Optioservus trivittatus is a species of riffle beetle in the family Elmidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada including New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Riffle beetles in this family are aquatic insects typically associated with running water habitats. The species was described by Brown in 1930 and has been subject to taxonomic revision based on male genitalia, elytral patterns, and geographic distribution.
Orchesia castanea is a beetle species in the family Melandryidae, described by Melsheimer in 1846. It belongs to a family commonly known as false darkling beetles. The species has been documented in several Canadian provinces including British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia. Information regarding its specific biology and ecology remains limited.
Orchesia ornata is a small beetle in the family Melandryidae (false darkling beetles), described by Horn in 1888. It belongs to a genus of beetles typically associated with decaying wood and fungi. Very little published information exists specifically for this species, though its genus is known from forested habitats in North America.
Oreodytes alaskanus is a small predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, first described by Fall in 1926. It belongs to the subfamily Hydroporinae, one of the most diverse lineages of diving beetles. The species is associated with freshwater habitats in northern North America.
Ortholeptura obscura is a species of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by Swaine & Hopping in 1928. The species is native to North America.
Oxacis caerulea is a species of beetle in the family Oedemeridae (false blister beetles). The specific epithet 'caerulea' suggests blue coloration, a trait found in some related Oedemeridae species. The genus Oxacis is distributed in the Americas, with most species occurring in Central and South America. Very few observations of this species have been recorded.
Oxycrepis erratica is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in the United States.
Catskill Mountain Click Beetle
A click beetle in the family Elateridae, native to eastern Canada. Adults have been recorded from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. The common name suggests association with mountainous regions, though specific habitat requirements remain poorly documented. Like other elaterids, it possesses the characteristic clicking mechanism for righting itself when overturned.
Oxytelus sculptus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Gravenhorst in 1806. It belongs to the tribe Oxytelini within the subfamily Oxytelinae. The species has been documented in the Azores archipelago based on distribution records. As with other members of the genus Oxytelus, it is a small beetle with the characteristic abbreviated elytra of staphylinid beetles.
Ozotomerus is a genus of fungus weevils in the family Anthribidae, established by Perroud in 1853. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized beetles characterized by their distinctive elongated snout and association with fungal substrates. The genus is distributed across various regions with documented observations primarily from the Americas. As with other anthribids, species in this genus are likely mycophagous, feeding on fungal growth on decaying wood and plant material.
Pachyschelus fisheri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It was described by Vogt in 1949. The species belongs to the tribe Trachyini, a group characterized by flattened, compact body forms and leaf-mining larval habits. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with herbaceous host plants. It is found in North America.
Paranurini is a tribe of small to minute beetles within the family Anobiidae, commonly known as deathwatch and furniture beetles. Members of this tribe are characterized by their compact body form and association with wood-boring habits. The tribe is distinguished from related groups by specific antennal and pronotal structures. Paranurini represents a relatively poorly studied lineage within the Anobiidae, with limited species-level documentation in many regions.
Paraphausis is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) established by Green in 1949. The genus contains a single described species, Paraphausis eximius. It belongs to the tribe Lampyrini within the subfamily Lampyrinae. The genus is rarely observed, with only seven documented observations on iNaturalist.
Long-clubbed Scarab
Parastasia brevipes is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. The species is classified within the subfamily Rutelinae, a group commonly known as leaf chafers. It is native to eastern and central North America, with records from multiple states in the United States. The species is relatively well-documented with 173 observations on iNaturalist.
clown beetle
Paromalus teres is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1878. It belongs to the subfamily Dendrophilinae and tribe Paromalini. The species has been documented across northern North America, with occurrence records from Canada and the northern United States.
Grass-runner Tiger Beetle
Parvindela debilis, commonly known as the Grass-runner Tiger Beetle, is a species of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. The species was originally described by Bates in 1890 and has undergone taxonomic reclassification from the genus Cylindera to the currently accepted Parvindela. As a member of the tiger beetle subfamily Cicindelinae, it exhibits the characteristic predatory habits and fast-running behavior typical of this group. The species appears to be relatively rarely encountered, with limited observational records available.
Pediacus fuscus is a species of flat bark beetle in the family Cucujidae. The species has a Holarctic distribution, occurring in Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. As a member of the Cucujidae, it belongs to a group of beetles adapted to living under bark and in decaying wood.
Pelecomalium is a genus of ocellate rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) established by Casey in 1886. The genus belongs to the subfamily Omaliinae and tribe Anthophagini. At least three species have been described: P. laevicolle, P. puberulum, and P. testaceum. Members of this genus possess ocelli, a characteristic feature distinguishing them within the rove beetles.
Pelecyphorus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae). The genus has been assigned to different families in historical literature, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym within Staphylinidae (rove beetles) under the genus Euryporus, while GBIF and NCBI recognize it as a valid genus in Tenebrionidae. The genus occurs in the Nearctic region, with 270 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Pelecyphorus liratus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1854. The genus Pelecyphorus belongs to a group of tenebrionids often associated with arid and semi-arid environments. Records indicate this species occurs in Mexico, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Peltodytes oppositus is a species of crawling water beetle in the family Haliplidae, first described by Roberts in 1913. The genus Peltodytes contains approximately 20 species distributed across North America. Members of this genus are aquatic beetles associated with freshwater habitats. The specific epithet "oppositus" distinguishes this species from congeners, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Peltodytes shermani is a species of crawling water beetle in the family Haliplidae, first described by Roberts in 1913. It is a small aquatic beetle known from North America.
Pentaria bicolor is a species of false flower beetle in the family Scraptiidae, first described by Liljeblad in 1918. The genus Pentaria belongs to a small family of beetles historically associated with flowers and decaying vegetation. Information specific to this species is limited in available sources.
broad-nosed weevil
Peritaxia hispida is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by George H. Horn in 1876. The species belongs to the subfamily Entiminae and tribe Byrsopagini. It is known from western North America, with confirmed records from Colorado and Texas.
Petalium whitei is a species of beetle in the family Ptinidae, first described by Ford in 1973. It belongs to the genus Petalium, a group of small wood-boring beetles commonly known as deathwatch beetles or furniture beetles. The species is known from North America. As with many Ptinidae species, detailed ecological and biological information remains limited in published literature.
clown beetle
Phelister subrotundus is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Thomas Say in 1825. It is distributed broadly across North America, with records from Canada and most of the continental United States. Like other members of the family Histeridae, it belongs to the diverse group of beetles commonly known as clown beetles or hister beetles.
Phellopsini is a tribe of darkling beetles in the family Zopheridae, subfamily Zopherinae. Members of this tribe are characterized by their heavily sclerotized, often sculptured exoskeletons and compact body forms. The tribe was established by Ślipiński & Lawrence in 1999 based on phylogenetic analysis of Zopheridae. Phellopsini contains several genera distributed primarily in the Southern Hemisphere.
glowworm beetle
Phengodes mexicana is a species of glowworm beetle in the family Phengodidae. The species was described by Wittmer in 1976. It occurs in Central America and North America. Members of the genus Phengodes are notable for their bioluminescent larvae and adult females, which are wingless and resemble larvae in appearance.
Phileurus is a genus of rhinoceros beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Dynastinae, tribe Phileurini. The genus contains more than 20 described species and is primarily Neotropical in distribution, with only two species extending north into the United States. The most widespread North American species, P. valgus, ranges from the southern United States to Argentina and the West Indies.
Philoxenus is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, described by Mazur in 1991. The genus is classified within the subfamily Saprininae. Its sole known species, Philoxenus desertorum, is currently treated as a synonym of Hypocaccus desertorum. The genus name derives from Greek, meaning "lover of foreigners" or "hospitable".
lined flat bark beetle
Phloeolaemus chamaeropis is a species of lined flat bark beetle in the family Laemophloeidae. The species was first described by Schwarz in 1878 under the basionym Laemophloeus chamaeropis. It is recorded from North America. Members of Laemophloeidae are generally associated with dead or dying wood, where they feed on fungal hyphae.
Phloeopora oregona is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) described by Casey in 1906. As a member of the subfamily Aleocharinae and tribe Oxypodini, it belongs to one of the most species-rich lineages of beetles. The specific epithet 'oregona' indicates its association with Oregon, which forms part of its known distribution in western North America.
Phloiotrya riversi is a species of beetle in the family Melandryidae, a group commonly known as false darkling beetles. The genus Phloiotrya is part of this small family of beetles, which are typically associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. No observations of this species have been recorded on iNaturalist, indicating it is likely rare, poorly documented, or has a restricted distribution. The specific epithet "riversi" suggests the species may have been named in honor of a person, though the authority and original description details are not readily available.
Twice-wounded firefly
Photinus bivulnerus is a species of firefly in the genus Photinus, commonly known as the twice-wounded firefly. Like other members of its genus, it is a soft-winged beetle capable of bioluminescence through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase. The species is found in North America and was described by Green in 1949.
Sidewinder Firefly
Photinus brimleyi, commonly known as the Sidewinder Firefly, is a species of firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae. It is found in North America. As a member of the genus Photinus, it produces bioluminescence through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase. The species was described by Green in 1956.
Florida Fishhook
Photinus collustrans is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, first described by LeConte in 1878. It is found in North America. As a member of the genus Photinus, it likely exhibits bioluminescent courtship behavior typical of the group, though specific details for this species remain poorly documented.
Cook's firefly
Photinus cookii, known as Cook's firefly, is a small day-active firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae. Adults measure 5–7 mm and lack functional bioluminescent lanterns, a distinctive departure from typical nocturnal fireflies. The species was described by John Wagener Green in 1956 and named in honor of Carl Cook, who collected the holotype in Kentucky. It is one of the few known non-flashing fireflies, believed to locate mates using pheromones rather than light signals.
Ignited Firefly
Photinus ignitus is a North American firefly species distinguished by its bioluminescent courtship displays. Males produce characteristic flash patterns to attract females, who respond from perches in vegetation. Research has documented seasonal plasticity in female mate choice behavior, with females becoming less selective as the breeding season progresses. Like other Photinus species, it produces defensive compounds called lucibufagins that protect against predators.
Common Eastern Firefly, Big Dipper Firefly
Photinus pyralis is the most common firefly species in North America, distributed east of the Rocky Mountains. Males perform distinctive J-shaped flight patterns while flashing to attract females, earning the common name "big dipper firefly." The species produces yellow bioluminescence through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase in specialized abdominal organs. Larvae are predatory, spending up to two years underground before pupating and emerging as short-lived adults.
femme fatale lightning bugs, predatory fireflies
Photuris is a genus of predatory fireflies in the family Lampyridae, comprising at least 64 species restricted to temperate North America. Adult females are notable for aggressive mimicry: they imitate the bioluminescent flash signals of females from other firefly genera—primarily Photinus and Pyractomena—to attract, capture, and consume unsuspecting males. This predatory behavior allows Photuris females to obtain high-quality protein meals and acquire defensive chemicals called lucibufagins from their prey. The genus has been extensively studied for its remarkable coevolution of signal systems and chemical ecology.
A dermestid beetle in the family Dermestidae, with a broad distribution spanning the Mediterranean region, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and introduced populations in Europe, the United States, and Australia. The species has been documented in arid and semi-arid habitats.
northern June beetle
Phyllophaga fusca, commonly known as the northern June beetle, is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is found across North America, with records from both Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga, it is a type of May or June beetle with larvae that develop in soil.
Phyllophaga lenis is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is currently treated as a synonym of Trichesthes lenis in some taxonomic databases. The species is distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico, extending into Central America. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga, it belongs to the group commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Phyllophaga sylvatica is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Sanderson in 1942. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga (commonly called May/June beetles), this species is likely nocturnal and attracted to lights. The species epithet "sylvatica" suggests an association with woodland or forest habitats. Based on distribution records, it occurs across a broad swath of the central and eastern United States.
garden flea beetle
Phyllotreta robusta, commonly known as the garden flea beetle, is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the genus Phyllotreta, it shares the characteristic jumping ability of flea beetles. The species has been documented through limited observations, with 7 records on iNaturalist.
Phymaphora californica is a species of handsome fungus beetle in the family Endomychidae, first described by Horn in 1880. It is native to western North America, with confirmed records from British Columbia, Canada. The genus Phymaphora belongs to a family of beetles commonly associated with fungi. Available information on this species is limited, with only 11 observations documented on iNaturalist.
fungus weevil
Piesocorynus mixtus is a species of fungus weevil in the beetle family Anthribidae. The species is native to North America. As a member of the fungus weevils, it is associated with fungal food sources. Relatively few detailed observations of this species have been documented.
lined flat bark beetle
Placonotus nitens is a species of lined flat bark beetle in the family Laemophloeidae, first described by LeConte in 1854. It is a member of the genus Placonotus, which comprises beetles adapted to living under bark. The species is known from North America, where it inhabits forested environments.
Plateros bispiculatus is a species of net-winged beetle in the family Lycidae, first described by Green in 1953. It is one of approximately 50 species in the genus Plateros, which is restricted to the New World. The species has been recorded from eastern Canada.
Platyceroides viriditinctus is a species of stag beetle in the family Lucanidae, described by Benesh in 1942. It is known from the Pacific Northwest region of North America, with confirmed records from Oregon and Washington. Like other members of the genus Platyceroides, it belongs to a group of small stag beetles that are less well-studied than their larger relatives in the genus Lucanus.