List of Moths in Eastern North America in Erebidae with some photos

PO Box 9021, Wilmington, DE 19809, USA
E-mail: font@focusonnature.com
Phone: Toll-free in USA 1-888-721-3555
or 302/529-1876

A List
of Moths
in eastern
North America
with some photos

including those during
Focus On Nature Tours
in North Carolina
and elsewhere in the East

Photo at upper right: the BLACK WITCH
(photo by David MacDonald)

Part 2 of a List of Eastern North American Moths
compiled by Armas Hill

Links:

PART 1 of this List of EASTERN NORTH AMERICAN MOTHS
with families other than LYMANTRIIDAE, EREBIDAE, NOCTUIDAE, NOLIDE

OTHER LISTS: BUTTERFLIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA

DRAGONFLIES & DAMSELFLIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA

There is now a field guide to moths that is truly excellent. It is the "Peterson Field Guide to Moths of Northeastern North America", by David Beadle & Seabrooke Leckie, published in 2012.
That book is listed below under "Codes", and referred to in the list with the code (PNE).

Codes:

M#:xxxx   MONA (Moths of North America) Numbers
These generally were Hodge's Numbers, from the "Check List of the Lepidoptera of America 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That 1983 list (actually compiled thru 1978) is outdated, but those numbers have long been used (and continue to be in the MONA listing).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 (NA:xxx) refer to the photographs in the National Audubon Society Field Guide of North American Insects & Spiders, by Lorus & Margery Milne, 1980

Numbers noted as (NW:xx) refer to pages with photographs in "Moths & Caterpillars of the North Woods", by Jim Sogaard, 2009 (the North Woods series relates to wildlife in northern Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota in the US, and Ontario in Canada)

Numbers noted as (PM:xx) refer to plates with illustrations in the older Peterson book, "A Field Guide to the Moths of Eastern North America", by Charles Covell, Jr., 1984.

Numbers noted as (PNE:xxx) refer to pages with illustrations in the "Peterson Field Guide to Moths of Northeastern North America", by David Beadle & Seabrook Leckie, 2012.

Numbers noted as (S:xxx) refer to pages in the book "Butterflies and Moths" by David Carter, a Smithsonian Handbook, second printing 2002.

Numbers noted as (W:xx) refer to pages in the book "Caterpillars of Eastern North America" by David Wagner, 2005.

MA: occurs in Massachusetts
MD: occurs in Maryland
NC: occurs in North Carolina
NJ:   occurs in New Jersey
PA: occurs in Pennsylvania

(ph): species with a photo in this FONT website

As of now, there are 1,754 species of moths in this two-part list.


Links to Groupings in this Website:

Tussock Moths (Subfamily Lymantriinae)

What has been the family LYMANTRIIDAE is now said to be a subfamily,
LYMANTRIINAE, as part of the family EREBIDAE

Owlet Moths & Miller Moths
(in what has been Family Noctuidae, and including
Families Erebidae, Euteliidae & subfamilies noted below)

EREBIDAE was part of NOCTUIDAE. It is 1 of 7 North American families
in the superfamily NOCTUOIDEA that includes 12 former noctuid subfamilies:
including CALPINAE, CATOCALINAE, EUTELILINAE, HERMINIINAE,
HYPENINAE, BOLETOBLINAE, DIPHTHERINAE, EREBINAE, & others.

Nolid Moths (Family Nolidae)

Tiger Moths (Subfamily Arctiinae)

What has been the family ARCTIIDAE is now said to be a subfamily,
ARCTIINAE, as part of the family EREBIDAE

Wasp Moths (Subfamily Ctenuchiinae in Erebidae)

Lichen Moths (Subfamily Lithosiinae in Erebidae)

Other Links:

Upcoming FONT Birding & Nature Tours in North America FONT Past Tour Highlights

A List & Photo Gallery of North American Birds, in 6 parts Birds during FONT North Carolina Tours

Other Lists & Photo Galleries: Eastern North America Butterflies

Eastern North America Wildflowers and some Other Plants (noting host plants for butterflies & moths)

astern North America Dragonflies & Damselflies Eastern North America Amphibians & Reptiles

Eastern North America Mammals (Land & Sea) Eastern North America Marine Life

Moths & Butterflies in Europe Moths of the Caribbean Moths of Central America

Other Lists & Photo Galleries of Moths & Butterflies Elsewhere

Alphabetical Directory of Moths by Genus with Photos in the FONT Website

Directory of Photos in this Website

           Subfamily LYMANTRIINAE (in the Family EREBIDAE): Tussock Moths & allies

          This group was the Family LYMANTRIIDAE, and prior to that was named LIPARIDAE.

        Tussock Moths are stout, rather hairy, brownish or whitish moths with wingspans of three-quarters to
          2 and a quarter inches (20-70mm).
          They lack simple eyes. Males have feathery antennae. These characteristics, along with the wing venation,
          distinguish Tussock Moths from related families.
          The adults are short-lived, and do not feed. They have a reduced proboscis or none at all.
          The females of some species are wingless. In others, the females have wings but are poor fliers.
          Eggs are often deposited in masses, usually covered with hair from the female's abdomen.
          The slender caterpillars have long tufts of hair at each end of the body and shorter,
          often brightly colored tufts on the back.
          The hair of some species can cause an irritating rash if touched.
          The pupae are enclosed in a loose cocoon of silk.

Dasychira atrivenosa ______ MD
Yellow-based Tussock Moth ______ M#8296 MD PA (PM:44) (PNE:289) (W:444)
Dasychira basiflava

The Yellow-based Tussock Moth occurs commonly from southern Ontario & Massachusetts to Florida, and west to Missouri and Texas. Adults fly Jun-Aug & Oct, as early in Apr in the far south.
Sharp-lined Tussock Moth ______ M#8293 MD NJ (NW:163) (PM:45)
Dasychira dorsipennata

The Sharp-lined Tussock Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to the North Carolina mountains, and west to Minnesota. It is locally common. Adults fly late-Jun to early Aug, with 1 brood.

Caterpillar food: willows, and many other broad-leaved woody plants.
Manto Tussock Moth ______ MD (PM:45) (W:446)
Dasychira manto

The Manto Tussock Moth occurs from Maryland to southern Florida, and west to Kentucky and Texas. It is locally common. Adults fly Apr-Oct, with 2 broods, possibly 3 southward.
Southern Tussock Moth ______ MD
Dasychira meridionalis

The Southern Tussock Moth occurs mostly from Florida west to Texas. Adults fly Apr-Oct.
Streaked Tussock Moth ______ M#8302 MD PA (NW:164) (PM:45) (PNE:289) (W:445)
Dasychira obliquata

The Streaked Tussock Moth occurs commonly from southern Quebec to the Georgia mountains, and west to Minnesota & Arkansas. Adults fly Jun-Sep.

Caterpillar food: broad-leaved woody plants, perhaps primarily oaks.
Pine Tussock Moth ______ M#8305 MD (PNE:291)
Dasychira pinicola

The Pine Tussock Moth occurs north from Maryland to New England,
Northern Pine Tussock Moth ______ M#8304 MD PA (PNE:291)
Dasychira plagiata

The Northern Pine Tussock Moth occurs in much of New England and southern Canada, also at high elevations in the Appalachians south to North Carolina.
Tephra Tussock Moth ______ MD PA (PM:45) (W:447)
Dasychira tephra

The Tephra Tussock Moth occurs from Pennsylvania and Maryland to southern Florida, and west to Missouri & Texas. It is locally common. Adults fly May-Oct, with 2 broods.
Variable Tussock Moth ______ M#8294 MD (PM:45) (PNE:289)
Dasychira vagans

The Variable Tussock Moth occurs from Newfoundland to North Carolina, and west to Minnesota. It is common northward. Adults fly Jun-Aug.
Browntail Moth ______ (W:453)
Euproctis chrysorrhoea
Satin Moth ______ M#8319 (PNE:291) (W:451)
Leucoma salicis
Gypsy Moth (i) (ph) ______ M#8318 MD NJ PA (NA:528) (NW:167) (PNE:289) (S:267) (W:452)
Lymantria dispar

In 1869, the Gypsy Moth was accidentally carried from Europe to Massachusetts. The caterpillars have become major pests of forest and shade trees. Millions of acres of trees were denuded by them in the 1970s.

The male flies strongly, while the flightless female only flutters along the ground. One female produces masses of about 400 eggs, depositing them on tree trunks and buildings or in other protected areas,
The caterpillars feed at night. There is one generation a year.

Gypsy Moths, showing the male & female
Rusty Tussock Moth ______ M#8308 (NW:165) (PM:44) (PNE:291) (W:448)
Orygia antiqua

The Rusty Tussock Moth is Holarctic. In eastern North America, it occurs from Newfoundland to Massachusetts & central New York, and west across Canada, south to Iowa. Adults fly Jul-Sep. It is a day-flier, but males come at times to lights after dark.

Caterpillar food: many woody plants, preferring conifers.
Definite Tussock Moth ______ M#8314 MD PA (NW:166) (PM:44) (PNE:291) (W:449)
Orygia definita

The Definite Tussock Moth occurs from southern Quebec and Maine to coastal South Carolina, and west to Kentucky & Louisiana. Adults fly Aug-Oct northward, and Apr-Oct southward with 1 or 2 additional broods.
White-marked Tussock Moth ______ M#8316 MD NJ PA (NA:545) (PNE:291) (S:270) (W:450)
Orygia leucostigma

The female White-marked Tussock Moth dies soon after laying a single mass of eggs, which overwinter.
Caterpillars pupate in cocoons spun of silk and hair on bark, tree branches, and other supports. There are 2 or more generations a year.
At times, the population of this (and other closely similar species) can become so large locally that these pests severely defoliate host trees.

Orygia leucostigma is common throughout eastern North America. Adults fly Jun-Nov, usually Jun-Aug and Aug-Nov. In the northeast there is one brood, Aug-Oct.

Family NOCTUIDAE: Owlet Moths & Miller Moths

This family includes the Forester Moths, previously in a separate family AGARISTIDAE.

Also included in this part of this list are those in the families EREBIDAE & EUTELIIDAE. Species in those families are so noted.

Species are listed alphabetically by the scientific name.

NOCTUIDAE has been the largest family of moths, with about 5,000 species in North America. Most are dull-colored and have a wingspan of 3/4 of an inch to 2 inches (20-50mm), but some have brightly colored wings, and a few reach a wingspan of slightly more than 5 inches (150mm).
The antennae are slender and threadlike, and the tongue-like proboscis is usually well developed.
There is a prominent hearing organ, or tympanum, on each side of the thorax.

Adults are usually nocturnal, but some are day-fliers. Many feed on fermenting tree-sap or decaying fruit. Some sip flower nectar, and some others do not feed.
Greater Red Dart ______ MD NC PA
Abagrotis altermata
Greater Red Dart ______ M#11029 (PNE:527)
Abagrotis alternata
Blueberry Budworm Moth ______ MD
Abagrotis anchocelioides
Abagrotis brunneipennis ______ MD
Cupid Dart ______ M#11043 MD (PNE:527)
Abagrotis cupida
Abagrotis magnicupida ______ MD
Oval Nettle Moth ______ M#8880 (PNE:377) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Abrostola ovalis
Spectacled Nettle Moth ______ M#8881 (NW:188) (PNE:375) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Abrostola urentis

Another name for Abrostola urentis is Variegated Brindle.

Caterpillar food: Stinging Nettle, perhaps other nettles
Distinct Quaker ______ M#10518 MD PA (PM:21) (PNE:485) (W:422)
Achatia distincta

The Distinct Quaker occurs commonly from southern Quebec to northern Florida, and west to Manitoba and Texas. Adults fly late-Mar to early-May.

The following species in the genus ACRONICTA are all in the subfamily ACRONICTINAE in the family NOCTUIDAE.
Elder Shoot Borer Moth ______ M#9520 (PNE:453)
Achatodes zeae
Afflicted Dagger ______ M#9254 MD NJ PA (PNE:403) (W:323)
Acronicta afflicta
American Dagger ______ M#9200 MD NC PA (NW:207) (PNE:395) (W:324)
Acronicta americana
Birch Dagger ______ M#9208 MD PA (PNE:397)
Acronicta betulae
Clear Dagger ______ MD PA (W:336)
Acronicta clarescens (or pruni)
Connected Dagger ______ M#9219 MD (PNE:397) (W:336)
Acronicta connecta
Fingered Dagger (ph) ______ M#9203 MD (NW:207) (PNE:395) (W:336)
Acronicta dactylina

Fingered Dagger
(photo by Marcie O'Connor)
Fragile Dagger ______ M#9241 MD (PNE:401)
Acronicta fragilis
Funerary Dagger ______ M#9221 MD NC PA (PNE:397) (W:325)
Acronicta funeralis

Another name for Acronicta funeralis is Paddle Caterpillar.
Gray Dagger ______ M#9212 MD (PNE:397) (W:326)
Acronicta grisea
Hesitant Dagger ______ M#9245 MD (PNE:401)
Acronicta haesitata
Witch Hazel Dagger ______ MD (W:322)
Acronicta hamamelis (or subochrea)
Speared Dagger (ph) ______ M#9229 MD PA (NW:207) (PNE:399) (W:327)
Acronicta hasta

Another name for Acronicta hasta is Cherry Dagger.

Speared Dagger
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Yellow-haired Dagger ______ M#9257 MD PA (NW:207) (PNE:403) (W:328)
Acronicta impleta
Impressive Dagger ______ M#9261 MD (PNE:403) (W:336)
Acronicta impressa
Southern Oak Dagger ______ M#9249 MD NJ PA (NW:207) (PNE:403) (W:329)
Acronicta increta

Another name for Acronicta increta is Raspberry Dagger.
Unmarked Dagger ______ M#9207 MD (PNE:395)
Acronicta innotata
Interrupted Dagger ______ M#9237 MD PA (NW:207) (PNE:401) (W:335)
Acronicta interrupta
Pleasant Dagger ______ M#9227 MD (PNE:399) (W:335)
Acronicta laetifica
Lanceolate Dagger ______ M#9274 (PNE:405)
Acronicta lanceolaria
Cottonwood Dagger ______ M#9205 MD PA (NW:207) (PNE:395) (W:336)
Acronicta lepusculina
Streaked Dagger ______ M#9266 MD NJ PA (PNE:405) (W:335)
Acronicta lithospila
Lobelia Dagger ______ M#9238 MD NJ PA (PNE:401) (W:330)
Acronicta lobeliae

Another name for Acronicta lobeliae is Great Oak Dagger Moth.
Long-winged Dagger ______ M#9264 MD PA (PNE:405) (W:322)
Acronicta longa
Medium Dagger ______ M#9244 MD NJ (PNE:401)
Acronicta modica
Ochre Dagger ______ M#9236 MD PA (NW:207) (PNE:399) (W:331)
Acronicta morula
Night-wandering Dagger (ph) ______ M#9259 MD NC (PNE:403) (W:336)
Acronicta noctivaga

Night-wandering Dagger
(photo by Marcie O'Connor)
Smeared Dagger (ph) ______ M#9272 MD PA (NW:207) (PNE:405) (W:332)
Acronicta oblinita

Another name for Acronicta oblinita is Smartweed Caterpillar.

Above & below: the Smeared Dagger
Above: the caterpillar, below: the moth
(photos by Stephen Kloiber)
Ovate Dagger ______ M#9243 MD NC NJ PA (PNE:401) (W:336)
Acronicta ovata
Radcliffe's Dagger ______ M#9209 MD PA (PNE:397) (W:333)
Acronicta radcliffei
Retarded Dagger ______ M#9251 MD PA (PNE:403) (W:335)
Acronicta retardata
Ruddy Dagger (ph) ______ M#9199 MD PA (PNE: 395) (W:395)
Acronicta rubricoma

The caterpillar of the Ruddy Dagger
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Nondescript Dagger ______ M#9235 MD PA (PNE:399) (W:335)
Acronicta spinigera
Splendid Dagger ______ M#9226 MD PA (NW:206) (PNE:399) (W:335)
Acronicta superans

Caterpillar food: mostly rose family, also cherries, juneberries, hawthorn
Triton Dagger ______ M#9211 MD NJ PA (PNE:397) (W:334)
Acronicta tritona
Delightful Dagger ______ M#9225 MD PA (PNE:399) (W:336)
Acronicta vinnula
Vulpina Dagger ______ (NW:207)
Acronicta vulpina
Finnish Dart ______ M#10924 (PNE:509)
Actebia fennica
Fringe-tree Sallow Moth ______ (NW:237)
Adita chionanthi

Caterpillar foods include: ash
Pale-banded Dart (ph) ______ M#10955 MD NC NJ PA (PNE:525)
Agnorisma badinodis

The caterpillar of Agnorisma badinodis is called the Spotted-side Cutworm.

Pale-banded Dart
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Agnorisma bollii ______ MD
Collared Dart ______ M#10954 MD (PNE:525)
Agnorisma bugrai
The Green Marvel (ph) _______ M#9281 NC PA (NW:209) (PNE:405) (in subfamily Acronictinae in family Noctuidae)
Agriopodes fallax

The Green Marvel is uncommon throughout eastern North America. Adults fly Apr-Aug.

Caterpillar food includes Viburnum.

Green Marvel
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Swordsman Dart ______ M#10648 MD PA (PNE:515)
Agrotis gladiaria
Ipsilon Dart (ph) ______ M#10663 MD NC NJ PA (PNE:517) (S:252) (W:435)
Agrotis ipsilon

Agrotis ipsilon is also called the Dark Sword Grass Moth. The caterpillar is called Black Cutworm.

A photo of an Agrotis ipsilon specimen is in the list in this website of EUROPE MOTHS.
Rascal Dart ______ M#10661 (PNE:515)
Agrotis malefida
Oblique Dart ______ M#10660 (PNE:515)
Agrotis obliqua
Venerable Dart ______ M#10651 MD NC (PNE:515)
Agrotis venerabilis
Old Man Dart ______ M#10641 MD (PNE:515)
Agrotis vetusta
Voluble Dart ______ M#10659 MD (PNE:515)
Agrotis volubilis
Cotton Moth ______ (S:263) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Alabama argillacea
Unspotted Looper Moth ______ M#8898 NC PA (PNE:377) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Allagrapha aerea
False Underwing ______ M#8721 NJ PA (PM:32) (PNE:359) (W:357) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Allotria elonympha

The False Underwing occurs from southern Maine to Florida, and west to Texas. It is common to abundant. Adults fly Mar-Sep.
Langston's Forester ______
Alypia langtoni

Alypia langtoni occurs from Newfound to Maine, and west to Manitoba & Michigan. Adults fly Jun-Aug.
MacCulloch's Forester ______
Alypia maccullochii

Alypia maccullochii occurs in Labrador and Quebec, and westward in Canada. Adults fly May-Aug.
Eight-spotted Forester ______ M#9314 NC NJ PA (NA:18,521) (NW:213) (PM:15) (PNE:419) (S:266) (W:382)
Alypia octomaculata

The adult Eight-spotted Forester flies in bright daylight and can be mistaken for a butterfly.

Alypia octomaculata occurs from Maine & southern Quebec to Florida, and west to South Dakota & Texas. Adults fly Apr-Jun northward, and as a 2nd brood during Aug in the south.

Caterpillar food: grapes and woodbine
Wittfeld's Forester ______ (PM:15)
Alypia wittfeldii

Alypia wittfeldii occurs in peninsular Florida, where seemingly it is uncommon. Adults fly Jan-May.
Feeble Grass Moth ______ M#9818 (PNE:363)
Amolita fessa
American Ear Moth ______ M#9457 NJ (PNE:455)
Amphipoea americana
Smooth Amphipyra ______ M#9640 MD (PNE:411) (in subfamily Amphipyrinae in family Noctuidae)
Amphipyra glabella
Copper Underwing (*) ______ M#9638 MD NC NJ PA (NW:225) (PNE:409) (S:256) (W:391) (in subfamily Amphipyrinae in family Noctuidae)
Amphipyra pyramidoides

PA: 2015, Jul 25
Mouse Moth ______ M#9639 MD (PNE:409) (in subfamily Amphipyrinae in family Noctuidae)
Amphipyra tragopoginis
Eight-Spot ______ M#9070 (PNE:385) (in the family Noctuidae)
Amyna axis
Celery Looper Moth ______ M#8924 PA (PNE:383) (W:380) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Anagrapha falcifera
Green Arches ______ M#11000 MD (PNE:521)
Anaplectoides prasina
Dappled Dart ______ M#11001 MD (PNE:521)
Anaplectoides pressus
The Nutmeg ______ M#10223 MD PA (PNE:487)
Anarta trifolii
Approachable Sallow Moth ______ M#9963 (PNE:475)
Anathix aggressa

The Approachable Sallow Moth occurs in western North America, as far east as southwestern Ontario.
Puta Sallow Moth ______ M#9962 MD (PNE:475)
Anathix puta

The Puta Sallow Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to Pennsylvania, and west to Minnesota. Adults fly Aug-Sep.
Dotted Sallow Moth ______ M#9961 MD (PM:24) (PNE:475)
Anathix ralla

The Dotted Sallow Moth occurs commonly from Quebec & Maine to North Carolina, and west to Michigan & western Kentucky. Adults fly Aug-Oct.
United Cutworm Moth ______ M#10530 (PNE:503)
Anhimella contrahens
Forbes' Dart ______ M#10902 (PNE:509)
Anicia forbesi
Snowy Dart ______ M#10903 MD (PNE:509)
Anicia illapsa
Green Cutworm Moth ______ M#10911 MD NC NJ PA (PNE:507)
Anicia infecta
Slippery Dart ______ M#10901 (PNE:509)
Anicia lubricans
Yellow Scallop Moth ______ M#8545 (PNE:329)
Anomis erosa
Hibiscus Leaf Caterpillar Moth (ph) ______ M#8547 NJ PA (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Anomis privata

The moth of the Hibiscus Leaf Caterpillar
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
The Gray Marvel ______ M#9284 (PNE:429)
Anterastria teratophora
Velvetbean Caterpillar Moth ______ M#8574 (PNE:365) (in subfamily Eulepidotinae in family Erebidae)
Anticarsia gemmatalis
Fox Apamea ______ M#9351 (PNE:443)
Apamea alia
Yellow-headed Cutworm Moth ______ M#9348 MD (PNE:445)
Apamea amputatrix
Rice Worm Moth ______ M#9343 MD (PNE:441)
Apamea apamiformis
Glassy Cutworm Moth ______ M#9382 MD (PNE:445)
Apamea devastator
Doubtful Apamea ______ M#9367 MD (PNE:445)
Apamea dubitans
Yellow Three-spot Moth ______ M#9373 MD (PNE:445)
Apamea helva
Impulsive Apamea ______ M#9360 MD (PNE:443)
Apamea impulsa
Ignorant Apamea ______ M#9362 MD (PNE:443)
Apamea indocilis
Wood-colored Apamea ______ M#9333 MD (PNE:443)
Apamea lignicolora
Black-dashed Apamea ______ M#9328 MD (PNE:441)
Apamea nigrior
Snowy-veined Apamea ______ M#9374 (PNE:445)
Apamea niveivenosa
Dusky Apamea ______ M#9344 MD (PNE:441)
Apamea plutonia
Red-winged Apamea ______ M#9365 (PNE:445)
Apamea scoparia
Rustic Shoulder-knot Moth ______ M#9364 MD (PNE:443)
Apamea sordens
Small Clouded Brindle ______ M#9362.2 (PNE:443)
Apamea unanimis
Mullein Apamea ______ M#9326 MD (PNE:441)
Apamea verbascoides
Airy Apamea ______ M#9341 MD (PNE:441)
Apamea vultuosa
Golden Looper Moth ______ M#8885 (PNE:377) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Argyrogramma verruca
Short-lined Chocolate Moth ______ M#8764 (NW:235) (PNE:359)
Argyrostrotis anilis

Caterpillar food: wild plums and other cherries, also roses
Four-lined Chocolate Moth ______ M#8762 (PNE:359)
Argyrostrotis quadrifilaris
Common Arugisa ______ M#8509 (PNE:331)
Arugisa lutea
Black Witch (ph) ______ M#8649 NJ PA (NA:561) (PM:7) (PNE:337) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Ascalapha odorata

The Black Witch is the largest owlet moth in the United States. Often it flies great distances in only a few nights, hiding by day wherever it can find dense shade.

The Black Witch is tropical. It is in southern Florida and southern Texas all year. Individuals stray northward as far as Newfoundland and Minnesota, usually in Jul-Oct. Found northward more than the Owl Moth, Thysania zenobia.

Ascalapha odorata was formerly in the genus EREBUS.

Above: a male Black Witch; below a female
(upper photo courtesy of David MacDonald; lower photo by Sherry Nelson)
The Slowpoke ______ M#9650 MD NJ (PNE:435)
Athetis tarda
Large Looper Moth ______ M#8923 (PNE:381) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Autographa ampla
Two-spotted Looper Moth ______ M#8911 PA (PNE:381) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Autographa bimaculata
Wavy Chestnut Y ______ M#8912 (PNE:379) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Autographa mappa
Common Looper Moth ______ M#8908 NC PA (PNE:379) (W:378) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Autographa precationis
Obtuse Yellow Moth ______ M#9725 PA (PNE:415)
Azenia obtusa

Moths in the following genus have been in a subfamily of Noctuidae (as noted below), and prior to that in ARCTIIDAE. Some sources now put the genus Baileya in the family NOLIDAE.
Small Baileya (ph) ______ M#8973 PA (PNE:373) (in family Noctuidae)
Baileya australis

The Small Baileya occurs commonly from southern Ontario to northern Florida, and west to Kansas and Texas. Adults fly Apr-Sep.

Small Baileya
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Sleeping Baileya ______ M#8971 (PNE:373) (in family Noctuidae)
Baileya dormitans
Doubleday's Baileya (ph) _____ M#8969 NC PA (NW:249) (PNE:373) (in family Noctuidae)
Baileya doubledayi

Caterpillar food: alders

Doubleday's Baileya
(photo by Marcie O'Connor)
Pale Baileya ______ M#8972 (PNE:373) (in family Noctuidae)
Baileya levitans
Eyed Baileya ______ M#8970 NC PA (NW:249) (PNE:373) (W:456) (in family Noctuidae)
Baileya ophthalmica
White-blotched Balsa ______ M#9664 MD (PNE:393) (in subfamily Balsinae in family Noctuidae)
Balsa labecula
Many-dotted Appleworm Moth ______ M#9662 MD NJ (NW:226) (PNE:393) (in subfamily Balsinae in family Noctuidae)
Balsa malana

Caterpillar food: foliage of the rose family, also apple, cherry, plum
Three-lined Balsa Moth ______ M#9663 MD NC NJ PA (PNE:393) (in subfamily Balsinae in family Noctuidae)
Balsa tristrigella
Gold Moth ______ M#9781 MD NC (PNE:413) (W:395)
Basilodes pepita
Pickerelweed Borer Moth ______ M#9526 MD (PNE:461)
Bellura densa
Cattail Borer Moth ______ M#9525 MD NC (PNE:461)
Bellura obliqua

Genetic studies suggest that the Cattail Borer Moth in eastern North America may actually be a complex of two or more species. Individuals with shorter, rounder wings and more uniform orbicular spots may prove to be a separate species once the genus has been examined and revised.
Black-tailed Diver Moth ______ M#9523.1 (PNE:461)
Bellura vulnifica
Bent-winged Owlet ______ M#8370 NJ PA (PNE:317) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Bleptina caradrinalis
Black-disc Sallow Moth ______ M#9578 (PNE:477)
Brachylomia discinigra
Vetch Looper Moth ______ M#8733 NJ (PNE:357) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Caenurgia chloropha
Clover Looper Moth (*) ______ M#8738 NJ PA (NW:185) (PNE:357) (W:359) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Caenurgina crassiuscula

Caterpillar food: often herbaceous legumes

PA: 2015, July 25
Forage Looper Moth ______ M#8739 NJ PA (PNE:357) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Caenurgina erechtea
Silver-spotted Fern Moth ______ M#9633 MD (PNE:429)
Callopistria cordata
FIorida Fern Moth ______ M#9630 NC (PNE:427) (also called Florida Callopistria)
Callopistria floridensis
Callopistria granitosa ______ MD
Pink-shaded Fern Moth ______ M#9631 MD (NW:224) (PNE:429) (W:428)
Callopistria mollissima

Caterpillar food: ferns, Silver-spotted on Sensitive and Bracken Ferns
Toadflax Brocade Moth ______ M#10177 MD PA (PNE:415) (W:387)
Calophasia lunula
Canadian Owlet ______ M#8536 (NW:177) (PNE:329) (W:370) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Calyptra canadensis

Caterpillar food: Tall Meadow-rue and maybe other meadow-rues.
Curved Halter Moth ______ M#9059 (PNE:387) (in the family Noctuidae)
Capis curvata
Oblong Sedge Borer Moth ______ M#9449 (PNE:453)
Capsula oblonga
Subflava Sedge Borer Moth ______ M#9450 (PNE:453)
Capsula subflava
Civil Rustic Moth ______ M#9656 MD (PNE:435)
Caradrina montana
Speckled Rustic Moth ______ M#9657 MD (PNE:435)
Caradrina multifera
Fine-lined Sallow ______ M#10033 MD (PNE:415)
Catabena lineolata

The following genus, CATOCALA, is the fourth largest genus of macrolepidopteran moths in North America, with over 110 species. Approximately 75 of them occur in eastern North America.

All of the species in the genus CATOCALA are in the subfamily EREBINAE in the family EREBIDAE.

The moths known as UNDERWINGS are so called because, when they are at rest, their forewings are folded back to cover their hindwings, thereby "converting" them, with their bright colors, into the UNDERwings.

There is fine plate depicting the UNDERWINGS, in color, in Herman Strecker's "Lepidoptera" published in 1878.
At the bottom left of that plate, is the Sweetheart Underwing with which Strecker fell in love as a child.

A photograph of that species is here, below, and that plate from 1878 is illustrated in the much newer book, "Butterfly People", by William Leach, published in 2013.
The Sweetheart Moth (or Sweetheart Underwing) (ph) ______ M#8834 MD PA (NA:557) (PNE:349) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Catocala amatrix

Although the moths of Catocala amatrix are camouflaged amazingly well when at rest, they are alert to the approach of a person or bird and fly off rapidly. They are nocturnal, and fly to artificial lights. By day, they hide on tree trunks and branches.

The Sweetheart Moth
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Girlfriend Underwing ______ M#8878 MD NJ PA (PNE:355) (W:361)
Catocala amica
Andromeda Underwing ______ MD PA (W:366)
Catocala andromedae
Angus Underwing ______ M#8783 (PNE:341)
Catocala angusi
Sweetfern Underwing ______ M#8775 MA PA (PNE:339) (W:366)
Catocala antinympha
The Old Maid ______ M#8777 (PNE:339)
Catocala badia
Charming Underwing ______ M#8867 MA MD (PNE:351)
Catocala blandula
Briseis Underwing ______ M#8817 (PNE:347)
Catocala briseis
Darling Underwing (ph) ______ M#8832 MD PA (PNE:347)
Catocala cara

Darling Underwing
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Yellow-banded Underwing ______ M#8802 MD NJ (PNE:345)
Catocala cerogama
Clinton's Underwing ______ M#8872 MD (PNE:353)
Catocala clintonii
Scarlet Underwing (ph) ______ M#8851 MA MD PA (PNE:349) (W:366)
Catocala coccinata

The Scarlet Underwing is locally common in eastern North America. Adults fly Jun-Sep.

Scarlet Underwing
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Pink Underwing ______ M#8833 MA MD (NW:187) (PNE:347)
Catocala concumbens
Connubial Undewing ______ M#8877 MA MD (PNE:353)
Catocala connubialis
Hawthorn Underwing ______ M#8858 MA MD PA (PNE:351) (W:366)
Catocala crataegi
Epione Underwing ______ M#8773 MD PA (PNE:339) (W:362)
Catocala epione
Woody Underwing ______ M#8864 MA MD (PNE:351)
Catocala grynea
Habilis Underwing (ph) ______ M#8778 MD PA (PNE:339)
Catocala habilis

Habilis Underwing
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Ilia Underwing (ph) ______ M#8801 MA MD NJ PA (PNE:345) (W:363)
Catocala ilia

Above & below: the Ilia Underwing
(upper photo by Stephen Kloiber)
(lower photo taken in South Carolina in July 2015)
Magdalen Underwing ______ M#8840 (PNE:349)
Catocala illecta
The Betrothed ______ M#8770 MD (PNE:337)
Catocala innubens
Inconsolable Underwing ______ PA (W:366)
Catocala insolabilis
Judith's Underwing ______ M#8781 MD (PNE:341)
Catocala judith
Tearful Underwing ______ M#8794 MD (PNE:343)
Catocala lacrymosa
Little Lined Underwing ______ M#8878.1 MA MD (PNE:355)
Catocala lineella
Sad Underwing ______ M#8793 MD (PNE:343)
Catocala maestosa
Marbled Underwing ______ M#8804 MD (PNE:345)
Catocala marmorata
The Little Nymph ______ M#8874 MD PA (PNE:353)
Catocala micronympha

The caterpillars of the Little Nymph Underwing are found on oaks throughout eastern North America.
Little Underwing ______ M#8874 MD (PNE:353)
Catocala minuta
Wonderful Underwing ______ M#8863 MD (PNE:351)
Catocala mira
The Little Wife Underwing ______ MD (W:364)
Catocala muliercula
Clouded Underwing ______ M#8796 MD (PNE:343)
Catocala nebulosa
The Bride (ph) ______ M#8798 MD PA (PNE:345) (W:366)
Catocala neogama

The Bride occurs from Quebec and Maine to northern Florida, and west to South Dakota & Texas. It is common in much of its range. Adults fly Jun-Oct. Foods include butternut, hickories, and walnuts.

The Bride
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Obscure Underwing ______ M#8784 MD PA (PNE:341) (W:366)
Catocala obscura
The Oldwife Underwing ______ M#8795 MD (PNE:343)
Catocala palacogama
Mother Underwing ______ M#8806 MD (PNE:347)
Catocala parta
The Penitent ______ M#8771 MD PA (PNE:337)
Catocala piatrix
Praeclara Underwing ______ M#8865 MA MD (NW:187) (PNE:351)
Catocala praeclara
Precious Underwing ______ MD
Catocala pretiosa
White Underwing (ph) ______ M#8803 MA MD PA (NW:187) (PNE:345) (W:365)
Catocala relicta

The caterpillars of Catocala relicta feed on poplar and willow.

White Underwing
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Residua Underwing ______ M#8785 MD (PNE:341)
Catocala residua
Yellow-gray Underwing (ph) ______ M#8788 MD PA (PNE:341)
Catocala retecta

The Yellow-gray Underwing occurs from southern Quebec and Maine to Georgia, and west to Wisconsin and Arkansas. It is common to abundant. Adults fly Jul-Oct.

Yellow-gray Underwing
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Robinson's Underwing ______ M#8780 (PNE:339)
Catocala robinsonii
Semirelict Underwing ______ M#8821 (PNE:347)
Catocala semirelicta
Serene Underwing (ph) ______ PA
Catocala serena

The Serene Underwing occurs from Massachusetts to North Carolina, and west to Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi. It can be uncommon to common. Adults fly Jun-Oct.

Serene Underwing
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Similar Underwing ______ M#8873 MD NJ (NW:187) (PNE:353)
Catocala similis
Sordid Underwing ______ M#8846 MD PA (PNE:349) (W:366)
Catocala sordida
Youthful Underwing ______ M#8797 MD PA (PNE:343)
Catocata subnata
Ultronia Underwing ______ M#8857 MA MD NJ PA (NW:187) (PNE:349) (W:368)
Catocala ultronia
Once-married Underwing ______ M#8805 MA MD (NW:186) (PNE:347)
Catocala unijuga

Caterpillar food: poplars, willows
The Widow (ph) ______ M#8792 MD PA (PNE:341)
Catocala vidua

The caterpillars of Catocala vidua feed on hickory and walnut.

The Widow
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Black Bit Moth ______ M#8747 (PNE:357)
Celiptera frustulum
Fish's Dart ______ M#10997 (PNE:517)
Cerastis fishii
Willow Dart ______ M#10996 MD (PNE:517)
Cerastis salicarum
Reddish Speckled Dart ______ M#10994 MD NC PA (PNE:517)
Cerastis tenebrifera
Tufted Bird-dropping Moth (ph) ______ M#9062 PA (NW:199) (PNE:407) (W:385) (in subfamily Acronictinae in family Noctuidae)
Cerma ceriintha (or Chamyris ceriintha)

Caterpillar food: mostly cherries, but also apple, juneberries, hawthorns

Tufted Bird-dropping Moth
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Owl-eyed Bird-dropping Moth ______ M#9061 (NW:198) (PNE:407) (in subfamily Acronictinae in family Noctuidae)
Cerma cora

Caterpillar food: cherries, especially Pin Cherry
Waxed Sallow Moth ______ M#9948 (PNE:473)
Chaetaglaea cerata
Silky Sallow Moth ______ M#9950 MD (PM:23) (PNE:473)
Chaetaglaea sericea

The Silky Sallow Moth occurs commonly from Nova Scotia to northern Florida, and west Wisconsin and Mississippi. Adults fly Sep-Nov, to Feb in South Carolina.
Trembling Sallow Moth ______ MD
Chaetaglaea tremula

The Trembling Sallow Moth occurs from Maine to Florida, and west to Kentucky and Mississippi. Adults fly mid-Sep to late-Nov, to Feb southward.

The following species in the genus Charadra is now said by some to be in the family PANTHEIDAE.
The Laugher ______ M#9189 PA (NW:253) (PNE:391) (in subfamily Pantheinae in family Noctuidae)
Charadra deridens
Bent-line Dart ______ M#10998 MD NC NJ PA (PNE:519)
Cheophora fungorum
Formosa Looper Moth ______ M#8904 (PNE:379) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Chrysanympha formosa
Soybean Looper Moth ______ M#8890 (PNE:377) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Chrysodeixis includens
Morbid Owlet ______ M#8355 NC NJ (PNE:315) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Chytolita morbidalis
Stone-winged Owlet ______ M#8356 NJ (PNE:315) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Chytolita petrealis
The Cloaked Marvel (ph) ______ M#9556 MA NC NJ PA (NW:220) (PNE:481) (in subfamily Amphipyrinae)
Chytonix palliatricula

The Cloaked Marvel is common throughout eastern North America. Adults fly Jun-Aug.

Caterpillar food: fruiting fungi growing on wood

Cloaked Marvel
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Goldenrod Stowaway Moth ______ M#9766 PA (PNE:413)
Cirrhophanus triangulifer
Black-dotted Brown Moth ______ M#8582 (PNE:355)
Cissusa spadix
Yellow-lined Owlet ______ M#8411 (PNE:327)
Colobochyla interpuncta

Moths in the following genus Colocasia are now said by some to be in the family PANTHEIDAE.
Saddled Yellowhorn ______ M#9184 (PNE:391) (in subfamily Pantheinae in family Noctuidae)
Colocasia flavicornis

The term "yellowhorn" these Colocasia species refers to their orange-yellow antennae.
Close-banded Yellowhorn ______ M#9185 MA (NW:252) (PNE:391) (in subfamily Pantheinae in family Noctuidae)
Colocasia propinquilinea
The Confederate ______ M#9714 MD NC (PNE:421)
Condica confederata
Condica concisa ______ MD
Splotched Groundling ______ MD
Condica cupentia
Mobile Groundling ______ M#9693 MD NC (PNE:419)
Condica mobilis
The Cobbler ______ M#9699 MD (PNE:421)
Condica sutor
Dusky Groundling (*) ______ M#9696 MD NC NJ PA (PNE:419)
Condica vecors

PA: 2015, Jul 25
White-dotted Groundling (ph) ______ M#9690 MD PA (PNE:419)
Condica videns

White-dotted Groundling
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Sharp Angle Shades ______ M#9548 (NW:219) (PNE:439)
Conservula anodonta
Grote's Sallow ______ M#10021 MD NJ (PNE:413)
Coplvaleria grotei
American Dun-bar Moth ______ M#9815 MD NJ (NW:230) (PNE:477) (W:429)
Cosmia calami

Caterpillar food: oaks
Verbena Moth ______ M#9661 MD PA (PNE:423)
Crambodes talidiformis
Norman's Quaker ______ M#10501 NJ (PM:22) (PNE:483) (W:420)
Crocigrapha normani

The Norman's Quaker occurs from Nova Scotia to South Carolina, and west to Manitoba, Mississippi. It is common northward. Adults fly Mar-Jun.
Catocaline Dart ______ M#11012 (PNE:519)
Cryptocala acadiensis
Sharp-stigma Looper Moth ______ M#8889 (PNE:377) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Ctenoplusia oxygramma
Camphorweed Cucullia ______ MD (W:390)
Cucullia alfarata
Goldenrod Hooded Owlet (also called The Asteroid) ______ M#10200 MD (NW:238) (PNE:407) (W:388) (in subfamily Cuculliinae in family Noctuidae)
Cucullia asteroides

The adult Cucullia asteroides resembles a broken twig when in its perching posture, with its wings cloaked, and its thoracic "hood" raised.
In Europe, these moths are commonly called "sharks" due to their prominent "fins" of thoracic setae formed when the patagia of the collar are raised.

Caterpillar food: the aster family; usually prefers flowers but will eat leaves The caterpillar may be cryptic on its food plant, even in its purplish form, as goldenrods often have some purplish leaves and stems.
Brown-hooded Owlet ______ M#10202 MD (NW:239) (PNE:409) (S:255) (W:389) (in subfamily Cuculliinae in family Noctuidae)
Cucullia convexipennis

Caterpillar food: the aster family, usually prefers flowers but will eat leaves. Adults commonly feed on flowers at dusk.
Gray-hooded Owlet ______ M#10197 (PNE:407) (in subfamily Cuculliinae in family Noctuidae)
Cucullia florea
Dusky-hooded Owlet ______ M#10194 MD (W:390) (has also been called Intermediate Cucullia) (in subfamily Cuculliinae in family Noctuidae)
Cucullia intermedia
Speyer's Cucullia ______ MD (W:390)
Cucullia speyeri
Wheat Head Armyworm Moth ______ M#10431 MD PA (PNE:493)
Dargida diffusa
The Pink-Streak (ph) ______ M#10434 MA MD (PNE:493)
Dargida rubripennis

The Pink-Streak
(photo by Marcie O'Connor)
Bog Deltote ______ M#9046 (PNE:385) (in the family Noctuidae)
Deltote bellicula
Dark-spotted Looper Moth ______ M#8896 (PNE:377) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Diachrysia aereoides
Hologram Moth ______ M#8897 (NW:189) (PNE:379) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Diachrysia balluca

Caterpillar food: Wood Nettle, also hops, aspen, raspberry
Smaller Pinkish Dart ______ M#10919 MD (PNE:517)
Diarsia jucunda
Inclined Dart ______ M#10870 PA (PNE:509)
Dichagyris acclivis
Hieroglyphic Moth ______ M#8560 (PNE:391) (in subfamily Diphtherinae in family Noctuidae)
Diphthera festiva
Figure-seven Moth ______ M#8641 PA (PNE:355) (W:369) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Drasteria grandirena
Graphic Moth ______ M#8618 NJ (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Drasteria graphica
Occult Drasteria Moth ______ M#8619 NJ (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Drasteria occulta
American Bird's Wing Moth ______ M#9560 NJ (PNE:437) (in subfamily Amphipyrinae in family Noctuidae)
Dypterygia rozmani

The American Bird's Wing Moth occurs uncommonly from Nova Scotia to Florida, and west to Manitoba & Arkansas. Adults fly May-Sep, with 2 broods.
Visitation Moth ______ M#:8426 (PNE:331)
Dyspyralis illocata
Nigella Dyspyralis ______ M#8428 (PNE:333)
Dyspyralis nigellus
Spot-edged Dyspyralis ______ M#8427 (PNE:333)
Dyspyralis puncticosta
Alternate Woodling ______ M#10517 MD NC (PM:22) (PNE:485) (W:417)
Egira altermans

The Alternate Woodling occurs from Maine to northern Florida, and west to Kentucky & Texas. It is common southward, but rare in the north. Adults fly Feb-Jun.
Grieving Woodling ______ M#10513 (PNE:483)
Egira dolosa
Elaphria agrotina ______ MD
Pale-winged Midget ______ M#9681 MD NJ (PNE:433)
Elaphria alapallida
Chalcedony Midget ______ M#9679 MD NJ (PNE:433)
Elaphria chalcedonia
Elaphria cornutinus ______ MD
Festive Midget ______ M#9681 NJ (NW:227)
Elaphria festivoides

Caterpillar food: Box Elder, and especially dead leaves
George's Midget ______ M#9680 MD (PNE:433)
Elaphria georgei
Grateful Midget ______ M#0684 MD NC NJ PA (PNE:433)
Elaphria grata
Sugercane Midget ______ MD
Elaphria nicicolora
Variegated Midget (ph) ______ M#9678 MD NC PA (PNE:433) (W:431)
Elaphria versicolor

The Variegated Midget occurs throughout eastern North America. It is locally common. Adults fly Apr-Jul.

Variegated Midget
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Beloved Emarginea ______ MD
Emarginea percara
Pale Enargia ______ M#9549 (PNE:477)
Enargia decolor
Smoked Sallow Moth ______ M#9550 (PNE:477)
Enargia infumata
Pink-washed Looper Moth ______ M#8886 (PNE:375) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Enigmogramma basigera
Pink-patched Looper Moth ______ M#8905 (NW:191) (PNE:379) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Eosphoropteryx thyatyroides

Caterpillar food: Meadow-rues and Wild Columbine
Pointed Sallow Moth ______ MD
Epiglaea apiata

The Pointed Sallow Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to South Carolina, and west across Canada and south to Wisconsin. It may be common. Adults fly late-Aug to Nov, but mostly in Oct northward.
Sloping Sallow Moth ______ M#9946 MD PA (PM:23) (PNE:473)
Epiglaea decliva

The Sloping Sallow occurs from southern Ontario & Maine to South Carolina, and west to Wisconsin & Missouri. Adults fly Oct-Dec.
Dark-winged Quaker Moth ______ M#9396 (PNE:447)
Eremobina claudens
Snowy Dart ______ (W:438)
Euagrotis illapsa
Scalloped Sallow Moth (ph) ______ M#9952 MD PA (NW:234) (PM:24) (PNE:475)
Eucirroedia pampina

The Scalloped Sallow Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to Florida, and west to Missouri & Mississippi. It is locally common. Adults fly late-Aug to Dec, mostly Sep-Oct.

Caterpillar food includes: poplars, cherries, maples, oaks

Scalloped Sallow Moth
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Toothed Somberwing Moth ______ M#8731 NC (NW:184) (PNE:357) In NC: low mountains
Euclidia cuspidea

Caterpillar food: many herbaceous plants, and clovers, grasses, lupines
Beautiful Wood-nymph (ph) ______ M#9301 NC PA (NW:211) (PM:27) (PNE:417) (W:383)
Eudryas grata

The adults of the Wood-nymphs are bird-dropping mimics that perch, often conspicuously, on vegetation during the day. These agaristines have brightly-colored caterpillars that feed and rest exposed on or near new foliage, which suggests that they are chemically protected.

The Beautiful Wood-Nymph occurs commonly from Nova Scotia to Florida, and west to Minnesota and south to Texas. Adults fly May-Aug, with 2 broods in the south.

Caterpillar food includes grapes, hops, woodbine

A Beautiful Wood-nymph
(photo by Harry McGarrity)
Pearly Wood-nymph (ph) ______ M#9299 NC NJ PA (PM:27) (PNE:417)
Eudryas unio

The Pearly Wood-nymph occurs commonly from southern Ontario & Maine to Florida, and west to Minnesota & Texas. Adults fly Jun-Aug, later southward.

Pearly Wood-nymph
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Attentive Dart ______ M#11009 MD (PNE:523)
Eueretagrotis attentus
Two-spot Dart ______ M#11008 MD (PNE:521)
Eueretagrotis perattentus
Sigmoid Dart ______ M#11007 MD (PNE:521)
Eueretagrotis sigmoides
Locust Underwing ______ M#8719 PA (NW:182) (PM:37) (PNE:363) (W:358) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Euparthenos nubilis

Euparthenos nubilis can be quite common in areas with Black Locust trees, although the moths are rarely seen, except when they fly to artificial lights.

The Locust Underwing occurs commonly from Ontario & Maine to northern Florida, and west to Nebraska & Arkansas. Adults fly Apr-Sep.

Caterpillar food: the Black Locust, a southern tree but naturalized further north
American Angle Shades Moth ______ M#9545 MD PA (NW:216) (PNE:439)
Euplexia benesimilis

Caterpillar food: alder, willows, viburnums, ferns, meadow rues
Franclemont's Sallow Moth ______ MD
Eupsilia cirripalea

For the Franclemont's Sallow Moth, the range & flight period are the same as for the Straight-toothed Sallow Moth.
Lost Sallow Moth ______ M#9939 MD (NW:232) (PM:24) (PNE:473)
Eupsilia devia

The Lost Sallow Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to Washington DC, and west to Missouri. It is common to uncommon, and may be caught at sugar bait. Adults fly Oct-May.

Caterpillar food includes asters, oaks.
Morrison's Sallow Moth ______ M#9936 MD PA (PM:23) (PNE:471)
Eupsilia morrisoni

The Morrison's Sallow Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to Washington DC and Kentucky, and west to Minnesota & Missouri. It is very common in New England, and the species comes to sugar bait. Adults fly Sep-May, including during warm periods in winter.
Sidus Sallow Moth ______ MD
Eupsilia sidus

For the Sidus Sallow Moth, the range & flight period are the same as for the Straight-toothed Sallow Moth.
Three-spotted Sallow Moth ______ M#9935 MD (PNE:471)
Eupsilia tristigmata

For the Three-spotted Sallow Moth, the range & flight period are the same as for the Straight-toothed Sallow Moth.
Straight-toothed Sallow Moth ______ M#9933 MD NC NJ PA (PM:24) (PNE:471) (W:403)
Eupsilia vinulenta

The Straight-toothed Sallow Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to North Carolina, and west to South Dakota & Missouri. It is common to abundant. Adults fly Sep-May, including on warm nights during the winter.
Great Brown Dart ______ (NW:243)
Eurois astricta
Great Brocade Moth (also called Great Gray Dart) (ph) ______ M#10929 MD (NW:242) (PNE:521)
Eurois occulta

Caterpillar food: often Tamarack, also poplar, willow, alder, blueberries

A photo of an Eurois occulta specimen is in the list in this website of EUROPE MOTHS.
Beautiful Eutelia ______ M#8968 PA (PNE:369) (in family Euteliidae)
Eutelia pulcherrima
White-striped Dart ______ M#10807 (PNE:511)
Euxoa albipennis
Rubbed Dart ______ M#10838 MD (PNE:513)
Euxoa detersa
Divergent Dart ______ M#10702 (PNE:511)
Euxoa divergens
Reaper Dart ______ M#10705 MD (PNE:511) (W:438) (caterpillar called Dark-sided Cutworm)
Euxoa messoria
Obelisk Dart ______ M#10817 MD (PNE:511)
Euxoa obeliscoides
Fillet Dart ______ M#10851 MD (PNE:513)
Euxoa redimicula
White Cutworm Moth ______ M#10715 (PNE:511)
Euxoa scandens
Tessellate Dart ______ M#10805 MD (PNE:511) (W:438) (caterpillar called Striped Cutworm)
Euxoa tessellata
Fleece-winged Dart ______ M#10803 MD (PNE:511)
Euxoa velleripennis
Epauletted Pitcher Plant Moth ______ (W:380)
Exyra fax
Marsh Fern Moth ______ M#9629 (PNE:481)
Fagitana littera
Knee-joint Dart ______ M#10680 MD NJ (PNE:513)
Feltia geniculata
Master's Dart (ph) ______ M#10676 MD NJ (PNE:513)
Feltia herilis

Master's Dart
(photo by Marcie O'Connor)
Dingy Cutworm Moth ______ M#10670 MD NJ PA (NW:204) (PNE:513)
Feltia jaculifera

Caterpillar food: in addition to many plants, these crops: alfalfa, flax, oats, wheat
Soft Dart ______ M#10644 (PNE:513)
Feltia mollis
Subgothic Dart ______ M#10674 MD NJ PA (PNE:513)
Feltia subgothica
Subterranean Dart ______ M#10664 MD NJ (PNE:515)
Feltia subterranea
Comstock's Sallow Moth ______ M#10008 MD (NW:236) (PM:24) (PNE:413)
Feralia comstocki

The Comstock's Sallow Moth occurs from Newfoundland to North Carolina, and west across Canada and south to Wisconsin & Kentucky. Adults fly late-Apr to early-Jun.

Caterpillar food: fir, spruce, hemlock, and possibly other conifers
Jocose Sallow Moth (ph) ______ M#10005 MD (PNE:413) (another name is The Joker)
Feralia jocosa

The Jocose Sallow Moth occurs from Newfoundland to southeastern Kentucky, and west across Canada and south to Wisconsin. Adults fly Apr-May.

Jacose Sallow Moth
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Major Sallow Moth ______ M#10007 MD (PNE:413) (W:394)
Feralia major

The Major Sallow Moth occurs from New Brunswick & Nova Scotia to northern Florida, and west to Missouri & Texas. Adults fly Mar-May.
Wandering Brocade Moth ______ M#9420 (PNE:479)
Fishia illocata
The Wedgling (ph) ______ M#9688 MD NC NJ PA (NW:228) (PNE:435)
Galgula partita

Caterpillar food: wood-sorrel species

The Wedgling
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Small Characoma ______ M#8974 (PNE:371) (in family Noctuidae)
Garella nilotica
Double Dart ______ M#10928 (PNE:521)
Graphiphora augur
Capsule Moth ______ M#10317 (PNE:493)
Hadena capsularis
Harris' Three Spot Moth ______ M#9286 MD PA (NW:210) (PNE:407) (W:340) (in subfamily Acronictinae in family Noctuidae)
Harrisimemma trisignata

Caterpillar food includes viburnums
Corn Earworm Moth ______ M#11068 MD NC NJ PA (PM:29) (PNE:425) (W:396)
Helicoverpa (formerly Heliothis) zea

The Corn Earworm Moth occurs throughout North America, and actually throughout much of the world. Adults fly May-Dec, most commonly Aug-Sep.
Lupatus Straw Moth ______ MD
Heliocheilus lupatus
Paradoxical Grass Moth ______ MD
Heliocheilus paradoxus
Dark Spotted Straw Moth ______ M#11072 MD (PM:29) (PNE:425)
Heliocheilus (formerly Heliothis) phloxiphaga

Heliocheilus phloxiphaga occurs from southern Ontario & Maine to Florida, and west to Missouri & Texas. It may be locally common. Adults fly Jun-Aug.
Spotted Straw Moth ______ MD
Heliocheilus turbata
Subflexus Straw Moth ______ M#11070 MD NJ (PM:29)
Heliothis subflexa

Heliothis subflexus is less common than Heliothis virescens (below), and its range is believed to be the same. Adults fly May-Oct.
Tobacco Budworm Moth (ph) ______ M#11071 MD NC NJ PA (PM:29) (PNE:425) (W:397)
Heliothis virescens

Heliothis virescens occurs from southern Ontario & Maine to Florida, and west to Nebraska & Texas. Adults fly May-Oct, most commonly Aug-Sep. There are 2 broods.

Tobacco Budworm Moth
(copyrighted photo by Lisa Johnson)
Reniform Helotropha ______ M#9453 (PNE:453)
Helotropha remiformis
Sundew Dart ______ M#10993 NJ
Hemipachnobia monochromates
Intractable Quaker ______ M#10502 MD PA (PM:21) (PNE:483) (W:421)
Himella intractata (or fidelis)

The Intractable Quaker occurs commonly from Maine to Florida, and west to Missouri & Texas. Adults fly Mar-May, with a few into Jul.
Goat Sallow ______ M#9881 (PM:25) (PNE:465)
Homoglaea hircina

The Goat Sallow occurs from Nova Scotia to northern New Jersey & Pennsylvania, and west o Manitoba & Wisconsin. Most adults fly Mar-Apr. Others do rarely Oct-Nov. Fall adults overwinter.
Black Wedge-spot ______ M#9057 (PNE:421)
Homophoberia apicosa
Water-lily Moth ______ M#9056 (PNE:421)
Homophoberia cristata
Northern Scurfy Quaker ______ M#10532 MD (PNE:503)
Homorthodes furfurata
Southern Scurfy Quaker ______ M#10532.1 MD PA
Homorthodes lindseyi
Rosy Rustic Moth ______ M#9514 (PNE:455)
Hydraecia micacea
Hydraecia stramentosa (ph) ______ MD

Hydraecia stramentosa
(photo by Marcie O'Connor)
White-lined Snout ______ M#8445 MD (PNE:323) (in subfamily Hypeninae in family Erebidae)
Hypena abalienalis
Speckled Snout ______ M#8450 (PNE:325) (in subfamily Hypeninae in family Erebidae)
Hypena atomaria
Baltimore Snout ______ M#8442 MD NJ (PNE:323) (W:373) (in subfamily Hypeninae in family Erebidae)
Hypena (formerly Bomolocha) baltimoralis
Dimorphic Snout ______ M#8443 MD (NW:172) (PNE:323) (in subfamily Hypeninae in family Erebidae)
Hypena bijugalis

Caterpillar food: dogwood
Deceptive Snout ______ M#8446 MD (NW:173) (PNE:325) (in subfamily Hypeninae in family Erebidae)
Hypena (formerly Bomolocha) deceptalis
Large Snout ______ M#8452 MD (NW:173) (PNE:325) (in subfamily Hypeninae in family Erebidae)
Hypena (formerly Bomolocha) edictalis
Red-footed Snout ______ M#8455 MD (PNE:327) (in subfamily Hypeninae in family Erebidae)
Hypena eductalis
Hop Vine Moth ______ M#8461 MD (PNE:325) (in subfamily Hypeninae in family Erebidae)
Hypena humuli
Gray-edged Snout ______ M#8447 MD NC PA (PNE:325) (W:374) (in subfamily Hypeninae in family Erebidae)
Hypena (formerly Bomolocha) madefactalis
Flowing Line Snout ______ M#8441 PA (PNE:323) (in subfamily Hypeninae in family Erebidae)
Hypena (formerly Bomolocha) manalis
Mottled Snout ______ M#8444 MD (NW:173) (PNE:323) (in subfamily Hypeninae in family Erebidae)
Hypena (formerly Bomolocha) palparia
Green Cloverworm Moth (*) ______ M#8465 MD NJ PA (NW:173) (PNE:327) (W:372) (in subfamily Hypeninae in family Erebidae)
Hypena scabra (or Plathypena scabra)

PA: 2015, Jul 25
Sordid Snout ______ M#8448 MD (NW:173) (PNE:325) (in subfamily Hypeninae in family Erebidae)
Hypena (formerly Bomolocha) sordidula
Large Hypenodes ______ M#8420 (PNE:331)
Hypenodes caducus
Broken-line Hypenodes ______ M#8421 (PNE:331)
Hypenodes fractilinea
Yellow-spotted Graylet ______ M#9039 MD (PNE:335) (W:385)
Hyperstrotia flaviguttata
Dotted Graylet ______ M#9037 MD NC (PNE:335)
Hyperstrotia pervertens
Black-patched Graylet ______ M#9040 MD NC (PNE:335)
Hyperstrotia secta
White-lined Graylet ______ M#9038 MD (PNE:335)
Hyperstrotia villificans
Sordid Wainscot ______ M#9437 (PNE:451)
Hypocoena inquinata
Common Hyppa ______ M#9578 (NW:221) (PNE:477) (W:430)
Hyppa xylinoides
Small Necklace Moth (ph) ______ M#8528 PA (PNE:329) (W:347) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Hypsoropha hormos

The Small Necklace Moth occurs commonly from New Hampshire to Florida, and west to Kansas & Texas. Adults fly May-Aug. Foods include persimmon and sassafras.

Small Necklace Moth
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Large Necklace Moth ______ (W:348) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Hypsoropha monilis
Common Idia ______ M#8323 MD NJ PA (NW:171) (PNE:311) (W:342) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Idia aemula
American Idia (ph) ______ M#8322 MD NJ PA (NW:170) (PNE:311) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Idia americalis

Caterpillar food: living or dead leaves, and associated fungi

The American Idia, or American Snout,
the moth, there's a butterfly also named the "snout"
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Toothed Idia ______ MD
Idia denticulalis
Orange-spotted Idia ______ M#8329 MD NJ (PNE:311) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Idia diminuendis
Forbes' Idia ______ M#8327 MD (PNE:311) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Idia forbesii
Idia julia ______ M#8328 MD NJ (in subfamily Hermeninae in family Erebidae)
Glossy Black Idia ______ M#8334 MD NJ PA (NW:171) (PNE:313) (W:343) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Idia lubricalis
Greater Idia ______ M#8324 MD NJ (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Idia majorlis
Rotund Idia Moth ______ M#8326 MD NJ (PNE:311) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Idia rotundalis
Smoky Idia ______ M#8330 MD NJ (PNE:311) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Idia scobialis
Idia terrebralis ______ M#8332 NJ (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
White-eyed Borer Moth ______ M#9522 (PNE:437)
Iodopepla u-album
Even-lined Sallow Moth ______ M#9555 (PNE:477)
Ipimorpha pleonectusa
Thin-lined Owlet ______ M#8493 PA (NW:169) (PNE:335) (W:369) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Isogona tenuis

Caterpillar food: hackberry
Atlantic Arches ______ M#10297 (PNE:489)
Lacanobia atlantica
Grand Arches ______ M#10300 MD (PNE:491)
Lacanobia grandis
Subdued Arches ______ M#10299 MD (PNE:489)
Lacanobia subjuncta
Snaky Arches ______ M#10372 MD (PNE:499)
Lacinipolia anguina
Explicit Arches ______ M#10413 MD PA (PNE:501)
Lacinipolia explicata
Implicit Arches ______ M#10414 MD (PNE:503)
Lacinipolia implicata
Laudable Arches ______ M#10411 MD NC NJ (PNE:501)
Lacinipolia laudabilis
Bridled Arches ______ M#10405 MD (PNE:501)
Lacinipolia lorea
The Thinker ______ M#10368 (PNE:499)
Lacinipolia meditata
Olive Arches (ph) ______ M#10406 MD (PNE:501)
Lacinipolia olivacea

Olive Arches
(photo by Marcie O'Connor)
Bristly Cutworm Moth ______ M#10397 MD NC PA (PNE:501)
Lacinipolia renigera
Neighborly Arches ______ M#10394 (PNE:501)
Lacinipolia vicina

Lacinipolia vicina occurs in western North America, and in the Great Lakes region.
Ambiguous Moth ______ M#8393 MD NJ PA (PNE:319) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Lascoria ambigualis
Double Lobed Moth ______ M#9385.1 (PNE:447)
Lateroligia ophiogramma
Lost Owlet ______ M#8491 NC (PNE:321) (in subfamily Pangraptinae in family Erebidae)
Ledaea perditalis
Fingered Lemmeria ______ M#9429 (PNE:451)
Lemmeria digitalis
Detracted Owlet ______ M#8651 (PNE:359)
Lesmone detrahens
Adjutant Wainscot ______ M#10456 MD NJ (PNE:497)
Leucania adjuta
Comma Wainscot (ph) ______ M#10447 MD (PNE:497)
Leucania commoides

Comma Wainscot
(photo by Marcie O'Connor)
Unarmed Wainscot ______ M#10459 MD (PNE:497)
Leucania inermis
Heterodox Wainscot ______ M#10449 (PNE:497)
Leucania insueta
Linda's Wainscot ______ M#10455 MD PA (PNE:495)
Leucania linda
Linen Wainscot ______ M#10440 NJ (PNE:495)
Leucania linita
Many-lined Wainscot ______ M#10446 MD PA (PNE:497)
Leucania multilinea
Phragmites Wainscot ______ M#10444 MD NJ (PNE:495)
Leucania phragmitidicola
False Wainscot ______ M#10462 MD NC PA (PNE:499)
Leucania pseudargyria
Scirpus Wainscot ______ M#10455 MD (PNE:497)
Leucania scirpicola
Ursula Wainscot ______ M#10461 MD (PNE:499)
Leucania ursula
Green Leuconycta Moth (or Green Owlet) (ph) ______ M#9065 NC PA (NW:200) (PNE:421)
Leuconycta diphteroides

Caterpillar food: goldenrods

Green Leuconycta Moth
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Marbled Green Leuconycta Moth ______ M#9066 (NW:201) (PNE:423)
Leuconycta lepidula

Caterpillar food: Dock, Common Dandelion
Large Mossy Lithacodia ______ (NW:196)
Lithacodia muscosula

Caterpillar food: grasses
Small Mossy Glyph (or Lithacodia) (ph) ______ M#9051 NC PA (PNE:387) (in the family Noctuidae)
Lithacodia musta

Small Mossy Glyph
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Ashen Brindle ______ M#9878 MD (PNE:463)
Lithomoia germana
False Pinion Moth ______ M#9884 (PNE:465)
Lithomoia napaea
Amanda's Pinion Moth ______ M#9891 (PNE:467)
Lithophane amanda
Ashen Pinion Moth ______ M#9910 MD NC (PM:23) (PNE:469) (W:404)
Lithophane antennata

The Ashen Pinion Moth occurs from New Brunswick to South Carolina, and west to Minnesota and south to Mississippi. It is common to abundant, except in the northeastern part of its range. Adults fly Sep-May, but less commonly than other Lithophane species in midwinter.
Bailey's Pinion Moth ______ M#9902 MD (PM:23) (PNE:469)
Lithophane baileyi

The Bailey's Pinion Moth occurs uncommonly from Nova Scotia to the North Carolina mountains, and west to Wisconsin. Adults fly Sep-Oct & Feb-Apr.
Bethune's Pinion Moth ______ M#9887 MD NJ (PM:24) (PNE:465)
Lithophane bethunei

The Bethune's Pinion Moth occurs commonly from Nova Scotia to Washington DC & Kentucky, and west to Manitoba & Missouri. Adults fly Sep-Nov & Feb-May.
Dashed Pinion Moth ______ M#9892 MD (PNE:467)
Lithophane disposita
Hoary Pinion Moth ______ M#9917 (PNE:469)
Lithophane fagina
Grote's Pinion Moth ______ M#9915 MD (PM:23) (PNE:469)
Lithophane grotei

The Grote's Pinion Moth occurs commonly from Nova Scotia to North Carolina, and west to Wisconsin & Nebraska. Adults fly Oct-Apr, often during warm periods in winter,
Hemina Pinion Moth ______ M#9893 MD (PM:24) (PNE:467)
Lithophane hemina

The Hemina Pinion Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to southern New Jersey & southeastern Kentucky, and west to Manitoba & Missouri. It can be common at sugar bait. Adults fly Sep-Oct & Feb-May.
Nameless Pinion Moth ______ M#9888 MD PA (PM:24) (PNE:465) (W:405)
Lithophane innominata

The Nameless Pinion Moth occurs commonly from Nova Scotia to the North Carolina mountains, and west through southern Canada, south to Wisconsin. Adults fly Sep-Nov & Feb-May.
Triple-spotted Pinion Moth ______ M#9914 MD (PNE:469)
Lithophane laticinerea
Lithophane lemmeri ______ MD
Oriunda Pinion Moth ______ (NW:231)
Lithophane oriunda

Adults of Lithophane oriunda do not mate until late winter or early spring. Some may fly almost any winter night when the temperatures rise above freezing.
Such a long adult life requires feeding at sap flows or early flowers of maples and willows. Since these chunky moths have heavy wings, they have to warm their flight muscles by shivering to fly at low temperatures.

Caterpillar food: cherries
Branded Pinion Moth ______ (W:406)
Lithophane patefacta
Dimorphic Pinion Moth ______ M#9886 MD NC (PNE:465)
Lithophane petefacta
Wanton Pinion Moth ______ M#9889 MD NC (PM:23,24) (PNE:467)
Lithophane petulca

The Wanton Pinion Moth occurs commonly from Nova Scotia to the New Jersey pine barrens, and west across Canada south to Wisconsin. Adults fly Sep-Nov & Feb-May.
Plush-naped Pinion Moth ______ M#9922 (PNE:467)
Lithophane pexata
Shivering Pinion Moth ______ MD NC (W:407)
Lithophane querquera

The Shivering Pinion Moth occurs from southeastern Ontario & New Hampshire to West Virginia & Kentucky. It is common in the northeastern part of its range. It is local south & west of Pennsylvania. Adults fly Sep-Nov & Feb-May.
Singed Pinion Moth ______ M#9885 (PNE:465)
Lithophane semiusta
Thaxter's Pinion Moth ______ M#9928 (PNE:467)
Lithophane thaxteri
Dowdy Pinion Moth ______ M#9916 MD NC (PM:23) (PNE:469) (W:408)
Lithophane unimoda

The Dowdy Pinion Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to South Carolina, and west to Nebraska & Missouri. it is common in much of its range, and comes readily to sugar bait. Adults fly Oct-Dec & Feb-May.,
Pale Green Pinion ______ NC (W:409)
Lithophane viridipallens
Veiled Ear Moth ______ M#9454 (PNE:447)
Loscopia velata
Leafy Dart ______ M#11010 MD (PNE:519)
Lycophotia phyllophora
Slant-lined Owlet ______ M#8357 (PNE:315) (in subfamily Hermeniiae in family Erebidae)
Macrochilo absorptalis
Two-striped Owlet ______ M#8359 (PNE:315) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Macrochilo bivittata
Two-lined Owlet ______ M#8358 (PNE:315) (in subfamily Hermeninnae in family Erebidae)
Macrochilo litophora
Bronzy Macrochilo ______ M#8360 PA (PNE:317) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Macrochilo orciferalis
Iris Borer Moth ______ M#9452 PA (PNE:453)
Macronoctua onusta
Variable Narrow-wing ______ M#9637.1 NJ PA (also called Orbed Narrow-wing)
Magusa divaricata
Red-spotted Glyph ______ M#9050 (PNE:387) (in the family Noctuidae)
Maliattha concinnimacula
Black-dotted Glyph ______ M#9049 NC PA (PNE:387) (in the family Noctuidae) in NC: low mountains
Maliattha synochitis
Scripted Arches ______ M#10272 (PNE:491)
Mamestra curialis
Light Marathyssa ______ M#8956 NC (PNE:367) (in the family Euteliidae)
Marathyssa basalis
Dark Marahyssa ______ M#8955 (NW:194) (PNE:367) (W:375) (in the family Euteliidae)
Marahyssa inficita

Caterpillar food: Sumac & Poison Ivy
Black-bordered Lemon Moth ______ M#9044 PA (PNE:385) (in the family Noctuidae)
Marimatha nigrofimbria
Bilobed Looper Moth ______ M#8907 NJ (PNE:381) (W:380) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Megalographa biloba
Gold-lined Melanomma ______ M#8412 (PNE:327)
Melanomma auricinctaria
Hitched Arches ______ M#10292 MD (NW:240) (PNE:489)
Melanchra adjuncta

Caterpillar foods include: alder, willow, elm, goldenrod.
Black Arches ______ M#10295 MD PA (PNE:489) (W:413)
Melanchra assimilis
Zebra Caterpillar Moth ______ M#10293 MD (PNE:489) (W:414)
Melanchra picta
Indomitable Melipotis ______ M#8600 (PNE:355)
Melipotis indomita
Newman's Brocade Moth ______ M#9428 (PNE:451)
Meropleon ambifusca
Multicolored Sedgeminer ______ M#9427 (PNE:449)
Meropleon diversicolor
Broken-lined Brocade Moth ______ M#9406 (PNE:447)
Mesapamea fractilinea
Common Fungus Moth ______ M#8499 NJ (NW:175) (PNE:333)
Metalectra discalis

Caterpillar food: various woody & fleshy fungi, especially on logs, mostly at night
Four-spotted Fungus Moth ______ M#8500 NJ (PNE:333)
Metalectra quadrisignata
Black Fungus Moth ______ M#8502 NJ (PNE:333)
Metalectra tantillus
Unsated Sallow Moth ______ M#9943 MD PA (PM:23) (PNE:473)
Metaxaglaea inulta

The Unsated Sallow Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to North Carolina, and west to Manitoba & Missouri. It is sometimes common. Adults fly late-Aug to Nov.
Footpath Sallow Moth ______ M#9945 MD PA (PM:24)
Metaxaglaea semitaria

The Footpath Sallow Moth occurs from New Hampshire to Florida, and west to Mississippi. It is locally common to abundant. Adults fly late-Sep to early-Dec.
Roadside Sallow Moth ______ M#9944 MD NC NJ PA (PNE:473)
Metaxaglaea viatica

The Roadside Sallow Moth occurs from southern Maine to Florida, and west to Missouri & Texas. It is locally common. Adults fly Sep-Jan.
Holly Sallow Moth ______ M#9945.2 MD PA (W:410)
Metaxaglaea violacea
Small Mocis ______ M#8743 (PNE:357)
Mocis latipes
Texas Mocis ______ M#8745 PA (PNE:359) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Mocis texana
Confused Woodgrain Moth ______ M#10521 MD NJ PA (PM:22) (PNE:10521) (W:423)
Morrisonia confusa

The Confused Woodgrain Moth is very common throughout eastern North America. Adults fly Apr-Jun.
Bicolored Woodgrain Moth ______ M#10520 MD (PM:22) (PNE:485)
Morrisonia evicta

The Bicolored Woodgrain Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to Virginia, and west to Manitoba & Texas. It is usually uncommon. Adults fly Apr-May.
Fluid Arches ______ M#10291 MD PA (PNE:485) (W:424)
Morrisonia (or Polia) latex
Gray Woodgrain Moth ______ M#10519 (PM:22) (PNE:485)
Morrisonia mucens

The Gray Woodgrain Moth occurs from Long Island, New York to Florida, and west to Ohio & Texas. It is moderately common southward. Adults fly Mar-May.
Lesser Wainscot ______ M#10436 MD (PNE:495)
Mythimna oxygala
The White-speck ______ M#10438 MD NC PA (PNE:495) (W:416) (has also been called the Armyworm Moth)
Mythimna (or Pseudaletia) unipuncta
Gray Half-Spot ______ M#9582 NJ (NW:222) (PNE:437) (subfamily Amphipyrinae)
Nedra ramosula

The Gray Half-Spot is common throughout eastern North America. Adults fly Apr-Oct, with 2 broods.

Caterpillar food: several species of St. Johnswort
Thin-winged Owlet ______ M#8440 (PNE:331)
Nigetia formosalis
Exhausted Brocade Moth ______ M#9408 (PNE:449)
Neoligia exhausta
Connected Brocade Moth ______ M#9412 (PNE:449)
Neoligia subjuncta
Bronzed Cutworm Moth ______ M#10524 NC PA (PM:22) (PNE:487) (W:425)
Nephelodes minians

The Bronzed Cutworm Moth occurs commonly from Newfoundland to Georgia, and west to Manitoba & Texas. Adults fly Aug-Oct.
Thin-winged Owlet ______ M#8440 PA (in subfamily Scolecocampinae in family Erebidae)
Nigetia formosalis
Lesser Yellow Underwing ______ M#11003.2 (PNE:519)
Noctua comes

Noctua comes is an introduced European species, currently in southern Ontario, but seemingly expanding.
Large (or European) Yellow Underwing ______ M#11003.1 MD NC NJ PA (PNE:519) (W:436) (also called Large Yellow Underwing)
Noctua pronuba

Noctua pronuba was accidentally introduced from Europe into eastern Canada around 1979. It has since very rapidly spread south and west.
On Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, a mercury vapor light on one occasion had to be shut down as it was teeming with so many Large Yellow Underwings that other moths at the sheet were being pummeled.
Gray Midget ______ M#8977 (PNE:371) (in family Noctuidae)
Nycteola cinereana
Frigid Owlet ______ M#8975 (PNE:371) (in family Noctuidae)
Nycteola frigidana
Forgotten Frigid Owlet ______ M#8978 (PNE:373) (in family Noctuidae)
Nycteola metaspilella
American Flame-shouldered Dart ______ M#10891 MD NJ PA (NW:241) (PNE:517) (W:438)
Ochropleura implecta

The American Flame-shouldered Dart was differentiated from the European Ochropleura plecta in 1998.
Common Pinkband Moth ______ M#9720 (NW:229) (PNE:421)
Ogdoconta cinereola

Caterpillar food: ragweed, beans, sunflowers
Bridgham's Brocade Moth ______ M#9415 MD (PNE:449)
Oligia bridghamii
Yellow-spotted Brocade Moth ______ M#9402 MD (PNE:447)
Oligia chlorostigma
Small Brocade Moth ______ M#9416 (PNE:449)
Oligia minuscula
Black-banded Brocade Moth ______ M#9404 MD NC NJ (PNE:449)
Oligia modica
Obtuse Brocade Moth ______ M#9418 (PNE:449)
Oligia obtusa
Rustic Quaker ______ M#10585 MD PA (PM:22) (PNE:505)
Orthodes crenulata (or majuscula)

The Rustic Quaker occurs throughout eastern North America. it is locally common. Adults fly May-Aug.
Cynical Quaker ______ M#10587 MD PA (PM:21) (PNE:505)
Orthodes cynica

The Cynical Quaker occurs commonly from Nova Scotia to Florida, and west to Manitoba & Arkansas. Adults fly May-Aug.
Disparaged Arches ______ M#10288 MD NC NJ PA (PNE:505)
Orthodes detracta
Goddell's Arches ______ M#10289 MD (PNE:505)
Orthodes goodelli
Gray Quaker ______ M#10491 MD NC (PM:22) (PNE:483)
Orthosia alurina

The Gray Quaker occurs from New York to northern Florida, and west to Wisconsin & Texas. It is locally common to rare. Adults fly Feb-May, most often in Apr.
Garman's Quaker ______ M#10488 MD (PM:22) (PNE:481)
Orthosia garmani

The Garman's Quaker occurs from New Hampshire to Virginia, and west to Minnesota & Texas. It is locally common. Adults fly late-Feb to Apr and a few later into Jun.
Speckled Green Fruitworm Moth ______ M#10495 MD NC PA (PM:22) (PNE:483) (W:418)
Orthosia hibisci

The Speckled Green Fruitworm Moth is common to abundant in eastern North America. Adults fly Feb-May.
Subdued Quaker ______ M#10490 MD (PNE:483)
Orthosia revicta

The Subdued Quaker occurs from Newfoundland to New Jersey, and west to Manitoba & Kentucky. It is common northward. Adults fly Apr-May.
Ruby Quaker ______ M#10487 MD NJ PA (PM:22) (PNE:481) (W:419)
Orthosia rubescens

The Ruby Quaker occurs from Nova Scotia to Virginia, and west to Wisconsin & northern Arkansas. It is common to abundant at sugar bait. Adults fly mostly Mar-Apr & some in July, & others in arm periods in the winter.
Barrens Paectes Moth ______ M#8959.1 (PNE:367) (in family Euteliidae)
Paectes abrostolella
Large Paectes ______ M#8962 (PNE:367) (W:376) (in family Euteliidae)
Paectes abrostoloides
Eyed Paectes Moth (ph) ______ M#8957 PA (NW:195) (PNE:367) (in family Euteliidae)
Paectes oculatrix

Caterpillar food: Poison Ivy, where the caterpillars are well-hidden under the leaves into which they chew ragged holes.

Eyed Paectes Moth
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Pygmy Paectes Moth ______ M#8959 (PNE:367) (in family Euteliidae)
Paectes pygmaea
Dark-spotted Palthis ______ M#8397 MD NJ PA (NW:171) (PNE:321) (W:344) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Palthis angulalis
Faint-spotted Palthis ______ M#8398 MD NJ PA (PNE:321) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Palthis asopialis
Decorated Owlet ______ M#8490 NJ PA (PNE:321) (in subfamily Pangraptinae in family Erebidae)
Pangrapta decoralis
Brown Panopoda ______ M#8588 (PNE:367) (in subfamily Eulepidotinae in family Erebidae)
Panopoda carneicosta
Red-lined Panopoda ______ M#8587 NJ PA (NW:179) (PNE:365) (W:349) (in subfamily Eulepidotinae in family Erebidae)
Panopoda rufimargo

Caterpillar food: oaks and Blue Beech

Moths in the following genus Panthea are said now by some to be in the Family PANTHEIDAE.
Black Zigzag ______ M#9177 (PNE:389) (in subfamily Pantheinae in family Noctuidae)
Panthea acronyctoides
Eastern Panthea ______ M#9182 (NW:251) (PNE:389) (in subfamily Pantheinae in family Noctuidae)
Panthea furcilla

Caterpillar food: a number of conifers including Tamarack, pines, spruces
Bronzed Borer Moth ______ M#9468 (PNE:459)
Papaipema aerata
Northern Burdock Borer Moth ______ M#9471 MD PA (PNE:459)
Papaipema arctivorens
Indigo Stem Borer Moth ______ M#9485 MD PA (PNE:459)
Papaipema baptisiae
Umbellifer Borer Moth ______ M#9486 MD (PNE:457)
Papaipema birdi
Burdock Borer Moth ______ M#9466 MD NC PA (NW:215) (PNE:459)
Papaipema cataphracta
Golden Borer Moth ______ M#9464 (PNE:455)
Papaipema cerina
Ironweed Borer Moth ______ M#9505 MD (PNE:455)
Papaipema cerussata
Joe-pye Weed Borer Moth ______ M#9501 MD (PNE:461)
Papaipema eupatorii

Another name for Papaipema eupatorii is Eupatorium Borer Moth.
Ash-tip Borer Moth ______ M#9495 MD (NW:215) (PNE:455)
Papaipema furcata
Aster Borer Moth ______ M#9473 MD (PNE:459)
Papaipema impecuniosa
Sensitive Fern Borer Moth ______ M#9483 MD (NW:215) (PNE:457)
Papaipema inquesita
Columbine Borer Moth ______ M#9480 (NW:214,215) (PNE:457)
Papaipema leucostigma

Caterpillar food: wild columbine
Stalk Borer Moth ______ M#9496 MD (NW:215) (PNE:459)
Papaipema nebris
Cornflower Borer Moth ______ M#9502 (PNE:461)
Papaipema nelita
Turtlehead Borer Moth ______ M#9490 MD (PNE:457)
Papaipema nepheleptena
Bracken Borer Moth ______ M#9480 MD (NW:215) (PNE:457)
Papaipema pterisii
Culver's-root Borer Moth ______ (NW:215)
Papaipema sciata
Osmuda Borer Moth ______ M#9482 MD (PNE:457)
Papaipema speciosissima
Meadow Rue Borer Moth ______ M#9509 MD (NW:215) (PNE:455)
Papaipema unimoda
Maple Looper Moth ______ M#8727 NJ PA (NW:183) (PNE:359) (W:358) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Parallelia bistriaris

Caterpillar food: often red and other maples, also birches, walnuts
Buffalo Moth _____ NC PA
Parapamea buffaloensis
Waved Black Moth ______ M#8418 (PNE:333)
Parascotia fuliginaria
Pearly Underwing ______ M#10915 NJ PA (PNE:507) (W:434)
Peridroma saucia

Another name for Peridroma saucia is Variegated Cutworm.
Red Groundling ______ NC
Perigea xanthioides
Dark-banded Owlet Moth ______ M#8338 NC NJ PA (NW:171) (PNE:313) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Phalaenophana pyramusalis

In NC: low mountains
Dark Phalaenostola ______ M#8363 (PNE:317) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Phalaenostola eumelusalis
Black-banded Owlet Moth ______ M#8364 PA (PNE:317) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Phalaenostola larentioides
Pale Phalaenostola ______ M#8362 PA (PNE:317) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Phalaenostola metonalis
Olive Angle Shades ______ M#9546 (NW:217) (PNE:439)
Phlogophora iris

Caterpillar food: many herbaceous plants
Brown Angle Shades ______ M#9547 NC (NW:218) (PNE:439)
Phlogophora periculosa
Common Oak Moth ______ M#8591 NJ PA (PNE:355) (W:350) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Phoberia atomaris
Spotted Phosphila ______ M#9619 NC NJ (NW:223) (PNE:431) (W:426)
Phosphila miselioides

Caterpillar food: several greenbrier species
Turbulent Phosphila ______ M#9618 NC NJ (PNE:431) (W:427)
Phosphila turbulenta
Narrow-winged Borer Moth ______ M#9443 (PNE:451)
Photedes defecta
Curve-lined Owlet (ph) ______ M#8525 PA (PNE:365) (W:346) (in subfamily Eulepidotinae in family Erebidae)
Phyprosopus callitrichoides

The Curve-lined Owlet occurs uncommonly from New Hampshire to Florida, and west to Missouri & Texas. Adults fly May-Aug. A food is Greenbriar.

Curve-lined Owlet
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Pink-bordered Yellow Moth ______ M#8481 (PNE:335)
Phytometra rhodarialis
Black-barred Brown Moth ______ M#9754 PA (PNE:413)
Plagiomimicus pityochromus
Platypolia anceps ______ MD
Adorable Brocade Moth ______ M#9419 (PNE:479)
Platypolia mactata
Connected Looper Moth (ph) ______ M#8952 (NW:193) (PNE:383) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Plusia contexta

Above & below: the Connected Looper Moth
(photos by Stephen Kloiber)
Putnam's Looper Moth ______ M#8950 (NW:193) (PNE:383) (W:380) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Plusia putnami
White-streaked Looper Moth ______ M#8953 (NW:193) (PNE:383) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Plusia venusta

Caterpillar food: grasses, and possibly also sedges and bur-reeds
Moonseed Moth ______ M#329 PA (NW:176) (PNE:329) (W:369)
Plusiodonta compressipalpis

The caterpillar specializes as a feeder on the vine Moonseed.
Cloudy Arches ______ M#10276 MD (PNE:487)
Polia imbrifera
Stormy Arches ______ M#10275 MD (NW:242) (PNE:487)
Polia nimbosa
Purple Arches ______ M#10280 MD (PNE:487)
Polia purpurissata
The Hebrew ______ M#9285 NC NJ (NA:526) (PNE:405) (W:339) (in subfamily Acronictine in family Noctuidae)
Polygrammate hebraeicum

The Hebrew is so-named because its curving black lines and dots are similar to a Hebrew letter.

There is 1 generation a year. In NC: low mountains.
Olive-shaded Bird-dropping Moth ______ M#9090 PA (NW:202) (PNE:387) (W:384) (in subfamily Acontiinae in the family Noctuidae)
Ponometia (formerly Tarachidia) candefacta

Caterpillar food: ragweeds
Small Bird-dropping Moth ______ M#9095 NC PA (NW:203) (PNE:389) (in subfamily Acontiinae in the family Noctuidae)
Ponometia (formerly Tarachidia) erastriodes

Caterpillar food: ragweeds
Pale Glyph ______ M#9048 (PNE:385) (in the family Noctuidae)
Protodeltote albidula
Large Mossy Glyph ______ M#9047 MA NC PA (PNE:385) (in the family Noctuidae) in NC: low mountains
Protodeltote muscosula
Brown Collared Dart ______ M#11006 MD (PNE:525)
Protolampra brunneicollis
Banded Quaker ______ M#10552 (PNE:503)
Protorthodes incincta
Ruddy Quaker ______ M#10563 MD NJ (PM:22) (PNE:503)
Protorthodes oviduca

The Ruddy Quaker occurs from Newfoundland to Florida, and west to Manitoba and Mississippi. It is generally uncommon. Adults fly May-Jul & Sep.
Miranda Moth ______ M#9647 (PNE:435)
Proxenus miranda
Chosen Sallow ______ M#10012 MD (PNE:411) (in subfamily Amphipyrinae in family Noctuidae)
Psaphida electilis
Figure-eight Sallow ______ M#10019 MD NC (PNE:411) (in subfamily Amphipyrinae in family Noctuidae)
Psaphida resumens
Roland's Sallow _______ M#10014 MD NC NJ PA (PNE:411) (W:392) (in subfamily Amphipyrinae in family Noctuidae)
Psaphida rolandi
Fawn Sallow ______ M#10016 MD (PNE:411) (W:393) (in subfamily Amphipyrinae in family Noctuidae)
Psaphida styracis
Thaxter's Sallow ______ M#10020 MD (PNE:411) (in subfamily Amphipyrinae in family Noctuidae)
Psaphida thaxterianus
Pink-barred Pseudeustrotia (ph) ______ M#9053 NC PA (NW:197) (PNE:429)
Pseudeustrotia carneola

Another name for Pseudeustrotia carneola has been Pink-barred Lithacodia.

Caterpillar food: docks, smartweeds, goldenrods

Pink-barred Pseudeustrotia
(photo by Marcie O'Connor)
Straight-lined Looper Moth ______ M#8899 (NW:190) (PNE:379) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Pseudeva purpurigera

Caterpillar food: Early & Tall Meadow-rue
Pink-spotted Dart ______ M#10950 MD PA (PNE:525)
Pseudohermonassa bicarnea
Morrison's Sooty Dart ______ M#10951 MD (PNE:525)
Pseudohermonassa tenuicula
Soybean Looper Moth ______ M#8890 NC PA (W:379)
Pseudoplusia (or Chrysodeixis) includens
Small Brown Quaker ______ M#10578 MD (PM:22) (PNE:505)
Pseudorthodes vecors

The Small Brown Quaker occurs commonly from Newfoundland to North Carolina, and west to Manitoba and Arkansas. Adults fly Apr-Aug.
Grapevine Epimenis Moth ______ M#9309 NC PA (NW:212) (PM:29) (PNE:419)
Psychomorpha epimenis

The Grapevine Epimenis occurs from Massachusetts to northern Florida, and west to Iowa and Texas. Adults fly late-Mar to early May.
It is a woodland day-flier that can be mistaken for a butterfly. Presumably the bright colors and bold markings of both the caterpillars and adult moths relate to a chemical defense, especially at close quarters. At a greater distance, or in low light in the forest, the same colors can conceal.

Caterpillar food: grape foliage, feeding inside folded leaves
Eyed Mustard Sallow Moth ______ M#9930 MD PA (PNE:471) (W:411)
Pyreferra citrombra

Another name for Pyreferra citromba is Citrine Sallow Moth.
Mustard Sallow Moth (ph) ______ M#9929 MD PA (PM:24) (PNE:471)
Pyreferra hesperidago

The Mustard Sallow Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to northern Florida, and west to Wisconsin & Arkansas. it is abundant in some years, rare in others. Adults fly Sep-May, rarely Jun.

Mustard Sallow Moth
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Bordered Sallow Moth ______ M#11063 MD (PNE:423)
Pyrrhia cilisca
Purple-lined Sallow Moth ______ M#11064 MD (NW:244) (PNE:423) (W:398)
Pyrrhia exprimens
Gray Looper Moth ______ M#8895 NC (PNE:377) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Rachiplusia ou
Abrupt Brother ______ M#9192 (PNE:393) (in subfamily Dilobinae in family Noctuidae)
Raphia abrupta
The Brother (ph) ______ M#9193 PA (NW:205) (PNE:393) (W:341) (in subfamily Dilobinae in family Noctuidae)
Raphia frater

The Brother occurs from Labrador to New Jersey, and west to Minnesota. Adults fly Apr-Aug.
Caterpillar foods include alder, birches, cottonwood, poplars, willows.

The Brother
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
White-spotted Redectis ______ M#8401 (PNE:321) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Redectis vitrea
Speckled Renia Moth ______ M#8386 MD NJ PA (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Renia adspergillus
Discolored Renia (ph) ______ M#8381 MD NJ PA (PNE:319) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Renia discoloralis

Discolored Renia
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Sociable Renia ______ M#8379 MD (PNE:319) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Renia factiosalis
Yellow-spotted Renia ______ M#8384.1 MD (PNE:319) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Renia flavipunctualis
Fraternal Renia Moth ______ M#8385 MD NJ (in subfamily Hermeniiinae in family Erebidae)
Renia fraternalis
Chocolate Renia ______ M#8380 MD PA (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Renia nemoralis
Renia salusalis ______ M#8378 NC (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Sober Renia ______ M#8387 MD NJ (PNE:319) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Renia sobrialis
Dock Rustic Moth ______ M#9391 (PNE:447)
Resapamea passer
Large Wainscot ______ M#9447.2 (PNE:453)
Rhizedra lutosa
Spotted Grass Moth (ph) ______ M#8404 PA (PNE:329) (in subfamily Rivulinae in family Erebidae)
Rivula popinqualis

Spotted Grass Moth
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Arcigera Flower Moth ______ M#11128 MD NC PA (NW:245) (PM:29) (PNE:427) (W:400)
Schinia arcigera

The Arcigera Flower Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to Florida, and west to Manitoba & Texas. It is common, except north of Long Island, New York and in southern Florida. Adults fly Jul-Sep.
Bina Flower Moth ______ MD (PM:29)
Schinia bina

The Bina Flower Moth occurs uncommonly from North Carolina to Florida, and west to Mississippi. Adults fly Jul-Aug.
Primrose Moth ______ M#11164 MD NJ PA (NW:247) (PM:29) (PNE:425) (W:400)
Schinia florida

The Primrose Moth occurs uncommonly from Nova Scotia to northern Florida, and west to Minnesota & Texas. Adults fly Jul-Aug. The flight period coincides with the blooming of its host plants, Oenothera sp.

Caterpillar food: flowers, fruits, and seeds of evening primroses
Clouded Crimson ______ (PM:29) (W:399)
Schinia gaurae

The Clouded Crimson occurs uncommonly from Kentucky to Florida, and west to Nebraska & Texas. Adults fly Aug-Sep.
Slender Flower Moth ______ MD
Schinia gracilenta
Leadplant Flower Moth ______ (PM:29)
Schinia lucens

The Leadplant Flower Moth occurs from North Carolina to Florida, and west to south Dakota & Texas. It is uncommon to rare. Adults fly Jun-Jul; in Florida Apr-May.
Lynx Flower Moth ______ M#11117 MD (PM:29) (PNE:427)
Schinia lynx

The Lynx Flower Moth occurs commonly from Maine to Florida, and west to Minnesota & Texas. Adults fly May-Jul.
Schinia mitis ______ MD
Camphorweed Flower Moth ______ MD
Schinia nubila
Goldenrod Flower Moth ______ M#11177 MD NC (PM:29) (PNE:427) (W:400)
Schinia nundina

The Goldenrod Flower Moth occurs uncommonly from southern Ontario and Maine to Florida, and west to Minnesota and Texas. Adults fly Jul-Sep.
Erigeron Flower Moth ______ MD
Schinia obscurata
Schinia parmeliana ______ MD
Ragweed Flower Moth (ph) ______ M#11135 MD NC PA (NW:246) (PM:29) (PNE:425) (W:400)
Schinia rivulosa

The Ragweed Flower Moth occurs commonly from Quebec to Florida, and west to Nebraska & Texas. Adults fly Jul-Oct.

Caterpillar food: ragweed

Ragweed Flower Moth
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Bleeding Flower Moth ______ M#11173 (PM:29) (PNE:427)
Schinia sanguinea

Schinia sanguina includes what was formerly the Glorious Flower Moth, Schinia gloriosa.

The Bleeding Flower Moth occurs uncommonly from North Carolina to Florida, and west to Texas. Adults fly Sep-Oct.
Brown Flower Moth ______ MD (PM:29)
Schinia saturata

The Brown Flower Moth occurs uncommonly from Massachusetts to Florida, and west to South Dakota & Texas. Adults fly Aug-Sep.
Northern Flower Moth ______ (PM:29)
Schinia septentrionalis

The Northern Flower Moth occurs commonly from Quebec & Maine to South Carolina, and west to Missouri. Adults fly in Sep.
Spinose Flower Moth ______ MD
Schinia spinosae
Thoreau's Flower Moth ______ MD (PM:29)
Schinia thoreaui

The Thoreau's Flower Moth occurs uncommonly from southern Ontario to Florida, and west to Minnesota & Texas. Adults fly Jul-Aug, and as early as April southward.
Three-lined Flower Moth ______ M#11149 MD (PM:29) (PNE:425)
Schinia trifascia

The Three-lined Flower Moth occurs from southern Ontario to Florida, and west to Minnesota & Texas. At times it is locally common. Adults fly Jul-Oct.
Golden Aster Flower Moth ______ MD
Schinia tuberculum
Deadwood Borer Moth ______ M#8514 PA (PNE:331) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Scolecocampa liburna
The Herald (ph) ______ M#8555 NJ (NW:178) (PNE:329)
Scoliopteryx libatrix

The Herald has a wide streak of mottled red-orange scales through the basal and median areas that resemble glowing embers.

Caterpillar food: mostly willows, also aspen, alder, birch

The Herald
(photo by Donna Hollinger)
Legume Caterpillar ______ (W:369) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Selenisa sueroides
Variable Sallow ______ MD (PM:23)
Sericaglaea signata

The Variable Sallow occurs from Connecticut to Florida, and west to Missouri and Texas. It can be abundant at sugar bait. Adults fly Oct-May.
The German Cousin ______ M#10266 (PNE:493)
Sideridis congermana
Rosewing ______ M#10265 (PNE:493)
Sideridis rosea
Henry's Marsh Moth ______ M#9280 (NW:208) (PNE:4050 (W:338) (in subfamily Acronictinae in family Noctuidae)
Simyra henrici

Caterpillar food: cattails, grasses, sedges, smartweeds, aspen, willows
Cattail Caterpillar Moth ______ M#9280 PA
Simyra insularis
Clandestine Dart ______ M#10926 (PNE:519)
Spaelotis clandestina
Six-spotted Gray Moth ______ M#8479 PA (NW:174) (PNE:333) (in subfamily Hypeninae in family Erebidae)
Spargaloma sexpunctata

Caterpillar food: dogbane
Moon-lined Moth ______ M#8769 PA (PNE:337) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Spiloloma lunilinea
Otter Arches ______ M#10301 MD (PNE:491)
Spiramater lutra
Southern Armyworm Moth ______ MD
Apodoptera eridania
Small Mottled Willow Moth ______ M#9665 MD (PNE:431)
Spodoptera exigua

Another name for Spodoptera exigua is Beet Armyworm Moth.
Fall Armyworm Moth ______ M#9666 MD NC NJ (PNE:431) (W:432)
Spodoptera frugiperda
Yellow-striped Armyworm Moth ______ M#9669 MD NC NJ PA (PNE:431) (W:433)
Spodoptera ornithogalli
Southern Spragueia ______ NC
Spraguela dama
Common Spragueia ______ M#9127 NC PA (PNE:389) (in subfamily Acontiinae in the family Noctuidae)
Spraguela leo
Western Bean Cutworm Moth ______ M#10878 (PNE:509)
Striacosta albicosta

The Western Bean Cutworm Moth is an invasive species in eastern North America, from the west.
Bicolored Sallow Moth ______ M#9957 MD NC NJ PA (PM:24) (PNE:475)
Sunira bicolorago

The Bicolored Sallow Moth is common to abundant throughout eastern North America, except in southern Florida. Adults fly Sep-Dec.
Battered Sallow Moth ______ MD
Sunira verberata
Private Sallow Moth ______ M#9989 MD (PNE:479)
Sutyna privata
Brown-lined Sallow Moth ______ M#10059 (PNE:415)
Sympistis badistriga
Fringe-tree Sallow Moth ______ M#10067 (PNE:417)
Sympistis chionanthi
Broad-lined Sallow Moth ______ M#10066.1 (PNE:417)
Sympistis dinalda
Band-banded Beauty ______ M#10123) (PNE:417)
Sympistis piffardi
Abstruse Looper Moth ______ M#8940 (PNE:383) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Syngrapha abstrusa
Hooked Silver Y Moth ______ M#8939 (PNE:383) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Syngrapha alias
Epigaea Looper Moth ______ M#8927 (PNE:381) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Syngrapha epigaea
Eight-lettered Looper Moth ______ M#8926 (PNE:381) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Syngrapha octoscripta
Salt-and-pepper Looper Moth ______ M#8942 (PNE:383) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Syngrapha rectangula
Green-spotted Looper Moth ______ M#8929 (NW:192) (PNE:381) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Syngrapha viridisigma

Another name for Syngrapha viridisigma is Spruce False Looper Moth.

Caterpillar food: mostly conifers, also blueberries, poplars
Exposed Bird-dropping Moth ______ M#9136 PA (PNE:389) (in subfamily Acontiinae in the family Noctuidae)
Tarache aprica (formerly Acontia aprica)
Tarache terminimaculata ______ M#9145 PA
Florida Tetanolita ______ M#8368 NJ PA (in subfamily Herminiinae in family Erebidae)
Tetanolita floridana
Smoky Tetanolita ______ M#8366 NJ PA (PNE:317) (in subfamily Herminiinae in family Erebidae)
Tetanolita mynesalis
Black-bordered Lemon Moth ______ NC
Thioptera nigrofimbria
Delicate Moth ______ M#9626 (PNE:437)
Trachea delicata
Cabbage Looper Moth ______ PA (W:377)
Trichoplusia ni
Signate Quaker ______ M#10627 MD NC NJ PA (PM:21) (PNE:507)
Tricholita signata

The Signate Quaker occurs uncommonly from Nova Scotia to Florida, and west to Manitoba and Arkansas. Adults fly Jul-Sep.
Ni Moth ______ M#8887 (PNE:377) (in subfamily Plusiinae in family Noctuidae)
Trichoplusia ni
Striped Garden Caterpillar Moth ______ M#10304 MD PA (PNE:4910 (W:415)
Trichordestra legitima
Wrinkled Trichordestra ______ M#10302 (PNE:491)
Trichordestra rugosa
Tacoma Arches ______ M#10303 (PNE:491)
Trichordestra tacoma
Folded Satyr Moth ______ M#11052 (PNE:479)
Ufeus plicatus
Grote's Satyr Moth ______ M#11051 (PNE:479)
Ufeus satyricus
Sheathed Quaker ______ M#10567 MD (PM:21) (PNE:503)
Ulolonche culea

The Sheathed Quaker occurs from Quebec and Maine to northern Florida, and west to Michigan, Missouri, Texas. It is uncommon to locally common. Adults fly Apr-Jun.
Modest Quaker ______ M#10569 MD (PNE:505)
Ulolonche modesta
Pink-barred Sallow Moth ______ M#9965 (NW:233) (PM:24) (PNE:475)
Xanthia tatago

The Pink-barred Sallow Moth occurs from Newfoundland to Connecticut and Pennsylvania, and west to Minnesota. it is locally common. Adults fly Aug-Oct.

Caterpillar food: willows and bur oaks
Spanish Moth ______ M#10640 (PM:24) (PNE:507) (W:401)
Xanthopastis regnatrix

A name for the caterpillar of Xanthopastis regnatrix is Convict Caterpillar.

The Spanish Moth occurs from Staten Island, New York City, to Florida, and west to Texas. It is a stray northward. It is common in Florida, and rare elsewhere. Adults fly Apr-Jul in Mississippi, and Nov-May and Sep in Florida.
Northern Variable Dart ______ M#10968 MD (W:437) (PNE:523)
Xestia badicollis

The caterpillar of Xestia badicollis is called White Pine Cutworm.
Setaceous Hebrew Character Moth ______ M#10942 MD (PNE:523)
Xestia c-nigrum

Another name for Xestia c-nigrum is Lesser Black-letter Dart.
Dull Reddish Dart ______ M#10969 MD (PNE:523)
Xestia dilucida
Greater Black-letter Dart ______ M#10942.1 MD NC NJ PA (PNE:525)
Xestia dolosa
Southern Variable Dart ______ M#10967 MD NJ
Xestia elimata
Norman's Dart ______ M#10943 MD (PNE:523)
Xestia normaniana
Praevia Dart ______ MD
Xestia praevia
Smith's Dart ______ M#10944 MD NC PA (PNE:523)
Xestia smithi
Gray Swordgrass Moth ______ M#9876 (PNE:463)
Xylena cineritia

The Gray Swordgrass Moth occurs from Labrador to New Jersey, and west across Canada and south to Michigan. Adults fly Sep-Nov and Apr-May.
Dot-and-dash Swordgrass Moth ______ M#9874 MD (PM:24) (PNE:463)
Xylena curvimacula

The Dot-and-dash Swordgrass Moth occurs from Newfoundland to southern New Jersey, and west to Manitoba and Minnesota. It is common northward. The adult moth hibernates. Adults fly Sep-Oct and Feb-May.
American Swordgrass Moth ______ M#9873 (PNE:463)
Xylena nupera

The American Swordgrass Moth occurs from Newfoundland to Washington DC, and west across Canada south to Minnesota. Adults fly Sep-Oct and Mar-May.
Reed Canary Grass Borer Moth ______ M#9433 (PNE:451)
Xylomoia chagnoni
Acadian Sallow Moth ______ M#9980 NJ (PNE:479)
Xylotype acadia

The Acadian Sallow Moth occurs from Labrador to Maine, and west to Manitoba and Wisconsin. Adults fly Aug-Oct. The favored food is Larch.
Broad Sallow Moth ______ M#9979 MD NJ (PM:23)
Xylotype capax

The Broad Sallow Moth occurs from southern Maine to the Maryland coast, and west to Manitoba & Kentucky. Adults fly Aug-Nov, mostly Oct.
Red-winged Sallow ______ MD (PM:24) (W:412)
Xystopeplus rufago

The Red-winged Sallow occurs from Maine to Florida, and west to Minnesota & Texas. it is common southward. Adults fly Oct-May, mostly Mar-May.
Green-dusted Zale ______ M#8694 NC NJ PA (PM:37) (W:355) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale aeruginosa

The Green-dusted Zale occurs from Nova Scotia to Florida, and west to Texas. It is locally common. Adults fly Apr-Aug.
In North Carolina, it is in the coastal plain where it is common in peatland habitats, as well as in Longleaf Pine savannas and flatwoods, all habitats where heaths are a major component of the vegetation.

White Oak, Quercus alba, and Live Oak, Quercus virginiana, are host plants for Zale aeruginosa.
Bethune's Zale ______ (PM:38) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale bethunei

The Bethune's Zale occurs from Maine to North Carolina, west to Michigan & Tennessee. It is locally common. Adults fly Mar-Jun & late-Jul to Aug. There are 2 broods.
Double-banded Zale ______ (PM:38) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale calycanthata

The Double-banded Zale occurs from eastern New Jersey to Florida, and west to Manitoba & texas. It is locally common southward. Adults fly Mar-May.
Black-eyed Zale ______ MD (W:355) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale curema
False Pine Looper Zale ______ H#8703 (PNE:361) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale duplicata
Maple Zale ______ M#8692 PA (NW:181) (PM:37) (PNE:361) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale galbanata

The Maple Zale occurs from eastern Ontario & New Hampshire to northern Florida, and west to Manitoba & Texas. It is locally common. Adults fly Apr-Sep.
Brown-spotted Zale ______ M#8704 PA (NW:181) (PM:38) (PNE:363) (W:352) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale helata

The Brown-spotted Zale occurs from Quebec & Maine to northern Florida, and west to Manitoba & Texas. It is locally common. Adults fly May-Jun.
Horrid Zale ______ M#8717 MA NJ PA (NW:180) (PM:38) (PNE:363) (W:351) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale horrida

The Horrid Zale occurs throughout eastern North America. It is most common in beech woods. Adults fly May-Jul.

Caterpillar food: viburnums, perhaps especially nannyberry
Intent Zale ______ M#8713.1 (PNE:363) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale intenta
Lunate Zale (ph) ______ M#8689 NJ PA (PM:37) (PNE:361) (W:353) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale lunata

The Lunate Zale is the largest and usually the most common of the Zale species in eastern North America.
It feeds on many different trees and shrubs, such as apple, cherry, maples, oaks, plums, and willow. Adults fly Mar-Nov.

Lunate Zale
(photo by Rise Hill)
Bold-based Zale ______ PA (NW:181) (W:355) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale lunifera

The Bold-based Zale is common throughout eastern North America. Adults fly Apr-May and Jul-Aug.
Washed-out Zale ______ M#8707 NJ PA (PM:38) (PNE:363) (W:354) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale metatoides

The Washed-out Zale occurs from central New York to North Carolina, and west to Kentucky and Mississippi. Adults fly May-Jul.
Colorful Zale ______ M#8697 (NW:181) (PM:37) (PNE:361) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale minerea

The Colorful Zale is common in eastern North America. Adults fly Apr-Aug.
Oblique Zale ______ M#8699 NJ (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale obliqua

The Oblique Zale occurs uncommonly from New York to Florida, west to Minnesota & Texas. Adults fly May-Jun. Favored food are pines.
Hazel Zale ______ M#8698 (PNE:361) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Ebebidae)
Zale phaeocapna
Gray-banded Zale ______ M#8700 MD NJ (PM:38) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale squamularis

The Gray-banded Zale occurs from Long Island, New York to Florida, and west to Kentucky & Mississippi. Adults fly Apr-Jun.
Zale submediana ______ MD (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Black Zale ______ M#8695 PA (PM:38) (PNE:361) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale undularis

The Black Zale occurs from eastern Ontario & Maine to Florida, west to Minnesota & Arkansas. It is uncommon in the Midwest US. Adults fly Apr-Sep.
One-lined Zale ______ M#8716 PA (NW:181) (PM:37) (PNE:363) (W:355) (in subfamily Erebinae in family Erebidae)
Zale unilineata

The One-lined Zale occurs commonly from Quebec & Maine to West Virginia, and west to Manitoba & Arkansas. Adults fly Apr-Jun.
Early Fan-foot ______ M#8351 NJ PA (PNE:3150 (W:345) (in subfamily Herminiinae in family Erebidae)
Zanclognatha cruralis
Wavy-line Fan-foot ______ M#8353 (PNE:315) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Zanclognatha jacchusalis
Variable Fan-foot ______ M#8345 (NW:171) (PNE:313) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Zanclognatha laevigata
Lettered Fan-foot ______ M#8340) (PNE:313) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Zanclognatha lituralis
Canadian Fan-foot ______ M#8354 NJ (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Zanclognatha lutalba
Yellowish Fan-foot ______ M#8352 PA (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Zanclognatha marcidilinea
Dark Fan-foot ______ M#8347 NJ (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Zanclognatha obscuripennis
Grayish Fan-foot ______ M#8348 PA (PNE:313) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Zanclognatha pedipilalis
Complex Fan-foot ______ M#8349 (PNE:313) (in subfamily Hermeniinae in family Erebidae)
Zanclognatha protumnusalis

Family NOLIDAE: Nolids
Confused Meganola Moth ______ M#8983 NC PA (PNE:369) (W:454) In NC: low mountains
Meganola minuscula
Coastal Plain Meganola Moth (ph) ______ PA
Meganola phylla

The Coastal Plain Meganola Moth
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Ashy Meganola Moth ______ M#8083.2 (PNE:369)
Meganola spodia
Sorghum Webworm Moth ______ M#8991 (PNE:369)
Nola cereella
Blurry-patched Nola Moth ______ M#8990 (PNE:369)
Nola cilicoides
Woolly Nola Moth ______ M#8995 (PNE:371)
Nola ovilla
Three-spotted Nola Moth ______ M#8992 PA (PNE:371) (W:455)
Nola triquetrana

Subfamily ARCTIINAE: Tiger Moths, Wasp Moths, and Lichen Moths

The Tiger Moths are small or medium-sized, with stout, furry bodies and broad wings, spanning one-half to 3 and one-eighths inches (12 to 80mm),
Some are largely white. Others are boldly patterned in black and white or yellow. Still others have different colors.

Tiger Moths are similar in size and shape to Owlet Moths, but are usually lighter and more brightly colored.
Many Tiger Moths contain some toxic substances, and their conspicuous patterning serves as a warning to predators.
Adults generally do not feed.
The caterpillars are hairy or bristly and like the adults are boldly marked and toxic.
Carlotta's Tiger Moth ______ M#8171.1 MD NJ PA (W:476)
Apantesis carlotta
Nais Tiger Moth ______ M#8171 MD NC NJ PA (NW:155) (PM:15) (PNE:299)
Apantesis nais

The Nais Tiger Moth occurs from Quebec and Maine to Florida, and west to South Dakota & Texas. Adults fly Apr-Oct, most commonly Jun-Aug.
Harnessed Tiger Moth ______ M#8169 MA MD NC NJ PA (NW:155) (PM:15) (PNE:299)
Apantesis phalerata

The Harnessed Tiger Moth occurs from Quebec & Maine to Florida, and west to South Dakota & Texas. It is common in much of its range. Adults fly Apr-Sep.
Banded Tiger Moth ______ MD NC PA (PM:15)
Apantesis vittata

The Banded Tiger Moth occurs from Pennsylvania & Maryland south to Florida, and west to Arkansas & Louisiana. It is common, especially southward. Adults fly Mar-Oct.
Great Tiger Moth ______ M#8166 (NW:152) (PM:15) (PNE:299) (W:468) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Arctica caja americana

The Great Tiger Moth occurs from Labrador to northern New York, and west across Canada and south to Michigan & Minnesota. It is uncommon to rare. Adults fly Jun-Sep.
Unexpected Cycnia ______ MD NJ PA (PM:13) (W476)
Cycnia inopinatus

The Unexpected Cycnia occurs uncommonly from New Jersey to Florida, and west to South Dakota & Texas. Adults fly Jun-Aug.
Delicate Cycnia (ph) ______ M#8230 MD NC NJ PA (NW:158) (PM:13) (PNE:309) (W:476) (also called Dogbane Tiger Moth)
Cycnia tenera

The Delicate Cycnia occurs from Nova Scotia to Florida, and west to South Dakota & Arkansas. It is locally common, and may be found during the day. Adults fly May-Oct.

Caterpillar food: dogbane

Delicate Cycnia
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Oregon Cycnia _______ M#8231 MD (PM:12) (PNE:301)
Cycnia oregonensis

In eastern North America, the Oregon Cycnia occurs commonly from Nova Scotia to South Carolina. Adults fly Apr-Aug.
Salt Marsh Moth (ph) ______ M#8131 MD NC NJ PA (NA:4,527) (PM:13) (PNE:303) (S:274) (W:464)
(also called Acraea Moth)
Estigmene acraea

The caterpillar of the Salt Marsh Moth is exceedingly variable in color, ranging from nearly blond or yellow to black.

Estigmene acraea is common throughout eastern North America. Adults fly May-Aug. There are 2 broods.

Salt Marsh Moth
(photo by Marcie O'Çonnor)
Milkweed Tiger Moth ______ M#8238 MD PA (NA:6,529) (NW:159) (PM:12) (PNE:309) (W:474)
Euchaetis egle

The colorful black, white, and orange caterpillar of Euchaetis egle is often called the "Harlequin Caterpillar". Another name for it, similar to that of the moth, is Milkweed Tussock Caterpillar.

Euchaetis egle occurs from southern Canada to Florida, and west to Minnesota and Texas. Moths can be found on food plants during the day. Adults fly May-Sep.

Caterpillar food: dogbanes and milkweeds
Anna Tiger Moth ______ M#8176 MD NC PA (PM:14) (PNE:297)
Grammia anna

The Anna Tiger Moth occurs from Maine to the mountains of North Carolina, and west to Nebraska and Arkansas. It is locally common. Adults fly May-Jul.
Arge Tiger Moth (ph) ______ M#8199 MD NC NJ PA (PM:14) (PNE:295) (W:469)
Grammia arge

The Arge Tiger Moth occurs from Quebec & Maine to Florida, and west to Minnesota, Kansas, Texas. It is common, especially southward. Adults fly Apr-Oct, with 2 broods.

Arge Tiger Moth
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Doris Tiger Moth ______ MD (PM:16)
Grammia doris

The Doris Tiger Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to Florida, and west to Manitoba & Texas. It is apparently rare, with infrequent or no records in many states within the range. Adults fly May-Jul.
Figured Tiger Moth ______ M#8188 MA MD NC NJ PA (PM:15) (PNE:297)
Grammia figurata

The Figured Tiger Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to Georgia, and west to Minnesota, Kansas, Texas. It is uncommon to locally common. Adults fly Apr-Sep, with 2 broods.
Oithona Tiger Moth ______ (PM:14)
Grammia oithona

The Oithona Tiger Moth occurs from Maine to Tennessee, and west to Manitoba & Louisiana. It is common in the western part of its range. Adults fly from Apr to early-Oct.
Parthenice Tiger Moth ______ M#8196 MD NC PA (NW:154) (PM:14) (PNE:297)
Grammia parthenice

The Parthenice Tiger Moth is locally common throughout eastern North America. Adults fly May-Oct.
Phyllira Tiger Moth ______ M#8194 MD NC NJ PA (PM:15) (PNE:295) (W:476)
Grammia phyllira

The Phyllira Tiger Moth occurs from Maine to Florida, and west to Wisconsin & Texas. It is uncommon along the Atlantic coast, and more rare inland. Adults fly May-Sep.
Placentia Tiger Moth ______ MD NC (PM:15)
Grammia placentia

The Placentia Tiger Moth occurs from southern New Jersey to Florida, and west to Minnesota and Texas. it is uncommon. Adults fly Apr-Sep.
Virgin Tiger Moth ______ M#8197 MA MD NJ PA (NW:153) (PM:14) (PNE:297) (S:273) (W:470)
Grammia virgo

The Virgin Tiger Moth occurs from Newfoundland to central Florida, and west to Manitoba and Kansas. It is common to uncommon, and rare in the deep south. Adults fly Jun-Aug, mostly Jul.
Little Virgin Moth ______ M#8175 (NW:153) (PM:14) (PNE:297)
Grammia virguncula

The Little Virgin Moth occurs from Newfoundland to the North Carolina mountains, west to Manitoba and South Dakota. It is uncommon to rare. Adults fly Jun-Aug.
Williams' Tiger Moth ______ M#8186 (PNE:297)
Grammia williamsii
Sycamore Tussock Moth ______ MD PA (W:476)
Halysidota harrisii
Banded Tussock Moth (ph) ______ M#8203 MD NC NJ PA (NW:156) (PM:12) (PNE:307) (W:471)
Halysidota tessellaris

Other names for Halysidota tessellaris include Tessellated Halisidota and Pale Tiger Moth.

The Banded Tussock Moth is common to abundant in eastern North North America, except in southern Florida. Adults fly May-Oct, with 2 broods.

A Banded Tussock Moth Caterpillar
(photos by Doris Potter)
Clymene Moth (ph) ______ M#8107 MA NC NJ PA (PM:15) (PNE:305) (W:461)
Haploa clymene

The Clymene Moth occurs from Quebec and Maine to Florida, and west to Kansas and Texas. It can be conspicuous on leaves during the day. It is active both day & night. Adults fly Jun-Aug.

Clymene Moth
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Colona Moth ______ (NA:553) (PM:15)
Haploa colona

The Colona Moth occurs from southeastern Virginia to Florida, and west to Texas. It is uncommon. Adults fly Apr-Jul.

Haploa colona is the largest North American member of its genus.
Confused Haploa ______ M#8112 MA NJ PA (NW:147) (PM:16) (PNE:307) (W:461)
Haploa confusa

The Confused Haploa occurs from northern Maine to central Pennsylvania, and west to Manitoba & South Dakota. Adults fly Jun-Aug.
The Neighbor ______ M#8110 NC PA (NW:147) (PM:16) (PNE:307) (W:461)
Haploa contigua

The Neighbor occurs from Quebec to the mountains of Georgia, and west to South Dakota and Arkansas. It is particularly common in Kentucky. Adults fly late-May to early-Aug, mostly Jun-Jul.
LeConte's Haploa (ph) ______ M#8111 MA NC NJ PA (NW:146) (PM:16) (PNE:307) (W:460)
Haploa lecontei

The LeConte's Hapola occurs commonly from Nova Scotia to Georgia, and west to Manitoba & Arkansas. Adults fly May-Aug.

All-white individuals of the Haplia lecontei are indistinguishable from those of Haploa reversa (below).

Caterpillar food: mostly plants in the aster and borage families

LeConte's Haploa
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Reversed Haploa ______ M#8109 (NW:147) (PM:13,16) (PNE:305) (W:461)
Haploa reversa

The Reversed Haploa occurs from southern Ontario to southeastern Virginia, and west to Minnesota & Arkansas. It is a common day-flier, but also comes to lights after dark. Adults fly May-Jul.
Giant Leopard Moth (ph) ______ M#8146 MD NC NJ PA (NW:150) (PM:16) (PNE:303) (S:275) (W:467)
Hypercompe scribonia (or Espantheria scribonia)

The Giant Leopard Moth occurs from southern Ontario and Massachusetts to Florida, and west to Michigan, Missouri, and Texas. It is more common southward. Adults fly Apr-Sep.

Hypercompe scribonia feeds on a wide variety of food, including: banana, cabbage, cherry, dandelion, maples, orange, sunflowers, violets, and willows.

Above : the Giant Leopard Moth
(photo by Marie Gardner)
Below: the caterpillar of it
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Fall Webworm Moth (ph) ______ M#8140 MD NC NJ PA (PM:13) (PNE:303) (W:466)
Hyphantna cunea

The Fall Webworm Moth is common to abundant throughout eastern North America. Adults fly Apr-Aug, with 2 broods southward.

The Fall Webworm Moth is very similar to the Virginian Tiger Moth, but it is much smaller.

The larvae appear in the late summer and early fall. The webs are large and somewhat messier-looking than those of Tent Caterpillars which occur only in the spring, and have shorter hairs, and very little yellow on their bodies.
Hyphantna cunea is mainly an aesthetic pest, and it is not believed to harm otherwise healthy trees.

Above: Fall Webworm Caterpillars in their silken tent on the underside of a leaf
(photo by Rise Hill)
Below: a close-up of the caterpillar
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Long-streaked Tussock Moth ______ NC (PM:12)
Leucanopsis longa

The Long-streaked Tussock Moth occurs commonly from North Carolina to southern Florida, and west to Mississippi. Adults fly all months.
Hickory Tussock Moth (ph) ______ M#8211 MD PA (PM:12) (PNE:307) (S:276) (W:472)
Lophocampa caryae

The Hickory Tussock Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to the mountains of North Carolina, and west to Wisconsin and Texas.
Overall it is locally common, but It is absent however from much of the midwestern part of its range. Adults fly May-Jun.

Above: the Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar
Below: the Hickory Tussock Moth
(upper photo by Doris Potter;
lower photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Yellow-spotted Tussock Moth ______ M#8214 NC PA (NA:540) (NW:157) (PM:12) (PNE:309) (W:473)
Lophocampa (or Halisidota) maculata

The Yellow-spotted Tussock Moth occurs from Labrador to the North Carolina mountains, and west across Canada and south to Minnesota. It is locally common. Adults fly Jun-Jul.

Caterpillar food: mostly poplar, willow, alder, hazel
Large Ruby Tiger Moth ______ M#8158 MD PA (PM:14) (PNE:305)
Phragmatobia assimilans

The Large Ruby Tiger Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to Connecticut & New York, and west across Canada and south to South Dakota. It is moderately common. Adults fly late-Apr to early-Jul.
Ruby Tiger Moth ______ M#8156 MD PA (PM:14) (PNE:303) (W:478) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Phragmatobia fuliginosa

The Ruby Tiger Moth occurs from Newfoundland to New Jersey & Pennsylvania, and west across Canada and south to North Dakota. it is locally common. Adults fly May-Sep.
Lined Ruby Tiger Moth ______ M#8157 MD (PM:14) (PNE:305)
Phragmatobia lineata

The Lined Ruby Tiger Moth occurs from Maine and Ontario to New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and west across Canada, south to Missouri. Adults fly Apr-Sep.
St. Lawrence Tiger Moth ______ M#8162 (NW:151) (PM:15) (PNE:299) (W:476)
Platarctia parthenos

The St Lawrence Tiger Moth occurs from Labrador to the mountains of western North Carolina, and west across Canada and south to Michigan. It is rare south of New York. Adults fly Jun-Aug.

Caterpillar food: among many broad-leaved woody plants, alder and willow
Yellow-edged Pygarctia ______ (PM:12)
Pygarctia abdominalis

The Yellow-edged Pygarctia occurs from southern New Jersey to southern Florida, in coastal areas. It is seemingly rare. Adults fly late-Mar to Jul, with 2 broods southward.
Isabella Tiger Moth (ph) ______ M#8129 MD NC NJ PA (NA:5,541) (NW:148) (PM:1,14) (PNE:305) (S:278) (W:462)
Pyrrharctica isabella (formerly Isia isabella)

The caterpillar of Pyrrharctica isabella is called the Banded Wooly Bear.

Familiar since Colonial times, this "Wooly Bear", Pyrrharctica isabella is often seen crossing roads and paths on warm days in the late fall.
According to superstition, the amount of black in the caterpillar's bristle coating forecasts the severity of the coming winter. Actually, the coloration indicates how near the caterpillar is to full growth before autumn weather stimulates it to seek a warmer shelter.

Pyrrharctica isabella is common throughout eastern North America. Adults fly Apr-Aug. There are 2 broods.

Above: the Banded Wooly Bear of the Isabella Tiger Moth
Below: the Isabella Tiger Moth itself
(upper photo by Marie Gardner; lower photo by Stephen Kloiber))
Echo Moth ______ (PM:13) (W:463)
Seirarctica echo

The Echo Moth occurs from Georgia to southern Florida, and west to Mississippi. It is common in southern Florida, where adults fly nearly all year, Feb-Dec.
Agreeable Tiger Moth ______ M#8134 MD NC NJ PA (PM:13) (PNE:301) (W:478) In NC: low mountains
Spilosoma congrua

The Agreeable Tiger Moth is common throughout eastern North America. Adults fly Apr-Aug. Southward there is a longer flying season.
Dubious Tiger Moth ______ M#8136 NC (PM:13) (PNE:301) (W:478)
Spilosoma dubia

The Dubious Tiger Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to northern Florida, and west across Canada, and south to eastern Texas. It is rare & local south of New York. Adults fly May-Jul.
Pink-legged Tiger Moth ______ M#8133 MD (NW:149) (PM:13) (PNE:301)
Spilosoma latipennis

The Pink-legged Tiger Moth occurs southern Ontario and Maine to Virginia, and west to Nebraska and Arkansas. It is uncommon. Adults fly May-Jul.
Virginian Tiger Moth (ph) ______ H#8137 MD NC PA (NA:531) (NW:149) (PM:13) (PNE:303) (W:465)
Spilosoma virginica (or Diacrisia virginica)

Spilosonia virginoca is also called the Yellow Wooly Bear Moth.

Although known as the "Yellow Bear", the caterpillar of the Virginian Tiger Moth is exceedingly variable in coloration, ranging from beige or yellow to dark red-brown to nearly black.

Spilosoma virginica is common throughout eastern North America. Adults fly Apr-Oct. There are 2 broods.

The Woolybear of the Virginian Tiger Moth
(photo by Howard Eskin)
Bella Moth ______ M#8105 MD NC NJ PA (NA:551) (PM:15) (W:478)
Uletheisa bella

Uletheisa bella is also called the Rattlebox Moth. The species was described by Linnaeus in 1758.

Uletheisa bella is a conspicuous day-flying moth, but it often seems to disappear suddenly. It settles on grass and wraps its wings around the blade, thereby concealing the pink color, which is so evident when the moth flies.
All stages of the insect are repugnant to insectivorous birds.

The Bella Moth occurs from Nova Scotia to Florida, and west to Minnesota and Texas. It is more common southward. In the south, it breeds continuously. In the north, adults fly Jul-Sep.
Ornate Moth (ph) ______ M#8105 (PNE:307) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
Uletheisa ornatrix

The Ornate Moth is tropical. It occurs in southern Florida & southern Texas all-year.
Orange Virbia (or Holomelina) ______ M#8121 NC NJ PA (PNE:301) (W:476)
Virbia aurantiaca (or Holomelina aurantiaca)
Rusty Virbia ______ M#8123 (PNE:301)
Virbia ferruginosa
Joyful Virbia ______ M#8114 (PNE:299)
Virbia laeta
Bog Virbia ______ M#8120 (PNE:301)
Virbia lamae
Immaculate Virbia (or Holomelina) ______ NC NJ PA
Virbia immaculata
Tawny Virbia (or Holomelina) ______ M#8118 NC NJ PA (PNE:299)
Virbia opella

Subfamily CTENUCHINAE: Wasp Moths

The CTENUCHID MOTHS, or Wasp Moths, are small or medium-sized, day-flying moths that have relatively long, narrow forewings, and rather small hindwings. Wingspans are one and one-eighth to two inches (28 to 50mm).
Many have bright metallic-colored bodies and boldly patterned wings.
Some resemble Tiger Moths.
A few southern (tropical) species have transparent wings, superficially resembling Clear-winged Moths.
Others somewhat resemble Smoky Moths.

CTENUCHIDS can be distinguished from these and other moths by their wing venation.
All CTENUCHIDS visit flowers, where their resemblance to wasps or toxic beetles protects them from predators.

The caterpillars are hairy and feed on grasses and various other vegetation. they pupate in cocoons incorporating their hair in the silk.

The CTENUCHIDS were previously in a family AMATIDAE.
Yellow-collared Scrape Moth ______ M#8267 MD NC NJ PA (NW:161) (PM:11) (PNE:309) (W:480)
Cisseps fulvicollis

The Yellow-collared Scrape Moth is a wasp mimic, commonly seen perched on or feeding at goldenrod flowers during the day.
Dead moths offered to native birds in a study were not eaten.

Caterpillar food: grasses and sedges
Virginia Ctenucha ______ M#8262 MD NJ (NA:544) (NW:160) (PM:12) (PNE:309) (W:481)
Ctenucha virginica

Caterpillar food: especially grasses, also sedges, irises
Spotted Oleander Caterpillar (i) ______ (W:482)
Empyreuma affinis

Empyreuma affins is native to Cuba and other Caribbean islands. It was first found in the US in Florida, at Baca Raton in Palm Beach County, in 1978, and since then it has spread throughout southern Florida.
Polka-dot Wasp Moth (ph) ______ (PM:11) (W:483)
Syntomeida epilais

A name for the larva of Syntomeida epilais is Oleander Caterpillar.

Polka-dot Wasp Moth

Subfamily LITHOSIINAE: Lichen Moths

The LITHOSIINAE are small, pale-colored, and slender-bodied moths, with ocelli absent. Their wing venation resembles that of most of ARCTIIDAE, or is reduced. Most feed on lichens.
Kentucky Lichen Moth ______ M#8061 MD (PNE:293)
Cisthene kentuckiensis
Packard's Lichen Moth ______ M#8072 MD NC NJ (PNE:293) (W:459)
Cisthene packardii
Lead-colored Lichen Moth ______ MD NC (W:459)
Cisthene plumbea
Cisthene striata ______ MD
Subject Lichen Moth ______ MD NC in NC: coastal plain
Cisthene subjecta

In North Carolina, Cisthene subjecta is strongly associated with dry-to-xeric coastal plain habitats, particularly maritime forests and scrub and Costal Fringe Sandhills. It occurs further inland in association with sandridges.
Thin-banded Lichen Moth ______ MD NC
Cisthene tenuifascia
Little White Lichen Moth ______ M#8098 NC NJ PA (NW:145) (PNE:293) (W:459)
Clemensia albata

Caterpillar food: lichens, probably mostly the algae within
Cadbury's Lichen Moth ______ NC
Comachara cadburyi
Yellow-headed Lichen Moth ______ M#8053 NJ
Crambidia cephalica
Pearly-winged Lichen Moth ______ M#8051 (PNE:295)
Crambidia casta
Pale Lichen Moth ______ M#8045 NC NJ (PNE:295) (W:459)
Crambidia pallida
Pure Lichen Moth ______ MD NC NJ
Crambidia pura
Uniform Lichen Moth ______ M#8046 MD NC NJ
Crambidia uniformis
Bicolored Moth ______ H#8043 (NW:144) (PNE:295)
Eilema bicolor

Due to its resemblance to toxic and distasteful fireflies (lampyrid beetles), the Bicolored Moth may be chemically defended,
Other Eilema species are known to gather defensive compounds from lichens.

Caterpillar food: lichens growing on conifers
Many lichen moth caterpillars feed at night and hide during the day.
Painted Lichen Moth (*) (ph) ______ M#8090 NC NJ PA (NW:143) (PNE:293)
Hypoprepia fucosa

The Painted Lichen Moth is an apparently a mimic of the firefly (a lampyrid beetle).
Fireflies are often chemically defended by steroids and advertise this with patterns of red, yellow, and black.
Lichen-feeding moths can accumulate various compounds from lichens for defense.

Adult Painted Lichen Moths are able to produce unltrasound.

Caterpillar food: lichens, primarily the algae within.

PA: 2015, Jul 25

Painted Lichen Moth
(photo by Stephen Kloiber)
Scarlet-winged Lichen Moth (ph) ______ M#8089 NC NJ (PNE:293) (W:458)
Hypoprepia miniata

Above & below: the Scarlet-winged Lichen Moth
(photos by Marcie O'Connor)
Black-and-yellow Lichen Moth ______ M#8087 NJ (NA:165) (PNE:293)
Lycomorpha pholus

In Lycomorpha phobus, it is the caterpillar that is lichen-colored. The moth, that is diurnal, can be mistaken for a net-wing beetle.
In northern parts of its range, the caterpillar sometimes feeds for several years before attaining full size.
The hairy cocoons are attached to rocks or tree trunks, close to the former food supply.
As have been other Lichen Moths, it was formerly assigned to the family CRENUCHIDAE or AMATIDAE.
Mouse-colored Lichen Moth ______ NC
Pagara simplex

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