Canada
Guides
Paradonus pectoralis
Large-chested Click Beetle
Paradonus pectoralis is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, originally described by Say in 1834. The species was previously classified under the genus Tetraonyx as Tetraonyx pectoralis. It is known from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The common name "Large-chested Click Beetle" reflects a distinctive morphological feature of this species. Like other click beetles, it possesses the characteristic prosternal process that enables the "clicking" mechanism for righting itself when overturned.
Paraplatyptilia atlantica
Atlantic Canada Plume Moth
Paraplatyptilia atlantica is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, endemic to Eastern Canada. It is known only from Newfoundland and Quebec, with records from coastal and montane habitats including Mount Albert at elevations up to 1,100 metres. The species is small, with a wingspan of approximately 20 mm. Adults are active during mid-summer.
Paratenetus fuscus
Brownish Darkling Beetle
Paratenetus fuscus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species was described by LeConte in 1850. Records indicate a distribution across multiple Canadian provinces from British Columbia to Ontario, including northern territories. As a member of the Tenebrionidae family, it shares the general characteristics of darkling beetles, including a hardened exoskeleton and typically cryptic coloration.
Parauleutes nebulosus
Nebulous weevil
Parauleutes nebulosus is a small weevil species in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Bagoinae. The species was originally described by LeConte in 1876 under the genus Bagous, and is now classified in the genus Parauleutes. It is known from scattered records across northern North America, including the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan. The specific epithet "nebulosus" (Latin for "cloudy" or "foggy") likely refers to a mottled or indistinct color pattern on the body.
Pardosa dorsuncata
Pardosa dorsuncata is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It was described by Lowrie and Dondale in 1981. The species is found in the United States and Canada, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. As a member of the genus Pardosa, it shares characteristics typical of this widespread group of small to medium-sized wolf spiders.
Pardosa metlakatla
thin-legged wolf spider
Pardosa metlakatla is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Emerton in 1917. As a member of the genus Pardosa, it belongs to one of the most abundant and widespread wolf spider genera in North America. The species occurs in the United States and Canada, with confirmed records from Alberta and British Columbia. Like other Pardosa species, it is characterized by long, perpendicular leg spines and a preference for moist habitats near water.
Pardosa modica
Little Banded Wolf Spider
Pardosa modica is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, commonly known as the Little Banded Wolf Spider. It is one of approximately 65 Pardosa species recognized in the United States and 75 species north of Mexico. As a member of the 'thin-legged wolf spiders,' it is characterized by distinctive leg spines and is typically small to medium in size. The species is distributed across the United States and Canada, including records from Alberta and Manitoba.
Pardosa wyuta
Wyuta Wolf Spider
Pardosa wyuta is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Gertsch in 1934. Like other members of the genus Pardosa, it is a small to medium-sized active hunter with characteristic long spines on its legs. The species occurs in western North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. As with most Pardosa species, identification to species level requires microscopic examination of genitalia.
Parenthis vestitus
Parenthis vestitus is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by Dietz in 1896. Records indicate presence in eastern North America, specifically in the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Ontario. The genus Parenthis is a small group within the weevils, and this species appears to be rarely collected based on limited observation records.
Patrocloides montanus
Patrocloides montanus is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Cresson in 1864. The genus Patrocloides belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of wasps. Records indicate this species occurs in Canada, with documented localities in Alberta including Edmonton, Red Deer, and Waterton, as well as additional sites in southern and central regions of the country.
Pedilus abnormis
fire-colored beetle
Pedilus abnormis is a species of fire-colored beetle in the family Pyrochroidae, described by Horn in 1874. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada. The species belongs to a family commonly known as fire-colored beetles, though specific biological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Pedilus canaliculatus
Pedilus canaliculatus is a species of cardinal beetle in the family Pyrochroidae, first described by LeConte in 1866. The species is known from eastern Canada, with confirmed records from New Brunswick and Québec. Like other members of the genus, adults are likely associated with decaying organic matter and are attracted to fermenting substances. The species belongs to a family whose larvae are typically predatory, feeding on other insects in decaying wood and other decomposing substrates.
Pedilus terminalis
Pedilus terminalis is a species of fire-colored beetle in the family Pyrochroidae. It is one of the most frequently observed members of its genus, with over 350 documented observations on iNaturalist. The species occurs in eastern North America, with confirmed records from Ontario and Québec in Canada.
Pediobius albipes
Pediobius albipes is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Provancher in 1887. The species is known from Canada, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. Like other members of the genus Pediobius, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations and biological details remain poorly documented. The specific epithet 'albipes' refers to white feet or legs, a common naming convention in this genus.
Pediobius alcaeus
Pediobius alcaeus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Walker in 1839. It belongs to a genus known for biological control of agricultural pests. The species has been recorded in multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Like other Pediobius species, it likely functions as a parasitoid of insect hosts, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Pediobius aphidiphagus
Pediobius aphidiphagus is a parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Ashmead in 1887. The species epithet 'aphidiphagus' indicates its association with aphid hosts. It belongs to a genus of chalcid wasps that are predominantly parasitoids of various insect hosts. Distribution records indicate presence in Canada across multiple provinces including British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. The species is part of a taxonomic group that includes economically important biocontrol agents, though specific biological details for this species remain limited in available literature.
Pelenomus gracilipes
Pelenomus gracilipes is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Dietz in 1896. It is provisionally accepted in taxonomic databases and has been recorded from Québec, Canada. As a member of the large and diverse weevil family, it likely exhibits the characteristic elongated snout (rostrum) typical of Curculionidae, though specific morphological details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Pelenomus squamosus
Pelenomus squamosus is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by Lec. in Lec. & Horn. It is recorded from multiple provinces across Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Québec. Very little is known about its biology or ecology. The genus Pelenomus is taxonomically complex and has undergone significant revision, with many species historically associated with wetland or aquatic habitats.
Pelochrista corosana
Pelochrista corosana is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, first described by Walsingham in 1884. It belongs to the large genus Pelochrista, which contains numerous small moth species often referred to as 'tortricid leafroller moths.' The species is known from the Canadian prairie provinces. As with most members of its genus, detailed information about its biology and ecology remains limited.
Pentaria trifasciata
Three-banded False Flower Beetle
Pentaria trifasciata is a species of false flower beetle in the family Scraptiidae. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia) and the United States. The common name refers to the three-banded pattern on the elytra. As a member of Scraptiidae, it belongs to a family of small beetles often associated with flowers and decaying vegetation.
Perapion punctinasum
Perapion punctinasum is a small weevil species in the family Brentidae, originally described from North America in 1884. It belongs to a genus of apionid-like weevils characterized by their compact body form and elongated rostrum. The species is recorded from multiple Canadian provinces, suggesting a broad northern distribution. Like other members of Perapion, it is likely associated with herbaceous vegetation, though specific host relationships remain poorly documented.
Phaleromela variegata
Variegated Darkling Beetle
Phaleromela variegata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Triplehorn in 1961. The species occurs across northern and western Canada, including Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. As a member of the Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a diverse family of beetles commonly known as darkling beetles, many of which are adapted to arid or semi-arid environments. The specific epithet 'variegata' suggests variable coloration, though detailed morphological descriptions are limited in available sources.
Phantyna bicornis
mesh web weaver
Phantyna bicornis is a species of mesh web weaver spider in the family Dictynidae. It was described by Emerton in 1915. The species is known from North America, with records from the United States and Canada.
Phidippus borealis
Boreal Tufted Jumping Spider
Phidippus borealis is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae, commonly known as the boreal tufted jumping spider. It occurs in boreal regions of North America, including Canada and the northern United States. As a member of the genus Phidippus, it possesses the characteristic large anterior median eyes and jumping capabilities typical of salticid spiders.
Phidippus comatus
Hairy Tufted Jumping Spider
Phidippus comatus is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae, distributed across North America including Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The species belongs to the genus Phidippus, which includes some of the largest jumping spiders in North America. Like other members of this genus, it possesses the characteristic enlarged anterior median eyes that provide excellent vision for hunting. The specific epithet 'comatus' refers to the hairy or tufted appearance.
Philodromus oneida
Oneida Running Crab Spider
Philodromus oneida is a species of running crab spider in the family Philodromidae, first described by Levi in 1951. It is distributed across the United States and Canada, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba in Canada. As a member of the genus Philodromus, it shares the characteristic laterigrade leg orientation that allows sideways movement, typical of running crab spiders.
Phloeophagus apionides
Phloeophagus apionides is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. It is a small beetle species with the characteristic elongated snout typical of weevils. The species has been documented in eastern Canada, with records from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting it may be uncommon or underreported.
Phloeophagus canadensis
Phloeophagus canadensis is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by Van Dyke in 1927. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. Like other members of the genus Phloeophagus, it is associated with woody habitats.
Phratora hudsonia
birch leaf beetle
Phratora hudsonia is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the birch leaf beetle. It is found in North America, with documented populations in Ontario, Canada, as well as Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The species feeds exclusively on birch leaves and has been the subject of biological study focusing on its seasonal occurrence, habits, and immature stages.
Phrontosoma belfragei
Phrontosoma belfragei is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by Cresson in 1880. It is a member of the genus Phrontosoma, a group of hymenopterans within the order Hymenoptera. The species has been recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Phryganophilus collaris
Collared False Darkling Beetle
A small false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae, recognized by the distinctive pale pronotal collar that contrasts with its darker body. The species occurs across northern and western North America, with records from boreal and montane regions of Canada. Like other melandryids, it is associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The specific epithet and common name both reference the contrasting light-colored band across the pronotum.
Phyllonorycter olivaeformis
A micro-moth in the family Gracillariidae with a wingspan of approximately 6.5 mm. The species is known from the northeastern and midwestern United States. Larvae are leaf miners that feed on pecan (Carya illinoinensis).
Phyllotreta constricta
A flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, native to western North America. As with other Phyllotreta species, it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species was described by E.H. Smith in 1985 and is documented from the Canadian prairie provinces.
Phyllotreta liebecki
Phyllotreta liebecki is a small flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1919. It is found in North America, with records from Manitoba and Ontario in Canada. The species measures 1.75–2.5 mm in length. As a member of the Alticini tribe, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles that enable jumping locomotion.
Phytocoris canadensis
Phytocoris canadensis is a mirid plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Van Duzee in 1920. The genus Phytocoris comprises mostly plant-feeding true bugs that are typically gray or brown in coloration. Some Phytocoris species have been observed to occasionally prey on smaller insects.
Phytodietus solicitanae
Phytodietus solicitanae is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Loan in 1981. It belongs to the genus Phytodietus, a group of parasitoid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. The species is known from a single locality in Manitoba, Canada. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of lepidopteran larvae, though specific host records for this species have not been published.
Pissodes affinis
Pissodes affinis is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, first described by Randall in 1838. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. As a member of the genus Pissodes, it belongs to a group commonly known as pine weevils, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited. The species is accepted in taxonomic databases including GBIF and Catalogue of Life.
Pityohyphantes subarcticus
Taiga Sheetweb Weaver
Pityohyphantes subarcticus is a species of sheetweb weaver spider in the family Linyphiidae, commonly known as the Taiga Sheetweb Weaver. It occurs in boreal and subarctic regions of western Canada and Alaska. As a member of the genus Pityohyphantes, it constructs characteristic hammock-shaped webs suspended in vegetation. The species was described by Chamberlin and Ivie in 1943.
Pityophthorus consimilis
Pityophthorus consimilis is a species of bark beetle in the family Curculionidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia. Like other members of the genus Pityophthorus, it is a small, wood-boring beetle that colonizes tree phloem. Detailed ecological studies specific to this species are limited in the available literature.
Plateros bispiculatus
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.
Plateros volatus
Plateros volatus is a species of net-winged beetle in the family Lycidae, described by Green in 1953. It is recorded from eastern Canada and North America more broadly. As a member of Lycidae, it shares the family's characteristic reticulated wing venation and soft, elongated body form. Very little species-specific information has been published.
Plateumaris diversa
Plateumaris diversa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Donaciinae. The species was described by C. Schaeffer in 1925. It is one of numerous Plateumaris species associated with wetland habitats, particularly those supporting emergent vegetation. Records indicate presence in central and eastern Canada, with observations from Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec.
Plateumaris flavipes
Flavous-footed reed beetle
Plateumaris flavipes is a leaf beetle in the subfamily Donaciinae, commonly known as reed beetles. Members of this subfamily are semi-aquatic, typically associated with emergent vegetation in freshwater habitats. The species is recorded from western and northern North America, including Alberta, British Columbia, and Labrador in Canada. Available sources provide limited specific ecological detail for this species.
Plateumaris metallica
Metallic reed beetle
Plateumaris metallica is an aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, known by the common name Metallic reed beetle. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario) and the United States. As a member of the genus Plateumaris, it is associated with wetland habitats and aquatic vegetation.
Plateumaris pusilla
Little reed beetle
Plateumaris pusilla is a species of aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is known from North America, with records from Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, and Labrador. As a member of the subfamily Donaciinae, it is associated with wetland habitats. The species is commonly referred to as the Little reed beetle.
Plateumaris shoemakeri
Shoemaker's reed beetle
Plateumaris shoemakeri is a species of aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from western Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The species is commonly known as Shoemaker's reed beetle. As a member of the genus Plateumaris, it is associated with wetland and aquatic habitats.
Platybregmus canadensis
Platybregmus canadensis is a small beetle in the family Ptinidae (formerly placed in Anobiidae), described by Fisher in 1934. It is one of few species in the genus Platybregmus and has been documented in eastern Canada. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with wood or stored products, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Platydema americana
Platydema americana is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) found across much of Canada. The species is documented in multiple provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. As a member of a large family of beetles primarily associated with decaying plant matter and fungi, it contributes to nutrient cycling in forest and woodland ecosystems.
Platydema elliptica
Orange-banded Darkling Beetle
Platydema elliptica, commonly known as the Orange-banded Darkling Beetle, is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species was described by Fabricius in 1798 and is known from distribution records in Ontario, Canada. As a member of the Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large family of beetles commonly found in decaying organic matter and diverse terrestrial habitats.
Platydema subcostata
Platydema subcostata is a darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) first described by Laporte. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles characterized by flattened bodies. The species is known from a limited number of observations in eastern Canada.