A List of  Selected
Moths
in eastern 
North America

(including those during 
 Focus On Nature Tours
 in North Carolina)



List compiled by Armas Hill



With LINKS to LISTS of BUTTERFLIES,
and DRAGONFLIES & DAMSELFLIES


Photo at upper right: HUMMINGBIRD CLEARWING
(photo by Howard Eskin)
 

Codes:

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 (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.  


NC:  occurs in North Carolina
NJ:  occurs in New Jersey
PA:  occurs in Pennsylvania
  

Links to Groupings in this Website:

Hawk Moths  (Family Sphingidae)

Giant Silk Moths  (Family Saturniidae)

Lappet Moths & Tent Caterpillars  (Family Lasiocampidae)

Hooktip Moths  (Family Drepanidae)

Geometer Moths  (Family Geometridae)

Prominents  (Family Notodontidae)

Tussock Moths  (Family Lymantriidae)

Owlet Moths & Miller Moths  (Family Noctuidae) 

Slug Caterpillar Moths  (Family Limacodidae)  

Smoky Moths  (Family Zygaenidae)

Tiger Moths & Lichen Moths  (Family Arctiidae)  

Wasp Moths  (Subfamily Ctenuchidea in Arctiidae)

Flannel Moths  (Family Megalopygidae)

Other Links:

Upcoming FONT Birding & Nature Tours in North America

FONT Past Tour Highlights

Birds during FONT Tours in North Carolina

Eastern North America Mammals (Land & Sea) inc. those during FONT Tours

Eastern North America Amphibians & Reptiles

          Family SPHINGIDAE:  Sphinx Moths including Hawk Moths, or "Hummingbird Moths"  

1. Hummingbird Clearwing  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:569) (S:242) (W:268) 
   Hemaris thysbe 
   
   Hemaris thysbe resembles hummingbirds when hovering in front of flowers, so much so that the moth is regularly mistaken for the tiny bird. 
   When this moth hovers at flowers, as it does in full sunlight, it produces a buzz with its wings that is similar to but softer than that of a hummingbird when similarly engaged.
   
   There are 2 generations of this moth per year.  
   
   
   
   Above: A Hummingbird Clearwing
   (photo by Howard Eskin) 
   
   
2. Snowberry Clearwing  ______   NC  NJ  PA  (W:267)
   Hemaris diffinis
   
   Hemaris diffinis resembles a bumblebee. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Photographs of the Snowberry Clearwing Moth
   (photos by Howard Eskin)
   
   
3. Slender Clearwing  ______  PA  (W:277)
   Hemaris gracilis
   
   
4. Carolina Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:25,558) (S:238) (W:248)  (also called Tobacco Hornworm Moth) 
   Manduca sexta
   
   The larva of the Manduca sexta is known as the Tobacco Hornworm. 
   Although Manduca sexta is in the family SPHINGIDAE, it is not a "hummingbird moth".  
   
   Yet another name for Manduca sexta is the "Six-spotted Sphinx". In southern tobacco-growing states, the adult moth is called a "tobacco fly".
   Its caterpillars hatch from large green eggs and grow rapidly in 4 to 5 weeks. the pupae have a distinctive jug-like handle.   
   
   
5. Rustic Sphinx  ______  NC  (W:249)
   Manduca rustica
   
   Similar to Manduca sexta, the Rustic Sphinx is chocolate brown, mottled with white, black, and yellow on its forewings, and it has 6 pairs of yellow spots on its abdomen.
   It occurs from Virginia south to Central America, but it often strays further north.     
   
   
6. Ash Sphinx  ______  NC  PA
   Manduca jasminearum
   
   
7. Five-spotted Hawkmoth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:26) (W:249)  (also called Tomato Hornworm Moth)
   Manduca quinquemaculata
   
   The caterpillars of Manduca quinquemaculata are seen much more often than the adult moths. They feed mostly at night and later pupate in unlined cells in the soil. 
   Although they are called tomato worms or hornworms, they also eat the foliage of potatoes, eggplants, green peppers, and various weeds.
   Persistent rumors that these caterpillars can "sting" with their horns are totally false. 
   
   The adult moths are known in the southern tobacco-growing states as "tobacco flies".  
   
   
8. Cerisy's Sphinx  ______  PA  (NA:565) (W:260)  (also called One-eyed Sphinx)
   Smerinthus cerysyi
   
   
9. Two-spotted Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (S:241) (W:261)  (also called Twin-spotted Sphinx)
   Smerinthus jamaicensis
   
   The Two-spotted Sphinx is more widespread than the preceding species, the Cerisy's Moth. 
   Smerinthus jamaicensis has red rather than pink on its hind wings, and the blue area in the eyespot is divided by a black line, hence "Two, or Twin Spotted".  
   
   
10. Galium Sphinx  ______  PA  (W:274)  (also called Bedstraw Sphinx)
    Hyles gallii
    
    The Galium Sphinx is similar to, but smaller than, the following species, the White-lined Sphinx, except that it lacks the white stripes on the thorax and is veins are not outlined in white. 
    
    Its caterpillars feed on bedstraw, spurge, fifewed, and other plants.
    
    This, and the following species, were formerly in the genus CELERIS. 
    
    
11. White-lined Sphinx (ph) ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:554) (S:245) (W:275)
    Hyles lineata
    
    White-line Sphinx Moths whir like hummingbirds as they visit gardens, often at dusk as well as in darkness. Often they fly in numbers to artificial lights. Sometimes they seek nectar in daylight.
    There are 2 or more generations a year, with one overwintering as pupae underground.
    
    
    
    
    Above: White-lined Sphinx
    (photo by Howard Eskin)
    Below: a Caterpillar of the White-lined Sphinx Moth photographed during a FONT Tour
    (photo by Doris Potter)   
    
    
    
    
    
    
12. Pink-spotted Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:249)  (also called the Pink-spotted Hawkmoth) 
    Agrius cingulata
    
    
13. Walnut Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:264)
    Amorpha (or Laothose) juglandis
    
    
14. Elm Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:250)  (also called Four-horned Sphinx)
    Ceratomia amyntor
    
    
15. Catalpa Sphinx  ______  NJ  PA  (W:251)  
    Ceratomia catalpae
    
    
16. Waved Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:252)
    Ceratomia undulosa
    
    
17. Pawpaw Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:255)
    Dolba hyloeus
    
    
18. Bald Cypress Sphinx  ______  NC  (W:255)
    Isoparce cupressi
    
    
19. Northern Pine Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA
    Lapara bombycoides
    
    
20. Southern Pine Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:254)
    Lapara conferarum
    
    
21. Modest Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:548) (W:265)  (also called Big Poplar Sphinx)
    Pachysphinx modesta
    
    Pachysphinx modesta has one of the largest wingspans of all the North American sphinx moths.
    
    
22. Huckleberry Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:260)
    Paonias astylus
    
    
23. Blind Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:262)
    Paonias excaecata
    
    The Blind Sphinx has no black center in the blue eyespot, hence the name "Blind".
    
    Its caterpillars feed on apple, birch, and variety of other trees. 
    
    
24. Small-eyed Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:263)
    Paonias myops
    
    
25. Plebian Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:253)  (also called Trumpet Vine Sphinx)
    Paratraea plebeja
    
    
26. Great Ash Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:256)
    Sphinx chersis
    
    
27. Wild Cherry Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:523) (W:260)  
    Sphinx drupiferarum
    
    The caterpillar of the Wild Cherry Sphinx eats the foliage of wild or cultivated cherry, plum, and apple.
    
    
28. Hermit Sphinx  ______  NC  PA  (W:257)
    Sphinx eremitus
    
    
29. Apple Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:258)
    Sphinx gordius 
    
    
30. Laurel Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:259)  (also called Fawn Sphinx)
    Sphinx kalmiae
    
    
31. Clemen's Sphinx  ______  PA  (W:260)
    Sphinx luscitiosa 
    
    
32. Nessus Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:272)
    Amphion floridensis
    
    
33. Azalea Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:277)
    Darapsa choerilus  (or pholus)
    
    
34. Virginia Creeper Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:549) (W:273)  (also called Hog Sphinx) 
    Darapsa myron
    
    Unlike most adult moths, Darapsa myron do not visit flowers but feed on decaying fruit and fermenting tree sap. 
    Their caterpillars spin loose silken cocoons on the ground among soil litter where they overwinter as pupae. 
    There are 2 generations per year. the fully grown caterpillar is often parasitized by internal wasp larvae.  
    
    
35. Hydrangea Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:277)
    Darapsa versicolor
    
    
36. Lettered Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:271)
    Deidamia inscriptum
    
    
37. Mournful Sphinx  ______  NC  PA
    Enyo lugubris
    
    
38. Alope Sphinx  ______  (W:278)
    Erinnyis alope
    
    
39. Ello Sphinx  ______  (W:266)
    Erinnyis ello
    
    
40. Achemon Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA
    Eumorpha achemon
    
    
41. Banded Sphinx  ______  NC  PA  (W:277)
    Eumorpha fasciata
    
    
42. Intermediate Sphinx  ______  NC
    Eumorpha intermedia
    
    
43. Gaudy Sphinx  (ph)  ______  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
    Eumorpha labruscae
    
    Eumorpha labruscae is an Sphinx Moth that can grow to the size of a human hand. This migrating moth is commonly found in Central and South America and the West Indies, and occasionally it occurs into the United States and as far north as Canada.
    
    It is known as the Gaudy Sphinx due to its remarkable markings and the amazing array of colors on its wings.
    It has a combination of green, blue, red, and yellow coloration on the wings, thus explaining its flamboyant common name. 
    
    
    
    
    Above & below: Two photographs of a Gaudy Sphinx,
    In the photo below, the colorful open wings 
    (photos by Helen Kyrk)
    
    
    
    
    
44. Pandorus Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:547) (W:269) 
    Eumorpha pandorus
    
    The Pandorus Moth visits flowers at dusk and before dawn, but rarely feeds in total darkness,
    Like most Sphinx Moths, it is strongly attracted to artificial lights.
    This species was formerly was in the genus Pholus.
    
    
45. Proud Sphinx  ______  (W:277)
    Proserpinus gaurae
    
    
46. Abbott's Sphinx  ______  NC  PA  (W:270)
    Sphecodina abbottii
    
    
47. Pluto Sphinx  ______  (W:276)
    Xylophanes pluto
    
    
48. Tersa Sphinx  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:276)
    Xylophanes tersa 
    
    
    Family SATURNIIDAE: Giant Silk Moths
    
    Giant Silk Moths, with wingspans of one and one-eighths to five and seven-eighths inches (30 to 150mm) are the largest moths in eastern North America.
    Most are brightly colored, and some species have large, transparent eyespots on their wings. The antennae are large and often feathery.
    These moths do not have hearing organs, or tympana.
    The short-lived adults have vestigal mouthparts and do not feed. They live off fat and flesh laid down by the larvae.  
    They are usually seen at night, clinging to window screens or fluttering like bats around streetlights. 
    Some species lay eggs singly. Others do so in small groups, and yet others in large masses.
    
    The caterpillars are smooth or spiny and generally feed on the foliage of trees. In many species, the caterpillars spin a tough cocoon, which may be attached to a twig or hidden in fallen leaves. In a few cases, however, the pupa occupy a small chamber in soil instead of a cocoon. Most species overwinter as pupae.
    
    These large moths are not closely related to the true Asiatic silkworm.       
    
    
49. Regal Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:28,568) (S:218) (W:231)  (also called the Royal Walnut Moth)
    Citheronia regalis
    
    Citheronia regalis is an attractive moth, but its slightly alarming caterpillar is commonly called the Hickory Horned Devil. The caterpillar is so-called because of its black-striped orange horns.
    
    The species pupates without a cocoon in an earthen cell. There is 1 generation a year.
    
    
50. Pine-devil Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:230)
    Citheronia sepuloralis
    (Range: Massachusetts to Georgia)
    
    The caterpillars of Citheronia sepuloralis feed on pines.  
    
    
51. Imperial Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:19,550) (S:219) (W:232)
    Eacles imperialis
    
    Imperial Moth caterpillars pupate in earthen chambers. 
    
    Adults often fly to artificial lights, basking in the illumination until dawn. Many also remain there throughout the day and are eaten by birds, so unfortunately the species is becoming rare in areas where artificial lights are common.
    
    Close relatives of the Imperial Moth inhabit Latin America. 
    
       
    
    A male Imperial Moth    
    
    
52. Promethea Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:563) (S:219) (W:243)  (also called Spicebush Silkmoth)
    Callosamia promethea
    
    Male Promethea Moths fly in the afternoon like butterflies. Females fly only at night.
    
    The caterpillars spin silken cocoons on plant stems, incorporating leaves. They were once considered as being a possible source of raw silk, but finding cheap labor to unreel the cocoons proved impractical in North America and so the idea was abandoned.  
    
    
53. Tuliptree Silkmoth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:244)
    Callosamia angulifera
    
    The Tuliptree Silkmoth resembles the Promethea in pattern, but it is slightly larger. Both sexes have prominent spots on the basal half of the wings. Its caterpillars feed on Tulip Tree foliage.  
    
    
54. Sweetbay Silkmoth  ______  NC  (W:246)
    Callosamia securifera
    
    
55. Io Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:27,566) (S:220) (W:238)
    Autormeris io 
    
    The spines of the Autormeris io caterpillar cause a painful stinging if they penetrate human skin. The caterpillar spins a thin, rather flimsy cocoon among debris on the ground.  
    
    
    
    
    An Io Moth photographed during a FONT tour
    
    
56. Luna Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:24,573) (S:222) (W:241)  (another name is the American Moon Moth)
    Actias luna
    
    The Luna Moth is normally nocturnal. This beautiful moth is only found in North America. it is now considered an endangered species as many have been killed by pollutants and pesticides.
    
    The caterpillar pupates in a thin cocoon, which may include a flexible leaf, usually loose on the ground.
    There are two well-defined generations a year in most of its range. 
    
    
    
    
    Luna Moth
    (photo by Kenneth Herbert)
    
    
57. Polyphemus Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:23.567) (S:225) (W:242)
    Antherala polyphemus
    
    Antherala polyphemus is the most common member of the SATURNID family in North America. 
    
    Because of the conspicuous eyespot on each hind wing, this moth is named after Polyphemus, the one-eyed giant of Greek myths. 
    At night, adults often fly to artificial lights.
    
    The fully-grown caterpillars spin rough egg-shaped cocoons, which may remain attached to branches, but usually fall with the leaves in late autumn.
    There are 2 generations a year in the South; 1 in the North.   
    
    
58. Cecropia Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:20,564) (S:227) (W:245)  (also called Robin Moth)
    Hyalophora cecropia
    
    Hyalophora cecropia is North America's largest moth.
    
    Its caterpillars spin large brown cocoons that weather to gray. The cocoon is attached along one side of a branch, sometimes incorporating the branch and even twigs into its structure. There is 1 generation a year.
    
    
59. Columbia Silkmoth  ______  (W:246)
    Hyalophora columbia
    
    
60. New England Buck Moth  ______  PA  (W:240)
    Hemileuca lucina
    
    
61. Nevada Buck Moth complex  ______  NJ  (W:240)
    Hemileuca nevadensis  (complex)
    
    
62. Eastern Buck Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:239)
    Hemileuca maia
    
    
63. Peigler's Oakworm Moth  ______  NC
    Anisota peigleri
    
    
64. Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:235)
    Anisota senatoria
    
    
65. Spiny Oakworm Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:236)
    Anisota stigma
    
    
66. Pink-striped Oakworm Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:237)  
    Anisota virginiensis
    
    
67. Rosy Maple Moth  ______  NC  PA  (NA:572) (W:234)  (caterpillar called Green-striped Mapleworm)   
    Dryocampa rubicunda
    
    The caterpillars of Dryocampa rubicunda are sometimes so abundant that they strip trees of all their foliage.   
    
    
68. Bicolored Honey Locust Moth  ______  NC  (W:233)  (also called simply Honey Locust Moth)
    Sphingicampa bicolor
    
    
69. Bisected Honey Locust Moth  ______  (W:240)
    Sphingicampa bisecta
    
    
70. Cynthia Moth  (i)  ______  PA  (NA:12,562)  (also called Ailanthus Silkmoth)
    Samia cynthia
    
    The Cynthia Moth is native to the Orient. It was introduced into Philadelphia in the 1860s. From there, it spread with the Ailanthus Tree to other cities in eastern North America.
    
    The caterpillars devour shed skins and pupate in cocoons wrapped in leaves fastened with silk to branches. There is 1 generation a year.
    And there is no closely-related moth occurring in the New World.  
    
    
    Family LASIOCAMPIDAE: Lappet Moths & Tent Caterpillars
    
    In the family LASIOCAMPIDAE, the heavy-bodied, dull brown moths have wingspans from seven-eighths of an inch to four and one-eighth inches (22 to 105mm). 
    
    Unlike the OWLET MOTHS, the adults do not feed and have only a very small proboscis or none at all. They ahve shorter wings and more feathery antennae.
    The males' antennae are bipectinate, having two feathery branches on each segment.
    
    The caterpillars (from 1 and a half to 3 inches, 37 to 75mm) are slender and hairy. In many species they are social, living together in silken tents and feeding on the foliage of trees. The cocoon is frequently spun in some protected place, such as in an eave of a house, or in loose bark.   .     
    
    
71. Dot-lined White  ______  NJ  PA  (W:224)
    Artace cribraria
    
    
72. Riley's Lappet Moth  ______  (W:225)
    Heteropacha rileyana
    
    
73. Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth  ______  PA  (S:207) (W:226)
    Malacosoma americanum
    
    Malacosoma americanum is widespread in eastern North America. It lays eggs in cuff-like clusters around twigs of apple, pear, wild cherry, and hawthorn trees. Its caterpillars defoliate and sometimes kill a tree, emerging only at intervals from large communal silken tents.
    
    
74. Western Tent Caterpillar Moth  ______  (W:225)
    Malacosoma californicum
    (Range: from British Columbia to Quebec, and south in the East to upstate New Hampshire and New York) 
    
    
75. Forest Tent Caterpillar  ______  PA  (W:227)
    Malacocoma disstria
    
    
76. Lappet Moth  ______  PA  (W:228)
    Phyllodesma americana   
    
    
77. Large Tolype (or "Veiled Moth")  ______  PA  (S:209) (W:223)
    Tolype velleda
    (Range: from Nova Scotia south to central Florida and west to Texas)
    
    Tolype velleda flies from July to September. 
    
    
    
    
    A Large Tolype 
    (photo by Doris Potter)
      
    
    Family DREPANIAE: Hooktip Moths
    
    
78. Lettered Harbrosyne  ______  PA  (S:188)
    Habrosyne scripta
    
    
79. Arched Hook-tip  ______  PA  (S:189) (W:140)  (the Masked Birch Caterpillar) 
    Drepana arcuata
    
    
80. Rose Hooktip  ______  (W:139)  NC  PA
    Oreta rosea
    
    
    Family GEOMETRIDAE: Geometer Moths, including Loopers, Inchworms, Spanworms
    
    Moths in the large and varied family GEOMETRIDAE are rather delicate with slender bodies and broad, flimsy wings spanning three-eighths to two and a half inches (8 to 65mm).
    
    They are easily recognized by their habit of spreading their wings out when at rest, exposing a similarly patterned fore and hind wings.
    
    In a few species, the females are wingless. Some species feed as adults. Some do not. 
    
    The larvae are the familiar measuringworms or inchworms - slender caterpillars with 1 or 2 pairs of prolegs at the end of the abdomen and a characteristic looping method of locomotion. They feed on many different plants and are often seen hanging by a strand of silk from the foliage of trees.    
    
    
81. Common Gray  ______  PA  (W:195)
    Anavitrinella pampinaria
    
    
82. Variable Antepione  ______  PA  (W:195)
    Antepione thisoaria
    
    
83. Fall Cankerworm Moth  ______  (S:190) (W:144)
    Asophilo (formerly Msophila) pometaria
    
    
84. Oak Besma  ______  PA  (W:185)
    Besma quercivoraria
    
    
85. Pepper and Salt Moth  ______  PA  (W:161)  (Cleft-headed Looper)
    Biston betularia
    
    
86. Yellow-dusted Cream Moth  ______  PA  (W:170)
    Cabera erythemaria
    
    
87. Pale Beauty  ______  NJ  PA  (W:176)   (caterpillar called Fringed Looper)
    Campaea perlata
    
    
88. Northern Pine Looper  ______  PA  (W:184)
    Caripeta piniata
    
    
89. Blackberry Looper  ______  PA  (W:197)  (an Emerald)
    Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria
    
    
90. Chain-dotted Geometer  ______  PA  (W:187)
    Cingilia catanaria 
    
    
91. Mottle Gray Carpet  ______  PA  (W:212)  (caterpillar called Yellow-lined Conifer Looper)
    Cladara limitaria
    
    
92. Double-lined Gray  ______  PA  (W:155)
    Cleora sublunaria
    
    
93. Barberry Geometer  ______  PA  (W:208)  (caterpillar called Barberry Looper)
    Coryphista meadii
    
    
94. Bent-line Carpet  ______  NJ  PA  (W:215)  
    Costaconvexa (or Orthonama) centrostrigaria 
    
    
95. Wax Myrtle Wave  ______  (W:205)
    Cyclophora myrtaria 
    
    
96. Sweetfern Geometer  ______  (W:202)  (a Wave)
    Cyclophora pendulinaria
    
    
97. Curve-lined Angle  ______  (W:149)
    Diagrammia continuata
    
    
98. Faint-spotted Angle  ______  (W:150)
    Diagrammia ocellinata
    
    
99. Showy Emerald  ______  PA  (W:198)
    Dichorda iridaria
    
    
100. The Small Engrailed  ______  PA  (W:156)  (Saddleback Looper)
     Ectropis crepuscularia
     
     
101. Maple Spanworm Moth  ______  PA  (W:177)
     Ennomos magnaria
     
     
102. Elm Spanworm Moth  ______  PA  (S:199) (W:178)
     Ennomos subsignaria
     
     
103. Tulip-tree Beauty  ______  PA  (NA:560) (S:200) (W:158)
     Epimecis hortaria
     
     The Tulip Tree Beauty is one of the largest geometrids in North America. It rests with its wings fully spread and pressed flat against the bark of a tree, where it is so well camouflaged that it is almost invisible.
     
     In 1936, the caterpillars of the Epimecis hortaria severely defoliated Sassafras Trees in Connecticut.  
     
     
104. White-banded Toothed Carpet  ______  PA  (W:215)
     Epirrhoe alternata
     
     
105. Linden Looper  ______  PA  (W:168)
     Erannis tilaria
     
     
106. The Beggar  ______  PA  (W:215)
     Eubaphe mendica
     
     
107. Obtuse Euchlaena  ______  PA  (W:172)
     Euchlaena obtusaria
     
     
108. Powder Moth  ______  PA  (W:160)
     Eufidonia notataria
     
     
109. Lesser Grapevine Looper  ______  (W:206)  (a Carpet)
     Eulithis diversilineata
     
     
110. Common Pug  ______  (W:211)
     Eupithecia miserulata
     
     
111. Confused Eusarca  ______  PA  (W:189)
     Eusarca confusaria
     
     
112. Curved-tooth Geometer  ______  PA  (W:191)  (caterpillar called Purplish-brown Looper)
     Eutrapela clemataria 
     
     
113. Dotted Gray  ______  PA  (W:151)
     Glena cribrataria
     
     
114. Dainty Gray  ______  (W:195)
     Glena plumosaria
     
     
115. Chickweed Geometer  ______  NJ  PA  (W:205)
     Haematopis grataria
     
     
116. Common Spring Moth  ______  (W:195)
     Heliomata cycladata
     
     
117. Pistachio Emerald  ______  PA  (W:201)
     Hethemia pistasciaria
     
     
118. Brown Bank Carpet  ______  PA  (W:215)
     Horisme intestinata
     
     
119. Unadorned Carpet  ______  PA  (W:215)
     Hydrelia inornata
     
     
120. Transfigured Hydriomena  ______  (W:207)
     Hydriomena transfigurata
     
     
121. Esther Moth  ______  PA  (W:163)
     Hypagyrtis esther
     
     
122. One-spotted Variant  ______  PA  (W:164)
     Hypagyrtis unipunctata
     
     
123. Straw Wave  ______  (W:205)
     Idaea eremiata
     
     
124. Small Purplish Gray  ______  (W:152)
     Iridopsis humaria
     
     
125. Bent-line Gray  ______  PA  (W:153)
     Iridopsis larvaria
     
     
126. Black-shouldered Gray  ______  (W:196)  (caterpillar called Cypress Gray)
     iridopsis pergracilis 
     
     
127. Large Purplish Gray  ______  NJ  PA  (W:154)
     Iridopsis vellivolata
     
     
128. Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth  ______  (W:146)
     Itame pustularia
     
     
129. Sulphur Itame  ______  (W:196)  (caterpillar called Green Spanworm)
     Itame sulphurea
     
     
130. Currant Spanworm  ______  (W:147)
     Itame ribearia
     
     
131. Curve-lined Looper  ______  PA  (W:186)
     Lambdina fervidaria
     
     
132. Powdered Bigwing  ______  PA  (W:213)  (caterpillar called Two-lined Asper Looper)
     Lobophora nivigerata 
     
     
133. White Spring Moth  ______  PA  (W:169)
     Lomographa vestaliata
     
     
134. Woolly Gray  ______  (W:162)
     Lycia ypsilon
     
     
135. Common Lytrosis  ______  PA  (W:171)
     Lytrosis unitaria
     
     
136. White Pine Angle  ______  PA  (W:148)
     Macaria pinistrobata
     
     
137. Lesser Larch Angle  ______  PA  (W:196)  (caterpillar called Green Larch Looper)
     Macaria sexmaculata
     
     
138. Canadian Melanolophia  ______  PA  (W:159)
     Melanolophia canadaria
     
     
139. Pale Metanema  ______  PA  (W:180)
     Metanema inatomaria
     
     
140. Common Metarranthis  ______  PA  (W:181)
     Metarranthia hypochraria
     
     
141. Filament Bearer  ______  PA  (W:194)
     Nematocampa resistaria
     
     
142. White-barred Emerald  ______  (W:201)
     Nemoria bibilata 
     
     
143. Red-fringed Emerald  ______  PA  (W:199)
     Nemoria bistriaria
     
     
144. Cypress Emerald  ______  (W:201)
     Nemoria elfa
     
     
145. Ocellate Emerald  ______  NJ  (W:201)  (also called Red-bordered Emerald)
     Nemoria lixaria
     
     
146. Festive Pine Looper  ______  (W:188)
     Nepytia pellucidaria
     
     
147. The Bruce Spanworm  ______  PA  (W:210)
     Operophtera bruceata 
     
     
148. Spring Cankerworm  ______  PA  (W:167)
     Paleacrita vernata
     
     
149. Juniper Geometer  ______  PA  (W:192)
     Patalene olyzonaria
     
     
150. Hubner's Pero  ______  PA  (W:174)
     Pero ancetaria (or hubneraria)
     
     
151. Oak Beauty  ______  PA  (W:175)
     Phaeoura quernaria
     
     
152. Small Phigalia  ______  PA  (W:165)
     Phigalia strigataria
     
     
153. The Half-Wing  ______  PA  (W:166)  (also called Spiny Looper)
     Phigalia titea
     
     
154. Hollow Spotted Plagodis  ______  PA  (W:183)
     Plagodis alcoolaria
     
     
155. Common Tan Wave  ______  (W:203)
     Pleuroprucha insulsaria
     
     
156. Alien Probole  ______  PA  (W:182)
     Probole alienaria
     
     
157. Large Maple Spanworm Moth  ______  PA  (NA:14,539) (S:202) (W:193)
     Prochoerodes transversata
     
     
158. Virgin Moth  ______  PA  (W:145)
     Protitame virginalis
     
     
159. Porcelain Gray  ______  PA  (W:157)  (caterpillar called Dash-lined Looper)
     Protoboarmia porcelaria
     
     
160. Cherry Scallop Shell  ______  (W:209)
     Rheumaptera (or Hydria) prunivorata
     
     
161. Large Lace Border  ______  PA  (W:204)
     Scopula limboundata
     
     
162. Kent's Geometer  ______  PA  (W:179)
     Selenia kentaria
     
     
163. Wavy-lined Emerald  ______  PA  (W:200)  (caterpillar called Camoflaged Looper)
     Synchlora aerata
     
     
164. White Slant-line  ______  PA  (W:190)
     Tetracis cachexiata
     
     
165. Early Juniper Carpet  ______  (W:215)
     Thera contractata
     
     
166. Black-dotted Ruddy  ______  (W:196)  (caterpillar called Holly Looper)
     Thysanopyga intracrata
     
     
167. Cross-lined Wave  ______  (W:205)
     Timandra amaturaris
     
     
168. White-striped Black  ______  PA  (W:215)
     Trichodezia albovittata
     
     
169. Tissue Moth  ______  PA  (W:215)
     Triphosa haesitata
     
     
170. Crocus Geometer  ______  PA  (W:173)
     Xanthotype sospeta
     
     
     Family NOTODONTIDAE:  Prominents
     
     The Prominents are common, medium-sized moths, from 1 to 2 and 3/8ths inches long (25-60mm), with varying shades of brown, gray, olive-green, or yellowish tan. They are often spotted or streaked with black. In some species, the fore-wings have a tooth-like projection at the middle of the inner margin, which shows prominently when the wings are folded roof-like over the body at rest. 
     Many members if this family somewhat resemble NOCTUIDS but can be distinguished by the venation of the forewings.
     
     The caterpillars are mottled or striped and many have lumpy tubercles on their backs. They feed on the foliage of many kinds of trees and shrubs. Most feed singly. A few do so in large groups. Some of the caterpillars are serious orchard and forest pests. If disturbed, the caterpillars often "freeze", raising the front and rear of the body and holding on to their support by 4 pairs of prolegs.  
     
     
171. Double-toothed Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (S:248) (W:289)
     Nerice bidentata
     
     
172. Plain Schizura  ______  NC  NJ  PA
     Schizura apicalis
     
     
173. Chestnut Schizura  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:310)
     Schizura badia
     
     
174. Red-humped Caterpillar  ______  NJ  PA  (NA:8) (W:311)  (also called Red-humped Appleworm Moth) 
     Schizura concinna
     
     Caterpillars of Schizura concinna feed on the foliage of apple, cherry, pear, rose, blackberry, and other members of the rose family, as well as many other trees. 
     They spin loose silken cocoons on the ground among litter, and overwinter and pupate in the late spring. There is one generation a year.
     
     
175. Checkered-fringe Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (S:249) (W:316) (also called Morning Glory Prominent)
     Schizura ipomoeae
     
     
176. Black-blotched Schizura  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:312)
     Schizura leptinoides
     
     
177. Unicorn Caterpillar Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:313)
     Schizura unicornis  
     
     
178. Black-etched Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  (NA:29) (W:282)  ("Puss Moth")
     Cenura scitscripta
     
     The plump caterpillar of Cenura scitscripta can retract its head so far into its body that it seems to disappear. 
     When disturbed, it extends whiplike filaments from each of the two fleshy horn-like projections at the tip of the abdomen and waves them. It can eject an irritating fluid from glands on the thorax. 
     The caterpillar pupates in a tough, brown silken cocoon mixed with woodchips in a cavity in rotten wood or bark.     
     
     
179. Sigmoid Prominent  ______  NJ  PA  (S:250) (W:280)
     Clostera albosigma
     
     
180. Toothed Clostera  ______  PA  (W:319)
     Clostera apicalis
     
     
181. Angle-lined Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:281)  (the caterpillar called the Poplar Tentmaker)
     Clostera inclusa 
     
     
182. Clostera strigosa  ______  NJ
     
     
183. Angus's Datana  ______  NC  NJ  (W:297)
     Datana angusii
     
     
184. Contracted Datana  ______  PA  (W:294)
     Datana contracta
     
     
185. Drexel's Datana  ______  PA  (W:297)
     Datana drexelii
     
     
186. Yellow-necked Caterpillar Moth  ______  PA  (S:250)
     Datana ministra 
     
     
187. Walnut Caterpillar Moth  ______  NC  PA  (W:295)
     Datana integerrima 
     
     
188. Major Datana  ______  (W:298)
     Datana major
     
     
189. Yellow-necked Caterpillar  ______  PA  (W:296)
     Datana ministra
     
     
190. Spotted Datana  ______  NC  PA  (W:297)
     Datana perspicua
     
     
191. Post-burn Datana  ______  (W:297)
     Datana ranaeceps
     
     
192. Black-spotted Prominent  ______  NC  (W:315)
     Dasylophia anguina
     
     
193. Gray-patched Prominent  ______  NC  (W:316)
     Dasylophia thyatiroides
     
     
194. Silvered Prominent  ______  (W:319)
     Didugua argentilinea
     
     
195. Linden Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:285)
     Ellida caniplaga
     
     
196. White Furcula  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:283)
     Furcula borealis
     
     
197. Gray Furcula  ______  NC  PA  (W:284)
     Furcula cinerea
     
     
198. Furcula modesta  ______  NJ
     
     
199. Western Furcula  ______  NJ  PA  (W:319)
     Furcula occidentalis
     
     
200. Hourglass Furcula  ______  PA  (W:319)  (also called Zigzag Furcula Moth)
     Furcula scolopendrina
     
     
201. Gluphisia avimacula  ______  NJ 
     
     
202. Lintner's Gluphisia  ______  (W:320)
     Gluphisia lintneri
     
     
203. Common Gluphisia ______  NJ  PA  (W:286)
     Gluphisia septentrionis
     
     
204. Wavy-lined Heterocampa  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:299)
     Heterocampa biundata
     
     
205. Maple Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:300)  (also called Saddled Prominent)
     Heterocampa guttivitta
     
     
206. Oblique Heterocampa  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:301)
     Heterocampa oblqua
     
     
207. Small Heterocampa  ______  (W:320)  NJ  PA
     Heterocampa subrotata
     
     
208. White-blotched Heterocampa  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:302)
     Heterocampa umbrata
     
     
209. Heterocampa varia  ______  NJ
     
     
210. Pink Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:305)
     Hyparpax aurora
     
     
211. Georgian Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:287)
     Hyperaeschra georgica
     
     
212. Double-lined Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:303)
     Lochmaeus bilineata
     
     
213. Variable Oakleaf Caterpillar Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:304)
     Lochmaeus manteo
     
     
214. Mottled Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:306)
     Macrurocampa marthesia
     
     
215. Drab Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:307)
     Misogada unicolor
     
     
216. White-dotted Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:288)
     Nardata gibbosa
     
     
217. Notodonta scitipennis  ______  NJ
     
     
218. Northern Finned Prominent  ______  PA  (W:290)
     Notodonta simplaria
     
     
219. Elegant Prominent  ______  NJ  PA  (W:291)
     Odontosia elegans  
     
     
220. White-streaked Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  (W:308)  (or Lace-capped Caterpillar)
     Oligocentria lignicolor
     
     
221. Red-washed Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  (W:309)
     Oligocentria semirufescens
     
     
222. Angulose Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:292)
     Peridea angulosa
     
     
223. Oval-based Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:320)
     Peridea basitriens
     
     
224. Chocolate Prominent  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:320)
     Peridea ferruginea
     
     
225. Black-rimmed Prominent  ______  NJ  PA  (W:293)  (also called False Sphinx)
     Pheosia rimosa
     
     
226. White-headed Prominent  ______  NC  PA
     Symmerista albifrons 
     
     
227. Red-humped Oakworm  ______  (W:317)
     Symmerista canicosta
     
     
228. Orange-humped Mapleworm  ______  PA  (W:318)
     Symmerista leucitys
     
     
     Family LYMANTRIIDAE:  Tussock Moths & allies
     
     This family was previously named LIPARIDAE. 
     
     Tussock Moths are stout, rather hairy, brownish or whitish moths with wingspans of three-qaurters 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.
     
     
229. Yellow-based Tussock Moth  ______  PA  (W:444)
     Dasychira basiflava
     
     
230. Manto Tussock Moth  ______  (W:446)
     Dasychira manto
     
     
231. Streaked Tussock Moth  ______  PA  (W:445)
     Dasychira obliquata
     
     
232. Pine Tussock Moth  ______ 
     Dasychira pinicola
     (Range: north of Maryland to New England)
     
     
233. Northern Conifer Tussock Moth  ______  PA
     Dasychira plagiata
     (Range: in much of New England and southern Canada, also at high elevations in the Appalachians south to North Carolina)
     
     
234. Tephra Tussock Moth  ______  PA  (W:447)
     Dasychira tephra 
     
     
235. Browntail Moth  ______  (W:453)
     Euproctis chrysorrhoea
     
     
236. Satin Moth  ______  (W:451)
     Leucoma salicis
     
     
237. Gypsy Moth (i)  ______  PA  (NA:528) (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.  
     
     
238. Rusty Tussock Moth  ______  (W:448)
     Orygia antiqua
     
     
239. Definite Tussock Moth  ______  PA  (W:449)
     Orygia definita
     
     
240. White-marked Tussock Moth  ______  PA  (NA:545) (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.   
     
     
     Family NOCTUIDAE:  Owlets Moths & Miller Moths
     
     This family includes the Forester Moths, previously in a separate family AGARISTIDAE. 
     
     NOCTUIDAE is 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.    
     
     
241. Ipsilon Dart  ______  NC  (S:252) (W:435)  (caterpillar called Black Cutworm)
     Agrotis ipsilon
     
     
242. Venerable Dart  ______  NC
     Agrotis venerabilis
     
     
243. Toadflax Brocade  ______  (W:387)
     Calophasia lunula
     
     
244. Camphorweed Cucullia  ______  (W:390)
     Cucullia alfarata
     
     
245. The Asteroid  ______  (W:388)
     Cucullia asteroides
     
     
246. Brown-hooded Owlet  ______  (S:255) (W:389)
     Cucullia convexipennis
     
     
247. Intermediate Cucullia  ______  (W:390)
     Cucullia intermedia
     
     
248. Speyer's Cucullia  ______  (W:390)
     Cucullia speyeri
     
     
249. American Copper Underwing  ______  NC  (S:256) (W:391)
     Amphipyra pyramidoides
     
     
250. Canadian Owlet  ______  (W:370)
     Calyptra canadensis
     
     
     
     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.   
     
     
251. Sweetheart Underwing  ______  PA  (NA:557)
     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.  
     
     
252. Girlfriend Underwing  ______  PA  (W:361)
     Catocala amica
     
     
253. Andromeda Underwing  ______  PA  (W:366)
     Catocala andromedae
     
     
254. Sweetfern Underwing  ______  PA  (W:366)
     Catocala antinympha
     
     
255. Scarlet Underwing  ______  PA  (W:366)
     Catocala coccinata
     
     
256. Hawthorn Underwing  ______  PA  (W:366)
     Catocala crataegi
     
     
257. Epione Underwing  ______  PA  (W:362)
     Catocala epione
     
     
258. Ilia Underwing  ______  (S:260)
     Catocala fraxini 
     
     
259. Ilia Underwing  ______  NJ  PA  (W:363)
     Catocala ilia
     
     
260. Inconsolable Underwing  ______  PA  (W:366)
     Catocala insolabilis 
     
     
261. Tiny Nymph  ______  PA
     Catocala micronympha
     
     The caterpillars of the Tiny Nymph are found on oaks throughout eastern North America.
     
     
262. The Little Wife  ______  (W:364)
     Catocala muliercula
     
     
263. The Bride  ______  PA  (W:366)
     Catocala neogama
     
     
264. Obscure Underwing  ______  PA  (W:366)
     Catocala obscura
     
     
265. White Underwing  ______  PA  (W:365)
     Catocala relicta 
     
     The caterpillars of Catocala relicta feed on poplar and willow.
     
     
266. Sordid Underwing  ______  PA  (W:366)
     Catocala sordida
     
     
267. Ultronia Underwing  ______  PA  (W:368)
     Catocala ultronia
     
     
268. Widow Underwing  ______  PA
     Catocala vidua
     
     The caterpillars of Catocala vidua feed on hickory and walnut.
     
     
269. Figure-seven Moth  ______  PA  (W:369)
     Drasteria grandirena
     
     
270. Thin-lined Owlet  ______  PA  (W:369)
     Isogona tenuis
     
     
271. Moonseed Moth  ______  PA  (W:369)
     Plusiodonta compressipalpis
     
     
272. Legume Caterpillar  ______  (W:369)
     Selenisa sueroides
     
     
273. Cotton Moth  ______  (S:263)
     Alabama argillacea  
     
     
274. Black Witch  ______  NJ  PA  (NA:561)
     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.  
     
     Formerly in the genus EREBUS. 
     
     
     
     
     A Black Witch
     (photo courtesy of David MacDonald) 
     
     
275. Green Leuconycta  ______  NC
     Leuconycta diphteroides
     
     
276. Small Mossy Lithacodia  ______  NC
     Lithacodia musta
     
     
277. Southern Spragueia  ______  NC
     Spraguela dama
     
     
278. Common Spragueia  ______  NC
     Spraguela leo
     
     
279. Yellow-spotted Graylet  ______  (W:386)
     Hyperstrotia flaviguttata
     
     
280. Tufted Bird-dropping Moth  ______  (W:385)
     Cerma cerintha
     
     
281. Olive-shaped Bird-dropping Moth  ______  (W:384)
     Tarachidia candefacta
     
     
282. Small Bird-dropping Moth  ______  NC
     Tarachidia erastrioides
     
     
283. Black-bordered Lemon Moth  ______  NC
     Thioptera nigrofimbria
     
     
284. Afflicted Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:323)
     Acronicta afflicta
     
     
285. American Dagger Moth  ______  NC  PA  (W:324)
     Acronicta americana
     
     
286. Birch Dagger Moth  ______  PA
     Acronicta betulae
     
     
287. Clear Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:336)
     Acronicta clarescens (or pruni)
     
     
288. Connected Dagger Moth  ______  (W:336)
     Acronicta connecta
     
     
289. Fingered Dagger Moth  ______  (W:336)
     Acronicta dactylina
     
     
290. Funerary Dagger Moth  ______  NC  PA  (W:325)  (also called Paddle Caterpillar)
     Acronicta funeralis
     
     
291. Gray Dagger Moth  ______  (W:326)
     Acronicta grisea
     
     
292. Witch Hazel Dagger Moth  ______  (W:322)
     Acronicta hamamelis (or subochrea)
     
     
293. Speared Dagger Moth  ______  (W:327)  (also called Cherry Dagger Moth)
     Acronicta hasta
     
     
294. Yellow-haired Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:328)
     Acronicta impleta
     
     
295. Impressive Dagger Moth  ______  (W:336)
     Acronicta impressa
     
     
296. Southern Oak Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:329)  (also called Raspberry Dagger Moth)
     Acronicta increta
     
     
297. Interrupted Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:335)
     Acronicta interrupta
     
     
298. Triton Dagger Moth  ______  (W:335)
     Acronicta laetifica
     
     
299. Cottonwood Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:336)
     Acronicta lepusculina 
     
     
300. Streaked Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:335)
     Acronicta lithospila
     
     
301. Lobelia Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:330)  (also called Greater Oak Dagger Moth)
     Acronicta lobeliae 
     
     
302. Long-winged Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:322)
     Acronicta longa
     
     
303. Ochre Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:331)
     Acronicta morula
     
     
304. Night-wandering Dagger Moth  ______  NC  (W:336)
     Acronicta noctivaga
     
     
305. Smeared Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:332)  (also called Smartweed Caterpillar)
     Acronicta oblinita
     
     
306. Ovate Dagger Moth  ______  NC  PA  (W:336)
     Acronicta ovata
     
     
307. Radcliffe's Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:333)
     Acronicta radcliffei
     
     
308. Retarded Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:335)
     Acronicta retardata
     
     
309. Ruddy Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:335)
     Acronicta rubricoma
     
     
310. Nondescript Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:335)
     Acronicta spinigera
     
     
311. Splendid Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:335)
     Acronicta superans
     
     
312. Triton Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:334)
     Acronicta tritona
     
     
313. Delightful Dagger Moth  ______  PA  (W:336)
     Acronicta vinnula  
     
     
314. The Green Marvel  _______  NC  PA
     Agriopodes fallax
     
     
315. Harris's Three Spot  ______  (W:340)
     Harrisimemma trisignata  
     
     
316. The Hebrew  ______  NC  (NA:526) (W:339)
     Polygrammate hrbraeicum
     
     The Hebrew is so-named because its curving black lines and dots are similar to a Hebrew letter. 
     
     There is 1 generation a year.
     
     
317. Henry's Marsh Moth  ______  (W:338)
     Simyra henrici
     
     
318. The Brother  ______  (W:341)
     Raphia frater
     
     
319. Common Idia  ______  PA  (W:342)
     Idia aemula
     
     
320. Glossy Black Idia  ______  NJ  PA  (W:343)
     Idia lubricalis
     
     
321. Dark-spotted Palthis  ______  PA  (W:344)
     Palthis angulalis
     
     
322. Early Zanclognatha  ______  PA  (W:345)
     Zanclognatha cruralis
     
     
323. False Underwing  ______  (W:357)
     Allotria slonympha
     
     
324. Locust Underwing  ______  (W:358)
     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.  
     
     
325. Small Necklace Moth  ______  (W:347)
     Hypsoropha hormos
     
     
326. Large Necklace Moth  ______  (W:348)
     Hypsoropha monilis
     
     
327. Red-lined Panopoda  ______  PA  (W:349)
     Panopoda rufimargo
     
     
328. Common Oak Moth  ______  PA  (W:350)
     Phoberia atomaris
     
     
329. Curve-lined Owlet  ______  (W:346)
     Phyprosopus callitrichoides
     
     
330. Green-dusted Zale  ______  PA  (W:355)
     Zale aeruginosa
     
     
331. Black-eyed Zale  ______  (W:355)
     Zale curema
     
     
332. Brown-spotted Zale  ______  PA  (W:352)
     Zale helata
     
     
333. Horrid Zale  ______  PA  (W:351)
     Zale horrida
     
     
334. Lunate Zale  ______  PA  (W:353)
     Zale lunata
     
     
335. Bold-based Zale  ______  PA  (W:355)
     Zale lunifera
     
     
336. Washed-out Zale  ______  PA  (W:354)
     Zale metatoides 
     
     
337. One-lined Zale  ______  PA  (W:355)
     Zale unilineata
     
     
338. Clover Looper  ______  (W:359)
     Caenurgina crassiuscula
     
     
339. Maple Looper  ______  (W:358)
     Parallelia bistriaris
     
     
340. Florida Callopistria Moth  ______  NC
     Callopistria floridensis
     
     
341. Pink-shaded Fern Moth  ______  (W:428)
     Callopistria mollissima
     
     
342. Cloaked Marvel  ______  NC  
     Chytonix palliatricula
     
     
343. The Confederate  ______  NC
     Condica confederata
     
     
344. Mobile Groundling  ______  NC
     Condica mobilis
     
     
345. Dusky Groundling  ______  NC
     Condica vecora
     
     
346. American Dun-bar  ______  (W:429)
     Cosmia calami
     
     
347. The Wedgling  ______  NC
     Galgula partita
     
     
348. Common Hyppa  ______  (W:430)
     Hyppa xylinoides
     
     
349. Black-banded Brocade  ______  NC
     Oligia modica
     
     
350. Burdock Borer Moth  ______  NC
     Papaipema cataphracta
     
     
351. Red Groundling  ______  NC
     Perigea xanthioides
     
     
352. Spotted Phosphila  ______  NC
     Phosphila miselioides
     
     
353. Fall Armyworm Moth  ______  NC  (W:432)
     Spodoptera frugiperda
     
     
354. Yellow-striped Armyworm Moth  ______ NC  (W:433)
     Spodoptera ornithogalli
     
     
355. Straight-toothed Sallow  ______  NC  (W:403)
     Eupsilia vinulenta
     
     
356. Major Sallow  ______  (W:394)
     Feralia major
     
     
357. Ashen Pinion  ______  NC  (W:404)
     Lithophane antennata
     
     
358. Nameless Pinion  ______  (W:405)
     Lithophane innominata
     
     
359. Branded Pinion  ______  (W:406)
     Lithophane patefacta
     
     
360. Wanton Pinion  ______  NC
     Lithophane petulca
     
     
361. Shivering Pinion  ______  NC  (W:407)
     Lithophane querquera
     
     
362. Dimorphic Pinion Moth  ______  NC
     Lithophane patefacta
     
     
363. Dowdy Pinion  ______  NC  (W:408)
     Lithophane unimoda
     
     
364. Pale Green Pinion  ______  NC  (W:409)
     Lithophane viridipallens
     
     
365. Roadside Sallow  ______  NC
     Metaxaglaea viatica
     
     
366. Holly Sallow  ______  (W:410)
     Metaxaglaea violacea
     
     
367. Figure-eight Sallow  ______  NC
     Psaphida resumens
     
     
368. Roland's Sallow  _______  NC  (W:392)
     Psaphida rolandi
     
     
369. Fawn Sallow  ______  (W:393)
     Psaphida styracis
     
     
370. Eyed Mustard Sallow  ______  (W:411)
     Pyreferra citrombra
     
     
371. Purple-lined Sallow  ______  (W:398)
     Pyrrhia exprimens
     
     
372. Bicolored Sallow  ______  NC
     Sunira bicolorago
     
     
373. Red-winged Swallow  ______  (W:412)
     Xystopeplus rufago  
     
     
374. Pink-barred Pseudeustrotia  ______  NC
     Pseudeustrotia carneola
     
     
375. Baltimore Bomolocha  ______  (W:373)
     Bomolocha baltimoralis
     
     
376. Gray-edged Bomolocha  ______  (W:374)
     Bomolocha madefactalis
     
     
377. Green Cloverworm  ______  (W:372)
     Plathypena scabra
     
     
378. Dark Mararhyssa  ______  (W:375)
     Mararhyssa inficita
     
     
379. Large Paectes  ______  (W:376)
     Paectes abrostoloides 
     
     
380. Unspotted Looper Moth  ______  NC
     Allagrapha aerea
     
     
381. Celery Looper  ______  (W:380)
     Anagrapha falcifera
     
     
382. Common Looper Moth  ______  NC  (W:378)
     Autographa precationis
     
     
383. Soybean Looper Moth  ______  NC
     Chrysodeixis includens
     
     
384. Epauletted Pitcher Plant Moth  ______  (W:380)
     Exyra fax
     
     
385. Bilobed Looper  ______  (W:380)
     Megalographa biloba
     
     
386. Putnam's Looper  ______  (W:380)
     Plusia putnami
     
     
387. Soybean Looper  ______  (W:379)
     Pseudoplusia includens
     
     
388. Gray Looper Moth  ______  NC
     Rachiplusia ou
     
     
389. Cabbage Looper  Moth  ______  PA  (W:377)
     Trichoplusia ni
     
     
390. Gold Moth  ______  NC  (W:395)
     Basilodes pepita
     
     
391. Cattail Borer Moth  ______  NC
     Bellura oblique
     
     
392. Brown Angle Shades  ______  NC
     Phlogophora periculosa 
     
     
393. Spotted Phosphila  ______  (W:426)
     Phosphila miselioides
     
     
394. Turbulent Phosphila  ______  NC  (W:427)
     Phosphila turbulenta
     
     
395. Distinct Quaker  ______  (W:422)
     Achatia distincta
     
     
396. Norman's Quaker  ______  (W:420)
     Crocigrapha normani
     
     
397. Alternate Woodling  ______  NC  (W:417)
     Egira altermans
     
     
398. Grateful Midget  ______  NC  NJ  PA
     Elaphria grata 
     
     
399. Variegated Midget  ______  NC  PA  (W:431)
     Elaphria versicolor
     
     
400. Laudable Arches  ______  NC
     Lacinipolia laudabilis
     
     
401. Intractable Quaker  ______  PA  (W:421)
     Himella intractata
     
     
402. Bristly Cutworm Moth  ______  NC  PA
     Lacinipolia renigera
     
     
403. False Wainscot  ______  NC  PA
     Leucania pseudargyria
     
     
404. Black Arches  ______  PA  (W:413)
     Melanchra assimilis
     
     
405. Zebra Caterpillar  ______  (W:414)
     Melanchra picta
     
     
406. Confused Woodgrain  ______  PA  (W:423)
     Morrisonia confusa
     
     
407. Fluid Arches  ______  PA  (W:424)
     Morrisonia (or Polia) latex
     
     
408. Armyworm Moth  ______  NC  PA  (W:416)
     Mythimna (or Pseudaletia) unipuncta
     
     
409. Bronzed Cutworm Moth  ______  NC  PA  (W:425)
     Nephelodes minians
     
     
410. Disparaged Arches  ______  NC  PA
     Orthodea detracta
     
     
411. Gray Quaker  ______  NC
     Orthosia alurina  
     
     
412. Speckled Green Fruitworm Moth  ______  NC  PA  (W:418)
     Orthosia hibisci
     
     
413. Ruby Quaker  ______  PA  (W:419)
     Orthosia rubescens
     
     
414. Signate Quaker  ______  NC  PA
     Tricholita signata
     
     
415. Striped Garden Caterpillar  ______  PA  (W:415)
     Trichordestra legitima
      
     
416. Greater Red Dart  ______  NC  PA
     Abagrotis altermata
     
     
417. Pale-banded Dart  ______  NC  PA
     Agnorisma badinodis
     
     
418. Green Cutworm Moth  ______  NC
     Anicia infecta
     
     
419. Reddish Speckled Dart  ______  NC  PA
     Cerastis tenebrifera
     
     
420. Bent-line Dart  ______  NC  PA
     Choephora fungorum
     
     
421. Snowy Dart  ______  (W:438)
     Euagrotis illapsa
     
     
422. Reaper Dart  ______  (W:438)  (caterpillar called Dark-sided Cutworm)
     Euxoa messoria
     
     
423. Tessellate Dart  ______  (W:438)  (caterpillar called Striped Cutworm)
     Euxoa tessellata
     
     
424. American Flame-shouldered Dart  ______  PA  (W:438)
     Ochropleura implecta  
     
     
425. Buffalo Moth  ______  NC  PA
     Parapamea buffaloensis
     
     
426. Variegated Cutworm  ______  PA  (W:434)
     Peridroma saucia
     
     
427. Northern Variable Dart  ______  (W:437)  (caterpillar called White Pine Cutworm)
     Xestia badicollis
     
     
428. Greater Black-letter Dart  ______  NC  PA
     Xestia dolosa
     
     
429. Smith's Dart  ______  NC  PA
     Xestia smithi
     
     
430. Corn Earworm Moth  ______  NC  PA  (W:396)
     Helicoverpa zea
     
     
431. Tobacco Budworm Moth  ______  NC  PA  (W:397)
     Heliothis virescens   
     
     
432. Arcigera Flower Moth  ______  NC  PA  (W:400)
     Schinia arcigera
     
     
433. Clouded Crimson  ______  (W:399)
     Schinia gaurae 
     
     
434. Primrose Moth  ______  NJ  PA  (W:400)
     Schinia florida
     
     
435. Goldenrod  Flower Moth  ______  NC  (W:400)
     Schinia nundina
     
     
436. Ragweed Flower Moth  ______  NC  PA  (W:400)
     Schinia rivulosa
     
     
437. Spanish Moth  ______  (W:401)  (or Convict Caterpillar)
     Xanthopastis regnatrix 
     
     
438. Eight-spotted Forester  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:18,521) (S:266) (W:382)
     Alypia octomaculata
     
     Adult Eight-spotted Foresters fly in bright daylight and are often mistaken for butterflies.  
     
     
439. Beautiful Wood-nymph  ______  NC  PA  (W:383)
     Eudryas grata
     
     
440. Pearly Wood-nymph  ______  NC  NJ  PA
     Eudryas unio
     
     
441. Grapevine Epimenis  ______  NC  PA
     Psychomorpha epimenis
     
     
442. Light Marathyssa  ______  NC
     Marathyssa basalis
     
     
443. European Yellow Underwing  ______  NC  PA  (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.  
     
     
     Family NOLIDAE:  Nolids
     
     
444. Doubleday Baileya  _____  NC  PA
     Baileya doubledayi
     
     
445. Eyed Baileya  ______  NC  PA  (W:456)
     Baileya ophthalmica
     
     
446. Confused Meganola  ______  PA  (W:454)
     Meganola minuscula
     
     
447. Three-spotted Nola  ______  PA  (W:455)
     Nola triquetrana
     
     
     
     Family LIMACODIDAE:  Slug Caterpillar Moths
     
     Moths in the family LIMACODIDAE are stout, and rather hairy, with stumpy rounded wings. Most are brownish with green, white, or silver markings, and with wingspans of three-eighths to one and one-eighths inches (10-30mm). 
     
     The caterpillars are short and stocky and do not have prolegs. they creep about on leaves in a slug-like manner. In some species, they have tufts of short, stinging bristles that protect them from predators. Those bristles are incorporated into a firm-walled cocoon, so that the pupa are similarly protected.
     
     Adults do not eat. The caterpillars feed on many plants.  
     
     
448. Purple-crested Slug  ______  PA  (W:47)
     Adoneta spinuloides
     
     
449. Shagreened Slug  ______  PA  (W:41)
     Apoda biguttata
     
     
450. Spiny Oak Slug  ______  PA  (W:49)
     Euclea delphinii
     
     
451. Red-eyed Button Slug  ______  PA  (W:38)
     Heterogenea shurtleffi 
     
     
452. Crowned Slug  ______  PA  (W:46)
     Isa textula
     
     
453. Spun Glass Slug  ______  (W:43)
     Isochaetes beutenmuelleri
     
     
454. Yellow-shouldered Slug  ______  PA  (W:40)
     Lithacodes fasciola
     
     
455. Pin-striped Vermilion Slug  ______  (W:48)
     Monoleuca semifascia
     
     
456. Nason's Slug  ______  (W:45)
     Natada nasoni
     
     
457. Elegant Tailed Slug  ______  PA  (W:39)
     Packardia elegans
     
     
458. Smaller Parasa  ______  PA  (W:50)
     Parasa chloris
     
     
459. Stinging Rose Caterpillar  ______  PA  (W:51)
     Parasa indetermina
     
     
460. Hag Moth  (or Monkey Slug)  ______  PA  (W:44)
     Phobetron pithecium
     
     
461. Skiff Moth  ______  PA  (W:42)
     Prolimacodes badia
     
     
462. Saddleback Moth  ______  (S:287) (W:52)
     Sibine stimulea
     
     The Saddleback caterpillars are easier to recognize than the adult moths. The spines on their sides are mildly poisonous, and, if touched, sting. 
     
     
463. Red-crossed Button Slug  ______  PA  (W:36)
     Tortricidia pallida
     
     
464. Early Button Slug  ______  PA  (W:37)  (also called Warm-chevroned Moth)
     Tortricidia testacea
     
     
     Family ZYGAENIDAE:  Smoky Moths
     
     This family was formerly known as PYROMORPHIDAE. 
     
     Smoky Moths are small, black or brightly-colored, and have wingspans from five-eighths to one and one-eighths inches (16-30mm). 
     They have rounded wings with a thin covering of scales and a well-developed proboscis.
     Some species are nocturnal. Members of diurnal species visit flowers and strongly resemble CRENUCHIDS, but they can be distinguished by wing venation.
     Most caterpillars feed on the foliage of Virginia Creeper or grape. Several often eat side by side, devouring an entire leaf before moving on to another one. 
     
     
465. Clemens' False Skeletonizer Moth  ______  PA
     Acoloithus falsarius 
     
     
466. Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Moth  ______  PA  (S:290) (W:57)
     Harrisina americana
     
     Tiny caterpillars of Harrisina americana often line up side by side to feed on leaves. while young, they do not eat veins, but leave them as a skeleton, hence their common name.
     As they grow, the caterpillars eat small veins, leaving only the coarse ones.
     Fully grown caterpillars disperse over the vine, and then spin tough, flat white cocoons, emerging as adults about 2 weeks later. There are probably 2 generations a year.    
     
     
467. Orange-patched Smoky Moth  ______  NJ
     Pyromorpha dimidiata
     
     
     Family COSSIDAE:  Cossid & Carpenter Moths
     
     
468. Carpenterworm Moth  ______  NC  PA  (S:292)
     Prionoxystus robiniae
     
     
469. Leopard Moth  ______  NJ  PA
     Zeuzera pyrina
     
     
     Family HEPIALIDAE:  Ghost Moths 
     
     
470. Conifer Swift Moth  ______  PA
     Korschellellus gracilis
     
     
471. Silver-spotted Ghost Moth  ______  (S:297)
     Sthenopis argenteomaculatus 
     
     
472. Gold-spotted Ghost Moth  ______  PA
     Sthenopis auratus 
      
     
     Family ARCTIIDAE:  Tiger Moths, Wasp Moths, & 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.        
     
     
473. Charlotte's Tiger Moth  ______  NJ  (W:476)
     Apantesis carlotta
     
     
474. Nais Tiger Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA
     Apantesis nais
     
     
475. Harnessed Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA
     Apantesis phalerata
     
     
476. Banded Tiger Moth  ______  NC  PA
     Apantesis vittata
     
     
477. Great Tiger Moth  ______  (W:468)
     Arctica caja
     
     
478. Unexpected Cycnia  ______  (W:476)  NJ  PA
     Cycnia inopinatus
     
     
479. Delicate Cycnia (or Dogbane Tiger Moth)  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:476)
     Cycnia tenera
     
     
480. Anna Tiger Moth  ______  NC  PA
     Grammia anna
     
     
481. Arge Tiger Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:469)
     Grammia arge
     
     
482. Figured Tiger Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA
     Grammia figurata
     
     
483. Parthenice Tiger Moth  ______  NC  PA
     Grammia parthenice
     
     
484. Phyllira Tiger Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:476)
     Grammia phyllira
     
     
485. Placentia Tiger Moth  ______  NC
     Grammia placentia
     
     
486. Virgin Tiger Moth  ______  NJ  PA  (S:273) (W:470)
     Grammia virgo
     
     
487. Salt Marsh Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:4,527) (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.
     
     
488. Milkweed Tiger Moth  ______  PA  (NA:6,529) (W:474)  (also called Milkweed Tussock Caterpillar)
     Euchaetis egle
     
     The colorful black, white, and orange caterpillar of Euchaetis egle is often called the "Harlequin Caterpillar".  
     
     
489. Sycamore Tussock Moth  ______  PA  (W:476)
     Halysidota harrisii 
     
     
490. Banded Tussock Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:471)  (other names are Tessellated Halisidota, or Pale Tiger Moth)
     Halysidota tessellaris
     
     
     
     
     Above & Below: 2 forms of 
     Banded Tussock Moth Caterpillars
     (photos by Doris Potter)

     
     

491. Clymene Haploa  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:461)
     Haploa clymene
     
     
492. Confused Haploa  ______  NJ  PA  (W:461)
     Haploa confusa
     
     
493. The Neighbor  ______  NC  PA  (W:461)
     Haploa contigua 
     
     
494. Colona  ______  (NA:553)  
     Haploa colona
     
     The Colona occurs in the Gulf States. It is the largest North American member of its genus.
     
     
495. LeConte's Haploa  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:460)
     Haploa lecontei
     
     
496. Reversed Haploa  ______  (W:461)
     Haploa reversa
     
     
497. Giant Leopard Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (S:275) (W:467)
     Hypercompe scribonia
     
     
498. Fall Webworm Moth  ______  NC  NJ  (W:466)
     Hyphantna cunea
     
     
499. Long-streaked Tussock Moth  ______  NC
     Leucanopsis longa
     
     
500. Hickory Tussock Moth  ______  PA  (S:276) (W:472)
     Lophocampa caryae
     
     
501. Yellow-spotted Tussock Moth  ______  NC  PA  (NA:540) (W:473)
     Lophocampa (or Halisidota) maculata
     
     
502. Ruby Tiger Moth  ______  PA  (W:478)
     Phragmatobia fuliginosa
     
     
503. St. Lawrence Tiger Moth  ______  (W:476)
     Platarctia parthenos
     
     
504. Isabella Tiger Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:5,541) (S:278)  (W:462)  (the caterpillar called the Woolly Bear)  
     Pyrrharctica (formerly Isia) isabella
     
     Familiar since Colonial times as the "Woolly 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.    
     
     
505. Echo Moth  ______  (W:463)
     Seirarctica echo
     
     
506. Agreeable Tiger Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:478)
     Spilosoma congrua
     
     
507. Dubious Tiger Moth  ______  NC  (W:478)
     Spilosoma dubia
     
     
508. Virginian Tiger Moth (or Yellow Woollybear Moth)  ______  NC  PA  (NA:531) (W:465)   
     Spilosoma (or Diacrisia) virginica
     
     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.
     
     
     
     
     The Woollybear of the Virginian Tiger Moth
     (photo by Howard Eskin)
     
     
509. Bella Moth  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (NA:551) (W:478)  (also called Rattlebox Moth)
     Uletheisa ornatrix (or bella)
     
     A day-flying moth, Uletheisa ornatix often seems to disappears 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. 
     
     
510. Orange Virbia (or Holomelina)  ______  NC  NJ  PA  (W:476)
     Virbia (or Holomelina) aurantiaca
     
     
511. Immaculate Virbia (or Holomelina)  ______  NC  NJ  PA
     Virbia immaculata
     
     
512. Tawny Virbia (or Holomelina)  ______  NC  NJ  PA
     Virbia opella 
     
     
     Subfamily CTENUCHIDAE:  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.          
     
     
513. Yellow-collared Scrape Moth  ______  NC  NJ  (P:11) (W:480)
     Cisseps fulvicollis
     
     
514. Virginia Ctenucha  ______  NJ  (NA:544) (P:12) (W:481)
     Ctenucha virginica
     
     
515. Spotted Oleander Caterpillar (i)  ______  (W:482)
     Empyreuma affinis
     
     Empyreuma affins is native to Cuba and pother 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. 
     
     
516. Polka-dot Wasp Caterpillar  ______  (P:11) (W:483)  (or the Oleander Caterpillar)
     Syntomeida epilais
     
     
     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.  
     
     
517. Packard's Lichen Moth  ______  NC  NJ  (W:459)
     Cisthene packardii
     
     
518. Lead-colored Lichen Moth  ______  NC  (W:459)
     Cisthene plumbea
     
     
519. Subject Lichen Moth  ______  NC
     Cisthene subjecta
     
     
520. Thin-banded Lichen Moth  ______  NC
     Cisthene tenuifascia 
     
     
521. Little White Lichen Moth  ______  NC  NJ  (W:459)
     Clemensia albata
     
     
522. Cadbury's Lichen Moth  ______  NC
     Comachara cadburyi
     
     
523. Pale Lichen Moth  ______  NC  NJ  (W:459)
     Crambidia pallida
     
     
524. Pure Lichen Moth  ______  NC  NJ
     Crambidia pura
     
     
525. Uniform Lichen Moth  ______  NC  NJ
     Crambidia uniformis
     
     
526. Painted Lichen Moth  ______  NC  NJ
     Hypoprepia fucosa
     
     
527. Scarlet-winged Lichen Moth  ______  NC  NJ  (W:458)
     Hypoprepia miniata
     
     
528. Black-and-yellow Lichen Moth  ______  NJ  (NA:165)
     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.   
     
     
529. Mouse-colored Lichen Moth  ______  NC
     Pagara simplex
     
     
     Family MEGALORYGIDAE:  Flannel Moths
     
     MEGALORYGIDAE is a largely Neotropical family. More than 40 species occur in Costa Rica. 
     
     Although members of this family appear soft and harmless, Flannel Moth caterpillars are among the most well-defended insects. Beneath their soft, outer hair are warts that are fortified with hollow, poison-filled stinging spines that are capable of giving painful stings.
     
     A caterpillar of one particularly large Amazonian species is about 8 centimeters in length. Its sting has purportedly resulted in human deaths. Thus, the common name for that caterpillar is "el raton", "the rat".
     
     4 species in this family extend into eastern North America.       
     
     
530. Black-waved Flannel Caterpillar  ______  PA  (W:54)
     Megalopyge (or Lagoa) crispata
     
     
531. Southern Flannel Moth  ______  (W:55)  ("Puss Caterpillar")
     Megalopyge opercularis 
     
     
532. White Flannel Moth  ______  (W:56)
     Norape ovina 
     
     

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