralis ______ JM PR
(has also been in subfamily SPILOMELINAE)
- Asciodes gordialis (phMB) ______
M#5267 DR JM PR
BOUGAINVILLEA CATERPILLAR MOTH
- Asciodes scopulalis
______ JM
- Asturodes fimbriauralis (phMB) ______ JM
PR
- Ategumia ebulealis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5158 JM PR
- Ategumia matutinalis (phMB)
______ JM
- Atomopteryx pterophoralis ______ PR
- Atomopteryx serpentifera ______ PR
- Azochis euvexalis ______ PR
- Azochis rufidiscalis (phAC) ______
M#5232 DR PR
- Bicilia iarchasalis ______ M#5271
DR JM PR
- Bicilia lentistrialis (phMB)
______ JM
- Bicilia olivia
______ JM
- Blepharomastix achroalis ______
M#5185 JM
- Blepharomastix aguirrealis ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Blepharomastix branealis ______
JM
- Blepharomastix differentialis ______
M#5190 PR
- Blepharomastix ranalis ______ M#5182
PR (PNE:173)
HOLLOW-SPOTTED BLEPHAROMASTRIX MOTH
- Boccharopsis pharaxalis
______ DR
- Bradina hemmingala ______ PR
- Bradina hemmingalis
______ JM PR species
described in 1940 (has also been in subfamily SPILOMELINAE)
- Bradina purpurascens
______ JM (has also been in
subfamily SPILOMELINAE)
- Ceratociasis delimitalis ______
DR PR (has also been in subfamily
SPILOMELINAE)
- Coenostolopsis apicalis (phMB)
______ JM
- Condylodes concinnalis ______ M#5293
PR
- Conchylodes dipheralis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5290 DR JM PR
- Conchylodes hebraealis ______ DR
- Conchylodes hedonialis ______ DR
- Condylodes oculatalis ______ PR
- Condylodes vestigalis ______
M#5215 PR
THE ALAMO MOTH
- Crocidocnemis pellucidalis ______
M#5153
PR
- Cryptobotys zoilusalis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5282
JM PR
- Cyclocena lelex
______ DR JM
- Desmia ceresalis ______ JM
PR
- Desmia deploralis
______ M#5166 JM
DEPLORING DESMIA MOTH
- Desmia funeralis
______ DR
- Desmia nacialis ______ PR
- Desmia niveiciliata
______ DR
- Desmia ploralis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5167
DR JM PR
MOURNFUL DESMIA MOTH
- Desmia recurvalis ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Desmia stenizonalis ______ M#5165
PR
- Desmia tages ______
M#5164 JM PR
- Desmia ufeus (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5162 DR JM PR
- Deuterophysa micralis
______ M#5123.1 JM
- Deuterophysa sanguiflualis
______ JM
- Diacme adipaloides
______ M#5143
DR
DARKER DIACME MOTH
- Diacme elealis (phAC) ______
M#5142
PR (PNE:171)
PALER DIACME MOTH
- Diacme mopsalis (phMB) ______
M#5145 JM PR
MOPSALIS DIACME MOTH
- Diacme phyllisalis
______ M#5144 JM
- Diacme attigua
______ JM
- Diaphania antillia
______ DR species described in 1960
- Diaphania attigua ______ JM
- Diaphania busccalis
______ DR
- Diaphania costata (phMB) ______
DR JM
PR
- Diaphania elegans (phMB)
______ M#5207.1
DR JM
- Diaphania fuscicaudalis ______ JM
PR
- Diaphania glauculalis
______ DR
- Diaphania hyalinata (ph) (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5204 DR JM PR SL
(PNE:173) species described by Linnaeus in
1767
MELONWORM MOTH
Melonworm Moth
- Diaphania immacuulalis ______ PR
- Diaphania indica ______ M#5207
DR
EXOTIC PUMPKIN CATERPILLAR MOTH
- Diaphania infernalis ______ PR
- Diaphania infimalis ______ M#5206
PR
- Diaphania lualis ______ M#5209
DR
- Diaphania lucidalis ______ PR
- Diaphania nitidalis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5202 DR JM PR
PICKLEWORM MOTH
- Diaphania quadristigmalis
______ DR
- Diaphantania candacalis
______ DR
- Diaphantania ceresalis ______ DR
PR
- Diasemiopsis leodocusalis (phAC) ______
M#5171 JM PR
- Diasemiopsis ramburialis ______ PR
- Diathrausta yunquealis ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Epicorsia cerata ______ PR
- Epicorsia oedipodalis (phMB)
______ M#4938 DR
JMM
- Epipagis algarrobolis ______
PR species described in 1940
- Epipagis zinghalis ______ JM
- Ercta vittata (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5111 DR JM PR
- Eulepte anticostalis (phAC) ______
M#5195 PR
- Eulepte concordalis ______ PR
- Eulepte gastralis (phMB)
______ DR JM
- Eulepte inguinalis ______ JM
PR
- Glyphodes heliconialis
______ JM
- Glyphodes sibillalis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5198 DR JM PR
Glyphodes sibillalis sibillalis ______ DR
MULBERRY LEAFTIER MOTH
- Helvibotys carnifex
______ DR
- Helvibotys panopealis
______ DR
- Herpetogramma agavealis (phMB)
______ DR JM
- Herpetogramma antillalis
______ DR
- Herpetogramma bipunctalis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5272 DR JM PR
SOUTHERN BEET WEBWORM MOTH
- Herpetogramma fluctuosalis ______
M#5244 PR
GREATER SWEETPOTATO WEBWORM MOTH
- Herpetogramma infuscalis ______
JM PR
- Herpetogramma phaeopteralis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5274 DR JM PR
DUSKY HERPETOGRAMMA MOTH
- Hileithia ductalis ______
PR
- Hileithia magualis
______ M#5187 DR
JM
- Hileithia terminalis
______ JM
- Hoterodes ausonia (phAC) ______
M#5209 PR
- Hymenia perspectalis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5169 DR JM PR
(PNE:171)
SPOTTED BEET WEBWORM MOTH
- Isocentris amoenalis ______ PR
- Lamprosema memoralis ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Lamprosema oxiperalis ______
JM
- Lamprosema pelealis
______ DR
- Leucochroma jamaicensis ______ JM
- Lineodes fontelia ______ M#5106
JM
EASTERN LINEODES MOTH
- Lineodes gracilalis ______ PR
- Lineodes metagrammalis ______
PR
- Lineodes triangulalis ______ M#5109
PR
- Loxomorpha cambogialis ______ M#5154
JM PR
- Loxomorpha flavidissimalis ______
M#5155 PR
- Lygropia imparalis ______ DR
PR
- Lygropia joasharia ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Lygropia joelalis ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Lygropia tripunctata (phAC) ______
M#5248 DR JM PR
SWEETPOTATO LEAFROLLER MOTH
- Mabra russoi
_____ DR species described in 1940
- Marasmia cochrusalis ______ M#5289
DR PR
MARASMIA MOTH
- Marasmia trapezalis ______ M#5288
DR PR
TRAPEZE MOTH
- Maruca testulalis ______ M#5288.1
DR PR
- Maruca vitrata (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5240.1 DR JM PR
BEAN POD BORER MOTH
- Microphysetica hermeasalis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5121 JM PR
- Microthyris anormalis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5263
DR JM PR
- Microthyris prolongalis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5264 JM PR
- Mimorista brunneoflavalis
______ JM
- Mimorista diopalis _____ JM
- Mimorista jamaicalis ______
JM
- Mimorista matronulalis (phMB) ______
JM
- Mimorista villicalis ______ JM
- Neohelvibotys neohelvialis
______ M#4977 JM
species described in 1967
- Neoleucinodes elegantalis
______ JM
- Neoleucinodes imperialis
______ DR
- Neoleucinodes prophetica (phAC) ______
M#5102 PR
- Neoleucinodes torvis ______ JM
PR
species described in 1948
- Nomophila nearctica ______ DR
- Oenobotys glirialis ______ PR
- Oenobotys vinotinctalis (phAC) ______
M#4940
JM PR
WINE-TINTED OENOBOTYS MOTH
- Omiodes humeralis ______ DR
PR
- Omiodes indicata (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5212 DR JM PR
BEAN-LEAF WEBWORM MOTH
- Omiodes martyralis ______ PR
- Omiodes simialis (phAC) ______
M#5211 DR PR
- Omiodes xanthodysana (phMB)
______ JM
- Ommatospila descriptalis
______ DR
- Ommatospila marcaeusalis
______ DR
- Ommatospila narcaeusalis (phMB) ______
M#5294 JM PR
- Ostrinia penitalis
______ M#4946
JM
AMERICAN LOTUS BORER MOTH
- Palpita flegia (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5217 DR JM PR
SATIN WHITE PALPITA MOTH
- Palpita isoscelalis ______ PR
- Palpita kimballi
______ DR species described in in 1959
- Palpita punctalis
______ JM
- Palpita quadristigmalis (phAC) ______
M#5218 DR PR
FOUR-SPOTTED PALPITA MOTH
- Palpita viettei
______ DR species described in 1959
- Palpusia glaucusalis
______ PR
- Pantographa limata (phAC) ______
M#5241 PR (PNE:173)
BASSWORD LEAFROLLER MOTH
- Pantographa prorogata
______ DR
- Penestola bufalis ______ M#5179
JM PR
BLACK PENESTOLA MOTH
- Phaedropsis collustralis (phMB)
______ JM
- Phaedropsis domingalis
______ DR
- Phaedropsis hecalialis
______ DR
- Phaedropsis meropialis
______ JM
- Phaedropsis placendalis ______ PR
- Phaedropsis principaloides ______ PR
- Phaedropsis principialis
______ JM
- Phaedropsis stictigramma
______ DR
- Phostria originalis ______ PR
- Phostria tedea (phMB)
______ M#5265 JM
- Pilemia periusalis
______ DR
- Pilocrocis hesperialis ______ PR
- Pilocrocis hypoleucalis
______ JM
- Pilocrocis monothyralis
______ JM
- Pilocrocis ramentalis ______ M#5281
PR (PNE:175)
SCRAPED PILOCROCIS MOTH
- Pilocrocis reniferalis
______ JM
- Pleuroptya silicalis (phAC) ______
M#5243 DR JM PR
HERBIVOROUS PLEUROPTYA MOTH
- Polygrammodes elevata (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5230 DR JM PR
RED-SPOTTED SWEETPOTATO MOTH
- Polygrammodes ostrealis
______ JM
- Portetomorpha xanthialis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5078
JM PR
- Prenesta ignefactalis (phMB)
______ JM (has also been in
subfamily SPILOMELINAE)
- Prenesta ornamentalis
______ JM (has also been in
subfamily SPILOMELINAE)
- Prenesta philinoralis
______ JM (has also been in
subfamily SPILOMELINAE)
- Prenesta prosopealis
______ JM
(has also been in subfamily SPILOMELINAE)
- Prenesta quadrifenestralis ______
PR (has also been in subfamily SPILOMELINAE)
- Proleucinodes impuralis ______ DR
- Psara dryalis ______ M#5269
DR JM PR
- Psara obscuralis (phAC) ______
M#5268 PR
OBSCURE PSARA MOTH
- Psara pertentalis ______ JM
PR
- Pseudopyrausta acutangulalis ______
JM PR
- Pseudopyrausta minima
______ JM
- Pycnarmon receptalis ______ PR
(has also been in subfamily SPILOMELINAE)
- Pyrausta camifex
______ JM
- Pyrausta cardinalis ______ M#5076.2
PR
- Pyrausta carnifex ______ DR
- Pyrausta cerata ______ PR
- Pyrausta episcopalis ______ PR
- Pyrausta gentillalis ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Pyrausta gracialis ______
PR
- Pyrausta illutalis ______ PR
- Pyrausta insignitalis (phMB) ______
M#5044 JM PR
DARK-BANDED PYRAUSTA MOTH
- Pyrausta laresalis ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Pyrausta phoenicealis (phAC) ______
M#5049 JM PR
PHOENICEAN PYRAUSTA MOTH
- Pyrausta phyllidalis ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Pyrausta tyralis (ph) ______
M#5069 DR JM PR
COFFEE-LOVING PYRAUSTA MOTH
Coffee-loving Pyrausta Moth
(copyrighted photo by Lisa Johnson)
- Pyrausta votanalis ______ PR
- Rhectocraspeda periusalis (phMB) ______
M#5157 JM PR
EGGPLANT WEBWORM MOTH
- Salbia cassidalis (phMB) ______ JM
PR
- Salbia cognatalis ______ PR
- Salbia haemorrhoidalis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5287 DR JM PR
LANTANA LEAFTIER MOTH
- Salbia tytiusalis
______ M#5285 JM
- Salbia varanalis ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Samea carettalis ______
JM PR species described in 1940
- Samea conjunctalis ______ PR
- Samea ecclesialis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5150 JM PR
ASSEMBLY MOTH
- Samea mictalis ______
PR
- Samea multuplicalis ______ M#5151
DR PR
SALVINIA STEM-BORER MOTH
- Sathria internitalis (phAC) ______
M#5270 DR PR
- Sathria onophasalis ______
PR
- Sathria simmialis (phMB)
______ JM
- Sisyracera contortiliinealis (phMB)
______ JM PR
- Sisyracera inabsconsalis ______
PR
Sisyracera subulalis (see Araschnopsis subulalis)
- Sparagmia gigantalis ______
PR (has also been in subfamily SPILOMELINAE)
- Sparagmia gonoptera (phMB)
______ JM PR (has also
been in subfamily SPILOMELINAE)
- Spoladea recurvalis (phMB) ______
M#5170
DR JM PR (PNE:171)
HAWAIIAN BEET WEBWORM MOTH
- Steniodes declivalis ______ PR
- Steniodes gelliasalis ______ JM
- Steniodes mendica
______ M#5178 JM
- Sufetula sarchari ______ PR
(has also been in subfamily SPILOMELINAE)
- Syllepis marialis (phMB) ______
M#5283
JM PR
- Syllepte belialis ______ JM
PR
- Syllepte imbroglialis ______ PR
- Syllepte opalisans
______ DR
- Syllepte patagialis ______ PR
- Synclera chlorophasma (phMB)
______ JM
- Synclera jarbusalis (phAC) ______
M#5196
DR PR
- Synclera traducalis ______ PR
- Syngamia florella (phAC) (phMB)
______ M#5284
DR JM PR
ORANGE-SPOTTED FLOWER MOTH (or
Red-waisted Florella Moth)
- Terastia meticulosalis (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5239 DR JM PR
ERYTHRINA BORER MOTH
- Tomopteryx pterophoralis
______ DR
- Trichaea flammeolalis ______ PR
(has also been in subfamily SPILOMELINAE)
- Triuncidia eupalusalis (phMB) ______
M#4942 JM PR
- Udea albipunctalis ______ PR
- Udea rubigalis (ph) ______
M#5079 DR PR
(PNE:169)
CELERY LEAFTIER MOTH
Above & below: Celery Leaftier Moth
The upper photo taken in the Dominican Republic.
(photo by Rob Van Brussel)
In the lower photo, with a US dime.
- Udea secemalis ______ DR
JM
PR
- Uresiphita reversalis ______ M#4992
JM PR (PNP:63
caterpillar)
GENISTA BROOM MOTH
Host plants for the caterpillars of Uresiphita
reversalis include those in the genera Acacia,
Baptisia, Genista, and Sophora.
Their long hairs protect them from predation.
- Zenamorpha discophoralis (phMB) ______
JM
Family CRAMBIDAE, Subfamily
SCHOENOBIINAE:
DONACAULAS & allies
Very similar to Grass-veneers, the Donacaulas
typically have pointier wings and are generally a more uniformly brownish
orange.
Adults regularly visit lights.
- Carectocultus perstrialis
______ DR
- Eupela leucatea ______ PR
Family CRAMBIDAE (or PYRALIDAE), Subfamily SCOPARIINAE:
MOSS-EATING CRAMBIDS
Those in SCOPARIINAE are small, narrowly
deltoid moths with monochromatic, pointed wings.
Indistinct dark tufts of scales are present on the forewing. They are absent
in other CRAMBIDS.
Adults frequently visit lights.
- Elusia enalis ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Himantoides perkinsae ______ JM
- Himantoides undata ______ JM
- Scoparia atricuprea ______ JM
Family PYRALIDAE: the SNOUT MOTHS
Subfamily CHRYSAUGINAE
- Bonchis munitalis (phAC) ______
M#5564 DR PR
- Caphys bilineata ______ PR
- Carcha hersilialis ______ DR
JM
PR
- Epitamyra albomaculalis ______ PR
- Epitamyra thermalis ______ JM
- Galasa rubidana ______ JM
- Megacaphys titana (phMB) ______
JM
- Murgisca cervinalis
______ DR
- Murgisca subductellus ______ PR
- Parachma ochracealis ______ PR
- Parachmidia fervidalis ______
DR JM
- Salobrena recurvata ______ JM PR
- Salobrena vacuana ______ M#5560.1
JM
- Streptopalpia minusculalis ______ PR
Family PYRALIDAE, Subfamily EPIPASCHILINAE
- Dasyvesica lophotalis ______ JM
- Deuterollyta claudalis ______
JM
- Deuterollyta majuscula (phAC) ______
M#5582 JM PR
- Deuteroliyta ragonoti
______ DR PR
- Jocara fragilis ______ DR
PR
- Macalla phaeobasalis (phMB) ______
M#5576 JM
- Macalla thyrsisalis ______ DR
PR
- Phidotricha insularella ______
PR
- Pococera polialis ______ JM
- Pococera scabridella ______ PR
- Stericta alnotha (sedis) ______ PR
- Tallula atramentalis ______ M#5590
JM PR
- Tineopaschia minuta ______ JM
Family PYRALIDAE, Subfamily GALLERIINAE
- Achroia grisella ______ M#5623
PR
LESSER WAX MOTH
- Corcyra cephalonia ______
M#5634 DR
PR
RICE MOTH
- Epimorius testaceellus ______ M#5633.2
JM
BROMELIAD POD BORER MOTH
- Galleria mellonella (phAC) ______
M#5622 DR JM species described
by Linnaeus in 1758
GREATER WAX MOTH
- Pogrima palmasalis ______ PR
species described in 1940
Family PYRALIDAE, Subfamily PHYCITINAE
- Amegarthria cervicalis ______
DR
- Amyelois transitella ______ M#5724
DR
NAVEL ORANGEWORM MOTH
- Anabasis ochrodesma ______ M#5704
DR JM PR
CASSIA WEBWORM MOTH
- Anadelosemia texanella ______ DR
PR
- Ancylostomia stercorea (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#5741 DR JM
- Anegcephalesis arctella
______ DR
- Anypsipyla univitella ______
M#5705.1 DR JM
- Apomyelois decolor ______ PR
- Apomyelois muriscis ______ PR
- Aptunga culmenicola
______ DR species described in 1996
- Aptunga setadebilia
______ DR species described in 1996
- Aptunga vega
______ DR species described in 1996
- Australephestiodes stictellus ______
M#6004.1 DR PR
- Bema neuricella
______ DR
- Cabotia bonholi ______ JM
- Cactoblastis cactorum ______ M#5970.1
DR PR
CACTUS MOTH
- Cadra cautella ______ M#6022
PR
ALMOND MOTH
- Caristanius pellucidella ______
DR JM PR
- Caristanius tripartitus
______ DR species described in 1996
- Caudellia pilosa
______ DR species described in 1996
- Chararica bicolorella ______ M#5714
PR
- Chararica circumperfecta
______ DR species described in 1996
- Coptarthria dasypyga
______ DR
- Crocidomera fissuralis ______
DR PR
- Crocidomera imitata
______ M#5706 DR
species described in 1990
- Crocidomera turbidella ______ JM
PR
- Cryptobables sp.
______ DR
- Dasypyga independencia
______ DR species described in 1996
- Davara caricae
______ M#5732 DR
PAPAYA WEBWORM MOTH
- Davara interjecta
______ DR species described in 1956
- Davara rufulella ______ DR PR
- Dioryctria amatella
______ M#5853
DR
SOUTHERN PINECONEWORM
MOTH
- Dioryctria dominguensis
______ DR species described in 1996
- Dioryctria postmajorella
______ DR species described in 1996
- Ectomyelois ceratoniae ______
M#5723 JM
PR
LOCUST BEAN MOTH
- Ectomyelois decolor ______ M#5722
DR JM
CARIBBEAN DRIED FRUIT MOTH
- Ectomyelois muriscis
______ DR
- Elasmopalpus lignosellus (phMB) ______
M#5896 DR JM PR
LESSER CORNSTALK BORER MOTH
- Ephestia cautella
______ DR
- Ephestia elutella
______ DR
- Ephestia kuehniella ______ M#6020
DR JM
MEDITERRANEAN FLOUR MOTH
- Ephestiodes stictella ______ JM
- Erelieva quantulella
______ DR
- Etiella zinckenella (phMB) ______
M#5744 DR JM
PR
GOLD-BANDED ETIELLA MOTH
- Fundella argentina ______ M#5726
DR JM
- Fundella ignobilis
______ M#5726.1 DR
species described in 1945
- Fundella pellucens ______ M#5725
DR PR
CARIBBEAN PODBORER MOTH
- Genopaschia protomis ______ PR
- Hemiptiloceroides deltus
______ DR species described in 1993
- Homalopalpia dalera ______ PR
- Homoeosoma electella
______ M#5935
DR
SUNFLOWER MOTH
- Hypargyria slosonella
______ DR
- Hypochalcia
cervinistrigalis ______ DR
- Hypsipyla grandella ______
M#5705 DR JM
PR
MAHOGANY SHOOTBORER MOTH
- Laetilia portoricensis ______ PR
- Lascelina pedernalensis
______ DR species described in 1996
- Lipographis subosseella ______DR
- Moodna antilleana
______ DR species described in 1996
- Moodnopsis portoricensis ______
DR PR species described in 1956
- Myelois furvidorsella ______ PR
- Nefundella munroei
______ DR species described in 2003
- Nonia exiguella ______
JM
- Olyca phryganoides
______ DR
- Oncolabis anticella ______ DR
PR
- Oryctometopia fossulatella
______ DR
- Ozamia lucidalis ______ M#5988
DR JM
- Ozamia plagata
______ DR species described in 1996
- Peadus burdettellus
______ DR
- Phestinia costella ______ JM
- Phycitodes olivaceella
______ DR
- Plodia interpunctella ______ M#6019
DR JM
PR
INDIAN MEAL MOTH
- Salebria famula ______ PR
- Salebria infusella
______ DR
- Sarasota furculella ______ PR
- Stylopalpia lunigerella ______ M#5820.1
DR JM PR
- Ufa rubedinella (phMB) ______
M#5895
DR JM
PR
- Unadilla maturella ______
M#5947 PR
- Varneria albiornatella
______ DR species described in 1996
- Zamagiria laidion
______ DR
- Zamagiria rawlinsi
______ DR species described in 1996
Family PYRALIDAE, Subfamily PYRALINAE
- Hypsopygia nostralis ______ PR
- Luma albifascialis ______ JM
- Mapeta xanthomelas (phMB) ______ JM
- Megastes brunnealis (phMB) ______ JM
- Micromastra isoldalis ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Nomophila nearctica (phMB) ______
M#5156 JM (PNE:171)
LUCERNE MOTH
- Ocrasa nostralis (phAC) ______
M#5531 PR
SOUTHERN HAYWORM MOTH
- Pseudasopia intermedialis
______ DR
- Pyralis manihotalis ______ M#5515
DR PR
TROPICAL MEAL MOTH
Family LIMACODIDAE (or
EUCLIDAE):
Called SLUGMOTHS because the caterpillars resemble slugs, or CUPMOTHS
because of the shape of the cocoons. Mostly tropical, but occur worldwide, with
about 1,000 described species.
The LIMACODIDAE are small, chunky moths that hold their rounded wings in
a tent-like position when at rest.
Some curl their abdomen upward above the level of the wings.
The larvae of many species are bizarre in form and color and often have stinging
hares.
Adults are strictly nocturnal and visit lights in small numbers.
- Alarodia nana ______ JM
- Heuretes picticornis ______ PR
Family DALCERIDAE
The larvae of DALCERIDAE are rather
slug-like similar to those of the closely related LIMACODIDAE (above).
The DALCERIDAE moths are found in the Neotropics.
- Acraga ciliata ______ JM
Family THYRIDIDAE: the
PICTURE-WINGED LEAFMOTHS
- Banisia myrsusalis ______
H#6086 PR
SAPODILLA BORER MOTH
- Rhodoneura sp. ______ PR
- Zeuzerodes maculata ______
PR
Family HYBLAEIDAE: the
TEAK MOTHS
- Hyblaea puera (phMB) ______
M#6088 JM PR
TEAK DEFOLIATOR MOTH
Family PTEROPHORIDAE: the
PLUME MOTHS
Those in PTEROPHORIDAE are spindly-legged moths that have a
characteristic "airplane" posture when at rest.
A notch at the tip of the forewing divides the wing into two lobes.
Forewing patterns are often very similar and so species can sometimes be
difficult to tell apart.
Most are nocturnal and often visit lights in small numbers. Sometimes they
can be found resting on walls or among plants in the daytime.
- Adaina bipunctatus ______ M#6155
PR
- Adaina ipomoeae ______ M#6160
PR
AMBROSIA PLUME MOTH
- Adaina participata ______ PR
- Adaina praeusta ______ PR
- Adaina thomae
______ M#6156.1 DR
- Exelastis montischristi ______ DR
JM
- Exelastis pumilio ______ M#6099.1
JM PR
- Geina integumentum ______
PR species described in 2006
- Geina periscelidactylus (phAC) ______
M#6091 PR
GRAPE PLUME MOTH
- Hellinsia inquinatus ______
M#6186 PR
(PNE:129)
BLACK-MARKED PLUME MOTH
- Hellinsia paleaceus ______ M#6207
PR
- Hellinsia unicolor (phAC) ______
M#6226 PR
- Lantanophaga pusillidactylus ______
M#6119 PR
LANTANA PLUME MOTH
- Leioptilus agraphodactylus
______ DR
- Leioptilus inquinatus
______ DR
- Lioptilodes albistriolatus ______
M#6120 PR
- Megalorrhipida leucodactylus ______
M#6104 PR
- Michaelophorus hodgesi ______ PR
species described in 1999
- Michaelophorus margaritae ______ PR
species described in 2006
- Ochyrotica fasciata ______ PR
- Oidaematophorus ossipellis
______ DR
- Postplatyptilia caribica ______ PR
species described in 2006
- Sphenarches caffer ______ PR
- Stenoptilodes brevipennis ______
M#6122
PR
Family HEDYLIDAE: the "AMERICAN MOTH BUTTERFLIES"
The HEDYLIDAE is an extant sister group of the butterfly
superfamilies PAPILIONOIDES (the SWALLOWTAILS) and
HESPERIOIDES (the SKIPPERS).
They have previously been treated as a tribe of GEOMETRIDAE, in the
subfamily OENOCHROMINAE.
They have also been thought to be an unrecognized group of butterflies, and
in 2005 a study actually placed them with the butterflies based upon
molecular data.
The 35 currently recognized species in HEDYLIDAE, all in the genus
Macrosoma, are entirely Neotropical, ranging from central Mexico south
to southwestern Brazil. In the Caribbean region, they occur in Jamaica,
Cuba, and Trinidad.
- Macrosoma stabilinota ______ JM
species described in 1932
Family GEOMETRIDAE, larva
are: LOOPERS, INCHWORMS, SPANWORMS
Adult GEOMETER MOTHS are from small to
large, but mostly medium-sized.
They generally have elongated bodies with wide wings, and many are stout.
Those wings, that are delicate, are open when the moth is sitting.
GEOMETER MOTHS come in a variety of colors, especially cryptic colors
such as creamy-white, brown, and green.
Most are nocturnal, but diurnal species can be very common.
The GEOMETRIDAE is a cosmopolitan family and one of the three largest
among the LEPIDOPTERA. It is estimated that as many as at least
25,000, up to 35,000 species have been
described.
The caterpillars are called LOOPERS,
or INCHWORMS
for the way they move.
Subfamily OENOCHROMINAE in
the Family GEOMETRIDAE
- Alomodes terraria ______ H#6260
DR
PR
- Ametris nitrocris (phMB) ______ H#6259
GD JM PR
SEAGRAPE SPANWORM MOTH
- Ergavia subrufa (phMB) ______ JM
- Leptocnenopsis tatochorida
______ GD
- Zanclopteryx uniferata (phMB) ______ JM
Subfamily ENNOMINAE in the
Family GEOMETRIDAE
- Arilophia rawlinsi ______
DR species described in 1990
- Boarmia hilararia ______ PR
- Cyclomia mopsaria ______ DR
GD
PR
Cyclomia mopsaria mopsaria ______ DR
- Digrammia heliothidata
______ DR
- Drepanodes ephyrata ______ GD
- Drepanodes infensata ______
PR
- Epimecis detexta (phMB) ______
M#6604 DR GD JM
Epimecis detexta detexta ______ subspecies on
Martinique
Epimecis detexta leduchatae ______ GD
subspecies on Guadeloupe
AVOCADO SPANWORM MOTH
- Epimecis hortaria (ph) (phAC) ______
M#6599
DR PR (PNE:219)
TULIP-TREE BEAUTY MOTH
Tulip-tree Beauty
(photo courtesy of Claudine Iannucci)
- Epimecis matronaria
______ M#6601 DR
- Epimecis scolopaiae (phMB) ______
DR JM
Epimecis scolopaiae scolopaiae ______ DR
Epimecis scolopaiae transitaria ______ DR
- Erastria decrepitaria (phMB) ______
M#6702 DR GD JM PR SV also
Martinique
Erastria descrepitaria descrepitaria ______
DR
The sexes of Erastria decrepitaria
are quite different. Males are greenish. Females are yellow. In females. the
post medial lines are weaker than in the males.
Outside the Caribbean, Erastria decrepitaria
has been found in Honduras and Panama, and in French Guiana, Venezuela, and
Brazil.
- Erosina hyberniata (phMB) ______
GD JM
- Euchlaena amoenaria
______ DR
Euchlaena amoenaria astylusaria
______ DR
- Hydatoscia ategua (phMB) ______ JM
PR species described in 1982
- Iridopsis delicata ______ PR
- Iridopsis idonearia ______ DR
PR
Iridopsis idonearia idonearia ______ DR
- Iridopsis monticola
______ DR species described in 1966
- Iridopsis vicaria (phMB) ______
JM
- Leuciris mysteriotis ______ PR
- Leucula simplicaria ______ PR
- Macaria aemulataria (phAC) ______
M#6326 PR (PNE:211)
COMMON ANGLE MOTH
- Macaria abydata
______ DR
- Macaria everiata (phMB) ______
DR JM
- Macaria inoptata
______ DR
- Macaria nervata ______ JM
- Macaria paleolata
______ DR
- Macrosema immaculata ______ DR
GD and Dominica
The type specimen for Macrosema immaculata
was taken on Hispaniola. The species described in 1897.
- Melanchroia chephise (ph) (phMB)
______ M#6616 CY
JM PR
WHITE-TIPPED BLACK MOTH
Melanchroia chephise is a small black moth with narrow white
wingtips. In the Cayman Islands, its looper caterpillars are plentiful on Phyllanthus
angustifolius, the Duppy Bush.
White-tipped Black Moth
- Melanchroia venata ______ JM
species described in 1961
- Melanolophia mutabilis (phMB) ______ JM
- Microsema immaculata
______ DR
- Moschleria hulstii ______ PR
- Nepheloleuca complicata (ph) ______
DR PR
SL
Nepheloleuca complicata
- Nepheloleuca floridata ______ DR
- Nepheloleuca illiturata ______ PR
- Nepheloleuca politia (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#6985 JM PR
- Numia terebintharia ______ M#6699
DR JM PR
- Oenoptila nigrilineata (phMB) ______ JM
- Oxydia olivacea ______ JM
- Oxydia vesulia (phAC) (phMB) ______
M#6967 DR JM PR
SPURGE SPANWORM MOTH
- Patalene ephyrata ______ PR
- Patalene epionata ______ M#6975
DR JM PR
- Patalene falcularia ______
JM
- Patalene nicoaria
______ M#6976 DR
- Patalene nutriaria ______
DR JM
- Patalene olyzonaria (phAC) ______
M#6974 PR
JUNIPER GEOMETER MOTH
- Patalene sordida ______ JM
- Perissopteryx ochrilinea (phMB) ______
JM
- Pero bicolor (phMB) ______
JM
- Pero nerisaria ______ M#6762
DR PR
- Pero rectisectaria ______ PR
- Pero rica
______ DR species described in 1987
- Pero sella
______ DR species described in 1987
- Pero variaria (phMB)
______ JM
- Phrygionis argentata (phMB)
______ JM
- Phrygionis auriferaria (phAC) ______
M#6670 PR
GOLDEN-WINGED PALYAS MOTH
- Phrygionis bicornis
______ DR species described in 1994
- Phrygionis ferreus
______ DR species described in 1994
- Phrygionis moeschleri ______ PR
- Phrygionis paradoxata (phAC) ______
M#6671 JM PR
JEWELED SATYR MOTH
- Phrygionis platinata
______ JM
- Phrygionis rawlinsi
______ DR species described in 1994
- Phrygionis sumptuosaria
______ JM
- Prochoerodes tetragonata ______ JM
- Prochoerodes transtincta (phMB)
______ JM
- Psamatodes abydata (phAC) ______
M#6332
JM PR
DOT-LINED ANGLED MOTH
- Psamatodes
(formerly Macaria) diffusata
______ PR
- Psamatodes (formerly
Macaria) doriteata
______ JM
- Psamatodes everiata ______ M#6333
JM DR PR
- Psamatodes nicetaria ______ JM
PR
- Psamatodes trientata ______ M#6332.1
PR
- Pyrinia fusilineata
______ DR
- Renia fraternalis
______ DR
- Sabulodes aegrotata (phAC) ______
M#6995 PR
- Sabulodes caberata ______ PR
- Sabulodes exhonorata ______ PR
- Sabulodes mucronis (phMB)
______ JM
- Sabulodes subopalaria
______ DR
- Semiothisa cellulata ______ PR
- Semiothisa cosmiata
______ DR
- Semiothisa increta ______ DR
PR
- Semiothisa paleolata ______
JM DR PR
- Semiothisa regulata ______ PR
- Semiothisa virginaria ______ PR
- Sericoptera flavifimbria (phMB)
______ JM
- Sericoptera virginaria
______ M#6994 PR
- Serraca momaria ______ PR
- Sphacelods haitiaria
______ DR
- Sphacelodes vulneraria (phMB) ______
M#6800 JM PR
- Thyrinteina arnobia ______
M#6772 PR
- Thyrinteina unicornis (phMB)
______ JM
species described in 1961
- Thysanopyga abdominaria ______ DR
- Thysanopyga amarantha ______ PR
- Thysanopyga apicitruncaria ______ PR
- Thysanopyga nicetaria (phMB)
______ DR
- Thysanopyga proditata ______ DR
Subfamily GEOMETRINAE in the
Family GEOMETRIDAE: EMERALDS
The GEOMETRINAE are predominantly green geometers
that rest on flat, widely spread wings.
A few species also have brown forms.
The males of some species have bipectinate antennae.
All are nocturnal and come to lights in small numbers.
- Chloropteryx paularia (phMB) ______
M#7077
JM PR
- Dichorda rhodocephala (phMB)
______ JM
- Eueana niveociliaria (phMB)
______ M#7070 JM
- Hydata insatisfacta (phAC) ______ PR
species described in 1988
- Oospila confundaria (phAC) (phMB) ______ JM
PR
- Oospila decoloraria ______ JM
- Phrudocenta centrifugaria ______
M#7051 JM PR
- Phrudocenta kinstonensis (phMB) ______
JM
- Racheospila isolata ______
PR
- Racheospila merlinaria ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Racheospila sanctaecrucis ______ PR
- Synchlora herbaria
______ M#7061 DR
Synchlora herbaria herbaria ______ DR
- Synchlora cupedinaria ______
M#7064 PR SL
Synchlora cupedinaria
- Synchlora ephippiaria (phMB)
______ JM
- Synchlora frondaria (phMB) ______ H#7059
JM PR
(PNE:205)
SOUTHERN EMERALD MOTH
- Synchlora gerularia ______
H#7060.1 PR
- Synchlora herbaria (phAC) (phMB) ______ H#7061
JM DR PR
- Synchlora xysteria (phAC) ______ H#7060
PR
Subfamily LARENTIINAE in the
Family GEOMETRIDAE: CARPETS
and PUGS
The LARENTIINAE is a large group of flimsy,
broad-winged moths.
Most adopt a flat posture when resting, placing themselves on tree trunks and
branches where they can be very cryptic and hard to find.
Most are woodland species, though some can be found in gardens, even in urban
areas.
The group is mostly nocturnal and comes freely to lights, though some are
diurnal and can be found along woodland trails or around wet areas.
- Cidaria chloronotata ______ PR
- Disclisioprocta stellata (phMB) ______
H#7417 DR JM PR
SOMBER CARPET MOTH
- Dyspteris abortivaria (ph) ______
H#7648 JM (PNE:199)
THE BAD-WING
The Bad-wing
- Dyspteris trichophora ______ JM
species described in 1988
- Eois decursaria ______ JM
- Eois snellenaria ______ JM
PR
- Eois tessellata ______ JM
- Eois trinotata ______ JM
- Euphyia floridata ______ JM
- Euphyia moeraria ______ PR
- Euphyia perturbata (phMB) ______
DR JM
PR
- Euphyia vinaceata ______
PR
- Eupithecia satyrata (phAC) ______
H#7520 PR
- Eupithecia succernata (phMB) ______
JM
- Eupithecia sucidata ______ JM
- Graphidipus aureocapitaria ______ PR
- Hammaptera parinotata ______ H#7314
JM
- Obila catocalaria ______ JM
- Obila defensata ______ PR
- Obila pannosata ______
DR JM
- Obila praecurraria ______ PR
- Pterocypha defensata ______ PR
- Pterocypha floridata (phMB)
______ DR
- Spargania dulciferata ______ JM
- Triphosa affirmata (phMB) ______ H#7286
DR JM
- Xanthorhoe divisata
______ DR
Subfamily STERRHINAE in the
Family GEOMETRIDAE
- Acratodes intamiataria ______
PR
- Acratodes oslinaria ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Acratodes phakellurata (phMB) ______
DR JM
- Acratodes praepeditaria ______ PR
- Acratodes virgota ______ PR
- Cyclophora caducaria (phMB) ______ JM
- Cyclophora conferta (phMB) ______ JM
- Cyclophora lichenea (phMB) ______ JM
- Cyclophora nanaria (phMB) ______ H#7140
DR JM
- Cyclophora ordinata (phMB) ______ JM
- Cyclophora subpalliida (phMB) ______ JM
- Cyclophora urcearia (phMB) ______ JM
- Euacidalia externata
______ DR
- Euacidalia orbelia (phMB) ______ JM
- Eumacrodes yponomeutaria ______
H#7086 DR
- Idaea curvicauda ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Idaea fernaria ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Idaea monata ______
PR species described in 1947
- Idaea placitaria ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Leptostales crossii (phAC) ______ H#7174
PR
CROSS' WAVE MOTH
- Leptostales noctuata
______ DR
- Leptostales oblinataria (phMB) ______ H#7178
JM PR
- Leptostales pannaria (phAC) ______ H#7173
PR
PANNARIA WAVE MOTH
- Leptostales phorcaria (phMB) ______
DR JM
PR
- Leptostales roseoliva (phMB) ______ JM
- Leptostales virgota (phMB) ______ JM
- Lobocleta dativaria ______ DR
PR species described in 1940
- Lobocleta inermaria ______ DR
- Lobocleta maricaria ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Lobocleta monogrammata ______ DR
PR
- Loboclata mutuataria ______
PR
- Lobocleta nymphidiata
______ DR
- Lobocleta perditaria ______ DR
PR
- Lobocleta tenellata (phMB) ______ JM
PR
- Pleuroprucha asthenaria (phAC) (phMB) ______ H#7133
JM PR
ASTHENE WAVE MOTH
- Pleuroprucha molitaria ______ PR
- Pleuroprucha pyrrhularia ______ PR
- Pleuroprucha rudimentaria
______ DR
- Pleuroprucha yunkeria ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Pseudasellodes fenestraria ______
PR
- Ptychamalia botydata
______ DR
- Ptychamalia perlata ______ PR
- Scelolophia delectabilaria ______ PR
- Scelolophia randaria ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Scelolophia terminata ______ PR
- Scopula apparitania ______ H#7153
JM
- Scopula canularia ______ PR
- Scopula innominata ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Scopula laresaria ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Scopula micrata ______
DR
- Scopula subquadrata ______ JM
PR
- Scopula umbilicata (phMB) ______
H#7158
JM PR
- Semaeopus argocosma (phMB) ______
JM
- Semaeopus caecaria ______ H#7144
PR
- Semaeopus callichroa (phMB) ______ JM
- Semaeopus
castaria (phMB) ______ DR JM
- Semaeopus decalvaria (phMB) ______ JM
- Semaeopus indignaria (phMB) ______
DR JM
- Semaeopus malefidaria ______ PR
- Semaeopus perletaria ______
PR
- Sterrrha curvicauda
______ DR species described in 1940
- Tricentrogyna floridora ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Tricentrogyna rubripicta (phMB)
______ JM
- Tricentrogyna vinacea (phMB) ______ PR
Family SATURNIIDAE: GIANT SILKWORM MOTHS
- Hispaniodirphia lemaireiana
______ DR species described in 2006 (in HEMILEUCINAE)
- Hispaniodirphia plana ______ DR
(in HEMILEUCINAE)
- Rothschildia erycina luciana
______ SL SV and
Martinique, where uncommon (in SATURNIINAE)
ROTHCHILD'S SILK MOTH
- Samia cynthia ______ JM
AILANTHUS SILKWORM MOTH
Samia cynthia is an Asian
species that has been introduced in North America.
In Jamaica, it has either been introduced or has occurred as a stray from
North America.
Family SPHINGIDAE: SPHINX
MOTHS,
including HAWK MOTHS
or "HUMMINGBIRD MOTHS''
On Hispaniola, there are 47 species in the SPHINGIDAE family, with 5
of them endemic to the island.
Moths in the family SPHINGIDAE are generally very strong flyers. They
are robust, medium-sized to large moths.
Most have long pointed wings and a long tapering abdomen.
Adults feed on nectar from tubular flowers, using their well-developed and
usually very long proboscis.
Most are nocturnal, and are attracted to lights.
Included in this group are some in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE
(those in the genera including Erinnyis, Eumorpha, Hyles, Pseudosphinx,
& Xylophanes and others noted below).
Those moths are similar in shape and habit to the larger sphinx moths, but
on the whole, they are more colorful and varied.
Some are crepuscular and feed on flowers at dusk. A few species are strictly
diurnal, flitting among patches of flowers in fields and gardens on sunny
afternoons.
All of the moths in MACROGLOSSINAE, except for the clearwings,
may come to lights.
- Adhaemarius daphne cubanus ______
Adhaemarius daphne cubanus
occurs in Cuba.
- Adhaemarius gannascus (phMB) ______
JM (in the subfamily SPHINGINAE)
Aellopos species (below)
are small and very fast flying moths that are most often seen in the early
morning or in the evening taking nectar or drinking at a body of water.
- Aellopos blaini (phMB) ______ JM
PR
- Aellopos clavipes ______
H#7848 JM (in the
subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
CLAVIPES SPHINX MOTH
- Aellopos fadus (phMB) ______ H#7850
DR GD JM
PR (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
FADUS SPHINX MOTH
Aellopos fadus
can be found widely across the Neotropics. In the US, it has been known
to occur in Florida, Texas, Arkansas, and as far afield as in Washington
State.
- Aellopos tantalus (ph) (phMB)
______ H#7847 CY
DR GD JM PR SV species
described by Linnaeus in 1758 (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
TANTALUS SPHINX MOTH (or
TANTALUS HUMMINGBIRD HAWKMOTH)
Aellopos tantalus has a wide
distribution across the Neotropics.
Similar to a small hummingbird, Aellopos tantalus is a mostly
brown-winged moth with a conspicuous silvery white band on the dorsal surface of
its lower back. The moth hovers, like a hummingbird, with its wings a blur as it
probes for nectar with its long proboscis.
Aellopos tantalus is similar to Aellopos
fadus (above) and Aellopos titan
(below), but it is smaller and with only 3 white triangular marks
in a line on the forewing and a fourth above the outermost mark.
A Tantalus Sphinx Moth, appearing and
acting
like a small hummingbird.
We saw this fast, little creature during
the FONT tour in the Cayman Islands in December 2010.
(photo by Femia Cools, courtesy of Michiel Koomen)
- Aellopos titan ______
H#7849 PR (in the
subfamily MACROGLOSSIANE)
Aellopos titan cubana ______ subspecies in Cuba
TITAN SPHINX MOTH
Aellopos titan
is a common species in much of its range, which includes West Indian
islands and from Mexico south into much of South America.
It is a strong flier, and has occurred across the eastern US and even into
southern Canada. Breeding has been confirmed in south Texas.
- Agrius cingulata (ph) (phAC) (phMB) ______ H#7771
DR GD JM
PR SL SV (PNE:257)
(in the subfamily SPHINGINAE)
PINK-SPOTTED SPHINX
MOTH
(or PINK-SPOTTED HAWKMOTH)
Agrius cingulata is primarily
Neotropical in its distribution. But it also breeds in the US across
southern states, and strays have occurred as far north as eastern Canada and
even in western Europe.
Pink-spotted Sphinx Moth
- Amphonyx kofleri _____ DR
species described in 2006 (in the subfamily SPHINGINAE)
- Amphonyx rivularis ______ DR
(in the subfamily SPHINGINAE)
- Callionima calliomenae ______ DR
- Callionima denticulata ______ DR
- Callionima falcifera ______ H#7845
DR JM (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
FALCIFERA SPHINX MOTH
In addition to being in the West Indies, Callionima
falcifera occurs in Central America, south to central South
America, Mexico, and North America.
It was originally described in the West Indies in the Virgin Islands on St.
Thomas.
- Callionima inuus ______ DR
(in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
Callionima inuus
occurs throughout the Neotropics.
- Cautethia carsusi
______ DR species described in 2001
- Cautethia grotei (phMB) ______ H#7867
JM (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
Cautethia grotei grotei ______ DR
GROTE'S SPHINX MOTH
- Cautethia noctuiformis ______ DR
PR
(in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
Cautethia noctuiformis noctuiformis ______ DR
- Ceratomia catalpae (phAC) ______ H#7789
PR
(PNE:259) (W:251)
CATALPA SPHINX MOTH
- Cocytius antaeus (phAC) (phMB) ______ H#7772
DR GD JM
PR (W:255) (in the
subfamily SPHINGINAE)
GIANT SPHINX MOTH
There are populations of Cocytius antaeus
in the West Indies, but no subspecies. It breeds in southern Florida, and
has strayed into northern Florida, southern Texas, Arizona,
Mississippi.
- Cocytius duponchei (phMB) ______ H#7773
DR GD JM SV (in the
subfamily SPHINGINAE)
DUPONCHEL'S SPHINX MOTH
The taxonomic classification of Cocytius
duponchei is under review and may change to Amphonyx.
In addition to being in the West Indies, it ranges throughout much of
northern and central South America, and in Central America. There are no
subspecies.
It is very common in Jamaica.
It has been found as a stray in Florida and Texas.
- Enyo lugubris (phAC) (phMB) ______ H#7851
DR GD JM
PR SV species described by Linnaeus in 1771 (in
the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
Enyo lugubris lugubris ______ DR
MOURNFUL SPHINX MOTH
Enyo lugubris
is a widespread species across Central America and South America, in
addition to being in the West Indies.
- Enyo ocypete (phMB) ______ H#7852
DR GD JM species
described by Linnaeus in 1771 (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
Enyo ocypete
is a widespread species across most of the Neotropics, and has occurred as
a stray as far north as southern Florida.
- Erinnyis alope (phAC) (phMB) ______ H#7832
DR GD JM
PR SV (W:278) (in the
subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
Erinnyis alope alope ______ DR
ALOPE SPHINX MOTH
Erinnyis alope occurs on
Caribbean islands in addition to Central America and South America. In the
US, it is found in southern states where In Florida it is a regular breeder.
Strays have occurred as far north in North America as Massachusetts and
Saskatchewan.
- Erinnyis crameri (phAC) (phMB) ______ H#7836
DR GD JM
PR SV (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
CRAMER'S SPHINX MOTH
Erinnyis crameri occurs
occasionally in the West Indies, and in the southern US, in addition ranging
throughout the Neotropics from Mexico to southern Brazil.
- Erinnyis domingonis (phMB) ______
DR JM (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
- Erinnyis ello (phAC) (phMB) ______ H#7834
DR GD JM
PR SV
(W:266) species described by Linnaeus in 1758
(in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
Erinnyis ello ello ______ DR
ELLO SPHINX MOTH
Erinnyis ello occurs from the
southern US south to northern Argentina. In North America it has appeared as
far north as New England, the area of the Great Lakes, and in Quebec,
Canada.
- Erinnyis fasciatus ______ PR
(in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
- Erinnyis guttularis (phMB) ______ H#7839
DR JM (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
- Erinnyis lassauxii (phMB) ______ H#7833
DR GD JM
PR SV (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
LASSAUX'S SPHINX MOTH
Erinnyis lassauxii occurs on
Caribbean islands, as well as from Mexico to northern Argentina. In the US,
it has occurred in Texas, and possibly in Florida and
Arizona.
- Erinnyis obscura (phMB) ______
H#7837 DR GD JM
PR SV (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
OBSCURE SPHINX MOTH
Erinnyis obscura
occurs in the Neotropics, and it is also found commonly further north in
the southern states of the US.
- Erinnyis oenotrus (phMB) ______ H#7835
DR GD JM PR (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
OLEANDER SPHINX MOTH
Erinnyis oenotrus
occurs in the West Indies, and from Mexico south to northern Argentina. It
strays to the southern US, in Florida and Texas.
- Eumorpha fasciatus (ph) (phMB) ______
H#7865
DR GD JM (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
Eumorpha fasciatus fasciatus ______ DR
GD
JM
BANDED SPHINX MOTH
Eumorpha fasciatus fasciatus occurs
on Caribbean islands, and also across the Neotropics from Mexico to
Argentina.
In the US, it breeds in coastal areas from the Carolinas and Florida west to
eastern Texas, and northwards towards Missouri.
A caterpillar of Eumorpha fasciatus
(photo by Rob van Brussel)
- Eumorpha labruscae
(ph) (phAC) (phMB)
______ H#7866 DR
GD
JM PR SV species
described by Linnaeus in 1758 (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSIANE)
Eumorpha labruscae labruscae ______ DR
GD
JM PR SV
GAUDY SPHINX MOTH
Eumorpha labruscae labruscae
occurs on Caribbean islands, and from Mexico to Argentina. In the Nearctic
region, it breeds in Florida, and surprisingly larvae has even been found as
far north as Saskatchewan in Canada. Adult moths have been found in a number
of US states from Texas to Michigan.
Eumorpha labruscae can grow up to the size of a human hand. This migrating
moth is commonly found in the West Indies and in Central and South America. It
occasionally occurs in the United States and as far north as Canada.
It is known as the Gaudy Sphinx Moth due to its remarkable markings and
the amazing array of colors on its wings.
It has a combination of green, blue, red, and yellow on the wings which explains
the flamboyant common name.
Above & below: Two photographs of a Gaudy Sphinx
Moth,
below with the colorful wings open
(photos by Helene Kyrk, in the West Indies )
- Eumorpha obliquus ______
GD
Eumorpha obliquus guadelupensis ______ GD
subspecies described in 1974
- Eumorpha satellitia (phMB) ______ H#7858
JM species described by Linnaeus in
1771 (in the subfamily
MACROGLOSSINAE)
SATELLITE SPHINX MOTH
- Eumorpha strenua ______ DR
(in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
- Eumorpha vitis (phAC) (phMB) ______ H#7864
DR GD JM
PR SL SV
species described by Linnaeus in 1758 (in the subfamily
MACROGLOSSINAE)
Eumorpha vitis vitis ______ DR
PR subspecies in the Neotropics from Mexico to Argentina,
also breeding in southern Florida and much of Texas, with strays reaching
Mississippi, Louisiana, Arizona, and even Massachusetts
Eumorpha vitis fuscatus ______ GD
SL SV subspecies on the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique,
Saint
Lucia, and Saint Vincent
Eumorpha vitis hesperidum ______ JM
subspecies on Jamaica
VINE SPHINX MOTH
- Eupyrrhoglossum sagra ______ DR
Eupyrrhoglossum sagra
occurs the Neotropics including on Caribbean islands, among them Cuba.
It has recently been found breeding in the US in Florida.
- Himantoides perkinsae ______ JM
- Himantoides undata ______ JM
- Hyles lineata (ph) (phMB) ______
H#7894 DR GD JM PR
(PNE:269)
(W:275) (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
WHITE-LINED SPHINX MOTH
Above & below: Hyles
lineata, the White-lined Sphinx,
the moth and the caterpillar
Both photographs during a FONT tour.
(photos by Doris
Potter)
- Isognathus rimosa (phMB) ______ H#7831
DR JM
PR (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
Isognathus rimosa molitor ______ DR
- Madoryx oiclus (phAC) (phMB) ______
GD JM
PR SV (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
Madoryx oiclus jamicensis ______ JM
Madoryx oiclus
occurs widely across the Neotropics.
- Manduca afflicta afflicta
______ DR (in the subfamily
SPHINGINAE)
- Manduca brontes (phMB) ______ H#7780
DR JM
PR (in the subfamily SPHINGINAE)
Manduca brontes haitiensis ______
DR
CUBAN SPHINX MOTH
- Manduca caribbea ______ DR
species described in 1952 (in the subfamily SPHINGINAE)
- Manduca florestan (phAC) ______ H#7782
PR (in the subfamily SPHINGINAE)
- Manduca johanni _____
DR
- Manduca quinquemaculatus ______
H#7776
DR (in the subfamily SPHINGINAE)
FIVE-SPOTTED HAWK MOTH
- Manduca rustica (ph) (phMB) ______
H#7778 DR JM
PR SL SV (PNE:259) (W:249)
(in the subfamily SPHINGINAE)
Manduca rustica cubana ______ subspecies in Cuba
Manduca rustica dominicana ______ DR
subspecies on
Hispaniola
Manduca rustica harterti ______ GD
SL SV subspecies in the Lesser
Antilles
RUSTIC SPHINX MOTH
Rustic Sphinx Moth
- Manduca sexta (ph) (phMB) ______
H#7775
DR GD JM PR SL SV (PNE:257) (W:248)
species
described by Linnaeus in 1763 (in the subfamily SPHINGINAE)
Manduca sexta jamaicensis ______ DR
JM subspecies in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic
Manduca sexta luciae ______ GD
SL SV subspecies in the Lesser Antilles
CAROLINA SPHINX MOTH (or TOBACCO HORNWORM)
Carolina Sphinx Moth
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
- Nannoparce poeyi (phMB) ______
DR JM (in the subfamily
SPHINGINAE)
Nannoparce poeyi poeyi ______ DR
- Neococytius cluentius (phMB) ______ H#7774
JM DR GD PR SV
(has been Cocytius cluentius) (in the
subfamily SPHINGINAE)
Neococytius cluentius
occurs in the West Indies, including Cuba, as well as in most of South
America, Central America, and Mexico.
It has occasionally strayed into the US, as far north as Michigan and
Illinois.
- Pachylia ficus (ph) (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#7841 DR GD JM
PR SL SV species described by Linnaeus in 1758
(in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
FIG SPHINX MOTH
In addition to being in the West Indies, Pachylia
ficus occurs in throughout Central America and South America.
In the US, it breeds in south Florida, and it is fairly common in Texas. It
has also been found in Louisiana and Arizona.
The Fig Sphinx Moth, or Pachylia ficus
- Pachylia syces insularis (phMB) ______
DR GD JM (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
Pachylia syces
insularis occurs in the West
Indies. Another subspecies, the nominate, ranges from Mexico to southern
Brazil and Uruguay.
- Pachylioides resumens (phMB) ______ H#7842
DR JM (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
Pachylioides resumens occurs on Caribbean islands, and
elsewhere in the Neotropics. It strays as far north in the US as Florida and
Texas.
- Perigonia caryae ______ DR
species described in 1998
- Perigonia glaucescens ______ DR
- Perigonia jamaicensis ______ JM
(in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
- Perigonia lefebraei ______ DR
- Perigonia lusca (ph) (phAC) ______
H#7846 DR GD PR SL
SV (in
the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
Perigonia lusca lusca ______ DR
HALF-BLIND SPHINX MOTH
Perigonia lusca
occurs across the Neotropics. In the US, it is common in parts of
Florida.
Perigonia lusca, the Half-blind Sphinx Moth
- Perigonia manni ______ DR
- Phrygionis argentata ______ JM
(in the subfamily SPHINGINAE)
- Phryxus caicus (phMB) ______ H#7840
DR JM (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
CAICUS SPHINX MOTH
Phryxus caicus
occurs in the Neotropics. It is also a breeding resident in southern
Florida, and strays occasionally north to South Carolina.
- Protambulyx strigilis (phMB) ______ H#7818
DR GD JM
PR SV (W:255) species described by
Linnaeus in 1771 (in the subfamily SPHINGINAE)
Protambulyx strigilis strigilis ______ DR
STREAKED SPHINX MOTH
Protambulyx strigilis
occurs in the West Indies, including Cuba, as well as in Central America
and South America.
- Pseudosphinx tetrio (ph) (phAC) (phMB)
______ H#7830 CY
DR GD JM PR
SL SV species
described by Linnaeus in 1771 (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
TETRIO SPHINX MOTH
Pseudosphinx tetrio occurs widely
across the Neotropics in the West Indies and from Mexico to South America.
In the US, it breeds in Florida and occasionally does so in Texas. Strays
have wandered as far north as New Jersey and Connecticut.
The caterpillar of Pseudosphinx tetrio is large, with a
distinctive yellow and black body and a red head. These caterpillars are
commonly seen feeding on Wild Jasmine Trees, Plumeria obtusa, and they
can strip the tree bare of leaves in just a matter of days. The caterpillar's
feeding does not cause any damage as the tree soon leafs out again.
Above: The large, colorful caterpillar of the Tetrio
Sphinx Moth.
It has been seen during FONT tours in the Cayman Islands.
Below: the adult moth.
- Sphinx tricolor ______ DR
(Moths in the New World in the genus SPHINX are now
said to be in the genus LINTNERIA) (in the subfamily
SPHINGINAE)
- Xylophanes chiron (phAC) (phMB) ______
DR GD
JM
PR SL SV (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
Xylophanes chiron chiron ______ JM subspecies
on Jamaica
Xylophanes chiron cubanus ______ subspecies in Cuba
Xylophanes chiron lucianus ______ SL
SV subspecies on Saint Lucia, Martinique, and nearby islands
Xylophanes chiron necchus ______ DR
GD subspecies on Hispaniola, Guadeloupe
- Xylophanes clarki ______ DR
- Xylophanes falco
______ H#7889 DR
FALCON SPHINX MOTH
- Xylophanes irrorata
______ DR
- Xylophanes jamaicensis ______ JM
(in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
Xylophanes jamaicensis
is endemic to Jamaica, but it may be a subspecies of Xylophanes porcus,
the Porcus Sphinx Moth, occurring from Florida to Bolivia.
- Xylophanes maculator (phMB) ______
JM (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
- Xylophanes pluto (phAC) (phMB) ______ H#7887
DR GD JM
PR SV
(W:278) (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
PLUTO SPHINX MOTH
Xylophanes pluto
occurs in the West Indies, as well as from Mexico to northern
Argentina, and in the US into Texas and Florida.
- Xylophanes porcus _____
H#7888 DR
Xylophanes porcus porcus ______ DR
subspecies in Cuba and on Hispaniola
PORCUS SPHINX MOTH
- Xylophanes rhodocera ______ DR
- Xylophanes tersa (ph) (phAC) (phMB) ______ H#7890
DR GD
JM
PR SV (PNE:269) (W:278) species
described by Linnaeus in 1771 (in the subfamily MACROGLOSSINAE)
Xylophanes tersa tersa ______ DR
TERSA SPHINX MOTH
Xylophanes tersa
has a wide distribution from southern Canada south to Argentina, including
the West Indies.
In North America, the most northerly breeding record is in the US state of
New Jersey.
Tersa Sphinx Moth
(copyrighted photo by Lisa Johnson)
Family
NOTODONTIDAE: PROMINENTS
The Prominents are a varied assortment of
stout, often beautifully patterned noctuid moths.
Some have a short thoracic crest or tufts of hair-like scales along the
inner margin of the forewing.
Most are found in mature woodlands, but some occur in well-established
gardens.
All are strictly nocturnal and will visit lights in small numbers.
- Antillisa barbuti ______ DR
species described in 2006
- Antillisa vincenti ______
DR species described in 2006
- Boriza eglossa ______ JM
(in HETEROCAMPINAE)
- Crinodes besckei (phMB) ______
JM (in DUDUSINAE)
- Disphragis cervina (phMB)
______ JM (in
NOTODONTIDAE)
- Disphragis jamaicensis ______ JM
(in NOTODONTIDAE)
- Hemiceras domingonis ______ DR
(in HEMICERATINAE)
- Heterocampa guttivitta (ph) (phAC) ______
H#7994 PR
(PNE:281) (W:300)
SADDLED PROMINENT
Saddled Prominent
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
- Hippia insularis ______
H#7950 JM PR (in
NYSTALEINAE)
- Hippia vittipalpis
______ DR (in
NYSTALEINAE)
- Matocampa punctata (phMB)
______ JM (in HETEROCAMPINAE)
- Notelia jaliscana ______ H#7960
PR
- Nystalea aequipars (phAC) ______
DR PR (in NYSTALEINAE)
- Nystalea collaris (phMB)
______ H#7946 JM
(in NYSTALEINAE)
- Nystalea ebalea (phAC) (phMB) ______
DR JM
PR (in NYSTALEINAE)
- Nystalea indiana
______ H#7945
DR JM (in NYSTALEINAE)
- Nystalea nyseus (phAC) ______
JM
PR (in NYSTALEINAE)
- Nystalea superciliosa (phAC) ______
PR (in NYSTALEINAE)
- Pentobesa smithsoni ______ DR
species described in 1991 (in NYSTALEINAE)
- Rifargia distinguenda (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#7966 JM PR (in
HETEROCAMPINAE)
- Symmerista albifrons ______ H#7951
DR (in NYSTALEINAE)
WHITE-HEADED PROMINENT
Family EREBIDAE, Subfamily
LYMANTRIINAE: TUSSOCK MOTHS
- Dasychira plagiata ______ H#8304
PR (PNE:291)
NORTHERN PINE TUSSOCK MOTH
Family EREBIDAE, Subfamily HERMINIINAE: LITTER MOTHS
Those in HERMINIINAE are delta-shaped, flat-winged noctuid moths found
in woodlands, fields, and gardens.
Although the group may initially be confusing, subtle differences in pattern
and form give clues to identification.
Most are nocturnal and will come to lights in small
numbers.
- Berocynta simplex ______ JM
- Bleptina acastusalis ______
DR PR
- Bleptina araealis ______
H#8370.1
PR
- Bleptina atymnusalis
______ DR
- Bleptina caradrinalis (phAC) ______
H#8370 DR JM PR (PNE:317)
BENT-WINGED OWLET MOTH
- Bleptina hydrillalis ______
H#8375 DR
PR
- Bleptina menalcasalis ______ DR
JM
PR
- Bleptina pithosalis
______ DR
- Carteris oculatalis (phAC) ______
H#8391 JM PR
DOTTED CARTERIS MOTH
- Diplodira jamaicalis ______ JM
- Heterogramma micculalis
______ DR
- Hypenula cacuminalis (phAC) ______
H#8376 PR
LONG-HORNED OWLET MOTH
- Hypenula complectalis ______ DR
PR
- Kyneria utuadae ______
PR species described in 1940
- Lascoria alucitalis ______
H#8395 JM
PR
- Lascoria orneodalis (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8396 JM PR
- Lophoditta
tuberculata ______ PR
- Lophophora clanymoides ______ PR
- Lophophora thaumasalis
______ DR
- Mastigophorus demissalis ______ PR
- Mastigophorus jamaicalis ______
JM PR
- Palthis asopialis (phAC) ______
H#8398 JM PR
(PNE:321)
FAINT-SPOTTED PALTHIS MOTH
- Phlyctaina irrigualis (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8392 JM PR
- Physula albipunctilla (phMB) ______
H#8390 JM PR
- Physula peckii ______ PR
- Renia fraternalis ______
H#8385 DR
- Salia ferrigeralis
______ DR
- Scopifera mirabilis ______ JM
- Tetanolita floridana (phAC) ______
H#8368 PR
FLORIDA TETANOLITA MOTH
- Tetanolita mutatalis ______ JM
PR
Family EREBIDAE, Subfamily HYPENINAE: SNOUTS
Moths known as Snouts are deltoid noctuids
characterized by their ample, strikingly patterned forewing.
Long labial palps give them a snout-like appearance.
These woodland moths are mostly nocturnal and are attracted to lights in
small numbers.
- Ballonicha recurvata ______ JM
- Hypena abjuralis ______ H#8456
JM
- Hypena androna ______
JM
- Hypena concinnulalis
______ DR
- Hypena conditalis ______ PR
- Hypena degasalis ______ H#8459
PR
- Hypena exoletalis ______ JM
PR
- Hypena leniusculalis ______
JM
- Hypena lividalis ______ H#8456
DR
PR
- Hypena lunifera ______ JM
- Hypena mactatalis ______
PR
- Hypena minualis (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8457 JM PR
SOOTY BOMOLOCHA MOTH
- Hypena pacatalis
______ DR
- Hypena porrectalis (phMB) ______
H#8460 JM PR
- Hypena subidalis (phMB)
______ H#8448.1 DR JM
- Hypena umbralis ______ H#8453
PR
- Hypena vetustalis (phAC) (phMB) ______
H8454.1 DR JM PR
Family EREBIDAE, Subfamily PHYTOMETRINAE
- Aglaonice hirtipalpis ______ JM
- Aglaonice otignatha ______
H#8390
JM PR
- Cecharismena cara ______ H#8330
PR
- Cecharismena nectarea ______ PR
- Glympis arenalis
______ DR
- Glympis concors ______ H#8478
PR
- Glympis eubolialis ______ DR
PR
- Hemeroplanis aurora ______ DR
- Hemeroplanis scopulepes (phMB) ______
H#8467 DR JM
VARIABLE TROPIC MOTH
- Hormoschista latipalpis ______ H#8488
PR
- Hypogrammodes balma ______ DR
- Isogona scindens (phMB) ______
H#8498 DR JM
- Mursa phtisialis ______ H#8477.2
DR JM
- Mursa sotiusalis ______ DR
- Mursa subrufa (phMB)
______ JM PR
- Ommatochila mundula (phAC) ______
H#8489 PR
- Radara nealcesalis ______ DR
PR
- Radara tauralis
______ DR
Family EREBIDAE, Subfamily CALPINAE
CALPINAE is sometimes merged into the
closely-related CATOCALINAE
(below, now EREBINAE)
- *Acanthodica emittens (phMB)
______ JM
(endemic)
- Adiopa disgrega ______ PR
- Dialithis gemmifera (phMB) ______
JM
- Eudocima colubra ______ PR
- Eudocima serpentinfera (phAC) ______
H#8543.1
DR PR
- Gonodonta aequalis ______
PR
- Gonodonta bidens (phAC) ______
H#8542.1 DR PR
Gonodonta bidens bidens ______ DR
- Gonodonta clotida ______ JM
PR
- Gonodonta incurva (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8542 DR JM PR
- Gonodonta jamaicensis ______ JM
species described in 2009
- Gonodonta nitidimacula (phMB) ______
H#8542.3 DR JM
PR
- Gonodonta nutrix (phMB) ______
H#8540 DR JM
CITRUS FRUIT-PIERCER MOTH
- Gonodonta sicheas (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8537 JM PR
- Gonodonta unica
______ H#8541
DR
- Gonodonta uxoria (phAC) (phMB) ______
DR JM PR
- Graphigona regina ______ PR
- *Metalectra analis (phMB)
______ JM
- Oraesia basiplaga
______ DR
- Oraesia excitans ______ DR
PR
- Oraesia honesta
______ DR
- Parachabora abydas (phAC) ______ PR
- *Pararcte immanis
______ DR
- *Pararcte schneideriana ______ PR
- Plusiodonta stimulans ______ DR
- Plusiodonta thomae (phAC) (phMB) ______
JM PR
- *Pseudyrias dufayi (phMB)
______ JM
- Pseudyrias watsoni ______ PR
species described in 1940
Family EREBIDAE,
Subfamilies EULEPIDOTINAE
and SCOLIOPTERYGINAE (or OPHIDERINAE)
Some in OPHIDERINAE are sometimes placed
in CALPINAE (above).
- Alabama argillacea ______ H#8554
DR
PR (in SCOLIOPTERYGINAE)
COTTON LEAFWORM MOTH
- Anomis editrix (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8553 JM PR
(in SCOLIOPTERYGINAE)
- Anomis erosa (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8545 DR JM
PR (PNE:329)
(in SCOLIOPTERYGINAE)
YELLOW SCALLOP MOTH
- Anomis exacta
______ H#8552
DR (in SCOLIOPTERYGINAE)
- Anomis flava (phAC) ______
H#8546 DR PR (in
SCOLIOPTERYGINAE)
TROPICAL ANOMIS MOTH
- Anomis gundlachi ______ PR
species described in 1940 (in SCOLIOPTERYGINAE)
- Anomis illita (phAC) ______
H#8551
JM PR (in SCOLIOPTERYGINAE)
OKRA LEAFWORM MOTH
- Anomis impasta (phMB) ______
H#8548 JM PR
(in SCOLIOPTERYGINAE)
- Anomis luridula
_____ H#8549 DR
(in SCOLIOPTERYGINAE)
- Anomis properans
______ DR (in
SCOLIOPTERYGINAE)
- Antiblemma andersoni ______ PR
- Antiblemma anhypha ______
PR
- Antiblemma bistriga ______
JM
- Antiblemma brevipennis
______ DR
- Antiblemma calida ______ JM
- Antiblemma concinnula ______ H#8579
PR
- Antiblemma leucospila
______ DR
- Antiblemma nannodes ______ JM
- Antiblemma prisca ______ PR
- Antiblemma rufinans (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8577 DR JM PR
- Antiblemma sterope ______ DR
PR
- Anticarsia elegantula ______ PR
- Anticarsia gemmatalis (ph) (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8574 DR JM PR
SL
(PNE:365)
VELVET BEAN CATERPILLAR MOTH
Velvet Bean Caterpillar Moth
- Azeta quassa ______
DR JM
- Azeta repugnalis (phMB) ______
H#8575 DR JM
PR
- Azeta versicolor ______ JM
- Azeta uncas ______ JM
- Dyomyx inferior ______ JM
- Ephyrodes cacata (phAC) ______
H#8582 DR PR
- Ephyrodes omicron
______ DR
- Epitausa coppryi (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8581.1 JM
PR
- Epitausa laetabilis
______ DR
- Eulepidotis addens (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8569.1 DR JM PR
- Eulepidotis hebe (phAC) ______ PR
- Eulepidotis juncida ______ PR
- Eulepidotis merricki (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8571 JM PR
- Eulepidotis metamorpha (phMB) ______
JM
- Eulepidotis micca ______ PR
- Eulepidotis modestula (phMB) ______
DR JM
PR
- Eulepidotis perducens (phMB) ______
JM
- Eulepidotis persimilis ______
JM
- Eulepidotis superior ______ PR
- Litoprosopus haitiensis
______ DR
- Litoprosopus hatuey ______
H#8556.1 DR
PR
- Litoprosopus puncticosta
______ DR
- Manbuta pyraliformis ______ H#8585.4
PR
- Massala obvertens (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8586 DR JM PR
- Metallata absumens (phAC) ______
H#8573
DR PR
VARIABLE METALLATA MOTH
- Phyprosopus fastigiata ______ PR
- Renodes aequalis (phAC) ______
DR PR
- Renodes eupithecioides
______ DR
- Syllectra congemmalis (phAC) ______
DR PR
- Syllectra erycata (ph) (phAC) (phMB) ______ H#8584
DR GD JM PR SL
Syllectra erycata
- Syllectra lucifer ______ PR
Family EREBIDAE, Subfamily ANOBINAE
- Baniana relapsa ______ DR
PR
Family EREBIDAE, Subfamily HYPENODINAE
- Schrankia macula (phAC)
______ H#8431 PR
BLACK-SPOTTED SCHRANKIA
MOTH
Family EREBIDAE, Subfamily HYPOCALINAE
- Hypocala andremona (phMB) ______
H#8642 DR JM
HYPOCALA MOTH
Hypocala andremona
has variously been placed in the subfamily OPHIDERINAE and in the
subfamily CALPINAE (or CATOCALINAE).
Family EREBIDAE, Subfamily RIVULINAE
- Rivula pusilla (phAC)
______ H#8404.1 PR
Family EREBIDAE, Subfamily EREBINAE
(previously CATOCALINAE)
The subfamily EREBINAE is a large group of medium
to large woodland moths that typically rest with their wings held flat.
They come to light in small numbers.
The Zales frequently visit sugar bait, often the best method of
attracting them.
- Achaea ablunaris (phMB) ______
H#8723.1 DR JM PR
- Achlyodes thraso ______
PR species described in 1953
- Antapistis leucospila
______ DR
- Argidia palmipes ______ JM
- Argidia penicillata ______
JM
- Ascalapha odorata (ph) (phAC) (phMB)
______ H#8649 CY
DR JM PR SL (PNE:337)
species
described by Linnaeus in 1758
the BLACK WITCH
(or Duppy Bat)
Ascalapha odorata is a huge moth, with a wing span of about 150mm. It is not
brightly patterned, being mostly various shades of brown with dark bands and
lines. It sometimes flies in the day, but mostly at night. At a distance, a
day-flying Black Witch could be mistaken for a butterfly, the Gold Rim
Swallowtail.
In Jamaica, where Ascalapha odorata is called the "Duppy
Bat", the moth is believed to be embodiment of a lost soul or a soul
not at rest. In Jamaican English, the word "duppy" is
associated with malevolent spirits returning to inflict harm upon the living,
and "bat" refers to anything other than a bird that flies.
The word "duppy" (or "duppie") is also used in
other West Indian countries, generally meaning "ghost".
On Cat Island in the Bahamas, where the Ascalapha odorata is locally
known at the "Money Moth", or the "Money
Bat", the legend is that if it lands on someone, that person will come
into money.
Above: a male Black Witch; below a female.
(upper photo courtesy of David MacDonald; lower photo by Sherry Nelson)
- Batina marginalis ______ DR
- Bendis bayamona ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Bendis gurda ______ PR
- Bendis magdalia ______ PR
- Bulia confirmans ______ DR
- Caenurgia adjusta
______ DR
- Calyptis iter ______ JM
(was
said to be in Family NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily CATOCALINAE)
- Casandria ferrocana ______
DR JM
- Celiptera cometophora (phMB) ______
JM (was said to be in Family NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily CATOCALINAE)
- Celiptera levina (phMB) ______
DR JM (was said to be in Family NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily CATOCALINAE)
- Coenipeta bibitrix (phMB) ______
H#8665 JM
- Coenipeta diffusa ______ JM
- Coenipeta mollis
______ DR
- Dyomyx inferior (phAC) (phMB) ______
JM PR
- Elousa albicans ______
H#8661.1 DR
JM
- Epidromia pannosa ______
H#8585.2 PR
- Epidromia poaphiloides ______ JM
- Epidromia pyraliformis
______ DR
- Epidromia rotundata ______
H#8585.3 PR
- Epidromia suffusa ______ JM
- Epidromia valida
______ DR
- Epidromia zetophora ______ JM
- Euclystis angularis (phMB) ______
JM
- Gonodontodes chionosticta
______ JM
- Hemeroblemma lienaris
______ DR
- Hemeroblemma numeria (phMB) ______
DR JM
- Hemeroblemma opigena (phMB) ______
H#8645
JM
- Hemeroblemma rengus ______ DR
PR
- *Hemeroplanis aurora
______ DR
- *Hemeroplanis scopulepes
______ DR
- Hemicephalis characteria (phAC)
______ PR
- Hemicephalis krugi ______ PR
- Kakopoda progenies (phMB) ______
H#8669
DR JM PR
- Latebraria amphipyroides ______
H#8646 PR
- Lesmone formularis (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8655 DR JM PR
- Letis hercyna ______ JM
- Letis intracta
______ DR
- Letis mycerina (phAC) ______
DR PR
- Letis specularis ______ JM
- Melipotis acontioides (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8610 DR
JM PR
ROYAL POINCIANA MOTH
- Melipotis agrotoides (phMB) ______
H#8608 JM
- Melipotis brunnearis (phMB) ______
JM
- Melipotis contorta ______
H#8605
DR PR
- Melipotis famelica (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8604
DR JM PR
- Melipotis fasciolaris (phMB) ______
H#8599 DR JM
PR
- Melipotis guanicana ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Melipotis indomita ______ H#8600
DR PR (PNE:355)
INDOMITABLE MELIPOTIS
- Melipotis januaris (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8603 DR JM PR
- Melipotis jucunda
______ H#8607 DR
- Melipotis limitata (phMB) ______
JM
- Melipotis lucigera
______ DR
- Melipotis novanda (phMB) ______
H#8609
JM
- Melipotis ochrodes (phMB) ______
DR JM
PR
- Melipotis perpendicaularis (phMB) ______
H#8598 DR JM PR
- Melipotis strigifera
______ DR
- Metria acharia ______ PR
- Metria irresoluta (phMB) ______
DR JM
- Mimophisma forbesi ______
PR
- Mocis antillesia ______ PR
- Mocis diffluens (phMB)
______ DR JM
- Mocis disseverans (phMB) ______
H#8746 DR JM PR
YELLOW MOCIS MOTH
- Mocis exscindens
______ DR
- Mocis latipes ______ H#8743
DR PR
SMALL MOCIS MOTH
- Mocis maricida ______ H#8744
PR
WITHERED MOCIS MOTH
- Mocis megas ______ PR
- Mocis repanda ______ DR
PR
- Ophisma tropicalis (phMB) ______
H#8722 DR JM PR
- Ophiusa salmus
______ DR
- Panula inconstans (phMB) ______
H#8612 DR JM
- Peosina numeria ______ PR
- Perasia flexa
______ DR
- Perasia garnoti (phMB) ______
DR JM PR
- Perasia helvina (phAC) ______ PR
- Perasia inficita
______ DR
- Ptichodis herbarum (phMB)
______ H#8750 JM
COMMON PTICHODIS MOTH
- Ptichodis immunis (phMB) ______
H#8750.1 DR JM PR
- Ptichodis infecta
______ DR
- Safia acharia ______ PR
- Selenisa humeralis ______ DR
- Selenisa projiciens ______ DR
- Selenisa suero ______ PR
- Selenisa sueroides (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8658 JM PR
PALE-EDGED SELENISA MOTH
- Thysania zenobia (ph) (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8647
DR JM PR
THE OWL MOTH
- Toxonprucha diffundens ______
H#8673.1 DR
PR
- Toxoprucha excavata
______ DR
- Tricentrogyna vinacea ______ JM
- Trigonodes lucasii (phMB)
______ DR JM
- Tyrissa recurva
______ DR
- Zale albidula
______ DR
- Zale exhausta ______ H#8684
PR
- Zale fictilis (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8687 DR
JM PR
- Zale fuliginosa
______ DR
- Zale lunata (ph) ______
H#8689 JM (PNE:361)
LUNATE ZALE
Lunate Zale
(photo by Rise Hill)
- Zale peruncta ______ H#8684.1
DR PR
- Zale plumbeolinea ______
JM
- Zale rufosa (phMB) ______
JM
- Zale setipes ______ PR
- Zale strigimacula (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8686 JM PR
Family EREBIDAE, Subfamily EUBLEMMINAE
- Eublemma basalis ______ PR
- Eublemma cinnamomea (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#9077 JM PR
- Eublemma minima ______
H#9076 PR
EVERLASTING BUD MOTH
- Eublemma recta (phMB) ______
H#9078 DR JM
PR
STRAIGHT-LINED SEED MOTH
- Eublemma rosescens
______ DR
- Eublemma sydolia ______ PR
Family EREBIDAE, Subfamily ARCTIINAE:
TIGER
MOTHS
Also here are WASP MOTHS, LICHEN MOTHS
The Wasp Moths are in CTENUCHINI.
The Lichen Moths are in LITHOSIINI.
Also included here are those moths in PERICOPINI.
Tiger Moths are a varied group of strikingly attractive moths found
in woodlands, fields, and gardens.
Many are robust and hairy, often with striped, banded, or spotted patterns.
They visit lights in varying numbers.
The Lichen Moths (in LITHOSIINI) are small, often strikingly
colorful moths whose larvae feed mostly on lichens in wooded areas.
Most are nocturnal and visit lights in small numbers.
On Hispaniola, there are about 50 known species in what has been the subfamily ARCTIINAE.
- Aethosia ectrocta
______ DR (in LITHOSIINI)
- Aethria dorsolineata (phMB)
______ JM
- Aethria rubipectus ______ DR
- Afrida basiposis
______ DR (in
LITHOSIINI)
- Afrida mesomelaena (phMB)
______ JM
- Afrida tortricifascies
______ DR (in LITHOSIINI)
- Afrida tortriciformis
(phMB) ______ JM (in
LITHOSIINI)
- Afrida ydatodes
______ H#8102 PR
(in LITHOSIINI)
has been known as DYAR'S LICHEN MOTH
- Agylla sericea ______
PR
- Ammalo helops (phMB)
______ JM
- Amplicincia fletcheri ______ JM
species described in 1950 (in LITHOSIINI)
- Amplicincia lathyi ______ JM
species described in 1950 (in LITHOSIINI)
- Amplicincia mixta ______ JM
(in LITHOSIINI)
- Amplicincia pallida ______ JM
(in LITHOSIINI)
- Amplicincia walkeri ______ JM
species described in 1950 (in LITHOSIINI)
- Antichloris quadricolor ______
JM said to be endemic to Jamaica
- Antichloris toddi ______ GD
species described in 1978 (either rare or difficult to find)
- Are druryi (phMB) ______
JM species described in 1984 (in PERICOPINI)
- Areva trigemmis ______ DR
(in LITHOSIINI)
- Argylla sericea ______ PR
- Bituryx lanceolata ______ DR
- Boenasa angelica ______
DR (in LITHOSIINI)
- Boenasa nigrorosea ______ DR
(in LITHOSIINI)
- Calidota strigosa (phAC) (phMB) ______
DR JM
PR
- Carathis palpalis (phMB)
______ JM
- Caribarctica bertrandae
______ DR species described in 2006
- Caribarctica cardinalis
______ DR
species described in 1985
- Cincia conspersa ______ JM
(in LITHOSIINI)
- Cincia sordida ______ JM
(in LITHOSIINI)
- Clystea rubipectus ______ DR (in
CTENUCHINI)
- Composia credula (phMB) ______
DR JM
PR (in PERICOPINI)
- Composia fidelissima (ph) ______
H#8038
CU CY DR (W:475)
(in PERICOPINI)
the FAITHFUL BEAUTY
(Range: the West Indies and Florida in the US)
Both the larva and the adult of Composia fidelissima are highly
conspicuous and diurnal.
When seen flying at a distance, the adult moth can be mistaken for a butterfly,
the Atala Hairstreak.
Faithful Beauty
- Correbidia lycoides (phMB)
______ JM (in CTENUCHINI)
- Correbidia terminalis (phAC) ______
PR (in CTENUCHINI)
In the genus below, COSMOSOMA, there are
said to be about 185 known species, occurring in the Neotropics and the
southern limits of the Nearctic, with the greatest diversity and abundance
in the rainforests and cloud forests of Brazil, Ecuador, and
Peru.
- Cosmosoma achemon (phAC) (phMB) ______
JM
PR (in CTENUCHINI)
- Cosmosoma auge (phAC) (phMB) ______ JM
PR species described by Linnaeus in 1767 (in
CTENUCHINI)
- Cosmosoma demantria ______
(in CTENUCHINI) said to occur on the Lesser Antillean island of
Dominica
BLUE-TAILED BEE-MIMIC
The range of Cosmosoma demantria
is from Mexico to Peru (and, as noted here, in the Antilles).
- Cosmosoma fenestrata (phMB) ______
JM
- Cosmosoma hypocheilus ______
DR SV
- Ctenucha editha
______ DR
(in PERICOPINI)
- Ctenuchidia fulvibasis ______ JM
(in PERICOPINI)
- Ctenuchidia subcyanea ______
DR (in PERICOPINI)
- Ctenuchidia virginalis ______ PR
(in PERICOPINI)
- Ctenuchidia virgo (phMB) ______
JM
PR (in PERICOPINI)
- Cyanopepla fastuosa (phMB)
______ JM (in CTENICHINI)
- Elysius cingulata (phMM)
______ JM
- Empyreuma affinis ______
CY DR GD (W:482) (in
CTENICHINI)
SPOTTED OLEANDER WASP MOTH
The wings of Empyreuma affinis are red. The forewing has a bluish
tint on the veins and outer margin.
On Hispaniola, Empyreuma affinis
was Empyreuma haitensis.
- Empyreuma anassa (phMB)
______ JM
(in CTENICHINI)
- Empyreuma lichas
______ DR
(in CTENICHINI)
- Empyreuma pugione ______
H#8272 DR
PR species described by Linnaeus in 1767 (in
CTENICHINI)
SPOTTED OLEANDER CATERPILLAR MOTH
- Epicepsis dominicensis ______
GD
- Eucereon coenobilum (phMB) ______
JM
- Eucereon cyneburge ______ GD
said to be very rare on Guadeloupe, fairly common on Martinique
- Eucereon imriei ______ GD
also on the islands of Dominica, Montserrat, St. Kitts
- Eucereon moeschieri (phMB) ______
JM
- Eucereon ochrota (phMB) ______
JM
- Eucereon rogersi ______ GD
also on the island of St. Kitts
Eucereon rogersi also ranges in
Central America in Costa Rica and Panama.
- Eunomia columbina
______ DR also said to be in
the Virgin Islands
(in CTENICHINI)
- Eunomia rubripunctata (phMB) ______
JM PR
- Eupseudosoma involuta (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8257 GD JM PR
Eupseudosoma involuta floridum ______ GD
(where it is common)
Eupseudosoma involuta
was Eupseudosoma nivea
and Eupseudodoma immaculata.
In addition to being on Caribbean islands, Eupseudosoma
involuta occurs in Central America, in the Guyanas and
Brazil, and in the US (in Florida).
- Gymnelia dubia (phMB)
______ JM (in CTENUCHINI)
- Halysidota ata ______ DR
species described in 1980
- Halysidota cinctipes (phAC) ______ PR
- Halysidota elota (phMB)
______ JM
- Halysidota leda ______ GD
(in ARCTIINI, subtribe PHAEGOPTERINA)
Halysidota leda leda ______ GD
Halysidota leda enricoi ______ subspecies
in Martinique, described in 1978
- Halysidota orientalis (ph) ______ SL
Halysidota orientalis
- Halysidota schausi ______ Martinique,
found there recently
SCHAUS' TUSSOCK MOTH
Halysidota schausi
also occurs in Texas, Mexico, Central America, and in South America
south to Peru.
- Holomelina semirosea ______ DR
- Horama grotei (phMB)
______ JM (in CTENUCHINI)
- Horama panthalon (phMB) ______
H#8287 DR GD JM PR (in
CTENUCHINI)
Horama panthalon panthalon ______ DR GD
JM PR subspecies in the Antilles, and northern South
America
TEXAS WASP MOTH
- Horama pretus (phAC) ______
GD PR (in CTENUCHINI)
- Horama rawlinsi
______ DR species described in 1992
(in CTENUCHINI)
- Hyalurga diastilba (phMB)
______ JM (in PERICOPINI)
- Hyalurga halizoa (phMB)
______ JM (in PERICOPINI)
- Hyalurga vinosa (phAC) (phMB) ______
DR GD JM PR (in PERICOPINI)
In addition to occurring on the islands coded above, Hyalurga
vinosa is also on the Caribbean islands of Antigua and St.
Kitts.
- Hypercombe decora (phAC) ______
DR PR
- Hypercombe icasia (phAC) ______
GD PR
- Hypercompe nigriplaga (phMB) ______
JM
- Hypercombe persola (phMB)
______ JM
- Hypercombe scribonia (ph) (phAC) ______
H#8146 PR
(PNE:303) (W:467)
GIANT LEOPARD MOTH
Giant Leopard Moth
(photo by Marie Gardner)
- Idalus delicata (phMB) ______
JM
- Ischnocampa griseola (phMB)
______ JM
- Leucanopsis moeschleri (phMB)
______ JM
- Lomuna nigripuncta ______ PR
- Lophocampa atomosa (phMB)
______ JM
(in ARCTIINI subtribe PHAEGOPTERINA)
- Lophocampa bahorucoensis
______ DR species described in 2005 (in
ARCTIINI subtribe PHAEGOPTERINA)
- Lophocampa caryae (ph)
______ H#8211 DR
(PNE:307) (in ARCTIINI
subtribe PHAEGOPTERINA)
HICKORY TUSSOCK MOTH
Hickory Tussock Moth
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
- Lophocampa duarteiensis
______ DR species described in 2005 (in
ARCTIINI subtribe PHAEGOPTERINA)
- Lophocampa latepunctata
______ DR species described in 2005 (in
ARCTIINI subtribe PHAEGOPTERINA)
- Lophocampa lesieuri
______ DR species described in 2005 (in
ARCTIINI subtribe PHAEGOPTERINA)
- Lophocampa neibaensis
______ DR species described in 2005 (in
ARCTIINI subtribe PHAEGOPTERINA)
- Lymire candida
______ DR (in CTENUCHINI)
- Lymire edwardsi
______ H#8270
DR (in CTENUCHINI)
EDWARDS' WASP
MOTH
- Lymire flavicollis ______ PR
(in CTENUCHINI)
- Lymire melanocephala (phMB) ______
DR JM (in CTENUCHINI)
- Mulona grisea (phMB) ______
JM
- Mulona lapidaria ______
DR (in LITHOSIINI)
- Napata chalybea (phMB)
______ JM (in CTENUCHINI)
- Napata munda ______ DR
(in CTENUCHINI)
- Napata (or Uranophora)
quadristrigata (ph) ______
SL also Dominica (in
CTENUCHINI)
Napata
(or Uranophora) quadristrigata
- Nyridela chalciope (phAC) (phMB) ______
DR GD JM PR (in
CTENUCHINI)
In the Caribbean, Nyridela chalciope
also occurs on St. Kitts. Outside the Caribbean, it is in Central America
and Colombia.
On the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, it is common.
- Nyridela xanthocela ______ JM
(in CTENUCHINI)
- Opharus bimaculata (phAC) (phMB) ______
GD JM PR
In Guadeloupe, Opharus bimaculata
is rare, and only at higher elevations. Outside the Caribbean, it has also
been found in Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, Ecuador, Brazil.
- Pachydota albiceps ______ GD
- Pachydota iodea (phMB)
______ JM
- Paracincia butleri ______ JM
(in LITHOSIINI)
- Paracincia dogmini ______ JM
(in LITHOSIINI)
- Paramulona albulata ______ PR
- Pareuchaetes insulata (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8227 DR JM PR
(W:476)
YELLOW-WINGED PAREUCHAETES MOTH
- Parvicincia belli (phMB)
______ JM (in LITHOSIINI)
- Pheia daphaena ______ GD(uncommon)
in Martinique said to be very rare
- Philoros (formerly
Antichloris) quadricolor (phMB) ______
JM
- Phoenicoprocta capistrata ______
PR (in CTENUCHINI)
- Phoenicoprocta jamaicensis (ph) (phMB)
______ JM (in CTENUCHINI)
Phoenicoprocta jamaicensis
(photo courtesy of Shelley Hall)
- Phoenicoprocta partheni ______ DR
PR
(in CTENUCHINI)
- Progona pallida ______
PR
- Pseudamastus alsa _____ GD
also on Dominica and Martinique
Pseudamastus alsa alsa ______ GD
subspecies on Guadeloupe where very rare, also on Dominica
Pseudamastus alsa lalannei ______ subspecies on Martinique
where very rare
- Pseudocharis minima (phMB)
______ H#8286 JM
(in CTENUCHINI)
LESSER WASP MOTH
- Stenognatha flinti ______
DR species described in 1982 (in
PERICOPINI)
- Stenognatha toddi (phMB)
______ JM species
described in 1975 (in PERICOPINI)
- Symphlebia jamaicensis (phMB) ______
JM
- Syntomeida epilais (ph) ______
H#8284 CY GD SL (W:483)
POLKA-DOT WASP MOTH (or
THE POLKADOT) (the larva is known as the OLEANDER CATERPILLAR)
Syntomeida epilais is a blue-black moth spotted with white.
The caterpillars of Syntomeida epilais have 3 of the classic earmarks of
unpalatability:
1) a bright orange and black coloration
2) conspicuous diurnal activity
3) they feed gregariously
Syntomeida epilais was
accidentally introduced on Martinique (with
Empyreuma affinis) in 1981and on Guadeloupe in 1982.
It also occurs on the Caribbean islands of St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and Cuba.
Also in the US in Florida.
Polka-dot Wasp Moth
- Syntomeida melanthus ______
GD SV
Syntomeida melanthus merlettii ______ GD
subspecies on Guadeloupe, described in 1978
Syntomeida melanthus
is very similar to Syntomeida syntomoides
(below).
- Syntomeida syntomoides ______ on
Martinique
In South America, Syntomeida syntomoides
has also been found in French Guiana.
- Syntomidopsis variegata (phMB) ______
JM
(endemic)
- Torycus domingonis ______ DR
(in LITHOSIINI)
- Trocodima hemiceras ______
PR
- Uraga haemorhoa (phMB)
______ JM (in CTENUCHINI)
- Uranophora chalybaea ______
JM
Uranophora quadristrigata -
above, as Napata quadristrigata.
- Uranophora rabdonota ______ GD
and Dominica
- Utetheisa ornatrix (ph) (phAC) (phMB)
______
H#8105 CY DR
GD
JM PR SL SV
(PNE:307) (W:478) described by Linnaeus in 1758
(in PERICOPINI)
ORNATE MOTH (or ORNAMENTED
UTETHEISA)
Utetheisa ornatrix is the New World counterpart of Utetheisa
pulchella, the Crimson Speckled Footman.
The forewing of Utetheisa ornatrix is yellowish white with
irregular, transverse white bands, each enclosing a line of small black spots,
and the hindwing is pink with marginal black marks.
Above & below: the Ornate Moth
- Utetheisa pulchella ______ GD
species described by Linnaeus in 1758
CRIMSON-SPECKLED FLUNKY
Utetheisa pulchella is native to
southern Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
- Virbia semirosea ______ DR
Families EUTELIIDAE
and
STICTOPTERINAE: including
EUTELIAS
and
PAECTES
Those in the EUTELIIDAE family are small to medium-sized moths, with most
having spectacularly acrobatic resting positions.
They occur in a variety of habitats, even in urban areas.
All are nocturnal, and come to lights in low numbers.
- Eutelia ablatrix (phAC) (phMB) ______
JM PR
- Eutelia caustiplaga ______ JM
- Eutelia furcata ______
H#8968.2 DR
JM
PR
FLORIDA EUTELIA MOTH
- Eutelia pyrastis ______ H#8968.1
PR
- Nagara vitrea ______ JM
(in
STICTOPTERINAE)
- Paectes arcigera ______ H#8967
DR
PR
- Paectes devincta (phAC) ______ PR
- Paectes elegans ______
JM
- Paectes fuscescens (phMB)
______ JM
- Paectes lunodes (phMB) ______
H#8963.1 JM PR
- Paectes obrotunda (phMB) ______
JM PR
- Paectes pallida ______ JM
- Palpidia melanotricha ______
JM
Family NOLIDAE: the NOLID, or TUFT MOTHS
NOLIDAE is now
said to be the subfamily NOLINAE in EREBIDAE or NOCTUIDAE.
Also here in this grouping are the subfamilies
CHLOEPHORINAE
and SARROTHRIPINAE
Subfamily COLLOMENINAE
is also
included here in this grouping.
The genus Afrida, which was here, has been moved to LITHOSIINAE
with ARCTIINAE (above, in this list).
NOLIDS are small deltoid noctuid moths that
rest with their rounded wings in a flat position.
They are predominantly gray or white with patterns of dotted or broken
lines.
Many have raised tufts of hair-like scales on the forewing.
They occur mostly in woodlands and old fields, and they are nocturnal,
attracted to lights in small numbers.
- Casandria ferrocana (phMB) ______
JM PR (in SARROTHRIPINAE)
- Cephalospargeta elongata (phMB) ______
H#9837 JM PR
- Characoma sp.
______ DR (in SARROTHRIPINAE)
- Collomena filifera (phAC) ______
H#8982 DR PR
(in CHLOEPHORINAE)
- Concana mundissima (phAC) (phMB) ______
DR JM PR (in COLLOMENINAE)
- Garella nilotica (phAC) ______
H#8974 PR
BLACK-OLIVE CATERPILLAR MOTH
- Iscadia aperta (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8980
DR JM PR (in SARROTHRIPINAE)
- Iscadia metaphaea ______ JM
(in SARROTHRIPINAE)
- Iscadia mollis ______ JM
(in SARROTHRIPINAE)
- Motya abseuzalis (phAC) ______
H#8981 PR
- Mouralia tinctoides ______
PR
- Nola bistriga (phAC) ______
PR (in NOLINAE)
- Nola cereella (phAC) ______
H#8991 DR PR
(PNE:369) (in NOLINAE)
SORGHUM WEBWORM MOTH
- Nola minna (phAC) ______ H#8993
PR (in NOLINAE)
CEANOTHUS NOLA MOTH
- Nola portoricensis ______ PR
(in NOLINAE)
- Nola sinuata ______ PR
(in NOLINAE)
- Stictoptera vitrea ______ PR
Family
NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily PLUSIINAE: LOOPERS and MILLER MOTHS
The PLUSIINAE is a distinctive group
of moths that occur mostly in open habitats such as old fields and barrens.
Many have diagnostic silvery stigmas on the forewing.
Several have tall thoracic crests and tufts of scales at the anal angle of
the forewing.
Most are nocturnal and come to lights in small numbers.
- Agrapha calceolaris ______ PR
- Agrapha oxygramma (phMB)
______ JM
- Argyrogramma verruca (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8885 DR JM PR
(PNE:375)
GOLDEN LOOPER MOTH
- Autographa biloba (phMB)
______ JM
- Autoplusia egena ______
H#8891
DR PR
BEAN-LEAD SKELETONIZER MOTH
- Chrysodeixis includens ______
H#8890 JM
PR
SOYBEAN LOOPER MOTH
- Ctenoplusia oxygramma ______
H#8889 JM
SHARP-STIGMA LOOPER MOTH
- Enigmogramma admonens ______ PR
- Enigmogramma antillea ______
PR species described in 2001
- Megalographa biloba ______
JM
- Mouralia tinctoides (phMB)
______ H#8884 DR JM
- Notioplusia illustrata (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8894 JM
PR (has been Autoplusia illustrata)
NOTIOPLUSIA MOTH
The larvae of Notioplusia illustrata feed on Lantana
camara.
- Plusia calceolaris (phMB)
______ DR JM
- Pseudoplusia includens (phMB)
______ DR JM
- Rachiplusia ou (phMB)
______ H#8895 JM
GRAY LOOPER MOTH
- Trichoplusia ni (phMB) ______
H#8887 DR JM PR
CABBAGE LOOPER MOTH
Family NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily BAGISARINAE
- Amyna axis (phAC) ______ H#9070
JM PR (PNE:385)
EIGHT-SPOT MOTH
- Amyna bullula ______
PR
- Bagisara buxea ______
PR
- Bagisara repanda (phMB) ______
DR JM PR
- Bagisara tristicta
______ H#9176
DR
Family NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily CUCULLIINAE: HOODED OWLETS
The CUCULLIINAE is a distinctive group of moths that rest their wings
and their forelegs outstretched.
A thick thoracic crest typically curls forward over the head to create a
"hooded" appearance.
They are found in woodlands and larger gardens, and they are nocturnal and
visit lights in small numbers.
- Neogalea sunia (phMB)
______ JM PR
Family NOCTUIDAE,
what has been Subfamily CYDOSIINAE
now in the subfamily
ACONTIINAE
(below).
- Cydosia nobilitella (ph) (phMB) ______ H#9000
DR JM PR SL
CURVE-LINED CYDOSIA MOTH
Curve-lined Cydosia Moth
Family NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily EUSTROTIINAE: GLYPHS
The Glyphs are colorful small to medium-sized
moths, many of which have cryptic lichen-like markings.
All are nocturnal and come to lights.
- Cobubatha albipectus ______ PR
- Cobubatha metaspilaris ______ H#9012
PR DR
- Cobubatha putnami ______ PR
- Marimatha botyoides ______ PR
- Marimatha nigrofimbria (phAC) ______
H#9044 PR (PNE:385)
BLACK-BORDERED LEMON MOTH
- Marimatha operta ______ PR
- Marimatha portoricensis ______ PR
- Marimatha trajectalis
______ DR
- Marimatha tripuncta ______ H#9045
PR
- Ozarba cinda ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Tripudia coamons ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Tripudia luxuriosa ______ H#9008
PR
- Tripudia rectangula (phAC) ______
H#9003.1 PR
species described in 2009
Family NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily ACONTIINAE: BIRD-DROPPING MOTHS
Those in ACONTIINAE are small moths, most of which
are accomplished bird-dropping mimics.
They are commonly encountered at woodland edges and in old fields, and sometimes
in the daytime.
Most are nocturnal and come to lights.
- Acontia tetragona (phMB)
______ DR JM
- Amyria octo (phMB) ______
JM
- Anateinoma affabilis ______ PR
- Araeopteron acidalica (phMB)
______ JM
- Chobata discalis ______ DR
PR
- Haplostola aphelioides ______ PR
- Lithacodia glauca (phMB)
______ JM
- Ponometia exigua ______ H#9115
DR
PR
- Spragueia apicalis (phMB)
______ H#9131 JM
YELLOW SPRAGUELA MOTH
- Spragueia dama (phAC)
_____ H#9122 DR
JM
PR
SOUTHERN SPRAGUELA MOTH
- Spragueia margana (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#9132 DR JM PR
- Spragueia pantherula ______ PR
- Spragueia perstructana (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#9124 JM PR
- Tarache tetragona ______
H#9143 JM
FOUR-SPOTTED BIRD-DROPPING MOTH
- Tarachidia flavibasis ______ PR
- Tarachidia mixta ______ PR
- Tarachidia venustula
______ DR
- Thioptera aurifera (phMB)
______ JM
Family NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily DIPHTHERINAE: the
HIEROGLYPHIC MOTH
The Hieroglyphic Moth is a distinctive species with
a crisp black pattern that brings to mind ancient Egyptian artwork.
It come to lights.
- Diphthera festiva (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#8560 DR JM PR
(PNE:391)
HIEROGLYPHIC MOTH
Family NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily ACRONICTINAE:
DAGGERS
The ACRONICTINAE is a large group of
predominantly gray noctuid moths that often have black dagger-like dashes on
the forewing.
They are found in woodlands and larger gardens, and they are nocturnal and
visit lights and sugar bait in small numbers.
Some species are difficult to identify.
- Agriopodes jucundella ______ PR
Family NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily AMPHIPYRINAE:
AMPHIPYRINE SALLOWS
Most of the AMPHIPYRINAE are chunky moths that
usually rest with their wings tented over their back.
Most inhabit woodland and field edges.
They are nocturnal and visit lights in small numbers.
- Antachara diminuta (phMB)
______ JM
- Antachara rotundata ______ DR
- Araeopteron acidalica ______ JM
- Archanara oblonga ______ JM
- Argyrosticta ditissima (phMB) ______ JM
- Callopistria floridensis
______ DR
- Catobena vitrina
______ DR
- Cropia indigna (phMB)
______ DR JM
- Cropia infusa (phMB) ______
JM PR
- Cropia subapicalis (phMB)
______ DR JM
- Cropia minthe (phMB)
______ JM
- Cropia subapicalis ______
JM
- Dypterygia punctirena
______ DR PR
- Galgula partita (ph) (phMB) ______
H#9688 JM PR
(PNE:435)
THE WEDGLING
The Wedgling
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
- Galgula subapricalis ______ JM
- Hampsonodes ampliplaga
______ DR
- Heterochroma berylloides (phAC) (phMB) ______
JM PR
- Heterochroma insignis (phMB) ______ JM
- Lithacodia glauca ______ JM
- Macapta albivitta (phMB) ______
JM
- Metaponpneumata rogenhoferi ______
PR
- Micrathetis dasararoda (phMB)
______ JM
- Micrathetis triplex (phMB)
______ DR JM
- Perigea punctirena (phMB)
______ DR JM PR
- Perigea xanthioides (phMB)
______ H#9689.1 JM
RED GROUNDLING MOTH
- Speocropia scriptura
______ DR PR
- Thioptera aurifera ______ JM
Family NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily ONCOCNEMIDINAE:
ONCOCNEMIDINE SALLOWS
The ONCOCNEMIDINAE are medium-sized, predominantly gray moths
that will often sit with their wings slightly folded at rest, but may
sometimes be found with their head flat.
All are nocturnal and visit lights in small numbers.
- Antachara diminuta ______ JM
- Catabenoides vitrina ______ PR
- Neogalea sunia ______
JM
Family NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily AGARISTINAE:
a group
that includes WOOD-NYMPHS
and FORESTERS
- Caularis jamaicensis (phMB)
______ JM (endemic)
species described in 1966
Caularis jamaicensis
was misidentified as Caularis undulans (below).
- Caularis undulans (phMB) ______
DR JM PR
- Euscirrhopterus poeyi (phMB)
______ JM
- Neotuerta sabulosa (phAC) ______ PR
- Seirocastnia tribuna
______ DR
Family NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily CONDICINAE: GROUNDLINGS
The CONDICINAE is a group of mostly small to
medium-sized deltoid moths that rest with their wings flat or slightly tented.
They are found in woodlands and larger gardens, and they are nocturnal and come
to light in low numbers.
- Condica abida ______ JM
- Condica albigera (phMB) ______
DR JM PR
- Condica circuita (phAC) (phMB) ______
DR JM PR
- Condica concisa (phMB) ______
H#9698 DR JM PR
- Condica confederata (phAC) ______
H#9714 JM PR
(PNE:421)
CONFEDERATE MOTH
- Condica cupentia (phMB)
______ JM
- Condica mobilis (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#9693 DR JM PR
(PNE:419)
MOBILE GROUNDLING MOTH
- Condica punctifera (phMB)
______ DR JM
- Condica selenosa (phMB) ______
JM PR
- Condica subornata (phMB)
______ JM
- Condica sufficiens
______ DR
- Condica sutor (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#9699 DR JM PR
(PNE:421)
COBBLER MOTH
- Homophoberia apicosa ______ H#9057
PR (PNE:421)
BLACK WEDGE SPOT
- Micrathetis dasarada ______
JM
- Micrathetis triplex (phAC)
______ H#9644 JM PR
TRIPLEX CUTWORM MOTH
Family NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily HELIOTHINAE: FLOWER
MOTHS
The HELIOTHINAE are small to medium-sized, often
beautifully patterned noctuids of woodlands and fields.
Many are regularly encountered during the daytime taking nectar from flowers.
A few, such as the Corn Earworm Moth, are prone to irruptive movements.
Although most, as noted, are diurnal, many are also nocturnal and are attracted
to lights in small numbers.
The hindwing color and pattern are important for identifying some
species.
- Helicoverpa armigera ______ PR
- Helicoverpa zea (phMB) ______
H#11068 DR JM PR
(PNE:425)
CORN EARWORM MOTH
- Heliothis lucilinea (phMB)
______ DR JM
- Heliothis subflexa
______ H#11070 DR
SUBFLEXUS STRAW MOTH
- Heliothis virescens (phMB) ______
H#11071
DR JM PR (PNE:425)
TOBACCO BUDWORM MOTH
Family NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily ERIOPINAE: FERN
MOTHS
The ERIOPINAE are small, complexly
patterned noctuids that rest with their wings slightly folded.
They have tufts of hair-like scales on the thorax and inner margins of the
wing that stick up when at rest.
These woodland moths are nocturnal and regularly come to lights.
- Callopistria floridensis ______
H#9630 PR
(PNE:427)
FLORIDA FERN-MOTH
- Callopistria jamaicensis (phMB) ______
H#9630.1 JM PR
Family NOCTUIDAE, Subfamily NOCTUINAE
The NOCTUINAE is a varied assortment of small
to medium-sized noctuid moths commonly found in woodlands, gardens, and
fields.
Some are delta-shaped and rest with their wings flat. Others have long,
narrow wings that they hold tight to their body.
All are nocturnal and will come to lights.
Included here in this grouping are those in the subfamilies GLOTTULINAE
and HADENINAE.
- Acroria terens (phAC) (phMB) ______
JM PR
- Agrotis apicalis ______ H#10062
DR
PR
- Agrotis ipsilon
______ H#10063 DR
IPSILON DART
- Agrotis malefida (phMB) ______
H#10661
JM PR (PNE:515)
RASCAL DART
- Agrotis repleta (phMB)
______ JM
- Agrotis subterranea (phMB)
______ DR JM
- Anicla infecta (phMB) ______
H#10911 DR JM PR
GREEN CUTWORM MOTH
- Barcita subviridescens (phMB)
______ JM
- Boryzops purissima (phMB)
______ JM
- Bryolymnia floccifera (phMB)
______ JM
- Bryolymnia huastea ______
PR
- Capsula
(formerly Archanara) oblonga (phMB)
______ H#9449
JM (PNE:453)
OBLONG SEDGE BORER MOTH
- Cephalospargeta elongata
______ JM
(in HADENINAE)
- Cobaliodes tripunctus ______ PR
Moths in the following genus, Elaphria, are the
MIDGETS. Galgula partita is closely related.
The MIDGETS are small, highly patterned brown moths with short
rounded wings.
They are locally common in woodlands and larger gardens, and they are
nocturnal and come to lights in small to moderate numbers.
- Elaphria agrotina (phMB) ______
JM PR (in
HADENINAE)
- Elaphria andersoni ______ PR
species described in 1940 (in HADENINAE)
- Elaphria arnoides ______ PR
(in HADENINAE)
- Elaphria basistigma (phMB)
______ JM (in HADENINAE)
- Elaphria chalcedonia (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#9679 JM PR
(PNE:433) (in HADENINAE)
CHALCEDONY MIDGET MOTH
- Elaphria cuprescens
______ DR
(in HADENINAE)
- Elaphria deliriosa
______ DR (in HADENINAE)
- Elaphria deltoides (phAC) (phMB) ______
JM PR (in HADENINAE)
- Elaphria devara (phMB)
______ JM (in HADENINAE)
- Elaphria nucicolora (phMB) ______
DR JM PR
(in HADENINAE)
SUGARCANE MIDGET
- Elaphria promiscua ______
PR (in HADENINAE)
- Elaphria subobliqua (phMB) ______
JM PR (in HADENINAE)
- Eriopyga adjuntasa ______ PR
species described in 1940
- Eriopyga crista (phMB)
______ JM
- Feltia jaculifera ______
DR
- Feltia repleta (phAC) ______
H#10665 PR
REPLETE DART MOTH
- Feltia subterranea ______ H#10664
JM PR (PNE:515)
SUBTERRANEAN DART
- Galgula subapicalis (phMB)
______ JM
- Gonodes liquida (phAC) (phMB) ______
JM PR
- Gonodontodes chionosticta (phMB)
______ JM
- Hadena ligata ______ PR
Moths in the following genus, Lacinipolia, are
the SMALL ARCHES.
SMALL ARCHES are a group of small noctuid moths that are typically
found in woodlands and old fields, but are sometimes in gardens.
Mostly they are intricately patterned and brightly colored with defined
spots.
They are nocturnal and regularly come to lights in small or moderate
numbers.
- Lacinipolia distributa ______ DR
JM (in HADENINAE)
- Lacinipolia parvula ______ PR (in
HADENINAE)
Moths in the following genus, Leucania, are
the WAINSCOTS.
WAINSCOTS are medium-sized, mostly tan-colored noctuid moths that
have faint streaky forewing patterns.
They are often found in old fields and wetlands, and they are nocturnal and
come to lights in small numbers.
Distinguishing features are often subtle, making species difficult to tell
apart.
- Leucania chejela (phMB) ______
DR JM PR (in HADENINAE)
- Leucania cinereicollis (phMB)
______ JM (in HADENINAE)
- Leucania clarescens ______ DR
JM (in HADENINAE)
- Leuconia dorsalis (phMB)
______ H#10447.1 DR JM
(in HADENINAE)
- Leucania educata ______ JM
species described in 2001 (in HADENINAE)
- Leucania hampsoni ______ PR
species described in 1940 (in HADENINAE)
- Leucania humidicola (phMB) ______
H#10458 DR JM PR
(in HADENINAE)
SUGARCANE BUDWORM MOTH
- Leucania incognita ______ DR
JM (in HADENINAE)
- Leucania inconspicua (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#10450.1 DR
JM
PR (in HADENINAE)
- Leucania lamisma ______ DR
(in HADENINAE)
- Leucania latiuscula (phMB) ______
DR JM PR (in
HADENINAE)
- Leucania lobrega ______
H#10451.1 DR
JM
species described in 2001 (in HADENINAE)
- Leucania microsticha ______ PR
(in HADENINAE)
- Leucania neiba
______ DR species described in 2001 (in HADENINAE)
- Leucania phragmitidicola ______
H#10444 PR
(PNE:495) (in HADENINAE)
PHRAGMITES WAINSCOT
- Leucania rawlinsi ______
DR JM species described in 2001 (in HADENINAE)
- Leucania secta (phMB)
______ JM (in HADENINAE)
- Leucania senescens (phMB)
______ H#10455.1 DR JM
(in HADENINAE)
- Leucania sonroja ______ DR
species described in 2001 (in subfamily HADENINAE)
- Lleucania subpunctata (phMB)
______ H#10453.1 JM (in HADENINAE)
FORAGE ARMYWORM MOTH
- Magusa orbifera (phMB) ______
JM PR
- Meliana rosea ______ PR
- Mamestra soligena (phMB)
______ JM
- Marilopteryx lamptera (phMB)
______ JM
- Mythimna sequax ______ JM
species described in 1951
- Mythimna unipuncta (phAC) ______
H#10438 DR PR
(PNE:495) (in HADENINAE)
ARMYWORM MOTH (or THE WHITE SPECK)
- Neophaenis meterythra (phMB)
______ JM
- Neophaenis respondens (phMB)
______ JM
Moths in the following genus, Orthodes, are
among those called QUAKERS.
The QUAKERS are mostly brown or chestnut and typically have a rounded
wing shape.
They are nocturnal and regularly come to lights in small or moderate
numbers.
- Orthodes jamaicensis (phMB)
______ JM
- Orthodes vesquesa (phMB)
______ JM
- Peridroma saucia ______ JM
- Pseudaletia unipuncta (phMB)
______ JM (in HADENINAE)
- Pseudaletia sequax (phMB)
______ JM (in HADENINAE)
- Pseudyrias dufayi ______ JM
- Sesamia calamistis ______ PR
- Spodoptera albula (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#9673 DR JM PR
(in HADENINAE)
GRAY-STREAKED ARMYWORM MOTH
- Spodoptera androgea (phMB) ______
H#9671.1 JM PR
(in HADENINAE)
ANDROGEA ARMYWORM MOTH
- Spodoptera dolichos (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#9671 DR JM PR
(in HADENINAE)
DOLICHOS ARMYWORM MOTH
- Spodoptera eridania (phMB) ______
H#9672 DR JM PR
(in HADENINAE)
SOUTHERN ARMYWORM MOTH
- Spodoptera exigua
______ H#9665
DR (PNE:431)
(in HADENINAE)
BEET ARMYWORM MOTH (or SMALL MOTTLED WILLOW)
- Spodoptera frugiperda (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#9666 DR JM PR
(PNE:431) (W:432) (in HADENINAE)
FALL ARMYWORM MOTH
- Spodoptera latifascia (phMB) ______
H#9670 DR JM PR
(in HADENINAE)
VELVET ARMYWORM MOTH
- Spodoptera ornithogalli (phAC) ______
H#9669 DR JM PR (PNE:431) (W:433)
(in HADENINAE)
YELLOW-STRIPED ARMYWORM MOTH
- Spodoptera pulchella (phMB) ______
H#9668 DR JM PR
(in HADENINAE)
CARIBBEAN ARMYWORM MOTH
- Tandilia rodea ______ PR
- Tiracola grandirena (phMB)
______ JM
- Xanthopastis regnatrix ______
JM (in subfamily GLOTTULINAE)
- Xanthopastis timais (phAC) (phMB) ______
H#10640 DR JM
PR (PNE:507)
(in GLOTTULINAE)
SPANISH MOTH
The Spanish Moth is a distinct species, with a pink,
orange, and black forewing that can bring to mind a traditional Spanish
patterning.
It comes to lights.
Family NOCTUIDAE, subfamily uncertain
(incertae sedis)
- Homoptera terminalis ______ DR
- Magusa orbifera ______ DR
- Notioplusia illustrata ______
DR
- Palpidia melanotricha (phMB)
______ JM (endemic)
- Poaphila scita
______ DR
- Phurys contenta
______ DR
- Phurys pura
______ DR
Some selected reference books regarding
Butterflies & Moths of the Caribbean
(in addition to those noted at the beginning of the list):
"Butterflies of the Caribbean & Florida", by Peter D. Stiling
"Butterflies & Other Insects of the Eastern Caribbean", by Peter
D. Stiling
"Butterflies of the Cayman Islands", by R.R. Askew & P.A. van B.
Stafford (an excellent, informative book, published in 2008)
"The Butterflies of Hispaniola", by Albert Schwartz, 1989
(a thorough, informative book)
"The Hawkmoths of the World", by Kitching & Cadiou, 2000
To Top of Page