Appalachian-mountains
Guides
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.
Blepharicera
net-winged midge
The genus Blepharicera Macquart, 1843 comprises net-winged midges in the family Blephariceridae, with approximately 60 species worldwide and 12 known species in China. It is the most species-rich blepharicerid genus in China, concentrated in Southwest China. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing venation with net-like patterns of folds and transversely divided compound eyes. Recent taxonomic work has expanded knowledge through DNA barcoding and descriptions of new species from China and North America.
Herpetogramma aquilonalis
Herpetogramma aquilonalis is a species of pearl moth in the family Crambidae. It occurs in boreal forests across Canada and the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States. The species is known for its leaf-rolling larval behavior on various host plants. It was described relatively recently in 2021 by Handfield and Handfield.
Leucorrhinia glacialis
crimson-ringed whiteface
Leucorrhinia glacialis, the crimson-ringed whiteface, is a dragonfly species in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It is found in North America, with disjunct populations in the Appalachian Mountains. The species has been assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN with stable populations.
Nannaria cingulata
Swamp-Dwelling Twisted-Claw Millipede
Nannaria cingulata is a species of twisted-claw millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, described in 2021 from the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States. The species belongs to a genus of small, soil-dwelling millipedes that are cryptic and difficult to collect. Like other members of its genus, it plays a role as a decomposer in forest ecosystems. The specific epithet refers to a banded or girdled appearance.
Pyractomena marginalis
Marginal firefly
Pyractomena marginalis is a species of firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae, described by Green in 1957. It is native to North America with a historically scattered distribution across the eastern United States, from eastern Texas north to southern Maine. Recent observations suggest the species has become restricted primarily to the Appalachian Mountains, though uncertainty persists due to identification difficulties and lack of comprehensive surveys. The species faces potential threats from light pollution.