Arboreal
Guides
Achipteriidae
Achipteriidae is a family of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) comprising approximately 9 genera and at least 80 described species. Members of this family are primarily arboreal, with documented species inhabiting canopy lichens on coniferous trees in temperate montane forests. The family exhibits morphological diversity in lamellar structure, pteromorphic projections, and notogastral setation patterns. Some species achieve high population densities in arboreal microhabitats, suggesting significant ecological importance in forest canopy food webs.
Acholla
Autumn Assassins
Acholla is a genus of assassin bugs (Reduviidae) in the tribe Harpactorini. Adults are most conspicuous in autumn, though they can be found from July onward in some regions. The genus contains three recognized species: A. multispinosa (widespread in eastern and central North America), A. ampliata (western North America), and A. tabida (California and Mexico). These predatory true bugs are primarily arboreal and associated with woodlands and orchards.
Acholla ampliata
Acholla ampliata is an arboreal assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, distributed across western North America from California to Colorado and south to Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. Adults are most active in autumn, though they can be found from July onward. The species is distinguished from similar assassin bugs by its relatively smooth body lacking prominent leg spines. It preys on caterpillars and other insects associated with trees, including pest species such as the Codling Moth.
Acholla multispinosa
Acholla multispinosa is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. It is the most widespread species in its genus, occurring across eastern North America from New England south through the Appalachians to Tennessee and North Carolina, and west through the Great Lakes region to Kansas, Nebraska, and southeast Iowa. Adults are most conspicuous in autumn, though they can be found beginning in July. The species is arboreal, primarily inhabiting woodlands and orchards.
Agnyphantes arboreus
Agnyphantes arboreus is a species of sheet-web weaver spider in the family Linyphiidae, first described by Emerton in 1915 under the name Bathyphantes arborea. It is a small spider native to western North America, with confirmed records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. Like other linyphiids, it constructs flat sheet webs to capture prey. The species epithet 'arboreus' suggests an association with trees or woody vegetation.
Agra
elegant canopy beetles
Agra is a genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) commonly known as elegant canopy beetles. The genus contains over 500 described species, with more than 1000 additional specimens in collections awaiting formal description. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Lebiinae and tribe Lebiini, and are characterized by their association with forest canopy habitats.
Aphaenogaster mariae
Mary's Collared Ant
Aphaenogaster mariae is a rarely collected arboreal ant species endemic to the eastern United States. First described in 1886 from specimens collected in Florida by Mary Treat, it remained poorly known until 2021 when the first complete nest was documented in North Carolina. Unlike most congeners that nest in soil or rotting logs, this species inhabits dead branches and under live bark of mature hardwoods, particularly oaks. The first males were photographed and described in 2023, enabling a complete taxonomic redescription of the caste.
Aratus
mangrove tree crabs
Aratus is a genus of semi-terrestrial sesarmid crabs comprising at least two recognized species, with Aratus pisonii (mangrove tree crab) being the best studied. These crabs are specialized arboreal inhabitants of mangrove ecosystems throughout the Neotropics, occupying the canopy and prop root zones. The genus has gained scientific attention due to documented climate-induced range expansion along the Atlantic coast of North America, with populations establishing in salt marsh habitats beyond the historical mangrove range limit. Research on Aratus pisonii has revealed significant phenotypic plasticity in life history traits, behavior, and physiology across native and novel habitats.
Aratus pisonii
Mangrove Tree Crab
Aratus pisonii is a small sesarmid crab endemic to Neotropical mangrove forests of the Americas. It is one of the most abundant crab species in mangrove ecosystems, where it occupies the canopy and feeds primarily on mangrove leaf tissue. The species exhibits considerable life history plasticity, with morphology and reproductive investment varying across environmental gradients. It has expanded its range into salt marsh habitats in recent decades, facilitated by anthropogenic structures.
Bassaniana utahensis
Utah Crab Spider
Bassaniana utahensis is a crab spider species in the family Thomisidae, commonly known as the Utah Crab Spider. It is native to western North America, occurring in Canada and the United States. As a member of the bark crab spider genus Bassaniana, it is typically associated with trees and woody vegetation where it employs ambush predation. The species was first described by Gertsch in 1932.
Belonopterygini
Ant-loving Lacewings
Belonopterygini is a tribe of green lacewings within the family Chrysopidae, commonly known as Ant-loving Lacewings. Members of this tribe exhibit myrmecophilous associations, with larvae living in arboreal ant nests. Larvae possess distinctive morphological adaptations that appear to defend them against ant aggression. The tribe includes at least the genus Italochrysa, with species documented from Australia and Europe.
Bembidiini
Bembidiini is a large tribe of ground beetles (Carabidae) comprising over 120 genera and approximately 3,100 described species. Members are predominantly small to minute beetles, often found in riparian, intertidal, subterranean, and arboreal habitats. The tribe includes notable subtribes such as Xystosomina (arboreal tropical beetles) and Anillina (small litter-dwelling forms), as well as the subtribe Lovriciina containing highly specialized cave-dwelling species. Many species exhibit narrow habitat specificity, including intertidal gravel beaches and tropical forest canopy systems.
Brochymena
Rough Stink Bugs, Tree Stink Bugs, Four-humped Stink Bugs
Brochymena is a genus of native North American stink bugs commonly called rough stink bugs or tree stink bugs. Adults are cryptically colored to resemble lichen-mottled bark, with gray coloration and black and white or ivory speckling. They are frequently confused with the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), but can be distinguished by the absence of white antennal bands and the presence of fine teeth along the leading edge of the pronotum. The genus currently contains approximately 20 species following taxonomic revision that split some former members into the related genus Parabrochymena.
Brochymena arborea
rough stink bug, tree stink bug
Brochymena arborea is a North American stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae, commonly known as the rough stink bug or tree stink bug. It is one of approximately 21-23 Brochymena species found north of Mexico. The species exhibits remarkable bark-mimicking camouflage and overwinters as an adult, typically remaining outdoors under loose bark rather than entering human structures. It is frequently confused with the invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bug but is ecologically distinct and not considered a pest.
Brochymena cariosa
Brochymena cariosa is a native North American stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. Like other members of the genus Brochymena, it is a rough or tree stink bug with cryptic coloration resembling lichen-mottled bark. The species is arboreal and overwinters as an adult, typically remaining outdoors under loose bark rather than entering structures.
Brochymena chelonoides
rough stink bug, tree stink bug
Brochymena chelonoides is a species of rough stink bug native to North America. Adults are characterized by a rough, mottled gray-brown exoskeleton with black and white or ivory speckling that provides effective camouflage against lichen-covered bark. The species is one of approximately 20 taxa currently recognized in the redefined genus Brochymena, having been retained in this genus when Parabrochymena was erected as a separate genus for 10 other former Brochymena species. Like other rough stink bugs, it is not considered an agricultural or household pest.
Brochymena diluta
Brochymena diluta is a species of rough stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, endemic to North America. Originally described by Blatchley as a subspecies (Brochymena barberi diluta), it was reclassified as a full species within the genus Brochymena following a comprehensive taxonomic revision that split the former broader genus into two genera: Brochymena (20 species) and the newly erected Parabrochymena (10 species). As with other Brochymena species, it is cryptically colored and primarily arboreal.
Brochymena hoppingi
rough stink bug, tree stink bug
Brochymena hoppingi is a species of rough stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, native to North America. It belongs to a genus of arboreal stink bugs characterized by cryptic bark-like coloration and spiny pronotal margins. The species was originally described by Van Duzee and is one of approximately 20 species retained in the genus Brochymena following taxonomic revision.
Calosoma externum
Narrow Searcher Beetle, Churchyard Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma externum is a large predatory ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the narrow searcher beetle or churchyard caterpillar hunter. First described by Thomas Say in 1823, this species is notable for its arboreal hunting behavior, ascending trees to prey on caterpillars. Adults reach 28–35 mm in length and are distinguished by their black bodies with bluish marginal reflections. The species occurs across much of the United States and into southern Canada.
Calosoma macrum
long caterpillar hunter
Calosoma macrum is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the long caterpillar hunter. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. The species is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it inhabits mid-elevation open areas. Adults are active predators that hunt caterpillars, including arboreal species.
Calosoma marginale
rimmed caterpillar hunter, Wrinkle-winged Calosoma
A large ground beetle in the genus Calosoma, commonly known as the rimmed caterpillar hunter. Adults are crepuscular and active predators that hunt caterpillars and scarabaeid beetles. The species occurs across a broad geographic range from Central America through the southern and central United States. Adults overwinter in the ground.
Calosoma wilcoxi
Wilcox's Spring Caterpillar Hunter, Wilcox's caterpillar hunter
Calosoma wilcoxi is a medium-sized ground beetle in the genus Calosoma, commonly known as Wilcox's Spring Caterpillar Hunter. It is an arboreal predator that climbs trees to hunt caterpillars, including fall cankerworms, spring cankerworms, gypsy moth larvae, and eastern tent caterpillars. The species is smaller than its congener Calosoma scrutator (the fiery searcher), typically reaching about one third of that species' size. It has been observed in large numbers during caterpillar outbreaks in deciduous forests. Adults are active both day and night and possess potent chemical defenses including methacrylic acid and salicylaldehyde.
Camponotus decipiens
Deceptive Carpenter Ant
Camponotus decipiens is a species of carpenter ant native to eastern North America and parts of Mexico. Workers range from 3 to 7.5 mm in length and are characterized by a black gaster. Colonies are typically small, often containing fewer than 100 workers but occasionally reaching several hundred. The specific epithet 'decipiens' derives from Latin, meaning 'deceiving, cheating, or trapping'.
Camponotus discolor
Bicolored Arboreal Carpenter Ant
Camponotus discolor is a carpenter ant species native to the eastern and central United States and adjacent Mexico. It exhibits the typical caste polymorphism of the genus, with distinct queen, worker, and male forms. The species has been studied for its genetic basis of caste differentiation, revealing that novel and highly modified genes play a major role in worker development.
Cephalotes texanus
Texanus-group Turtle Ants
Cephalotes texanus is a species of arboreal ant in the genus Cephalotes, commonly known as turtle ants. The species is characterized by its ability to glide through the air when falling from trees, a behavior facilitated by enlarged, flattened legs. It exhibits phragmosis, a defensive adaptation where soldiers use their uniquely shaped heads to block nest entrances. The species inhabits pre-existing cavities in wood, particularly those created by longhorn beetle larvae, rather than constructing its own nests. Native to Texas and northeastern Mexico, it was first described by Felix Santschi in 1915.
Cephalotes varians
Northern Caribbean Turtle Ant, turtle ant
Cephalotes varians is a strongly polyphenic turtle ant with three distinct female castes: small-bodied minor workers, larger phragmotic soldiers with shield-shaped heads used as living doors to block nest entrances, and reproductive gynes. The species exhibits gliding behavior, steering falls from trees using aerodynamic control. Native to the Neotropical region, it has been documented in the Florida Keys and listed as adventive in North America. Brain structure differs markedly among castes, with minor workers possessing disproportionately larger mushroom bodies associated with learning and memory, while soldiers and gynes have enlarged optic lobes.
Cerastipsocus
common barklice
Cerastipsocus is a genus of barklice in the family Psocidae, containing at least 20 described species. These insects are commonly found on tree bark and foliage where they feed on lichens, algae, and other organic detritus. They are notable for producing silk from specialized mouth glands, which they use to create protective webs over eggs and dense aggregations. Unlike some related psocids that infest stored products, Cerastipsocus species are harmless decomposers in natural ecosystems.
Cesonia
Cesonia is a genus of ground spiders in the family Gnaphosidae, first described by Eugène Simon in 1893. The genus contains 31 species distributed across North America, the Caribbean, and parts of the Mediterranean. Despite their common name as "ground spiders," many species are frequently found on vegetation and in arboreal habitats. Cesonia bilineata, the type species, has been documented engaging in predation on spiderlings of other spider species.
Cesonia bilineata
Two-lined Stealthy Ground Spider
Cesonia bilineata is a small ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae, first described by Nicholas Marcellus Hentz in 1847. Despite its common name suggesting terrestrial habits, this species is frequently observed climbing vegetation and scaling walls. It has been documented preying on spiderlings of other spider species, including in nursery webs of Pisaurina mira and Peucetia viridans. The species is widespread in eastern North America.
Chapoda
Chapoda is a genus of jumping spiders (family Salticidae) first described by George and Elizabeth Peckham in 1896. The genus contains thirteen described species distributed from Mexico through Central America to northern South America, with particularly high diversity in Panama and Colombia. Members of this genus are arboreal hunters typical of the Salticidae family. The type species, Chapoda festiva, was described from Guatemala and Panama.
Chilocorus orbus
twice-stabbed lady beetle, two-stabbed lady beetle
Chilocorus orbus is a small predatory lady beetle native to western North America. Adults are readily identified by their shiny black, dome-shaped bodies with two prominent oval red patches positioned near the head on the elytra. The species is an important biological control agent, feeding voraciously on scale insects in forests, orchards, and gardens. Both adults and larvae are predatory, with larvae described as resembling miniature alligators with branching spines.
Chinattus
Chinattus is a genus of jumping spiders (Salticidae) established by Logunov in 1999, with Heliophanus undulatus as the type species. The genus name combines 'China' with the common salticid suffix '-attus'. It comprises approximately 20 recognized species distributed across the south-eastern Palaearctic and adjacent Oriental Regions, with a strong concentration in China and nearby countries. One species, C. parvulus, represents a notable disjunct occurrence in North America.
Coelocnemis sulcata
Coelocnemis sulcata is a nocturnal tenebrionid beetle found in coniferous woodlands of the southwestern United States. The species has been documented on the trunks of Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) at night, where it has been observed in mating pairs. It occurs at moderate to high elevations in southwestern Utah, with records from approximately 6000 feet. Activity peaks in late summer, with observations in September.
Crematogaster
Acrobat Ants, Cocktail Ants, Saint Valentine Ants
Crematogaster is a large, ecologically diverse genus of ants with over 520 described species distributed worldwide. The genus is characterized by a distinctive heart-shaped gaster that can be raised forward over the thorax and head when alarmed, a behavior that has earned them the common names "cocktail ants" and "acrobat ants." Most species are arboreal, though some are ground-nesting. They exhibit complex social behaviors including cooperative hunting, trail-based recruitment, and defensive venom spraying.
Crematogaster ashmeadi
acrobatic ant, Ashmead's Acrobat Ant
Crematogaster ashmeadi, commonly known as the acrobat ant, is a strictly arboreal ant species native to eastern North America and widespread in the Southeastern United States. It is the most dominant arboreal ant in pine forests of the coastal plains of northern Florida, where colonies inhabit chambers in the outer bark of living pine trees. The species exhibits specialized nesting behavior, relying on pre-existing cavities excavated by bark-mining caterpillars rather than constructing its own galleries. Workers are known for their distinctive trail-laying behavior using tibial gland secretions and have been observed raiding wasp nests.
Crematogastrini
Crematogastrini is a tribe of ants within the subfamily Myrmicinae, comprising approximately 64 extant genera and 8 fossil genera. Members of this tribe are distributed globally and exhibit considerable morphological and ecological diversity. The tribe includes the well-known genus Crematogaster, which is among the most species-rich ant genera worldwide. Crematogastrini ants are primarily arboreal or ground-nesting, with many species establishing mutualistic relationships with plants and other insects.
Cymatodera wolcotti
Wolcott's blister beetle
Cymatodera wolcotti is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, named after entomologist Albert Burke Wolcott (1869-1950). Adults measure 9–14 mm and exhibit distinctive morphological features including an elongated sixth visible ventrite. The species is known from North America, with adults documented on peach trees, water oaks, and slash pine cones bearing fusiform rust cankers.
Dasysyrphus
Dasysyrphus is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising approximately 50 described species distributed worldwide. The genus is relatively straightforward to identify, though species-level differentiation requires careful examination and should not rely solely on images. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive morphological features including hairy eyes and microtrichose wings. Larvae are primarily arboreal, feeding nocturnally on aphids and other small Hemiptera.
Dendrocoris arizonensis
Dendrocoris arizonensis is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, first described by Barber in 1911. It belongs to the genus Dendrocoris, a group of arboreal stink bugs associated with trees. The species is known from North America, with its specific epithet suggesting a primary association with Arizona. Like other members of its family, it possesses the characteristic shield-shaped body and scent glands typical of stink bugs.
Dendrocoris neomexicanus
A species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. The genus Dendrocoris is associated with woody vegetation, though species-level biology for D. neomexicanus remains poorly documented. The specific epithet suggests a connection to New Mexico, likely reflecting type locality or primary distribution.
Dendrocoris pini
Dendrocoris pini is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, described by Montandon in 1893. It belongs to the genus Dendrocoris, a group of arboreal stink bugs associated with coniferous trees. The species is found in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with pine trees, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Diaperis
Diaperis is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Geoffroy in 1762. Species occur across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The genus includes mycophagous species such as D. boleti, which feeds on wood-decomposing fungi. Some species were formerly classified under the genus Allophasia.
Didea alneti
Didea alneti is a Holarctic hoverfly species with a wide distribution spanning Europe, Asia, and North America. Adults are arboreal, descending to visit flowers of various herbaceous plants and shrubs. The larvae are arboreal predators that feed on aphids associated with trees including Larix, Prunus, Salix, and Quercus.
Diphleps
jumping tree bugs
Diphleps is a genus of jumping tree bugs in the family Miridae, established by Bergroth in 1924. The genus contains five described species distributed in the New World tropics. Species in this genus are arboreal and possess enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The genus is relatively poorly studied compared to other mirid genera.
Dipogon graenicheri
Dipogon graenicheri is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1939. The genus Dipogon comprises small, ant-mimicking wasps that hunt spiders on tree trunks and construct nests in pre-existing cavities. Species in this genus are rarely observed due to their cryptic appearance and arboreal foraging habits.
Drapetisca alteranda
Northern Long-toothed Sheetweaver
Drapetisca alteranda is a small sheetweb weaver spider in the family Linyphiidae, notable for its highly specialized microhabitat on tree trunks. Females measure only 4-4.5 mm in body length. The species is nocturnal and exceptionally well-camouflaged, sitting motionless on extremely thin sheet webs that are nearly invisible against bark. It is atypical among linyphiids in its hunting posture and web structure, resembling ambush-hunting spiders rather than typical sheetweb weavers.
Dromius
Dromius is a genus of small arboreal ground beetles in the family Carabidae, comprising approximately 108 species distributed across the Palearctic, Nearctic, Near East, and North Africa. Members of this genus are characterized by their tree-dwelling habits, inhabiting trunks and bark of deciduous and coniferous trees rather than ground-level environments. The genus includes the well-studied species Dromius quadrimaculatus, known as the Great Four-spot Treerunner, which has served as a model for understanding canopy-dwelling carabid ecology.
Elasmucha
Parent shieldbugs
Elasmucha is a genus of shield bugs in the family Acanthosomatidae, commonly known as parent shieldbugs. Species in this genus are notable for exhibiting subsocial behavior, specifically extended maternal care of eggs and early nymphal stages. Females guard egg masses and remain with offspring through early instars, actively defending against predators and parasitoids. The genus includes arboreal species associated with specific host trees, with documented seasonal host plant switching in some species.
Eleodes obscura sulcipennis
Eleodes obscura sulcipennis is a subspecies of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It has been documented in coniferous woodland habitats of southwestern Utah, where adults are active on the trunks of Ponderosa pine and Utah juniper at night. The subspecies was described by Mannerheim in 1843 and is currently accepted as valid.
Elipsocus abdominalis
Elipsocus abdominalis is a species of barklouse in the family Elipsocidae. It occurs across much of Europe, with records from Great Britain and Ireland through Scandinavia, central Europe, and the Mediterranean. The species has also been recorded in North America, though these may represent introduced populations. Adults are blackish-orange in coloration and have been observed feeding on a range of deciduous and coniferous trees.