Canadian-fauna
Guides
Agriotes stabilis
Stable Click Beetle
Agriotes stabilis is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, found across central and eastern Canada. The species was described by LeConte in 1853. Like other members of the genus Agriotes, the larvae are likely soil-dwelling and may be referred to as wireworms, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded in British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.
Ampedus apicatus
Poplar Click Beetle
Ampedus apicatus, commonly known as the Poplar Click Beetle, is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The common name suggests an association with poplar trees (Populus spp.), though specific ecological relationships require confirmation. The species is documented across multiple Canadian provinces.
Ampedus melanotoides
Ampedus melanotoides is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, described by W.J. Brown in 1933. It is known from a limited number of records in eastern Canada. As a member of the genus Ampedus, it belongs to a group of click beetles often associated with decaying wood and forest habitats. The species remains poorly documented in published literature.
Ampedus pullus
Chick Click Beetle
Ampedus pullus is a click beetle in the family Elateridae, first described by Germar in 1844. It is known from Canada, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. The species has been documented through 28 iNaturalist observations.
Ampedus varipilis
Castle Click Beetle
A click beetle in the family Elateridae, found in western Canada. The species has been recorded from Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, and Yukon Territory. Commonly known as the Castle Click Beetle, though the origin of this name is not documented in available sources. The specific epithet 'varipilis' likely refers to variable hairiness, a common naming convention in beetle taxonomy.
Aneugmenus flavipes
Aneugmenus flavipes is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by Norton in 1861. It is recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia. As a member of the genus Aneugmenus, it belongs to a group of sawflies whose larvae are associated with ferns. The species epithet 'flavipes' refers to yellow legs, a characteristic coloration feature.
Atheta ventricosa
Distended Minute Rove Beetle
Atheta ventricosa is a small rove beetle species in the family Staphylinidae, described by Bernhauer in 1907. It is distributed across much of Canada and the northern United States. The species has been recorded from 10 Canadian provinces and territories and 12 US states.
Athous scapularis
Red-shouldered Click Beetle
Athous scapularis is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the Red-shouldered Click Beetle. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1839. Click beetles are characterized by a unique clicking mechanism used to right themselves when flipped on their backs. The common name refers to reddish coloration on the pronotum or shoulder region.
Callimoxys sanguinicollis
Blood-necked Longhorn Beetle
Callimoxys sanguinicollis is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was first described by Olivier in 1795 under the basionym Necydalis sanguinicollis. The species is known from eastern North America, with records from Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario, Québec) and the United States. It is commonly referred to as the Blood-necked Longhorn Beetle, a name referencing its distinctive red or reddish-orange pronotum.
Charaphloeus adustus
lined flat bark beetle
Charaphloeus adustus is a species of lined flat bark beetle in the family Laemophloeidae, described by LeConte in 1854. The species is known from North America with confirmed records in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec. Like other members of Laemophloeidae, it is associated with bark habitats. The genus Charaphloeus contains multiple species that are morphologically similar and require careful examination for identification.
Chrysocharis prodice
Chrysocharis prodice is a minute parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1839. The genus Chrysocharis comprises species known as parasitoids of leaf-mining insects, particularly flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae). This species is recorded from multiple Canadian provinces, indicating a northern distribution pattern. Like other eulophids, it likely plays a role in regulating populations of herbivorous insects in forest and agricultural ecosystems.
Cis levettei
Cis levettei is a species of minute tree-fungus beetle in the family Ciidae. It is found in North America, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba in Canada. As a member of the Ciidae, it is associated with fungal habitats, particularly bracket fungi on trees. The species was described by Casey in 1898.
Coleophora elaeagnisella
Speckled Casebearer Moth
A small casebearer moth (family Coleophoridae) known for its distinctive larval case and specialized feeding on Elaeagnaceae plants. The species is restricted to northern North America, where it has been documented from the Great Lakes region northward into Canada. Larvae construct pistol-shaped portable cases from silk and plant material.
Corticeus tenuis
Corticeus tenuis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1878. It is a small, slender beetle distributed across southern Canada from Alberta to Nova Scotia. Like other members of the genus Corticeus, it is associated with bark habitats. Specific biological details regarding its ecology and behavior remain poorly documented in published literature.
Ctenicera kendalli
Kendal's Click Beetle
Ctenicera kendalli is a species of click beetle (Elateridae) described by Kirby in 1837. It is one of several North American species in the genus Ctenicera, a group characterized by serrated antennae. The species is documented from multiple Canadian provinces but appears to be relatively uncommon, with limited observational records. Like other elaterids, it possesses the distinctive clicking mechanism for righting itself when overturned.
Cyphea wallisi
Cyphea wallisi is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Fenyes in 1921. It belongs to the subfamily Aleocharinae, a large and diverse group of small beetles. The species is known from multiple Canadian provinces, with records spanning from Alberta to Prince Edward Island. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting it may be underreported or genuinely uncommon.
Cyrtogaster capitanea
Cyrtogaster capitanea is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Pteromalidae, first described by Heydon in 1989. It belongs to the tribe Sphegigastrini within the subfamily Miscogastrinae. The species is known from western and northern Canada, with records from British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. As with other members of the genus Cyrtogaster, it is likely associated with parasitoid biology, though specific host relationships for this species remain undocumented.
Dichelotarsus puberulus
Dichelotarsus puberulus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1850. The species is recorded from multiple Canadian provinces, suggesting a boreal or transcontinental distribution pattern. Like other members of Cantharidae, it is likely associated with vegetation and flowering plants where adults feed on pollen and small insects. The genus Dichelotarsus is characterized by particular antennal and tarsal structures that distinguish it from related genera.
Dienerella costulata
Dienerella costulata is a small beetle species in the family Latridiidae (plaster beetles or minute brown scavenger beetles), first described by Reitter in 1877. The genus Dienerella comprises minute beetles associated with mold and fungal growth. This species has been recorded from several Canadian provinces including Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases.
Distigmoptera pilosa
Distigmoptera pilosa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Illiger in 1807. It is a small beetle with a North American distribution, recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Ontario, Québec, and Saskatchewan. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits vegetation in open or semi-open habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species epithet "pilosa" refers to hairiness, suggesting a notably setose body covering.
Echthrus niger
Echthrus niger is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Cresson in 1868. It belongs to a genus of parasitoid wasps that attack wood-boring beetle larvae. The species has been recorded in western Canada, specifically in Alberta and surrounding regions.
Euxoa manitobana
Brown Prairie Dart
Euxoa manitobana is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1925. The species is known from the Canadian prairie provinces and is commonly referred to as the Brown Prairie Dart. Like other Euxoa species, it likely has a life cycle typical of cutworm moths, with larvae feeding on herbaceous vegetation.
Euxoa silens
silent dart
Euxoa silens, commonly known as the silent dart, is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Alberta and Manitoba in Canada. The species is part of a large genus of dart moths, many of which are significant agricultural pests as larvae.
Gonioctena notmani
Gonioctena notmani is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1924. It is a small beetle with limited available documentation. The species is recorded from scattered localities in North America including western Canada and Labrador.
Hoplismenus morulus morulus
Hoplismenus morulus morulus is a subspecies of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. This parasitoid wasp is recorded from multiple localities across the Canadian Prairie provinces. As a member of the genus Hoplismenus, it likely functions as a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this subspecies are not well documented. The subspecific status indicates morphological or geographic differentiation from the nominate form.
Idolus debilis
Idolus debilis is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, described by LeConte in 1884. This species belongs to a genus of relatively small, slender click beetles. Like other members of Elateridae, adults possess the characteristic prosternal process that fits into a mesosternal groove, enabling the "clicking" mechanism used to right themselves when overturned. The species has been documented across multiple Canadian provinces, suggesting a northern distribution pattern.
Isomira quadristriata
Isomira quadristriata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Couper in 1865. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter. The species has been documented across multiple Canadian provinces, suggesting adaptation to temperate North American environments.
Kuschelina vians
Red-lined Flea Beetle
Kuschelina vians is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Commonly known as the Red-lined Flea Beetle, it occurs in North America with confirmed records from western Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the flea beetle group, it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping.
Leucopelmonus annulicornis
Leucopelmonus annulicornis is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. It was described by Harrington in 1893. The species is known from eastern Canada, with records from New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Very little has been published on its biology or ecology.
Melanophthalma inermis
Melanophthalma inermis is a species of minute brown scavenger beetle (family Latridiidae) first described by Motschulsky in 1866. These beetles are among the smallest coleopterans, typically found in moist habitats where they feed on fungal spores and hyphae. The species is documented from eastern Canada, with records from New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Latridiid beetles are generally associated with decaying plant material and are common in forest floor litter and similar microhabitats.
Meloe dianella
Meloe dianella is a species of blister beetle (family Meloidae) first described by Pinto and Selander in 1970. It belongs to the genus Meloe, commonly known as oil beetles, which are characterized by their defensive production of cantharidins. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia). Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to have a parasitic life cycle involving solitary bees, though specific details for this species remain undocumented.
Metanomus insidiosus
Insidious Click Beetle
Metanomus insidiosus is a click beetle species described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. As a member of the family Elateridae, it possesses the characteristic "click" mechanism that allows these beetles to right themselves when flipped onto their backs. The species is distributed across multiple Canadian provinces.
Mompha claudiella
Mompha claudiella is a small moth species in the family Momphidae, described by Kearfott in 1907. The species is known from the Canadian prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to have a narrow host plant association, though specific details remain undocumented.
Nefusa ambigua
Violet Leafmining Sawfly
Nefusa ambigua, commonly known as the violet leafmining sawfly, is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. The larvae are specialized leafminers that feed internally within the leaves of Viola species (violets). This species has been documented across multiple Canadian provinces and is known for its distinctive larval habit of creating mines within violet foliage.
Neocrepidodera robusta
Neocrepidodera robusta is a species of flea beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. It was described by LeConte in 1874. The species is known from North America, with records from western and central Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the subfamily Alticinae, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, enabling jumping locomotion.
Neohypdonus tumescens
Swelling Click Beetle
Neohypdonus tumescens, commonly known as the Swelling Click Beetle, is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The species was described by LeConte in 1853. It is known from multiple provinces across Canada. The common name likely refers to a swollen or enlarged body feature, possibly the pronotum or overall body shape. As a member of Elateridae, it possesses the family-characteristic prosternal process that enables the clicking mechanism used for righting itself when overturned.
Neophytobius cavifrons
minute seed weevil
Neophytobius cavifrons is a species of minute seed weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, first described by Colonnelli in 1980. It is found in North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. As a member of the genus Neophytobius, it belongs to a group of small weevils associated with seeds. The species is known from only a handful of observations, indicating it is rarely encountered or poorly sampled.
Nitidolimonius resplendens
Resplendent Click Beetle
Nitidolimonius resplendens is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the Resplendent Click Beetle. The species was described by Eschscholtz in 1829 and is distributed across multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. As a member of the click beetle family, it possesses the characteristic ability to right itself when overturned by flexing its body to produce an audible clicking sound.
Oberea deficiens
Oberea deficiens is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr. in 1924. It belongs to the genus Oberea, a group of relatively slender, elongate beetles commonly associated with woody plants. The species is known from multiple provinces across Canada. Information regarding its biology, host plants, and detailed morphology remains limited in published literature.
Olethreutes carolana
Olethreutes carolana is a species of tortricid moth in the subfamily Olethreutinae, first described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1922. It belongs to a large genus of small moths commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. The species is known from the Canadian prairies, with records from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits the typical Olethreutes morphology with relatively broad, somewhat triangular forewings when at rest.
Onycholyda rufofasciata
Onycholyda rufofasciata is a species of web-spinning sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae, first described by Norton in 1869. The species is recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. As a member of Pamphiliidae, it likely produces silk webbing on host plants during larval development, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The genus Onycholyda contains approximately 20 species distributed primarily in the Holarctic region.
Orthoris crotchii
Orthoris crotchii is a weevil species described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876. It is currently classified as an ambiguous synonym of Rhoptobaris scolopax (Fabricius, 1792). The species has been documented in western Canada, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. As a member of Curculionidae, it belongs to one of the most diverse families of beetles, though specific biological details for this particular taxon remain poorly documented.
Paractenicera fulvipes
Paractenicera fulvipes is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, first described by Bland in 1863. Records indicate this species occurs in eastern Canada, with documented observations from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. As a member of Elateridae, it possesses the family's characteristic ability to right itself from a supine position using a prosternal spine and mesosternal groove mechanism. The specific epithet 'fulvipes' refers to the tawny or yellowish coloration of the legs.
Pedilus impressus
spring fire-coloured beetle
Pedilus impressus, commonly known as the spring fire-coloured beetle, is a species of fire-colored beetle in the family Pyrochroidae. It is native to eastern North America and has been documented in the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario. The species belongs to a family characterized by soft-bodied beetles, many of which exhibit aposematic coloration.
Pentaphyllus pallidus
Pentaphyllus pallidus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1866. It belongs to a genus characterized by five-segmented tarsi, a distinctive trait reflected in its name (Greek: penta = five, phyllon = leaf/lobe, referring to tarsal segments). The species is known from eastern Canada, with records from Ontario and Québec. Like other tenebrionids, it likely inhabits decaying organic matter and debris in forested environments, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pergetus campanulatus
Pergetus campanulatus is a species of antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae. It was originally described as Eurygenius campanulatus by LeConte in 1874, then transferred to the genus Pergetus erected by Casey in 1895. The species is found in North America, with records from western Canada including Alberta and British Columbia.
Perilampus chrysopae
Perilampus chrysopae is a species of hyperparasitic wasp in the family Perilampidae, described by Crawford in 1914. The species name 'chrysopae' indicates an association with lacewings (Chrysopidae), which serve as hosts. Like other perilampids, it exhibits a complex life cycle involving broadcast egg-laying and mobile planidium larvae that actively seek hosts. The species is documented from multiple provinces across Canada.
Phyllobaenus subfasciatus
checkered beetle
Phyllobaenus subfasciatus is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. It occurs across North America with documented records from western Canadian provinces. The species belongs to a genus whose members are generally predatory or scavenging as larvae and adults.
Plateros lictor
Plateros lictor is a species of net-winged beetle in the family Lycidae, first described by Newman in 1838. It is found in North America, with records from western and central Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. Net-winged beetles in this family are characterized by soft, flexible elytra with distinct net-like venation patterns. The species has been documented through limited observations, with iNaturalist recording only six observations as of the available data.
Plateros peregrinus
net-winged beetle
Plateros peregrinus is a species of net-winged beetle (family Lycidae) described by Green in 1953. It is found in North America, with distribution records from British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario in Canada. Like other members of its family, it possesses the characteristic soft, flexible elytra with net-like venation patterns that give net-winged beetles their common name. The species is part of a genus containing numerous species, many of which are poorly known biologically.