California
Guides
Callimus ruficollis
Callimus ruficollis is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by LeConte in 1873. It belongs to the tribe Stenopterini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. The species is distributed in western North America, with records from California, Mexico, and the United States. As a member of the genus Callimus, it is part of a group of beetles characterized by their slender, elongated bodies and relatively short antennae compared to many other cerambycids.
Callirhytis congregata
sausage flower gall wasp
Callirhytis congregata is a cynipid gall wasp native to California that induces distinctive galls on the catkins of three oak species: coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), interior live oak (Quercus wislizeni), and canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis). The species was originally described by William Harris Ashmead in 1896 under the genus Andricus. It is considered locally common within its range. The galls are described as rugose, yellowish-brown woody swellings with multiple cells, appearing to grow from the tips of slender twigs with a long peduncle-like base.
Callophrys dumetorum dumetorum
A subspecies of hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, endemic to coastal California. It is one of at least two recognized subspecies within Callophrys dumetorum, with the nominate subspecies restricted to a narrower range than the species as a whole. The species is known by the common names bramble hairstreak or lotus hairstreak.
Callophrys gryneus muiri
Muir's Hairstreak, Muir Juniper Hairstreak
A western North American subspecies of Juniper Hairstreak, historically treated as a distinct species (Callophrys muiri) based on phenotypic differences and geographic isolation. DNA barcoding studies indicate it is genetically divergent from other C. gryneus populations, though its taxonomic status remains debated. Associated with coniferous habitats in California.
Callophrys mossii bayensis
San Bruno Elfin
The San Bruno Elfin is a federally endangered butterfly subspecies endemic to the San Francisco Peninsula in California. It inhabits rocky outcrops and cliffs in coastal scrub habitat, with its distribution directly tied to that of its host plant, broadleaf stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium). The subspecies was described by R. Brown in 1969 and is currently listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Caloptilia ovatiella
Caloptilia ovatiella is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, described by Opler in 1969. The species is endemic to California, United States. Larvae are specialized feeders on sumac species (Rhus) and laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), creating distinctive blotch mines in host leaves. Like other Caloptilia species, adults likely exhibit the characteristic resting posture with forewings held roof-like over the body.
Calosaturnia albofasciata
white-streaked saturnia moth
Calosaturnia albofasciata is a silkmoth endemic to California, United States. It was described by Johnson in 1938 and was formerly placed in the genus Saturnia. The species is known by the common name white-streaked saturnia moth, referring to its distinctive wing pattern. It carries Hodges number 7753 in the MONA numbering system.
Calosaturnia walterorum
Walter's Silkmoth, Walter's saturnia moth
Calosaturnia walterorum, known as Walter's Silkmoth, is a saturniid moth described by Hogue and Johnson in 1958. It was originally placed in the genus Saturnia before being transferred to Calosaturnia. The species occurs in a restricted range spanning southern California and adjacent Mexico. It is among the smaller and less frequently encountered silkmoths in western North America.
Calosoma discors
different beautiful black searcher
Calosoma discors is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1857. This species is known from California and Washington, where it inhabits coastal grasslands and oak savannahs in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Adults are brachypterous, meaning they have reduced wings that limit flight capability.
Calosoma simplex
simple beautiful black searcher
Calosoma simplex is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1878. It belongs to the genus Calosoma, whose members are known for arboreal hunting behaviors and caterpillar predation. The species occurs in southwestern North America, including parts of the United States and Mexico. Like other Calosoma species, it likely functions as a predator of caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects.
Camponotus laevigatus
Hairless Smooth Carpenter Ant
Camponotus laevigatus is a California endemic carpenter ant species that nests in dead oak branches, particularly of Quercus wislizeni (interior live oak). It maintains an obligate mutualism with the bacterial endosymbiont Blochmaniella, with which it shows strong codiversification patterns. Population genetic studies reveal three phylogeographic clusters with the Central Valley acting as a significant barrier to gene flow, and Pleistocene climatic cycles have shaped its current distribution.
Caplothorax californicus
Caplothorax californicus is a species of beetle in the family Nitidulidae, commonly known as sap beetles. The genus Caplothorax is a small and poorly studied group within this family. Very little published information exists regarding the biology, ecology, or distribution of this particular species. The specific epithet "californicus" indicates a type locality or primary association with California.
Capnia umpqua
Umpqua Snowfly
Capnia umpqua, commonly known as the Umpqua Snowfly, is a small winter stonefly species in the family Capniidae. It was described by Frison in 1942. The species occurs in western North America, with documented records from California and Oregon. As a member of the Capniidae, it belongs to a group of stoneflies adapted to cold-water environments and winter-emergence patterns.
Capnobotes attenuatus
slender longwing
Capnobotes attenuatus, commonly known as the slender longwing, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It was described by Rentz and Birchim in 1968. The species is found in western North America, with records from California.
Capnobotes bruneri
Bruner Longwing
Capnobotes bruneri, commonly known as the Bruner Longwing, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in North America, with records from California. The species was described by Scudder in 1897. As a member of the Tettigoniidae family, it belongs to the group of insects commonly known as katydids or bush-crickets, characterized by elongated bodies and long antennae.
Carcinops tejonicus
Carcinops tejonicus is a hister beetle in the family Histeridae. The species is distributed in California, USA and Mexico. It has been recorded as present in both Middle America and North America.
Carpelimus obliquus
Carpelimus obliquus is a species of spiny-legged rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is native to North America, with records from California. The species was described by Thomas Casey in 1889 and is currently accepted under this name.
Catalinus angustus
Catalinus angustus is a species of minute rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Scydmaeninae. These beetles are among the smallest staphylinids, typically associated with leaf litter and decaying organic matter in forested habitats. The genus Catalinus belongs to the tribe Stenichnini, a group characterized by their small size and specialized ecological roles in decomposition systems. Records indicate this species occurs in California, USA.
Catocala andromache
Andromache Underwing
Catocala andromache, the Andromache Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It belongs to the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, which are characterized by their cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings. The species is found in the southwestern United States, specifically from southern California to Arizona. Like other underwings, it exhibits the genus's namesake trait of concealing its vibrant hindwings beneath dull forewings at rest.
Ceanothia essigi
Ceanothia essigi is a species of jumping plant louse (family Psyllidae) described by Jensen in 1957. The genus Ceanothia is associated with plants in the genus Ceanothus, and this species is known from California. It belongs to a group of hemipterans that feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Celastrina echo echo
Pacific Azure, Echo Azure, Western Azure
Celastrina echo echo, commonly known as the Pacific Azure, is a subspecies of small blue butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It occurs in western North America, particularly in California and neighboring states. The subspecies is associated with specific host plants including California buckeye (Aesculus californica) and various Ceanothus species. Adults are active in spring, with flight timing varying by elevation and latitude.
Ceraticelus
dwarf spiders
Ceraticelus is a genus of dwarf spiders in the family Linyphiidae, subfamily Erigoninae. First described by Eugène Louis Simon in 1884, the genus currently contains approximately 34 species and two subspecies distributed primarily in North America, with some species occurring in Europe and Asia. The genus definition has been historically problematic due to superficial treatment of male palpal bulb morphology. Recent taxonomic work has clarified diagnostic characters through examination of the type species, C. fissiceps.
Ceratocapsus apicatus
Ceratocapsus apicatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Van Duzee in 1921. It is known from North America, with documented records from California. As a member of the Miridae, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts characteristic of true bugs. The species is one of many in the diverse genus Ceratocapsus.
Ceuthophilus californianus
California camel cricket
Ceuthophilus californianus, the California camel cricket, is a wingless orthopteran in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is native to California and adjacent regions of western North America. Like other camel crickets, it is adapted to dark, humid microhabitats and is primarily nocturnal. The species is part of a diverse genus of approximately 90 North American species, many of which are associated with caves, forests, and rocky terrain.
Ceuthophilus hesperus
San Diego camel cricket
Ceuthophilus hesperus, commonly known as the San Diego camel cricket, is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is native to North America, with confirmed presence in California. Like other members of its genus, it is wingless and adapted to dark, moist habitats. The species was described by Hubbell in 1936.
Chaetarthria ochra
Chaetarthria ochra is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It was described by D.C. Miller in 1974. The species is known from Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States (Arizona and California) and Mexico. As a member of the Chaetarthriinae subfamily, it belongs to a group of small hydrophilid beetles often associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Chimarocephala elongata
Rentz' Meadow Hopper
Chimarocephala elongata is a band-winged grasshopper species in the family Acrididae, first described by Rentz in 1977. It is commonly known as Rentz' Meadow Hopper. The species belongs to the subfamily Oedipodinae and tribe Chortophagini. It has been documented in North America, with confirmed records from California.
Chimarocephala pacifica pacifica
A subspecies of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, known for its complex acoustic and visual communication behaviors. Males produce sounds by rubbing the inner surface of the hind femora against the tegmina. Sexual behavior is mediated through cyclic female receptivity phases, with males employing stridulations, vibrations, and visual signals to communicate with both sexes.
Chloealtis dianae
Diana black-side grasshopper
Chloealtis dianae, the Diana black-side grasshopper, is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in North America, with specific records from California. The species was described in 1964 by Gurney, Strohecker, and Helfer. Like other members of the genus Chloealtis, it belongs to the subfamily Gomphocerinae, characterized by slanted facial profiles and association with grassland or open woodland habitats.
Chloealtis gracilis
graceful slant-face grasshopper, Graceful Grasshopper
Chloealtis gracilis is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, found in North America. The species is characterized by its slender build and sloping facial profile typical of the genus. It is documented in California and other parts of western North America.
Chlosyne gabbii
Gabb's Checkerspot
Chlosyne gabbii is a rare checkerspot butterfly endemic to California. Adults have a wingspan of 32–45 mm with bright orange-brown and black checkered uppersides; females are lighter than males. The species is threatened throughout its range and is known from only a small geographic area in the western United States.
Chlosyne palla altasierra
High Sierra Checkerspot
Chlosyne palla altasierra is a subspecies of checkerspot butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, described by Emmel, Emmel & Mattoon in 1998. It is known by the common name High Sierra Checkerspot. The subspecies is recognized as valid and accepted in taxonomic databases. As a member of the genus Chlosyne, it belongs to a group of butterflies commonly known as crescents and checkerspots, which are characterized by their orange and black patterned wings.
Chrysobothris dudleyaphaga
Chrysobothris dudleyaphaga is a jewel beetle species in the family Buprestidae, described by Westcott in 2007 from California and Baja California. It represents a significant host association discovery, being the first buprestid documented to feed on Dudleya species (Crassulaceae). This finding established that both larval and adult Buprestidae utilize hosts in the Crassulaceae plant family. The species was described with detailed biological notes in its original description.
Cibolacris parviceps californica
Cibolacris parviceps californica is a subspecies of grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species Cibolacris parviceps is known to overwinter as nymphs rather than eggs, a trait shared by relatively few North American grasshopper species. This subspecies occurs in California, as indicated by its epithet. Members of the genus Cibolacris are typically associated with grassland and prairie habitats.
Cicindela amargosae
Great Basin tiger beetle
Cicindela amargosae, commonly known as the Great Basin tiger beetle, is a species of tiger beetle endemic to the Great Basin region of the western United States. It occurs in Oregon, Nevada, and California. The species contains two recognized subspecies: the nominate C. a. amargosae and C. a. nyensis. As with other tiger beetles, it is a predatory insect in the subfamily Cicindelinae, though specific behavioral and ecological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Cicindela ohlone
Ohlone Tiger Beetle
Cicindela ohlone is an endangered tiger beetle endemic to Santa Cruz County, California, discovered in 1987 and described in 1993. It is most closely related to C. purpurea but differs in larger body size, distinct genital morphology, and a unique late winter-spring activity period. The species occupies a restricted 24 km² range with five remaining subpopulations, having declined from 10-15 historical patches. Listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2001, it faces ongoing threats from habitat destruction, invasive vegetation, and recreational disturbance.
Cicindela timbisha
Timbisha Tiger Beetle
Cicindela timbisha is a recently described tiger beetle species endemic to a single freshwater spring locality in Inyo County, California, east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The species occupies an extremely restricted geographic range of less than 5 hectares, making it highly vulnerable to extinction. Adults have been observed ovipositing in damp dark soils along the spring margin. The specific habitat requirements and highly localized distribution suggest this species has precise microhabitat needs associated with freshwater spring environments in an otherwise arid region.
Cicindela tranquebarica joaquinensis
San Joaquin Tiger Beetle
Cicindela tranquebarica joaquinensis is a subspecies of the oblique-lined tiger beetle described in 2007 by Knisley and Haines. It is endemic to California's San Joaquin Valley, where it inhabits saline and alkaline habitats. Like other members of the C. tranquebarica complex, it is a spring-fall active species with adults emerging in fall as sexually immature individuals, overwintering, and re-emerging in spring to mate and oviposit. The subspecies is distinguished from related taxa by its geographic restriction and specific habitat associations within the Central Valley.
Circotettix shastanus
Shasta grasshopper, sierra crackler
Circotettix shastanus is a band-winged grasshopper species in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the Shasta grasshopper or sierra crackler. It is native to western North America, with documented presence in California. The species belongs to a genus characterized by crackling flight sounds produced by specialized wing structures.
Cixius yufengi
Cixius yufengi is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Tsaur in 1993. The species belongs to a genus of small, often inconspicuous insects that feed on plant sap. Very little specific information is available about this particular species.
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siskiyou
Clastoptera siskiyou is a species of spittlebug described by Doering in 1929. It belongs to the family Clastopteridae, a small family of true bugs within the order Hemiptera. The species is named after the Siskiyou region and has been recorded in California and North America. Available information about this species is extremely limited, with only two observations documented in iNaturalist.
Clivina
A ground beetle in the genus Clivina, family Carabidae, from Stanislaus County, California. Members of this genus are small, fossorial carabid beetles adapted to burrowing in soil. The specific identity of this specimen is not determined beyond genus level.
Clivina californica
Clivina californica is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Scaritinae, described by Van Dyke in 1925. The genus Clivina comprises small, fossorial ground beetles characterized by their compact, cylindrical body form adapted for burrowing in soil. Species in this genus are morphologically conservative and often difficult to distinguish without detailed examination.
Cnemotettix bifasciatus
Cnemotettix bifasciatus is a species of ground weta in the family Anostostomatidae, described by Rentz & Weissman in 1973. It is endemic to California and represents one of the few North American members of this predominantly Southern Hemisphere family. The species is characterized by distinctive bicolor banding patterns. It has been documented through 157 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate levels of citizen science engagement with this taxon.
Coccivora
minute pirate bugs
Coccivora is a genus of minute pirate bugs (family Anthocoridae) containing a single described species, C. californica. These small predatory true bugs belong to the diverse Anthocoridae family, whose members are generally recognized as beneficial predators in agricultural and natural ecosystems. The genus was established by McAtee & Malloch in 1925. As a member of Anthocoridae, Coccivora likely shares the family's general characteristics of small size and predatory habits, though species-specific biology remains poorly documented.
Coccivora californica
Coccivora californica is a species of minute pirate bug in the family Anthocoridae, first described by McAtee and Malloch in 1925. The genus name 'Coccivora' indicates a diet centered on scale insects (Coccoidea). This species is native to North America and has been recorded from California.
Cochlorhinus ziczac
Cochlorhinus ziczac is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Ball in 1915. It belongs to the subfamily Deltocephalinae and tribe Athysanini. The species has been recorded from California, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Coelus globosus
Globose Dune Beetle
Coelus globosus is a coastal sand-dwelling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the Globose Dune Beetle. It occupies a narrow geographic range along the Pacific coast from northern California to Baja California, with additional populations on most of the Channel Islands. The species is restricted to active coastal dune systems, where it inhabits foredunes and sand hummocks.
Coenonycha hageni
Coenonycha hageni is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Cazier in 1943. It is known from the Nearctic region, specifically recorded from California, USA. The genus Coenonycha belongs to the tribe Dichelonychini within the subfamily Melolonthinae. Information regarding its biology, ecology, and detailed morphology remains limited in published literature.
Colaspidea
Colaspidea is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae. The genus exhibits a disjunct distribution, occurring in the Mediterranean region and in western North America (California and the southwestern United States). A notable morphological distinction exists between regional species: North American species possess fully developed wings, while Mediterranean species are wingless. Recent phylogenetic hypotheses suggest that Mediterranean Colaspidea may be sister to Chalcosicya, with Colaspina sister to both combined; North American species may represent a separate genus. The genus currently contains 19 described species.