Alpine
Guides
Acrodectes philopagus
Alpine Shieldback
Acrodectes philopagus, commonly known as the Alpine Shieldback, is the sole described species in the monotypic genus Acrodectes. It is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, first described by Rehn and Hebard in 1920. The species is known from high-elevation habitats in California. As with other tettigoniids, it possesses enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping and long antennae.
Acronicta lupini
lupine dagger, little bear
Acronicta lupini is a noctuid moth found in alpine habitats across western North America, from Canadian provinces and territories south to California. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 33 mm and are active from May through August. The common names "lupine dagger" and "little bear" refer to this species' appearance and possibly its association with lupine plants.
Aeropedellus clavatus
Club-horned Grasshopper, Clubhorned Grasshopper, Slant-faced Grasshopper
Aeropedellus clavatus, commonly known as the club-horned grasshopper, is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distinguished by its club-shaped antennae, with the last six segments enlarged and darker than the rest. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are flightless with short wings, while males may have either short or long wings, with long-winged males capable of flight. It is one of the earliest-hatching grasshoppers in its range, emerging in early spring and completing development rapidly. Populations are most abundant in the Canadian prairies, where it is the most widely distributed grassland grasshopper species.
Anarta nigrolunata
Pied Alpine Beauty
Anarta nigrolunata is a noctuid moth first described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1867. It is known by the common name Pied Alpine Beauty. The species occurs in Arctic and alpine environments across North America. It was formerly placed in the genus Hadula but is now classified in Anarta. It is distinct from the similar Anarta melanopa, which was previously considered conspecific.
Apantesis quenseli
Labrador Tiger Moth
Apantesis quenseli, the Labrador tiger moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It inhabits high-altitude alpine environments and polar regions across the Northern Hemisphere. The species was transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis in 2016, reflecting revised understanding of tiger moth phylogeny. Multiple subspecies have been described across its broad geographic range.
Apteroloma
Apteroloma is a genus of primitive carrion beetles in the family Agyrtidae, comprising approximately 14 described species. The genus is distinguished by its wingless or reduced-wing condition, as indicated by its name (from Greek 'apteros' meaning wingless). Species occur primarily in montane and alpine regions of central Asia and the Himalayas. Taxonomic revisions have clarified species boundaries, with recent work synonymizing A. jankovskii under A. anglorossicum and A. heinzi under A. harmandi.
Arctia alpina
Arctic Tiger Moth
Arctia alpina is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, distributed across high-latitude and high-altitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The species inhabits northern Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska, northwestern Canada, and mountainous areas of southern Siberia and northern Mongolia. Adults have a wingspan of 42–50 mm. Larvae feed on specific host plants including dandelion, Vaccinium species, and dwarf willow. The species was transferred from the genus Acerbia to Arctia in a broader taxonomic revision of tiger moth genera.
Arctia yarrowii
Yarrow's tiger moth, Mountain Tiger Moth
Arctia yarrowii, commonly known as Yarrow's tiger moth or Mountain Tiger Moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It was first described by Richard Harper Stretch in 1874. The species inhabits high-elevation alpine environments in western North America, specifically barren rocky fellfields and slides above the timberline. Adults are active during mid-summer, with forewings approximately 22 mm in length.
Asynarchus
Asynarchus is a genus of caddisflies in the family Limnephilidae, first described by McLachlan in 1880. Species are found in small, cold, oligotrophic lakes and ponds across Eurasia and Northern America. The genus includes at least two species: A. contumax and A. lapponicus. Larvae and pupae of both species have been described from central Norway.
Boloria alberta
Alberta fritillary
Boloria alberta is a small alpine fritillary butterfly endemic to the North American Rocky Mountains. Adults fly from July to early August in high-elevation habitats. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration, with males appearing dull orange and females pale orange to gray-brown. Larvae are specialized feeders on mountain avens (Dryas octopetala).
Boloria chariclea
Arctic fritillary, purplish fritillary
Boloria chariclea is a Holarctic butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, known as the Arctic fritillary or purplish fritillary. It inhabits cold northern environments including tundra, taiga, alpine meadows, and acid bogs. The species exhibits a two-year life cycle in some populations, with larvae hibernating during first and second winters. Multiple subspecies are recognized across its broad range, including the endemic B. c. montinus isolated in the White Mountains of New Hampshire for approximately 9,000 years.
Boloria chariclea montinus
White Mountain Fritillary
The White Mountain Fritillary is a critically imperiled subspecies endemic to the alpine zone of the Presidential Range in New Hampshire's White Mountains. A glacial relict isolated for approximately 9,000 years, it represents one of the rarest butterfly populations in eastern North America. Systematic point-count surveys in 2012-2013 found highest densities in herbaceous-snowbank plant communities, though the more widespread heath-shrub-rush community likely supports the majority of adults. The subspecies is easily alarmed by human approach and exhibits variable detectability depending on weather conditions.
Boloria natazhati
Beringian fritillary, cryptic fritillary, Pleistocene fritillary
Boloria natazhati is a small fritillary butterfly endemic to northwestern North America. It is found in alpine and subalpine habitats from northwestern Canada to northern British Columbia. The species has a narrow flight period in mid-summer and is associated with rocky, open terrain. Its common names reference its Beringian distribution and cryptic appearance.
Bombus polaris
Polar Bumble Bee
Bombus polaris is a social Arctic bumble bee adapted to extreme cold environments, occurring above the Arctic Circle in circumpolar regions. It possesses specialized thermoregulatory abilities, dense insulating hair, and constructs heavily insulated nests to survive near-freezing temperatures. The species has an accelerated colony cycle compressed into a short growing season of two to three months. It serves as a critical early-season pollinator in Arctic ecosystems and is the primary host for two social parasite species, Bombus hyperboreus and Bombus natvigi.
Booneacris
Wingless Mountain Grasshoppers
Booneacris is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Rehn & Randell in 1962. The genus contains four described species, all characterized by reduced or absent wings. These grasshoppers are restricted to mountainous regions of western North America, with species found at high elevations. The common name "Wingless Mountain Grasshoppers" reflects their most distinctive trait and habitat preference.
Booneacris glacialis
Wingless Mountain Grasshopper
Booneacris glacialis, commonly known as the wingless mountain grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is endemic to mountainous regions of eastern North America. The species is notable for being flightless, an adaptation to its high-elevation habitat. Three subspecies are currently recognized, varying in geographic distribution across the northern Appalachians and adjacent ranges.
Boreus californicus
California Snow Scorpionfly
Boreus californicus is a flightless species of snow scorpionfly endemic to western North America. It is active on snow surfaces across a broad elevation gradient from valley grasslands to alpine areas above tree line. The species exhibits a distinctive life history tied to snow cover, with mating occurring directly on snow surfaces. Surface activity has been documented at temperatures ranging from −5.0°C to 5.5°C, with pairs in copula observed between −0.5°C and 5.5°C.
Bruneria
slant-faced grasshoppers
Bruneria is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the subfamily Gomphocerinae, native to northwestern North America. The genus contains at least three described species: Bruneria brunnea (Bruner slant-faced grasshopper), Bruneria shastana (Shasta slant-faced grasshopper), and Bruneria yukonensis (Yukon slant-faced grasshopper). These grasshoppers inhabit mountain meadows, mixedgrass prairies, and alpine tundra at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 11,100 feet. The best-studied species, B. brunnea, is primarily a grass-feeder that can become a serious pest during population irruptions.
Bruneria brunnea
Bruner slant-faced grasshopper, Bruner's Grasshopper
Bruneria brunnea is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper native to western North America. It inhabits mountain meadows, mixedgrass prairies, and alpine tundra at elevations from 1,600 to 11,100 feet. The species is a specialized grass and sedge feeder that becomes a serious rangeland pest during population irruptions. It has been documented to reach densities of 15 adults per square yard and contributed to a historic outbreak covering 2,000 square miles in British Columbia in 1920.
Calacanthia
Calacanthia is a genus of shore bugs in the family Saldidae, established by Reuter in 1891. The genus contains seven described species distributed across alpine and montane regions of Europe and Asia, including the Himalayas, Tibet, and Sichuan. Species in this genus are associated with high-elevation aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The genus is part of the tribe Saldoidini within the subfamily Saldinae.
Carabus chamissonis
Fisher's worm and slug hunter
Carabus chamissonis is a ground beetle species restricted to tundra environments across northern North America. It occupies open, dry tundra habitats with better drainage than those used by the related Carabus truncaticollis. The species exhibits brachyptery (reduced wings) and nocturnal activity patterns. Adults overwinter within their own pupal cavities, an unusual behavior among ground beetles. Disjunct populations occur on isolated mountaintops in New England, far south of the main Arctic range.
Cerapteryx graminis
Antler Moth
Cerapteryx graminis, commonly known as the antler moth, is a noctuid moth distinguished by the bold white branched basal streak on its forewings that resembles antlers. The species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, with females notably larger than males. It is primarily diurnal but also flies at night, and is attracted to both flowers and light. The species is native to Europe and northern Asia, has been introduced to North America, and occurs at elevations up to 2100 meters in the Alps.
Ceuthophilus alpinus
Alpine camel cricket
Ceuthophilus alpinus is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is native to North America and has been documented in Colorado and Montana. Like other members of its genus, it is likely adapted to cool, moist environments. The species is distinguished from the congeneric grasshopper Melanoplus alpinus by its placement in a different family.
Chalcoscirtus
Chalcoscirtus is a genus of jumping spiders (Salticidae) established by Philipp Bertkau in 1880. The name derives from Ancient Greek 'chalc-' (copper) and 'scirt-' (leap), referring to the metallic coloration and characteristic jumping behavior. The genus comprises approximately 45 species distributed primarily across Eurasia, with limited representation in North America. Species occupy diverse habitats from lowland steppes to high alpine zones.
Chersotis
Chersotis is a genus of noctuid moths in the subfamily Noctuinae, established by Boisduval in 1840. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed primarily across the Palearctic region. Species are predominantly found in mountainous and northern European habitats. Many species were described during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with several taxa originally placed in other genera before reassignment.
Chirocephalidae
fairy shrimp
Chirocephalidae is the second largest family of fairy shrimp (Anostraca), characterized by a reduced or vestigial maxilla, more than two setae on the fifth endite, divided pre-epipodites, and widely separated seminal vesicles. The family includes nine genera: Artemiopsis, Branchinectella, Chirocephalus, Dexteria (extinct), Eubranchipus, Linderiella, Parartemiopsis, Polyartemia, and Polyartemiella. Former families Linderiellidae and Polyartemiidae are now included within Chirocephalidae. Most species are distributed in the Holarctic region.
Cicindela plutonica
Alpine Tiger Beetle
Cicindela plutonica, the alpine tiger beetle, is a tiger beetle species native to the western United States. It occurs in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, and California. The species is assigned to the subgenus Cicindela (Tribonia). Two subspecies are recognized: C. p. plutonica and C. p. leachi.
Cinygmula
Cinygmula is a genus of flatheaded mayflies (Heptageniidae) comprising at least 30 described species. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features in some species, including pointed claws and a distinct frontal fold on the imago. Species occur in high-altitude alpine habitats across central Asia and the eastern Himalaya. The genus has been studied for its potential use as a bioindicator of aquatic contamination.
Clepsis moeschleriana
Clepsis moeschleriana is a small tortricid moth described by Maximilian Ferdinand Wocke in 1862. It occurs in alpine and subalpine environments across a disjunct distribution spanning Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and western North America from Alaska to Newfoundland. The species has a wingspan of 15–23 mm and is active during summer months, with flight periods varying by region. Larvae feed on Delphinium barbeyi, a larkspur species.
Colias behrii
Behr's sulphur, Sierra green sulfur, Sierra Sulphur
Colias behrii is a small alpine butterfly endemic to the Sierra Nevada of California, restricted to high-elevation habitats mostly around and above 9,000 feet. It has a wingspan of 35–42 mm and is active from July to August. The species has been subject to genetic study revealing a historical range-wide bottleneck approximately 531–281 years ago, coinciding with a period of global cooling.
Colias hecla
Hecla Sulphur, Northern Clouded Yellow
A small to medium-sized sulphur butterfly of the Pieridae family, restricted to high-latitude and high-altitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The species shows pronounced sexual dimorphism in wing pattern, with females displaying distinctive yellow 'windows' interrupting the black marginal band. First described from Greenland, where it occurs without congeners. Multiple subspecies are recognized across its fragmented Holarctic range.
Colias meadii
Mead's Sulphur, Mead's Sulfur
Colias meadii, known as Mead's Sulphur, is a butterfly species in the family Pieridae native to the Rocky Mountains of North America. It inhabits high-elevation arctic-alpine environments near or at tree line. The species is active during mid-summer, with adults flying from July to August. It exhibits the yellow-orange wing coloration typical of sulphur butterflies, with a wingspan of 35–44 mm.
Colias palaeno
Moorland Clouded Yellow, Palaeno Sulphur, Pale Arctic Clouded Yellow
Colias palaeno is a Holarctic butterfly species in the family Pieridae, occurring across northern Eurasia and North America. It inhabits moorlands, bogs, and open coniferous forests, with southern populations restricted to high alpine zones above 1,500 meters. The species has experienced significant declines in parts of its European range, particularly in Bavaria, where larval survival depends critically on microclimatic conditions associated with Sphagnum moss. It is univoltine, with adults flying from June to August.
Colias pelidne
Pelidne Sulphur, Blueberry Sulphur
Colias pelidne is a small sulphur butterfly in the family Pieridae found in North America. It inhabits high-elevation tundra and mountain environments, with a flight period restricted to late June through early August. The species has a broad geographic range spanning from British Columbia across Canada to Newfoundland, with southern extensions into Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Both larval and adult stages have documented feeding associations with specific plant taxa.
Cyclominae
Cyclominae is a subfamily of weevils (Curculionidae) comprising seven tribes: Amycterini, Aterpini, Cyclomini, Dichotrachelini, Hipporhinini, Listroderini, Notiomimetini, and Rhythirrinini. The subfamily exhibits a disjunct global distribution, with significant radiations in southern South America, southern Africa, Australia, and the western Mediterranean region. Phylogenetic studies indicate complex evolutionary relationships among constituent tribes, with some Palaearctic genera showing closer affinities to South American lineages than to geographically proximate relatives.
Cyllopsis pyracmon
Nabokov's Satyr
Cyllopsis pyracmon, commonly known as Nabokov's satyr, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It is recognized as a synonym of Euptychia pyracmon in some taxonomic databases. The species is found in North America and has been documented in alpine and forested habitats. Two subspecies are recognized: C. p. pyracmon and C. p. henshawi.
Decticita
shield-backed katydids
Decticita is a genus of shield-backed katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, established by Hebard in 1939. The genus contains at least three described species distributed in western North America, particularly California. Members are characterized by their reduced or modified forewings and shield-like pronotum typical of the shield-backed katydid group. The genus name reflects its relationship to the broader Decticinae group within Tettigoniidae.
Diamesinae
Diamesinae is a subfamily of non-biting midges (Chironomidae) primarily associated with cold-water habitats, particularly glacial-fed streams. The subfamily includes several tribes: Diamesini, Boreoheptagyiini, Protanypini, and two fossil tribes (Cretodiamesini, Eugenodiamesini). Genera such as Diamesa are among the dominant insect colonizers of kryal habitats in alpine regions. Species delimitation in this group often requires integrative approaches combining DNA barcoding with pupal morphology, as adult males of some genera show limited morphological differentiation.
Dichrorampha acuminatana
Sharp-winged Drill
Dichrorampha acuminatana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 10–15 mm, found across Europe and the Near East. The species exhibits distinctive wing patterns with dark fuscous ground color, purplish tints, and ochreous irroration. Adults are active from May to September, with larvae feeding on Leucanthemum vulgare (oxeye daisy) and Tanacetum vulgare (tansy). The species has been well-documented in Belgium and the Netherlands, with over 2,000 iNaturalist observations.
Erebia
alpines, ringlets, arguses
Erebia is a Holarctic genus of brush-footed butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, containing approximately 90–100 species. The genus is notable for its adaptation to cold environments, with most species inhabiting high-altitude or high-latitude regions. Members are predominantly dark brown to black with distinctive reddish-brown, orange, or rarely yellowish wing blotches or bands that typically contain black spots, sometimes with white centers. The genus exhibits complex taxonomic history with over 1300 described taxa, many of which are junior synonyms. Erebia serves as an important model for studying climate change impacts on montane and arctic-alpine insects due to its thermal ecology and distribution patterns.
Erebia callias
Colorado Alpine
Erebia callias, commonly known as the Colorado Alpine, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It inhabits alpine environments in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming and Colorado, as well as mountain ranges in the eastern Palearctic. The species has a wingspan of 35–38 mm and is part of the brassy ringlet complex, showing close morphological similarity to Siberian brassy ringlets.
Erebia epipsodea
Common Alpine
Erebia epipsodea, commonly known as the Common Alpine, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Satyrinae. It is distributed across North America from Alaska through the Rocky Mountains to northern New Mexico, and eastward across the Canadian prairie provinces to southwest Manitoba. The species inhabits alpine and montane environments, with adults active from mid-June to early August. Larvae feed on various grass species.
Erebia fasciata
banded alpine
Erebia fasciata, commonly known as the banded alpine, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Satyrinae. It is distributed across high-latitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere, ranging from central Siberia through Alaska, Yukon, and the Canadian Arctic to Hudson Bay, with additional populations on Banks Island and Victoria Island. The species exhibits a wingspan of 38–53 mm. Adults are active from May to late July depending on location, with larvae feeding on Carex species.
Erebia magdalena
Magdalena Alpine
Erebia magdalena, commonly known as the Magdalena Alpine, is a high-elevation butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. The species is entirely black in coloration and inhabits rocky alpine environments in western North America. It has been described as elusive and is considered one of several rare species associated with Magdalena Mountain in west-central New Mexico. The species was described by Strecker in 1880.
Erebia pawloskii
yellow-dotted alpine, Theano Alpine
Erebia pawloskii, known as the yellow-dotted alpine or Theano Alpine, is a small butterfly in the subfamily Satyrinae of family Nymphalidae. It occurs across a broad Holarctic distribution spanning northwestern North America and northern Asia. The species inhabits cold, wet environments including tundra and bog habitats. Adults fly during mid-summer, and larvae feed on sedges of the genus Carex.
Erebia rossii
Ross's Alpine, Arctic Alpine
Erebia rossii is a circumpolar butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Satyrinae. It occurs in Arctic and subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia. The species shows sexual dimorphism in eyespot patterns and has been documented with multiple subspecies across its broad range.
Erebia vidleri
Vidler's Alpine, Northwest Alpine
Erebia vidleri is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Satyrinae, found in western North America. The species inhabits moist alpine and subalpine meadows in mountainous regions of Washington and British Columbia. It is characterized by dark wings with distinctive orange bands and eyespots. Larvae feed on grasses in the family Poaceae.
Eudonia alpina
Highland Grey
Eudonia alpina is a small moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Curtis in 1850. It has a wingspan of 20–25 mm and occurs across a broad Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, and North America. Adults are active in June and July in Europe. The species is commonly known as the Highland Grey.
Euphydryas anicia anicia
Anicia checkerspot, Variable checkerspot
Euphydryas anicia anicia is a subspecies of checkerspot butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. Populations studied at Cumberland Pass, Colorado (elevation 3700 m) numbered 50,000–100,000 individuals, the largest recorded in 19 years of Euphydryas population studies. Adults sequester iridoid glycosides from host plants including Castilleja and Besseya species. Movement distances between recapture events averaged less than 100 meters, though greater than most Euphydryas populations and comparable to more vagile E. chalcedona and E. editha populations.
Euphydryas anicia magdalena
Magdalena alpine butterfly
Euphydryas anicia magdalena is a subspecies of checkerspot butterfly endemic to the Magdalena Mountains of west-central New Mexico. It was originally described by W. Barnes and J.H. McDunnough in 1918. The subspecies is considered rare and elusive, inhabiting alpine environments at high elevations. It has been featured in conservation literature, most notably in Robert Michael Pyle's novel "Magdalena Mountain," which helped raise awareness of this distinctive black alpine butterfly. The subspecies is currently synonymized under Occidryas anicia in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing revisions in checkerspot butterfly systematics.