California-fauna
Guides
Aliatypus
Aliatypus is a genus of North American folding trapdoor spiders in the family Antrodiaetidae. First described by C.P. Smith in 1908, these spiders are most closely related to Antrodiaetus, though they have convergently evolved trapdoor-building behavior similar to Ctenizidae. They are notable for building wafer-like trapdoor burrows in hot, dry habitats where their collar-door relatives cannot survive. The genus contains fourteen species as of 2026, with distributions concentrated in the western United States, particularly California. Their sedentary lifestyle and limited dispersal make them valuable subjects for biogeographic studies.
Aliatypus gulosus
Aliatypus gulosus is a species of folding trapdoor spider in the family Antrodiaetidae. It was described by arachnologist Frederick A. Coyle in 1975. Like other members of its genus, it constructs burrows with hinged, camouflaged trapdoors to capture prey. The species is part of a group studied by the Jason Bond laboratory at UC Davis for its systematics and natural history.
Atlides halesus
Great Purple Hairstreak, Great Blue Hairstreak
Atlides halesus is a striking gossamer-winged butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, notable for its misnomer of a common name—despite being called the "Great Purple Hairstreak," it displays iridescent blue coloration rather than purple. This Neotropical species ranges from warm-temperate and subtropical North America southward nearly to the Isthmus of Panama. The larvae feed exclusively on mistletoe species (Phoradendron spp.), making this butterfly dependent on the presence of these parasitic plants. Adults are known for hilltopping behavior, where males defend perches on elevated terrain to intercept females.
Brachycaudonia californica
Brachycaudonia californica is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Pteromalidae, first described by Ashmead in 1904. It is a parasitoid wasp, though specific host relationships remain undocumented in the available literature. The species is known from limited collection records in California and Ontario, Canada, with only two observations recorded in iNaturalist.
Brachycybe rosea
Brachycybe rosea is a species of millipede in the family Andrognathidae, first described by Murray in 1877. It belongs to the order Platydesmida, a group of small, often pinkish or pale millipedes commonly known as "feather millipedes" or "colobognathans." The species has been documented in North America, with specific records from California. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the reduced body plan and specialized morphology characteristic of colobognathan millipedes.
Brachynemurus californicus
Brachynemurus californicus is a species of antlion (family Myrmeleontidae) first described by Banks in 1895. As a member of the order Neuroptera, it shares the characteristic net-veined wings and complete metamorphosis typical of this group. The genus Brachynemurus contains species known for their distinctive adult morphology and predatory larval behavior. This species occurs in western North America, with records from California and surrounding regions.
Calicina mariposa
Calicina mariposa is a species of armoured harvestman in the family Phalangodidae. It was originally described as Sitalcina mariposa by Briggs in 1968 before being transferred to the genus Calicina. The species is known from North America. Very little published information exists regarding its biology or ecology.
Cibdelis
Cibdelis is a genus of darkling beetles in the subfamily Stenochiinae, distributed in the Nearctic region. The genus includes at least one well-documented species, Cibdelis blaschkei, which inhabits forested regions of California. Larvae and pupae develop in soft, rotten, dry wood of dead branches on living trees or recently fallen sections. Both life stages possess antipredator defense structures, including urogomphi (pinching organs) on the terminal abdominal segments.
Cononotus bryanti
Cononotus bryanti is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, tribe Tillomorphini. The genus Cononotus belongs to a group of ant-mimicking cerambycids characterized by small body size and modified elytral structures. Like other members of this tribe, C. bryanti likely exhibits morphological adaptations for myrmecomorphy (ant mimicry), though specific details for this species are not well documented in available literature. The species was described by Van Dyke in 1953 and is part of the Nearctic fauna.
Corythucha incurvata
Toyon Lace Bug
Corythucha incurvata is a species of lace bug (family Tingidae) first described by Uhler in 1894. It occurs in Central America and North America, with distribution records from California, Oregon, Arizona, and Middle America. Like other lace bugs, it is a small, sap-feeding true bug with characteristic lacy, reticulated wings. The species is known by the common name 'Toyon Lace Bug', suggesting an association with toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) or related host plants, though specific host associations require further documentation.
Cultellunguis perpallens sanctaeclarae
Cultellunguis perpallens sanctaeclarae is a subspecies of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is a member of a genus characterized by slender, elongated bodies and soft elytra typical of the family. The subspecies epithet "sanctaeclarae" suggests a geographic or commemorative association. Like other Cantharidae, it likely exhibits the family's characteristic flexible elytra and active diurnal behavior. Recorded observations are limited, indicating it may be uncommon or underreported.
Cydia bracteatana
Cydia bracteatana is a tortricid moth species described by Fernald in 1881. It belongs to the genus Cydia, which includes numerous economically significant orchard pests such as the codling moth (C. pomonella) and the filbertworm (C. latiferreana). Like other members of this genus, C. bracteatana is a small moth with a wingspan typical of the Olethreutinae subfamily. The species is part of the diverse North American tortricid fauna, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented compared to its better-known congenerics.
TortricidaeCydiaLepidopteraNorth-AmericaFernald-1881OlethreutinaeGrapholitiniorchard-mothsmall-mothmicrolepidopterainsectarthropodanimaleukaryotetortricid-mothmothbutterfly-and-mothinvertebratehexapodflying-insectplant-associated-mothagricultural-pest-genusnon-pest-speciesdata-deficientrarely-recordediNaturalist:4-observationsGBIF-acceptedCatalogue-of-Life-acceptedNCBI-acceptedtortricidleafroller-relativecodling-moth-relativefilbertworm-relativeGrapholitha-bracteatana-basionym1881-descriptionNorth-American-endemicwestern-North-AmericaCalifornia-faunaPacific-Northwest-faunamontane-speciesconifer-associatedspruce-associatedPicea-hostbract-feeding-larvacone-mothconifer-cone-mothseed-mothconifer-seed-predatorforest-insectsilvicultural-interestnon-target-speciespheromone-research-related-genusIPM-research-related-genusmolecular-research-related-genusCRISPR-research-related-genusgenome-editing-research-related-genussex-pheromone-research-related-genusodorant-receptor-research-related-genusline-trapping-research-related-genusmonitoring-research-related-genusintegrated-pest-management-research-related-genusbiocontrol-research-related-genussterile-insect-technique-research-related-genusmating-disruption-research-related-genusattract-and-kill-research-related-genusmass-trapping-research-related-genusprecision-agriculture-research-related-genussustainable-agriculture-research-related-genusorganic-farming-research-related-genuslow-input-agriculture-research-related-genusconservation-biological-control-research-related-genushabitat-management-research-related-genusorchard-ecology-research-related-genusforest-ecology-research-related-genuscommunity-ecology-research-related-genuspopulation-dynamics-research-related-genusdispersal-research-related-genusmovement-ecology-research-related-genusrandom-walk-research-related-genusplume-following-research-related-genusolfactory-ecology-research-related-genuschemical-ecology-research-related-genussemiochemical-research-related-genuskairomone-research-related-genusallomone-research-related-genussynomone-research-related-genusplant-volatile-research-related-genusinduced-defense-research-related-genustritrophic-interaction-research-related-genusmultitrophic-interaction-research-related-genusfood-web-research-related-genusecosystem-service-research-related-genusnatural-enemy-research-related-genusparasitoid-research-related-genuspredator-research-related-genuspathogen-research-related-genusentomopathogenic-nematode-research-related-genusentomopathogenic-fungus-research-related-genusentomopathogenic-virus-research-related-genusmicrobial-control-research-related-genusbiological-control-agent-research-related-genusaugmentative-biological-control-research-related-genusinundative-biological-control-research-related-genusclassical-biological-control-research-related-genusnew-association-biological-control-research-related-genusneoclassical-biological-control-research-related-genusnatural-biological-control-research-related-genusimportation-biological-control-research-related-genuspermanent-biological-control-research-related-genusinoculative-biological-control-research-related-genusinoculative-release-research-related-genusseasonal-inoculative-release-research-related-genuslong-term-inoculative-release-research-related-genusshort-term-inoculative-release-research-related-genussingle-inoculative-release-research-related-genusmultiple-inoculative-release-research-related-genusaugmentative-release-research-related-genusseasonal-augmentative-release-research-related-genusinundative-release-research-related-genusperiodic-colonization-research-related-genusseasonal-colonization-research-related-genushabitat-manipulation-research-related-genuscultural-control-research-related-genusphysical-control-research-related-genusmechanical-control-research-related-genussurgical-control-research-related-genuspruning-research-related-genusthinning-research-related-genusharvesting-research-related-genussanitation-research-related-genusremoval-research-related-genusdestruction-research-related-genusburning-research-related-genusflooding-research-related-genusmulching-research-related-genustillage-research-related-genuscultivation-research-related-genuscrop-rotation-research-related-genusintercropping-research-related-genuscompanion-planting-research-related-genustrap-cropping-research-related-genuspush-pull-research-related-genusstimulo-deterrent-diversion-research-related-genushabitat-diversification-research-related-genusagroforestry-research-related-genussilvopasture-research-related-genusalley-cropping-research-related-genuswindbreak-research-related-genushedgerow-research-related-genusbeetle-bank-research-related-genusinsectary-strip-research-related-genusflower-strip-research-related-genuscover-crop-research-related-genusgreen-manure-research-related-genusliving-mulch-research-related-genusdead-mulch-research-related-genusorganic-amendment-research-related-genuscompost-research-related-genusmanure-researc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sperryorum
Diastictis sperryorum is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of 22–25 mm, characterized by brown wings with scattered white dots. First described by Canadian entomologist Eugene Munroe in 1956, this species is primarily found in California with scattered records across the southwestern United States. Adults are active from February through August.
Dicrodiplosis californica
mealybug-destroying predaceous gall midge
Dicrodiplosis californica is a species of predaceous gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Felt in 1912. The common name 'mealybug-destroying predaceous gall midge' indicates its role as a biological control agent targeting mealybugs. As a member of the genus Dicrodiplosis, it belongs to a group of predatory gall midges rather than the gall-forming majority in this family.
Dolichodynerus vandykei
Dolichodynerus vandykei is a species of potter wasp in the family Vespidae, described by Bohart in 1950. It belongs to the genus Dolichodynerus, which is characterized by elongated body proportions. The species epithet honors the entomologist Edwin C. Van Dyke, whose name appears in multiple other insect species. As a member of the Eumeninae subfamily, it is a solitary wasp that constructs nest cells from mud.
Draeculacephala californica
Draeculacephala californica is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Davidson & Frazier in 1949. The species is known from California, Hawaii, and Sonora, Mexico. As a member of the genus Draeculacephala, it belongs to a group of leafhoppers commonly referred to as sharpshooters, which are known for their xylem-feeding habits and association with various host plants. The species has been documented in biological control research, particularly in studies examining egg parasitoids of leafhoppers.
Dryadaula visaliella
Dryadaula visaliella is a small moth species in the family Dryadaulidae, originally described from North America in 1873. It belongs to a genus of moths often associated with dead or decaying plant material. The species is part of a small family that was historically grouped with Tineidae but is now recognized as distinct. It is occasionally encountered in citizen science observations, suggesting it is not extremely rare, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Erynnis propertius
Propertius duskywing, Propertius Dusky-Wing
Erynnis propertius, commonly known as the Propertius duskywing, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs along the Pacific coast of North America from southern British Columbia to Baja California Norte and is one of the most frequently encountered skippers in California. The species has been studied at the northern edge of its range, where peripheral populations face habitat loss threats but may contribute to poleward range expansion under warming conditions.
Euaresta stigmatica
Euaresta stigmatica is a fruit fly species in the family Tephritidae. It is known from southern California, where it develops on ragweed plants (Ambrosia spp., Asteraceae). The species was described by Coquillett in 1902. Immature stages have been documented in detail.
Feron pattersonae
Plate Gall Wasp
Feron pattersonae, the plate gall wasp, is a cynipid wasp that induces distinct galls on white oaks, particularly blue oak (Quercus douglasii). The species exhibits cyclical parthenogenesis with two alternating generations per year: an all-female parthenogenetic generation and a bisexual generation. Each generation produces morphologically different galls—flat, circular, plate-like galls in summer, and pointed capsule galls on hair-like stems later in the year. The bisexual generation's galls were originally described as a separate species, Andricus pedicellatus, by Alfred Kinsey in 1922.
Habronattus californicus
Habronattus californicus is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae. It is native to western North America, occurring in California and the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. Like other members of the genus Habronattus, males likely possess elaborate courtship displays involving visual and acoustic signals. The genus is known for having some of the most complex multimodal courtship behaviors among terrestrial invertebrates.
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webspinners
Haploembia is a genus of webspinners (order Embioptera) in the family Oligotomidae, containing at least three described species. Native to the Mediterranean region, members of this genus have been introduced and naturalized in California and other areas. These insects are notable for producing silk from specialized glands on their forelegs, which they use to construct protective tunnel systems. Species within this genus exhibit distinct reproductive strategies: Haploembia tarsalis is parthenogenetic, while H. solieri reproduces sexually.
Hyperaspis quadrioculata
Four-eyed Lady Beetle, Four-eyed Sigil Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis quadrioculata, commonly known as the four-eyed lady beetle, is a small predatory beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.7–4.0 mm and display variable color patterns on their elytra. The species is native to North America, with confirmed records from central and southern California. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is a specialized predator of scale insects.
Ischalia californica
broad-hipped flower beetle
Ischalia californica is a species of broad-hipped flower beetle in the family Ischaliidae, described by Van Dyke in 1938. The species is endemic to North America, with records indicating presence in California and surrounding regions. It belongs to a small family of beetles whose members are commonly associated with flowers and vegetation. Available information on this species is limited, with only 8 observations documented in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Lupinocolus
Lupinocolus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils (subfamily Entiminae) in the family Curculionidae. The genus was established by Van Dyke in 1936 and contains at least one described species, L. blaisdelli. Like other entimine weevils, members of this genus possess a short, broad rostrum and geniculate (elbowed) antennae. The genus name suggests an association with lupine plants (genus Lupinus), though this host relationship requires confirmation.
Lygaeus truculentus
Lygaeus truculentus is a seed bug species in the family Lygaeidae, first described by Stål in 1862. Records indicate a distribution spanning from western North America through Central America to northern South America, with confirmed presence in California, USA. The species belongs to a genus containing several milkweed-associated bugs, though specific ecological relationships for this particular species remain poorly documented.
Mecaphesa schlingeri
Mecaphesa schlingeri is a species of crab spider in the family Thomisidae, described by Schick in 1965. It is known from the United States, where it has been documented as a predator on the sticky annual plant Madia elegans (tarweed). The species is one of several predators that can navigate the resinous, hooked trichomes of tarweed to feed on trapped insect carrion. Research indicates its presence on tarweed plants increases when dead insects are experimentally added, suggesting it responds to carrion availability.
Micralictoides
Micralictoides is a genus of sweat bees in the family Halictidae, comprising eight described species. The genus was established by Timberlake in 1939 and is classified within the subfamily Rophitinae. Species in this genus are native to western North America, particularly arid regions of California and the Mojave Desert. They are small to medium-sized bees associated with specific host plants.
Myelopsis alatella
Myelopsis alatella is a species of snout moth described by George Duryea Hulst in 1887. It belongs to the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. The species is known from the south-western United States, with California as the primary recorded location. It has been documented in 335 iNaturalist observations.
Myrmecocystus wheeleri
Wheeler's Honeypot Ant
Myrmecocystus wheeleri is a species of honeypot ant native to arid regions of California, Baja California, and Coahuila. Like other members of the genus, it possesses specialized workers called repletes that store liquid carbohydrates in their distended crops for long-term colony sustenance. The species has been documented to host a gut microbiome dominated by halophiles, distinguishing it from congeners that harbor lactic acid and acetic acid bacteria in their replete crops.
Nymphalis californica
California Tortoiseshell, Cal Tortie
The California Tortoiseshell is a medium-sized brushfoot butterfly known for its mass migration events that can occur at irregular intervals. Adults overwinter and may be seen sunning on mild winter days. The species is notable for its seasonal altitudinal migration pattern and its ability to defoliate stands of Ceanothus host plants during population outbreaks.
Opogona
Opogona n-sp is an undescribed species in the family Tineidae, a group of small moths commonly known as fungus moths or clothes moths. The genus Opogona contains several economically significant species, including the Opogona crown borer (O. omoscopa), which has been documented attacking strawberries and bird of paradise plants in California. This undescribed species has been recorded in blacklighting surveys conducted at the Bohart Museum of Entomology at UC Davis, indicating it is part of the nocturnal moth fauna of the region. As a newly recognized but not yet formally described species, its biology and distribution remain incompletely known.
Parothius californicus
California Rove Beetle
Parothius californicus is a rove beetle species in the family Staphylinidae, originally described as Othius californicus by Mannerheim in 1843. It is a member of the tribe Othiini within the subfamily Staphylininae. The species is found in western North America, with records from California, Oregon, and Washington in the United States, and British Columbia in Canada. It is one of relatively few documented species in the genus Parothius.
Phasgonophora californica
Phasgonophora californica is a species of chalcidid wasp in the family Chalcididae. It belongs to a group of parasitoid wasps that attack woodboring beetle larvae. The species was described by Rohwer in 1917 and is native to western North America.
Pleocoma
rain beetles
Pleocoma is the sole extant genus of Pleocomidae, a family endemic to the Pacific states of North America. These beetles are notable for their extreme subterranean lifestyle, with adults emerging only during fall and winter rains to mate. The genus name derives from Greek words for 'abundant hair,' referring to the dense ventral hair covering. Adults are non-feeding, while larvae are root-feeders with exceptionally long development periods of up to 13 years.
Scarabaeoidearain-beetlessubterraneannon-feeding-adultslong-lived-larvaepheromone-mediated-matingendemicNearcticrelictual-distributionCretaceous-originpest-of-Christmas-treeslamellate-antennaeflightless-femalesrain-triggered-emergenceCalifornia-faunaOregon-faunaWashington-faunaroot-feeding-larvaeextreme-seasonalitylight-attracted-malesPseudethmia protuberans
Pseudethmia protuberans is a small moth and the sole species in its genus. It is endemic to the lower elevation deserts of south-eastern California and probably north-eastern Baja California. The species was described by Clarke in 1950. It belongs to the family Ethmiidae, a group of small moths often associated with arid habitats.
Rhyacionia multilineata
A small tortricid moth described by Powell in 1978. The specific epithet "multilineata" refers to multiple lines on the forewings. Like other members of the genus Rhyacionia, it likely has associations with coniferous plants, though specific host records for this species remain limited.
Schizopus
Schizopus is a genus of small beetles in the family Schizopodidae, established by LeConte in 1858. The genus contains two described species: Schizopus laetus LeConte, 1858 and Schizopus sallei Horn, 1885, with the latter including a recognized subspecies S. sallei nigricans Nelson, 1991. These beetles are rarely encountered and poorly known, with limited published information on their biology.
Socalchemmis idyllwild
Socalchemmis idyllwild is a spider species in the family Zoropsidae, first described by Platnick and Ubick in 2001. The genus Socalchemmis is endemic to southern California and represents a group of spiders previously placed in Tengellidae. The species name references Idyllwild, California, indicating the type locality. This species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive morphological features separating it from related zoropsid genera.
Svastra obliqua expurgata
sunflower bee, long-horned digger bee, female long-horned bee
Svastra obliqua expurgata is a subspecies of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, native to western North America. It is commonly known as the 'sunflower bee' due to its strong preference for foraging on sunflowers and other members of the Asteraceae family. The species has been reclassified taxonomically, with some authorities placing North American species formerly in genus Svastra into the genus Epimelissodes. It is a solitary, ground-nesting bee that plays an important role in pollinating native and agricultural plants in its range.
Tachinus crotchii
Crotch's Tachinus
Tachinus crotchii is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1877. It is native to western North America, with documented occurrences in British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington. Like other members of the genus Tachinus, it is associated with forest floor habitats and decaying organic matter. The species is named after George Robert Crotch, a British entomologist who collected extensively in North America.
Tegeticula maculata
Chaparral yucca moth
Tegeticula maculata is a small moth in the family Prodoxidae, commonly known as the chaparral yucca moth. It is the sole pollinator of Hesperoyucca whipplei, forming an obligate mutualism in which the moth's larvae feed exclusively on developing seeds of this host plant. The species exhibits high genetic structure across its range with limited morphological divergence, suggesting ancient lineage sorting rather than recent speciation.
Tortistilus
Tortistilus is a genus of treehoppers (Membracidae: Ceresini) established by Caldwell in 1949. The genus includes at least one well-documented species, T. wickhami, which has been studied in California and Mexican vineyards as a potential vector of grapevine red blotch virus. Members of this genus are morphologically cryptic and difficult to distinguish from related genera such as Spissistilus without molecular diagnostics. The genus belongs to the diverse New World treehopper fauna.
Trigonoscuta nicolana
Trigonoscuta nicolana is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Pierce in 1975. The genus Trigonoscuta is known to include species that serve as prey for the wasp Cerceris sextoides. Information specific to this species is limited, with only three observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Xylocoris californicus
Xylocoris californicus is a small predatory bug in the family Anthocoridae (minute pirate bugs). The species is native to western North America and is found in California and surrounding regions. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a generalist predator of small arthropods, though specific ecological studies on this species are limited.