Aposematic-coloration
Guides
Acharia stimulea
Saddleback caterpillar, Saddleback moth
Acharia stimulea, commonly known as the saddleback caterpillar, is a North American moth in the family Limacodidae. Its larva is notable for its striking appearance—a brown shield-like marking surrounded by white on its back, resembling a saddle, with prominent projections at both ends bearing venomous urticating hairs. Contact with these spines causes painful stings and potential skin reactions in humans. The species has a broad host plant range and is parasitized by braconid wasps in the genus Cotesia.
Alypia
forester moths, eight-spotted forester
Alypia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, native to North America. These moths are notable for their striking coloration—generally dark to black with contrasting yellowish or white spots—and their diurnal activity, which is unusual for noctuids. The genus includes approximately five described species, with A. octomaculata (eight-spotted forester) being the most familiar. Larvae feed on plants in the grape family (Vitaceae), including Virginia creeper and ampelopsis.
Apantesis
tiger moths
Apantesis is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1855. Following phylogenetic research published in 2016, the genera Grammia, Holarctia, and Notarctia were merged into Apantesis, substantially expanding its species diversity. The genus is found in North and Central America, with some species documented in other regions including Iraq. Members are characterized by bold color patterns typical of tiger moths, including striped forewings and often brightly colored abdomens that serve as aposematic signals.
Apantesis arge
Arge Moth, Arge Tiger Moth
Apantesis arge is a medium-sized tiger moth in the family Erebidae, formerly placed in the genus Grammia. The species occurs across much of North America, with adults active from spring through late summer depending on latitude. Larvae are generalist herbivores feeding on a diverse range of plant species including agricultural crops and weeds. The species exhibits geographic variation in voltinism, with two generations annually in southern populations and one or two in northern areas.
Apheloria
cherry millipedes, flat-backed millipedes
Apheloria is a genus of large, chemically defended millipedes in the family Xystodesmidae, distributed across eastern North America. These millipedes are notable for producing hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde as defensive secretions, which imparts a characteristic cherry or almond odor. The genus participates in Müllerian mimicry rings in the Appalachian Mountains, with species displaying highly variable aposematic coloration involving black backgrounds with contrasting yellow, orange, red, or white markings. Species-level identification requires examination of male gonopod morphology due to extensive color polymorphism and convergent color patterns among co-occurring species.
Apheloria montana
mountain cherry millipede
Apheloria montana is a large flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, native to the southern Appalachian Mountains of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. It serves as the type species for the genus Apheloria. The species produces hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde as chemical defenses, which emit a characteristic cherry or almond odor. Its bright yellow or orange spots function as aposematic coloration warning predators of its toxicity.
Apheloria virginiensis
Virginia cherry millipede, black-and-gold flat millipede, yellow and black flat millipede
Apheloria virginiensis is a large flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, notable as the first myriapod described from North America in 1770. Adults range from 27–59 mm in length and exhibit striking aposematic coloration, typically black with yellow, pink, or orange spots on the paranota. This species secretes hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde as a chemical defense, producing a characteristic cherry or almond odor. It inhabits mesic deciduous and mixed forests in the piedmont and coastal plain regions of Virginia and North Carolina, where it contributes to leaf litter decomposition.
Apheloria virginiensis corrugata
Aromatic Cherry Millipede
Apheloria virginiensis corrugata is a subspecies of flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, commonly known as the Aromatic Cherry Millipede. Like other members of the genus Apheloria, it produces hydrogen cyanide (HCN) as a chemical defense and displays bright aposematic coloration warning predators of its toxicity. The species exhibits the characteristic flattened body shape of Polydesmida, with lateral expansions of the dorsal segments called paranota. It belongs to a group of xystodesmid millipedes that share warning coloration patterns across related genera including Apheloria, Boraria, and Cherokia.
Apheloriini
cherry millipedes
Apheloriini is a tribe of large, colorful flat-backed millipedes endemic to the temperate forests of eastern North America. All species produce hydrogen cyanide as a chemical defense, which generates a characteristic cherry or almond odor from benzaldehyde byproducts. Members display bright aposematic coloration warning predators of their toxicity. The tribe includes seven genera, with greatest diversity concentrated in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Species in this tribe participate in Müllerian mimicry rings, resulting in extreme intraspecific variation in color patterns.
Apiomerus
Bee Assassins, Bee Assassin Bugs
Apiomerus is a genus of brightly colored, conspicuous assassin bugs in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as bee assassins. The genus contains approximately 110 described species and represents the largest clade within the monophyletic tribe Apiomerini. Members are characterized by their use of plant resin as 'sticky traps' to capture prey, a trait unique among assassin bugs. Females possess specialized tibial combs for resin collection and application onto egg masses, providing maternal care. The genus exhibits significant sexual dimorphism and extreme diversity in genital morphology, hypothesized to result from sexual selection driving speciation.
Archilestris
robber fly
Archilestris is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) containing approximately six described species. These flies are notable within the family for their vivid, aposematic or mimetic coloration, particularly in species such as A. magnificus. The genus belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae and has been documented in Mexico with recent range extensions recorded. Species within this genus are among the candidates for most impressive robber flies due to their striking appearance.
Archilestris magnificus
Northern Brigand
Archilestris magnificus is a robber fly species in the family Asilidae, subfamily Dasypogoninae. The species is noted for its vivid, aposematic or mimetic coloration, which has been cited as one of the most impressive among robber flies. First described by Walker in 1854 under the basionym Dasypogon magnificus, this species has been documented through 527 iNaturalist observations. It belongs to a genus of charismatic predatory flies known for their striking appearance.
Arctia
tiger moths
Arctia is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, serving as the type genus for the subtribe Arctiina, tribe Arctiini, and subfamily Arctiinae. The genus was substantially expanded in 2016 following phylogenetic studies by Rönkä et al., which synonymized several previously separate genera. Species within Arctia exhibit aposematic warning coloration and have been subjects of long-term ecological research, including a 40-year population study of Arctia virginalis in California.
Arctiina
Arctiina is a subtribe of tiger moths within the family Erebidae, historically treated as the tribe Arctiini before taxonomic reclassification lowered its rank while retaining its content. The subtribe contains approximately 5 valid genera following extensive synonymization in 2016, with species distributed across the Palaearctic and Neotropical regions. Members exhibit classic tiger moth characteristics including aposematic coloration and, in males, eversible androconial glands (coremata) used for pheromone dispersal during courtship.
Argiope
Garden Orbweavers, St Andrew's Cross Spiders, Writing Spiders, Garden Spiders
Argiope is a genus of large, colorful orb-weaving spiders in the family Araneidae. The name derives from Greek, meaning 'silver-faced,' referring to the silvery cephalothorax characteristic of many species. Females are notably larger than males and often display striking abdominal color patterns in yellow, black, and silver. These spiders construct spiral orb webs that frequently include a conspicuous zigzag silk structure called a stabilimentum. The genus has a worldwide distribution, with species found across tropical and temperate regions on every continent except Antarctica.
Battus
Pipevine Swallowtails and Allies
Battus is a New World genus of swallowtail butterflies in the family Papilionidae. The genus comprises approximately 9 species distributed across the Americas, with the most well-known North American representatives being Battus philenor (pipevine swallowtail) and Battus polydamas (Polydamas swallowtail). All members share a specialized ecological relationship with pipevine plants (Aristolochia), which serve as their exclusive larval host plants. The genus is notable for its aposematic coloration and chemical defense system derived from sequestered toxins.
Battus philenor
pipevine swallowtail, blue swallowtail
Battus philenor, commonly known as the pipevine swallowtail or blue swallowtail, is a North American swallowtail butterfly distinguished by its iridescent blue hindwings and aposematic black coloration. The species is chemically defended throughout all life stages through sequestration of aristolochic acids from its obligate host plants in the genus Aristolochia. Females exhibit sophisticated host discrimination behavior, selecting plants based on leaf quality and bud characteristics. The butterfly serves as a model for Batesian mimicry by several palatable butterfly species. Populations in central California have shown resilience to drought conditions, contrasting with declines in montane butterfly faunas.
Battus philenor philenor
Pipevine Swallowtail, Blue Swallowtail
Battus philenor philenor is a subspecies of the pipevine swallowtail butterfly found in North America. Adults display iridescent blue hindwings against a black background, serving as aposematic warning coloration derived from sequestered aristolochic acids from their host plants. The subspecies is univoltine to bivoltine with flight periods from late winter through autumn, peaking before July. Populations have shown resilience to drought conditions in California's Central Valley, in contrast to montane butterfly declines.
Battus polydamas
Polydamas Swallowtail, Gold Rim Swallowtail, Tailless Swallowtail
Battus polydamas is a tailless swallowtail butterfly distinguished by black wings with yellow submarginal spots and red hindwing lunules. First described by Linnaeus in 1758, it occurs throughout the Neotropics and southern United States. Larvae are obligate specialists on Aristolochia (pipevine) plants, sequestering toxic aristolochic acids for chemical defense against predators.
Battus polydamas polydamas
Polydamas Swallowtail, Gold Rim Swallowtail, Tailless Swallowtail
The Polydamas swallowtail is a tailless swallowtail butterfly distinguished by its black wings with red or pink spots and a characteristic gold band along the wing margins. Adults are active year-round in tropical regions and are notable for their complete lack of tail-like extensions on the hindwings—a unique trait among New World swallowtails. The species serves as a model for Batesian mimicry, with its aposematic coloration warning predators of its chemical defenses derived from toxic host plants.
Boisea rubrolineata
Western Boxelder Bug
Boisea rubrolineata, the western boxelder bug, is a scentless plant bug native to western North America, ranging west of the Continental Divide. This species is a specialist herbivore primarily associated with boxelder maple (Acer negundo), feeding on both pollen from staminate trees and seeds from pistillate trees. Distinguished from its eastern counterpart B. trivittata by prominent red veins on the corium, it exhibits complex semiochemical-mediated behaviors including aggregation and host foraging. The species undergoes incomplete metamorphosis and seeks sheltered overwintering sites in autumn, often becoming a nuisance pest when entering human structures.
Boraria deturkiana
Boraria deturkiana is a species of flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidaedescribed by Causey in 1942. The genus Boraria is part of the tribe Rhysodesmini within the subfamily Rhysodesminae. Like other members of the order Polydesmida, this species possesses laterally expanded dorsal segments (paranota) that give it a flattened appearance. The taxonomic status of this species has been debated, with some sources treating it as a synonym of Howellaria deturkiana.
Boraria infesta
Boraria infesta is a species of flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, native to southeastern North America. It belongs to a group of polydesmidan millipedes that produce hydrogen cyanide as a chemical defense and display aposematic coloration warning predators of their toxicity. The species is part of a genus closely related to other cyanide-producing millipedes including Apheloria and Pleuroloma.
Caenia dimidiata
Terminal Net-winged Beetle
Caenia dimidiata is a species of net-winged beetle in the family Lycidae, known as the Terminal Net-winged Beetle. It is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The species exhibits the characteristic black-and-orange or red warning coloration typical of lycid beetles, which serves as aposematic signaling. It participates in Müllerian mimicry complexes with other toxic insects, including moths in the genus Pyromorpha.
Calopteron
net-winged beetles
Calopteron is a genus of net-winged beetles in the family Lycidae, comprising approximately 13 described species. These beetles are characterized by their toxic chemical defenses and aposematic (warning) coloration, typically black and orange or red patterns. They serve as important models in mimicry complexes, including Müllerian associations with toxic moths such as Pyromorpha dimidiata and Lycomorpha pholus. The genus is widely distributed, with species occurring in eastern North America and extending into South America.
Calopteron discrepans
banded net-winged beetle
Calopteron discrepans is a colorful net-winged beetle in the family Lycidae, recognized by its striking orange elytra with black banding. The species occurs in moist woodland habitats across eastern North America, where adults are active during summer months. It is frequently confused with congeners C. reticulatum and C. terminale, requiring careful examination of antennal and ventral coloration for positive identification. The species participates in Müllerian mimicry complexes with other aposematically colored insects.
Calopteron terminale
End Band Net-wing, End Band Net-winged Beetle
Calopteron terminale is a net-winged beetle in the family Lycidae, distinguished from congeners by a transverse depression across the elytra. It is found in eastern North American deciduous woodlands, where adults are active from July through September. The species participates in a Müllerian mimicry complex with similarly colored toxic beetles and moths. Larvae develop under bark of dead and dying trees, preying on small arthropods.
Cantharidae
Soldier Beetles, Leatherwings
Soldier beetles (Cantharidae) are soft-bodied, elongate beetles with flexible, velvety elytra that give rise to the common name 'leatherwings.' The family is cosmopolitan, with approximately 160 species in 11 genera occurring in California alone. Adults are frequently observed on flowers, particularly in late summer and fall, where they feed on pollen and nectar and prey on small insects. Both adults and larvae produce defensive chemicals from specialized glands, making them distasteful to predators. The common name derives from the red-and-black color pattern of some species, reminiscent of British military uniforms.
Cantharis rufa
soldier beetle
Cantharis rufa is a soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) measuring 8–11 mm in length. It is widely distributed across the Palaearctic region and has been introduced to North America, where it is expanding its range. The species has an annual life cycle with two 'prolarval' and six larval instars. Adults are active from mid-May to mid-July.
Chauliognathus deceptus
Chauliognathus deceptus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It occurs in the foothills and mountains of western North America, where it replaces its close relative C. basalis. Adults display black and orange coloration and possess chemical defenses secreted from abdominal glands. The species participates in Müllerian mimicry with other toxic beetles sharing similar warning coloration.
Chelymorpha cassidea
Argus tortoise beetle, milkweed tortoise beetle
Chelymorpha cassidea is a large tortoise beetle native to North America and the Caribbean, measuring 9–12 mm in length. Adults display variable coloration from yellow to bright red with black spots, and possess a distinctive ability to extend their red head beyond the pronotum, creating an appearance likened to the mythological figure Argus. Both larvae and adults feed on foliage of Convolvulaceae plants, including morning glory and sweet potato, and are capable of defoliating entire plants. The species overwinters as pupae in soil and emerges in mid-summer.
Cherokia georgiana
Georgia Flat-backed Millipede, Wrinkled Flat-backed Millipede
Cherokia georgiana is a monospecific millipede genus in the family Xystodesmidae, representing the sole species in genus Cherokia. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of seven gene loci supports recognition of a single highly variable species, with three formerly recognized subspecies (C. g. ducilla, C. g. latassa) now synonymized. The species exhibits extensive morphological variation in coloration, body size, and paranota shape that correlates with geography and elevation rather than phylogenetic relationships. It is sister to the genus Pleuroloma.
Cisseps
scape moths
Cisseps is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by John G. Franclemont in 1936. The genus contains three described species, with Cisseps fulvicollis (yellow-collared scape moth) being the most widely recognized. These moths are notable for their daytime flight activity and aposematic coloration, typically featuring a bright yellow or orange collar against a black body.
Cleroidea
Bark-gnawing, Checkered, and Soft-winged Flower Beetles
Cleroidea is a superfamily of beetles comprising over 10,000 species across approximately 24 families. Members are generally slender with soft, flexible elytra and typically bear hairy or scaly integuments. The superfamily exhibits diverse feeding strategies: predation (Cleridae, Trogossitinae), pollen/nectar consumption (melyrid lineage), and fungivory (many Trogossitidae and smaller families). Aposematic coloration occurs in some groups, particularly Cleridae and Malachiinae, mimicking unpalatable arthropods such as blister beetles, net-winged beetles, and stinging Hymenoptera.
Colpotrochia
Colpotrochia is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the subfamily Metopiinae, containing at least 61 described species. These small wasps, averaging 6–10 mm in body length, are larval-pupal endoparasitoids of Lepidoptera. Females use a short ovipositor to lay eggs in caterpillars, with wasps emerging from the host pupa rather than the adult moth. The genus has been recorded from North America, Brazil, and Europe.
Composia fidelissima
Faithful Beauty, Uncle Sam moth
Composia fidelissima, commonly known as the Faithful Beauty or Uncle Sam moth, is a strikingly colored moth in the family Erebidae. It is notable for its bold red, white, and blue coloration and its diurnal activity pattern, unusual for most moths. The species occurs in southern Florida and the West Indies. It was first described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1866.
Conoderinae
Conoderinae is a diverse subfamily of true weevils (Curculionidae) comprising approximately 2,400 described species across more than 210 genera in 15 tribes. The group exhibits worldwide distribution with particular diversity in tropical regions, especially the Neotropics. Members are characterized by active, alert behavior and frequent association with mimicry complexes. Classification within the subfamily remains chaotic with no robust phylogenetic hypotheses, and many genera are likely not monophyletic.
Criocerinae
Shining Leaf Beetles
Criocerinae is a subfamily of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) comprising approximately 1,400 described species distributed across temperate, subtropical, and tropical zones worldwide. Members are commonly known as shining leaf beetles due to their often lustrous appearance. The subfamily includes economically significant species, with some genera such as Lilioceris and Crioceris containing notable agricultural pests and biological control agents. Several species exhibit specialized host plant associations, particularly with monocots including orchids, lilies, and asparagus.
Dactylotum
Dactylotum is a genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. The genus contains two species: Dactylotum bicolor and Dactylotum corallinum. These grasshoppers are native to North America and are notable for their striking aposematic coloration. Dactylotum bicolor, commonly called the rainbow grasshopper or barber pole grasshopper, is the better-known species and has been documented across the western United States, Canada, and northern Mexico.
Danaini
Tiger and Crow Butterflies, Tiger butterflies
Danaini is a tribe of brush-footed butterflies within the milkweed butterfly subfamily Danainae. The tribe includes approximately 300 species across multiple subtribes, most notably Danaina (containing the monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus and related tiger butterflies) and Euploeina (containing crow butterflies and tree nymphs). Members are characterized by reduced forelegs, bright aposematic coloration, and associations with plants containing defensive compounds. The tribe lacks a fixed colloquial name, though 'tiger butterflies' is occasionally applied to subtribe Danaina.
Danaus
tiger milkweed butterflies, tigers, milkweeds, monarchs, wanderers, queens
Danaus is a genus of butterflies in the tiger butterfly tribe (Danaini), commonly known as tiger milkweed butterflies, monarchs, wanderers, and queens. The genus includes some of the most recognizable butterflies worldwide, notably the migratory monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). Species in this genus are characterized by their association with milkweed host plants (Asclepias spp.), from which larvae sequester cardiac glycosides for chemical defense. The genus has a global distribution spanning North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Indonesia, and Australia, and serves as an important model system for studying migration, plant-insect coevolution, and genome evolution.
Dasymutilla
velvet ants, cow killers
Dasymutilla is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Mutillidae, commonly known as velvet ants. The genus contains the majority of North American velvet ant species. Females are wingless, densely hairy, and often brightly colored in aposematic patterns of red, orange, or white against black. Males possess wings and may differ substantially in coloration from females, leading to historical taxonomic confusion. The genus is notable for females' potent stings, among the most painful of any insect, and for forming one of the world's largest known Müllerian mimicry complexes.
Dasymutilla arenivaga
Desert Velvet Ant
Dasymutilla arenivaga is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae, first described by Mickel in 1928. Like all mutillids, it is a solitary wasp with wingless females and winged males, exhibiting the pronounced sexual dimorphism characteristic of this group. The species inhabits arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Dasymutilla atricauda
Dasymutilla atricauda is a species of velvet ant (family Mutillidae), a group of solitary parasitoid wasps in which females are wingless and males are winged. The species was described by Mickel in 1936. Like other members of the genus, females possess a potent sting and exhibit aposematic coloration warning predators of their defensive capabilities. The species is part of the large Müllerian mimicry complex formed by North American velvet ants.
Dasymutilla aureola
Pacific velvet ant
Dasymutilla aureola, commonly known as the Pacific velvet ant, is a species of solitary wasp in the family Mutillidae. Despite its common name, it is not an ant but a wingless female wasp. The species is found in the western United States and is characterized by its large, square-shaped head and dense hair coloration in red, yellow, or orange. Like other velvet ants, females possess a potent sting used for defense and subduing hosts.
Dasymutilla klugii
Klug's velvet ant
Dasymutilla klugii, commonly known as Klug's velvet ant, is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Mutillidae. Despite the common name, it is not an ant but a solitary wasp. Females are wingless and possess a potent sting, while males are winged. The species is the most frequently encountered velvet ant in Texas and has been documented using cicada-killer wasp nests (Sphecius grandis) as hosts for its larvae. The specific epithet honors German entomologist Johann C. F. Klug.
Dasymutilla macilenta
Dasymutilla macilenta is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae. Like all mutillids, females are wingless and capable of delivering a painful sting, while males possess wings. The species belongs to a large genus of velvet ants distributed primarily in North America, with many species exhibiting bright aposematic coloration warning predators of their defensive capabilities.
Dasymutilla magna
Dasymutilla magna is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae, described by Cresson in 1865. Like other members of the genus, females are wingless and possess a powerful sting, while males are winged. The species belongs to a large Müllerian mimicry complex where numerous velvet ant species share bright aposematic coloration warning predators of their defensive capabilities. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in published literature.
Dasymutilla sicheliana
Dasymutilla sicheliana is a species of velvet ant (family Mutillidae), a group of solitary parasitoid wasps in which females are wingless and males are winged. The species occurs in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other Dasymutilla species, females possess a powerful sting used for defense and host subjugation. The species develops as an external parasitoid of ground-nesting bees and wasps.
Desmocerus aureipennis
Golden-winged Elderberry Borer
Desmocerus aureipennis is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lepturinae. Commonly known as the Golden-winged Elderberry Borer, this species occurs in the United States and Canada. It is one of four recognized subspecies within the Desmocerus aureipennis species complex. Like congeners, it is associated with elderberry plants (Sambucus), though specific ecological details for this subspecies are less documented than for the threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle (D. californicus dimorphus).