Autumn-activity
Guides
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.
Araneus illaudatus
Texas Orbweaver, Texas orb-weaver
Araneus illaudatus is a large orb-weaving spider endemic to the southwestern United States. Females are among the largest North American Araneus, reaching 25 mm in body length with a distinctive dirty white coloration and two triangular dark patches on the anterior abdomen. Males are substantially smaller at 9 mm. The species constructs typical orb webs and exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in size.
Araneus pegnia
Butterfly Orbweaver
Araneus pegnia is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, commonly known as the Butterfly Orbweaver due to the distinctive butterfly-shaped pattern on its abdomen. It is among the smaller members of the genus Araneus, with mature females reaching only 3.5–8.2 mm and males 2.5–5 mm. The species has an unusually broad geographic range, extending from the northeastern United States through the southeastern states, west to Arizona and California, and south through Middle America to Ecuador. It is also found on Caribbean islands including Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Cuba.
Arphia xanthoptera
Autumn Yellow-winged Grasshopper
Arphia xanthoptera, commonly known as the autumn yellow-winged grasshopper, is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distinguished from congeners primarily by its adult activity period in late summer and fall, contrasting with the spring emergence of similar species. The species has been documented as a prey item for the sphecid wasp Prionyx thomae. It belongs to a genus of 16 North American species characterized by banded hind wings and crepitating flight displays.
Crossidius discoideus blandi
Crossidius discoideus blandi is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae. Adults exhibit Batesian mimicry, resembling toxic soldier beetles (Chauliognathus spp.) and blister beetles (Epicauta spp.) with their black and orange coloration. The species is associated with flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed), where adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae bore in the root crowns of the host plant. This subspecies is part of a broader mimicry complex involving multiple beetle families in western North American habitats.
Ennomos magnaria
Maple Spanworm Moth, Notched Wing Moth, Notched-wing Geometer, Notch-wing Moth
A medium-sized geometrid moth with distinctive autumn leaf-like camouflage. Adults are active from July through early November, with a single generation per year. The species is notable for its notched wing margins and nocturnal habits, often resting on buildings during daylight hours.
Gyponana octolineata
Eight-lined Leafhopper
Gyponana octolineata, commonly known as the Eight-lined Leafhopper, is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. Like other members of its genus, it produces distinctive brochosomes—nanoparticles that coat its exoskeleton and wings, rendering them superhydrophobic and anti-reflective. The species has been documented across western and central North America. It is attracted to blacklight traps and is active into the autumn months in temperate regions.
Hapithus brevipennis
Short-winged Bush Cricket, Short-winged Meadow Katydid
Hapithus brevipennis is a small bush cricket species in the family Gryllidae, native to the southeastern United States. Adults are distinguished by their abbreviated wings, which give the species its common name. Males produce a distinctive song consisting of buzzes and ticks interspersed with pauses to attract females. The species is active in late summer and autumn, with females using a prominent ovipositor to deposit eggs in protected locations.
Metellina
Autumn Spider
Metellina is a genus of orb-weaving spiders in the family Tetragnathidae, distributed primarily across Eurasia with two species in North America. The genus includes sixteen species as of 2025, with M. segmentata being the most abundant orb-weaving spider in Germany and introduced to Canada. Metellina spiders construct webs low in vegetation and are commonly known as Autumn Spiders. Some researchers have proposed placing this genus in a distinct family, Metidae.
Microlinyphia pusilla
Platform spider
Microlinyphia pusilla is a small sheet-web spider in the family Linyphiidae, characterized by strong sexual dimorphism and a distinctive hammock-shaped web built close to the ground in vegetation. Males actively wander in search of mates during autumn, while females and immature males remain on their webs. The species has a Holarctic distribution across North America and Eurasia.
Trachelas
Trachelas is a genus of hunting spiders in the family Trachelidae, established by Ludwig Carl Christian Koch in 1872. The genus contains approximately 99 species with worldwide distribution across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. Trachelas sensu stricto is restricted to the Old World, while New World species represent a distinct lineage only distantly related to the core group. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with species previously assigned to Corinnidae now placed in Trachelidae.