California-endemic
Guides
Glomeroides primus
California Pill Millipede
Glomeroides primus is a pill millipede species in the family Protoglomeridae, native to western North America. It is one of the few pill millipede species found in the Nearctic region, where it occupies a restricted range centered on California. The species was originally described by Silvestri in 1929 under the basionym Apiomeris prima. Like other members of Glomerida, it has the ability to conglobate (roll into a complete ball) as a defensive adaptation. The genus Glomeroides represents an ancient lineage within the Oniscomorpha, the clade containing all pill millipedes.
Gloridonus pulcher
Gloridonus pulcher is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 2014. The genus Gloridonus belongs to the diverse leafhopper fauna of western North America. This species is known from California, where it inhabits native plant communities. Like other cicadellids, it is a sap-feeding insect that uses its piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract fluids from plant vascular tissue. The specific epithet 'pulcher' (Latin for 'beautiful') likely refers to distinctive coloration or morphological features.
Gosibius montereus
Gosibius montereus is a species of lithobiomorph centipede described by Chamberlin in 1917. It belongs to the family Lithobiidae, a group of stone centipedes characterized by elongated bodies and 15 pairs of legs in adults. The species is known from a limited number of records in California, USA. Like other lithobiids, it is likely a predatory soil-dwelling arthropod, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Gosodesmus
pink feather boa millipede
Gosodesmus is a monotypic genus of platydesmidan millipedes described by Ralph V. Chamberlin in 1922. The sole species, Gosodesmus claremontus, is endemic to California and notable for its bright pink to coral coloration. The species has been the subject of chemical research following the 2020 discovery of a novel alkaloid, gosodesmine, in its defensive secretions.
Gosodesmus claremontus
Pink Feather Boa Millipede
A small, brightly colored millipede endemic to California, notable for its pink to coral coloration and flattened body form. Body length ranges from 17 to 27 mm with up to 81 segments. Described by Ralph V. Chamberlin in 1922, it is among the most frequently observed millipedes in California on citizen science platforms.
Gryllus multipulsator
Long-chirp Field Cricket
Gryllus multipulsator is a field cricket species described by Weissman in 2009, known by the common name Long-chirp Field Cricket. It belongs to the genus Gryllus, which includes many common field crickets found in North America. The species is distinguished by its characteristic long chirp pattern. It is native to California and has been documented through 90 iNaturalist observations.
Gymnopyge hopliaeformis
Gymnopyge hopliaeformis is a species of scarab beetle described by Linell in 1896. It belongs to the subfamily Melolonthinae, tribe Dichelonychini. The species is known from California and represents a rare component of the Nearctic scarab fauna. Very few observations exist, with only two records documented on iNaturalist.
Hebata alboscripta
Hebata alboscripta is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1914. It belongs to the large subfamily Deltocephalinae and is currently known only from California. The species name "alboscripta" refers to white markings on the body. Like other leafhoppers, it is presumed to feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Hebata ruficeps
Hebata ruficeps is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1917. The species is known from California, with very few documented observations. Like other members of the family, it likely feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Data on its biology and ecology remain limited due to its rarity in collections and observations.
Hecalus atascaderus
Hecalus atascaderus is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, originally described as Parabolocratus atascaderus by Ball in 1933. It belongs to the tribe Hecalini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. The species is known from California, with the specific epithet referencing Atascadero. Very few observations exist, with only one record documented in iNaturalist.
Helochara deltoides
Helochara deltoides is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 1986. It belongs to the genus Helochara, which is placed in the tribe Cicadellini within the subfamily Cicadellinae. As a member of the leafhopper family, it possesses the characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts and hind legs modified for jumping that define this diverse group of hemipterans. The species epithet 'deltoides' suggests a triangular or delta-shaped feature, though the specific morphological basis for this name is not documented in the provided sources.
Helops fresnoensis
Helops fresnoensis is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Blaisdell in 1931. The species epithet indicates a type locality in Fresno, California. As a member of the genus Helops, it belongs to a group of darkling beetles that can be distinguished from ground beetles by concealed mandibles and bead-like antennae segments, though some Helops species have antennae that approach the filiform condition seen in Carabidae.
Hemigrotella
Hemigrotella is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, containing the single species Hemigrotella argenteostriata. The genus was described in 1918 by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough. It is endemic to southern California. The genus belongs to the tribe Psaphidini within the subfamily Amphipyrinae.
Hemigrotella argenteostriata
Hemigrotella argenteostriata is a noctuid moth and the sole member of its genus. It was described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918. The species is endemic to southern California. Very few observations exist, with only 10 records documented on iNaturalist.
Hemiplatytes epia
Hemiplatytes epia is a species of crambid moth described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1912. It is known from California, USA. Males have forewings 6.5–9 mm long; females 8.5–10 mm. Adults are active from June to October.
Hesperapis regularis
Clarkia Evening Bee
Hesperapis regularis is an oligolectic bee endemic to California, specialized in collecting pollen exclusively from flowers of the genus Clarkia. Unlike most bees, it is active in the evening hours. Females construct underground nests where they provision chambers with a mixture of Clarkia pollen and nectar for larval development.
Hesperorhipis albofasciata
Hesperorhipis albofasciata is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, tribe Xenorhipidini. It is one of four species in the genus Hesperorhipis, which is restricted to Arizona and California. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in antennal structure and elytral abbreviation, with males possessing highly modified flabellate antennae and more abbreviated elytra than females. It has been reared exclusively from walnut (Juglans sp.).
Hesperorhipis hyperbola californica
Hesperorhipis hyperbola californica is a subspecies of jewel beetle in the tribe Xenorhipidini, described by Knull in 1947. It is endemic to California and belongs to a genus characterized by highly abbreviated elytra, particularly in males. Members of this tribe exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism in antennal structure, with males possessing flabellate antennae adapted for detecting female sex pheromones. The subspecies is part of a small genus of four species restricted to Arizona and California.
Hesperotettix pacificus
Pacific Bush Grasshopper
Hesperotettix pacificus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Scudder in 1897. It is endemic to western North America, with records primarily from California. The species is part of a genus known for specialized feeding habits on composite plants. Two subspecies are recognized: H. p. pacificus and H. p. capillatus.
Hippeutister californicus
Hippeutister californicus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Caterino & Tishechkin in 2008. It is native to California and has been documented in association with ant colonies of Solenopsis amblychila, suggesting a myrmecophilous lifestyle. As a member of the subfamily Haeteriinae, it belongs to a group known for specialized relationships with ants.
Honora dotella
Honora dotella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1910. It is endemic to coastal California, with a known range extending from Monterey County southward through the coastal mountains. The species is characterized by relatively small forewings measuring 8.5–12.5 mm in length.
Hylis californicus
Hylis californicus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. Members of this family are typically small, compact beetles associated with decaying organic matter and carrion. The species epithet 'californicus' indicates a type locality or primary distribution in California. Hylis species are morphologically characterized by shortened elytra that expose several abdominal tergites, a trait common to the family but with genus-specific modifications in antennal structure and body proportions.
Hyperaspidius hardyi
Hyperaspidius hardyi is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, described by Gordon in 1985. The species is known from California and is notable for its sexually dimorphic coloration, with males and females differing in head and pronotum pigmentation. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Hyperaspidius, a group of minute lady beetles found primarily in the Americas.
Hyperaspidius simulatus
Hyperaspidius simulatus is a minute lady beetle species described by Gordon in 1985. Adults measure approximately 1.6–1.7 mm in length. The species name refers to its resemblance to other Hyperaspidius species in dorsal coloration. It is known from California, North America.
Hyperaspis querquesi
Hyperaspis querquesi is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.55–2.70 mm in length. The species is known from California, where it has been recorded in association with scale insects. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it likely functions as a biological control agent of scale insect pests.
Hypsopygia phoezalis
A small snout moth in the family Pyralidae, known from a restricted coastal range in southern California. Adults are active from spring through early autumn and have forewings measuring 7.5–12 mm. The species is documented from the Los Angeles area and Catalina Island.
Ianassa diablo
Ianassa diablo is a species of moth in the family Notodontidae, described by Miller and Franclemont in 2021. It belongs to the subfamily Heterocampinae, a group of prominent moths. The species epithet 'diablo' likely references Mount Diablo in California, suggesting a geographic connection to the type locality.
Idiocerus laribaeus
Idiocerus laribaeus is a leafhopper species described by Bliven in 1954 from California. The species belongs to the genus Idiocerus, a diverse group of Eurymelinae characterized by broad heads and often distinctive coloration. Taxonomic status remains unsettled between sources, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym while GBIF treats it as accepted. Distribution records are limited to California.
Idionotus tehachapi
Tehachapi Shieldback, tehachapi shielback
Idionotus tehachapi, the Tehachapi Shieldback, is a shield-backed katydid species in the family Tettigoniidae. It was described by Hebard in 1934. The species is known from a small number of observations and limited geographic records, primarily from California. As a member of the genus Idionotus, it belongs to a group of katydids characterized by their distinctive shield-like pronotum.
Idiostatus aberrans
Aberrant Shieldback
Idiostatus aberrans is a species of katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, described by David C. F. Rentz in 1973. It belongs to the shieldback katydid group, characterized by a flattened, shield-like pronotum that extends backward over the abdomen. The species occurs in California and is one of several Idiostatus species endemic to western North America. Based on iNaturalist records, it has been observed at least 61 times, indicating it is documented but not extensively studied.
Idiostatus wymorei
Wymore's Shieldback
Idiostatus wymorei is a shieldback katydid described by Caudell in 1934. It belongs to the genus Idiostatus, a group of flightless katydids characterized by reduced wing pads and shield-like pronota. The species is known from California and is among the least documented members of its genus, with very few observations recorded.
Ischnosoma hospitale
Ischnosoma hospitale is a rove beetle species in the subfamily Tachyporinae, originally described by Fall in 1910 and transferred from Mycetoporus to Ischnosoma by Campbell (1991). It is one of 18 Ischnosoma species recognized in North and Central America, placed in one of four species groups within the genus. The species is known from California.
Juniperthia unimaculata
Juniperthia unimaculata is a species of planthopper in the family Achilidae, first described by O'Brien in 1971. It belongs to the tribe Plectoderini within the subfamily Myconinae. The species is known from California, USA. As a member of Achilidae, it is a small, often overlooked planthopper associated with woody vegetation.
Karokia
Karokia is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Rehn in 1964. The genus contains at least two described species: Karokia blanci and Karokia memorialis. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a diverse group of North American grasshoppers commonly known as spur-throated grasshoppers due to a distinctive projection on the prosternum.
Keiferia elmorei
Keiferia elmorei is a small gelechiid moth described in 1936. The species is known from California and is associated with Solanum host plants. Larvae are leaf miners.
Koebelia grossa
Koebelia grossa is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Ball in 1909. It belongs to the genus Koebelia, which is placed in the tribe Athysanini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. The species has been documented from California based on distribution records. As a member of the Auchenorrhyncha, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of true bugs.
Kormus californicus
Kormus californicus is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Crawford in 1914. It belongs to the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, a group commonly known as planthoppers. The species is endemic to California, where it has been documented in distribution records. Like other delphacids, it is a small, sap-feeding insect associated with grassland and wetland habitats. Beyond its taxonomic classification and geographic occurrence, specific biological details remain poorly documented in available literature.
Lepidanthrax californicus
Lepidanthrax californicus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Hall in 1976. It is endemic to the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico, with confirmed records from California, Arizona, and Baja California Norte. Bee flies in this family are typically characterized by their robust, hairy bodies and long proboscises adapted for nectar feeding. The species belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Villini, a group whose members often exhibit striking coloration and patterns.
Lepidanthrax eremicus
Lepidanthrax eremicus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Hall in 1976. The species is known only from California. As a member of the bee fly family, it likely exhibits the characteristic parasitoid lifestyle of many bombyliids, though specific biological details remain undocumented.
Leptoconops californiensis
Leptoconops californiensis is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Wirth & Atchley in 1973. It belongs to the subgenus Brachyconops within the genus Leptoconops. The species is known from California, USA. Like other members of this genus, it is likely a blood-feeding pest with aquatic or semi-aquatic immature stages, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented.
Leptogaster californica
Leptogaster californica is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1957. It belongs to the subfamily Leptogastrinae, a group of slender, elongate robber flies often found in grassy or weedy habitats. The species is endemic to California, as indicated by its specific epithet. Like other members of the genus Leptogaster, it is likely a predator of small arthropods, though specific ecological data for this species are limited.
Leucogoniella distincta
Leucogoniella distincta is a small gelechiid moth described by Keifer in 1935. It is known from California, with a wingspan of 7.5–9 mm. The species has been recorded at blacklighting events in the Davis, California area, where it occasionally appears in large numbers. Its larval biology remains poorly documented.
Liriomyza nigriscutellata
Liriomyza nigriscutellata is a species of leaf miner fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1981. The species is known only from California based on available records. Like other members of the genus Liriomyza, it is presumed to have larvae that feed within leaf tissue, creating characteristic mines, though specific host plants and detailed biology remain undocumented.
Liriomyza venegasiae
Liriomyza venegasiae is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1981. The species is known from California, USA, and is one of numerous Liriomyza species that create feeding tunnels (mines) within leaf tissue. Like other members of the genus, the larvae are internal feeders that mine between the upper and lower epidermis of leaves.
Loxostege immerens
Loxostege immerens is a small crambid moth described by Leon F. Harvey in 1875. It is known from California, where adults have been recorded flying in January and from March through June. The species has a wingspan of approximately 20 mm, with distinctive blackish gray forewings and deep orange yellow hindwings. It belongs to a genus whose caterpillars are known to be preyed upon by certain mason wasps.
Loxostege offumalis
Loxostege offumalis is a small crambid moth described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886. The species is known only from California in western North America. Adults are active in early spring, with flight records from February to March. The moth has been documented as a host for the mason wasp Euodynerus annulatus.
Lutica nicolasia
Lutica nicolasia is a species of ant spider in the family Zodariidae, described by Willis J. Gertsch in 1961. It belongs to a genus of spiders known for myrmecophagy—specialized predation on ants. The species has been recorded from the United States, though detailed ecological and behavioral studies remain limited.
Macaria guenearia
Macaria guenearia is a species of geometrid moth in the subfamily Ennominae. It is endemic to California, United States. The species was described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1876. As a member of the genus Macaria, it shares the characteristic wing patterns and resting postures typical of this group of moths.
Macrotylus essigi
Macrotylus essigi is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Van Duzee in 1916. It is a member of the diverse genus Macrotylus, which comprises small to medium-sized mirid bugs often associated with specific host plants. The species is known from limited records in California, USA.
Meganoplium
Meganoplium is a monotypic genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) containing the single species Meganoplium imbelle. The genus was established by Linsley in 1940, with the species originally described by LeConte in 1881 as Elaphidion imbelle. It is restricted to California and northwestern Mexico.