Citizen-science
Guides
Adalia
ladybugs, lady beetles, ladybirds
Adalia is a genus of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) containing two species: A. bipunctata (two-spot ladybird) and A. decempunctata (ten-spot ladybird). These beetles are aphid predators found across the Palearctic region. Both species exhibit color pattern polymorphism and possess alkaloid chemical defenses. A. bipunctata is known to harbor multiple male-killing symbionts including Wolbachia, Rickettsia, and Spiroplasma, though symbiont phenotypes vary geographically.
Agelenopsis potteri
Potter's Grass Spider
A funnel-web spider native to North America that has been introduced to Ukraine, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and China. It is easily identified by structural features and has established stable breeding populations in urban environments across 19 of 25 Ukrainian administrative regions as of 2025. The species exhibits typical summer-autumn phenology with adult activity peaking in August and September. Unlike many spiders, it cannot disperse via aerial ballooning and spreads through human-mediated transport.
Aglais io
European peacock butterfly, peacock butterfly
A colorful nymphalid butterfly found across Europe and temperate Asia to Japan. Adults overwinter and emerge in spring to reproduce. Recent studies in Belgium demonstrate a shift from univoltine to bivoltine life history, with three flight peaks now observed: spring (overwintering adults), early summer (first generation), and autumn (second generation). The species is known for prominent eyespots on its wings that function in anti-predator defense.
Agrilus planipennis
Emerald Ash Borer, EAB
Agrilus planipennis, the emerald ash borer, is a highly destructive invasive beetle native to northeastern Asia. First detected in North America in 2002 (Michigan) and European Russia in 2003, it has since spread to 36 U.S. states, five Canadian provinces, and across Eastern Europe. The species has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees, causing severe ecological and economic damage. In its native range, it occurs at low densities without significant tree mortality; in invaded regions, it typically kills over 90% of ash trees within 2–4 years of establishment.
Anax junius
Common Green Darner, Green Darner
Anax junius, the common green darner, is among the most abundant and widespread dragonflies in North America, ranging from Canada to Panama and with populations in the Caribbean, Tahiti, and Asia. This large aeshnid is renowned for its extensive seasonal migrations, with individuals traveling up to 2,800 km between northern breeding grounds and southern overwintering areas. The species exhibits complex population dynamics, with both migratory and resident cohorts coexisting at many locations. Adults are powerful aerial predators, while aquatic nymphs are similarly voracious, making this species a significant component of both terrestrial and aquatic food webs.
Anax longipes
Comet Darner
Anax longipes, commonly known as the Comet Darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It is a common North American species with a distinctive appearance and migratory behavior. Adults are large, powerful fliers that prey on other insects in flight. The species is part of the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership monitoring program due to its seasonal movements.
Anisandrus maiche
Anisandrus maiche is an invasive ambrosia beetle native to East Asia that has established populations in North America and Europe. It is a significant pest of stressed trees in orchards, forests, and ornamental settings, boring into wood and cultivating symbiotic fungi in galleries. The species has been recorded in the United States since 2005, in Italy and Switzerland since 2021-2022, and was previously detected in Ukraine and European Russia. Its spread is facilitated by international transport of wood products and an inbreeding mating system that allows single females to establish new populations.
Anthidium florentinum
Florentine Woolcarder Bee, European wool carder bee
Anthidium florentinum is a medium to large solitary bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Florentine wool carder bee. Native to the Mediterranean region, it has been introduced to multiple continents including North America, South America, Africa, and Asia. Males are highly territorial and defend floral resources against conspecifics and other bees. Females collect plant trichomes (wool) to line nest cells constructed in pre-existing cavities. The species has been detected in the Canary Islands through citizen science, representing a recent range expansion to oceanic archipelagos.
Anthophila
bees
Anthophila is the clade comprising all bees, a monophyletic lineage within the superfamily Apoidea. With over 20,000 described species across seven recognized families, bees represent one of the most ecologically significant groups of insect pollinators. The clade encompasses diverse life histories, from solitary to eusocial species, and exhibits remarkable morphological variation associated with pollen collection and transport. Bees originated from predatory wasp ancestors and evolved specialized adaptations for exploiting floral resources, making them critical components of terrestrial ecosystems and agricultural systems worldwide.
Apantesis
tiger moths
Apantesis is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1855. Following phylogenetic research published in 2016, the genera Grammia, Holarctia, and Notarctia were merged into Apantesis, substantially expanding its species diversity. The genus is found in North and Central America, with some species documented in other regions including Iraq. Members are characterized by bold color patterns typical of tiger moths, including striped forewings and often brightly colored abdomens that serve as aposematic signals.
Apocephalus
ant-decapitating flies, scuttle flies (informal)
Apocephalus is a genus of phorid flies comprising at least 300 described species, commonly known as ant-decapitating flies. Species within this genus are primarily parasitoids of ants, with females laying eggs in hosts that subsequently develop into larvae that consume the host from within, often resulting in host decapitation. The genus has gained particular attention due to Apocephalus borealis, which parasitizes honey bees and causes aberrant nocturnal behavior leading to hive abandonment. Several species groups have been taxonomically revised, including the mucronatus group and subgenus Mesophora, with numerous new species described in recent decades.
Apocephalus borealis
Zombie Fly, ZomBee Fly
Apocephalus borealis is a parasitoid phorid fly native to North America that attacks bumblebees, paper wasps, and European honey bees. The species gained attention in 2008 when researchers at San Francisco State University discovered it parasitizing honey bees in California. Infected bees exhibit aberrant behaviors including nocturnal flight, disorientation, and attraction to light sources, earning the flies the common name 'zombie flies' and infected bees the name 'zombees.' The fly may act as a vector for honey bee pathogens including deformed wing virus and Nosema ceranae.
Arachnospila fumipennis
smoky-winged beetle bandit
Arachnospila fumipennis is a solitary ground-nesting spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, widely known under its former name Cerceris fumipennis. The species has gained significant attention as a biosurveillance tool for detecting emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) and other Buprestidae beetles. Females construct nests in sandy, well-packed soil and provision them with paralyzed beetles as food for their larvae. The species is notable for its highly specialized prey preference, though it occasionally captures non-buprestid prey.
Argia translata
Dusky Dancer
Argia translata, commonly known as the Dusky Dancer, is a damselfly species in the family Coenagrionidae. It is native to eastern and southern North America and has also been documented in parts of Central and South America. The species is relatively well-observed, with over 11,000 records on iNaturalist, suggesting it is not uncommon in suitable habitats. As with other members of the genus Argia, it is associated with freshwater environments where it completes its aquatic larval development before emerging as a flying adult.
Aroga
Twirler moths, Stripe-backed moths
Aroga is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. Species in this genus are typically nocturnal and attracted to light. The genus includes Arogalea cristifasciella, known as the Stripe-backed Moth, which has been documented in suburban settings in Kansas. Aroga species are part of the diverse microlepidoptera fauna that are often overlooked due to their small size.
Arvelius albopunctatus
White-spotted Arvelius
Arvelius albopunctatus is a stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae, commonly known as the White-spotted Arvelius. It occurs widely across the Americas, from the southern United States through the Caribbean and Central America to southern Brazil. The species is relatively well-documented with over 1,100 iNaturalist observations, suggesting it is moderately common and conspicuous. Like other pentatomids, it possesses scent glands for chemical defense.
Atypidae
purseweb spiders, atypical tarantulas
Atypidae is a family of mygalomorph spiders commonly known as purseweb spiders or atypical tarantulas. The family contains only three genera and represents one of the most archaic spider lineages. Members are obligate burrowers that construct distinctive sock-like, silken tubes extending from underground burrows up vertical surfaces. They are ambush predators that rarely leave their retreats, instead detecting and capturing prey from within their webs. The family has a disjunct distribution across Eurasia, northern Africa, and North America, with most species in the genus Atypus.
Atypus
Purse-web Spider, Purseweb Spider
Atypus is a genus of mygalomorph spiders commonly known as purse-web spiders, first described by Latreille in 1804. These spiders construct distinctive silk tubes (purse-webs) that extend from underground burrows vertically along tree bases, fences, or other surfaces. The genus occurs across Eurasia and northern Africa, with 38 described species as of 2025. Atypus species are perennial, with females living 8–10 years, and conduct nearly all life activities—including predation, mating, and egg-laying—within their sealed webs. One Asian species, A. karschi, has been introduced and established in southeastern Pennsylvania, USA.
Atypus karschi
Karsch's Purseweb Spider
Atypus karschi is a mygalomorph spider native to East Asia (Korea, China, Taiwan, Japan) that has been introduced and established in southeastern Pennsylvania, USA. It constructs distinctive camouflaged tubular purse-webs attached to trees, shrubs, or walls, with a portion buried underground. The species was previously misidentified in North America as A. snetsingeri, but genetic analysis confirmed conspecificity with Asian populations. It is the first documented case of an introduced purse-web spider.
Bombus bimaculatus
Two-spotted Bumble Bee
Bombus bimaculatus, the Two-spotted Bumble Bee, is a social bumble bee native to eastern North America. The species is distinguished by two prominent yellow spots on its abdomen, which give it its common name. Unlike many Bombus species, B. bimaculatus has shown relative stability in population trends. It is an important pollinator in its native range, contributing to both wild plant reproduction and agricultural crop pollination.
Bombus mixtus
Fuzzy-Horned Bumble Bee, Tricoloured Bumblebee, Orange-Belted Bumblebee, Mixed Bumblebee
Bombus mixtus is a bumble bee species native to western North America, with a disjunct population in the Great Lakes region. It occupies diverse habitats including mountain meadows, taiga, tundra, chaparral, and open grassy areas. The species has been documented feeding on multiple flowering plant genera and nests both underground and on the surface. It is one of several Bombus species surveyed during 2016 conservation efforts for rare bumble bees in the Mt. Ashland area of Oregon.
Bucculatrix
ribbed cocoon-maker moths
Bucculatrix is a genus of small moths in the family Bucculatricidae, commonly known as ribbed cocoon-maker moths. Larvae of many species are leaf miners on specific host plants, with some species exhibiting hypermetamorphosis—shifting from leaf mining in early instars to leaf skeletonization in later instars. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with species described from all major continents.
Callima
Callima is a genus of concealer moths in the family Oecophoridae, established by Clemens in 1860. The genus includes species such as Callima argenticinctella, commonly known as the orange-headed epicallima. These are small moths that are frequently encountered at blacklight setups during nocturnal surveys. The genus has been documented from multiple continents including North America and Europe.
Callima argenticinctella
Orange-headed Callima Moth, Orange-headed Epicallima Moth
A small concealer moth in the family Oecophoridae, with a wingspan of 10–13 mm. The forewings display distinctive yellowish-orange coloration with silvery black-margined lines and a deep reddish-orange basal area. The species is found in deciduous forests across eastern North America, from Nova Scotia to Texas. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light and are active from spring through autumn.
Callopistromyia annulipes
Peacock Fly
A small picture-winged fly native to North America, introduced to Europe around 2007. Known for its distinctive courtship display in which both sexes raise their wings vertically while strutting on rotting wood. The species has spread rapidly across Europe, with records from more than fifteen countries. Adults are 3.5–5.5 mm in length and active primarily in spring and fall.
Caloptilia serotinella
Cherry Leafroller Moth
A small moth in the family Gracillariidae known for its distinctive leaf-rolling larval behavior. The caterpillar constructs leaf rolls on cherry and related host plants by spinning silk strands between opposing leaf surfaces, generating collective force exceeding 0.1 N to draw leaves into tight cylinders. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light and have been documented at moth-lighting events in North America.
Catocala relicta
White Underwing, Relict
Catocala relicta, commonly known as the White Underwing or Relict, is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Francis Walker in 1858, this species is notable for its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings. Adults are active from July to September across a broad North American range spanning southern Canada to the southwestern United States. The larvae feed on multiple host plants including birch, hickory, poplar, oak, and willow species.
Catocala unijuga
once-married underwing, once-married underwing moth
Catocala unijuga is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1858. Adults are characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a trait shared across the genus Catocala. The species is distributed across northern and western North America, with larvae feeding on poplars and willows. Adults fly from July to September in a single annual generation.
Celastrina neglecta
Summer Azure
Celastrina neglecta, the summer azure, is a small North American butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is distinguished from similar Celastrina species by its late-season flight period, pale blue upper surface with extensive white scaling, and specific wing pattern details. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, previously treated as a synonym of C. argiolus lucia.
Cerceris fumipennis
Smoky-winged Beetle Bandit Wasp
Cerceris fumipennis is a solitary, ground-nesting wasp and the only buprestid-hunting member of family Crabronidae in eastern North America. Females construct subterranean nests in hard-packed sandy soil and provision them exclusively with paralyzed jewel beetles (Buprestidae). The wasp has become a valuable biosurveillance tool for detecting the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), as it efficiently locates and captures these beetles from distances up to 2 km from its nest. Citizen science programs known as "WaspWatchers" monitor wasp colonies to survey for pest beetles.
Chaetophiloscia sicula
Chaetophiloscia sicula is a small (~6 mm) terrestrial isopod native to the northern Mediterranean region. First recorded in North America in 2000 in Baltimore, Maryland, it has since spread to at least nine U.S. states and Washington D.C., primarily through human-aided dispersal associated with urban environments. The species exhibits strong habitat preferences for anthropogenic settings such as gardens and urban parks, as well as coastal areas including upper sandy beaches and jetties. Its rapid expansion across North America and Europe is facilitated by affinity to moist, disturbed habitats and potential transport via the pet trade and potted plants.
Cithaeron
Cithaeron is a genus of small, nomadic spiders in the family Cithaeronidae. Members are characterized by depressed posterior median eyes and pseudosegmented tarsi. The genus includes species with Old World origins that have become established as human-mediated introductions in multiple regions, including the Americas. Cithaeron praedonius, the best-known species, was first documented in Florida in 2011 and has since been recorded in multiple counties.
Clepsis
Garden Tortrix Moth (C. peritana), Banded Ivy Tortrix (C. dumicolana)
Clepsis is a genus of tortricid moths established by Guenée in 1845. The genus includes several economically significant pest species, most notably Clepsis peritana (Garden Tortrix) and Clepsis dumicolana (Banded Ivy Tortrix). Members are characterized by leaf-rolling larval behavior, where caterpillars spin together leaves to create protective shelters. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
Cnodacophora nasoni
Cnodacophora nasoni is a species of stilt-legged fly in the family Micropezidae, originally described as Calobata nasoni by Cresson in 1914. Members of this family are characterized by their elongated legs and slender bodies. The species is known from limited observations in North America, with records from the Kansas City metro area during citizen science events.
Cryptopone
Pit-jawed Ants
Cryptopone is a genus of small to medium-sized ponerine ants with a pantropical to worldwide distribution, with highest diversity in East and Southeast Asia. The genus contains approximately 23-25 extant species. Workers range from 1.7–6.1 mm in length. Many species exhibit an endogeic (underground-dwelling) lifestyle, making them difficult to detect and historically under-recorded. The genus was taxonomically revised in 2010 and again in 2022, with species previously synonymized under Wadeura separated out.
Ctenodactylomyia watsoni
Sea Grape Gall Midge
Ctenodactylomyia watsoni is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, commonly known as the Sea Grape Gall Midge. It induces galls on sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera), a coastal shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The species is well-documented through iNaturalist observations, with over 790 records, indicating it is relatively common and readily observed by naturalists in its range. As a gall-forming insect, it manipulates host plant tissue to create protected structures for larval development.
Danaini
Tiger and Crow Butterflies, Tiger butterflies
Danaini is a tribe of brush-footed butterflies within the milkweed butterfly subfamily Danainae. The tribe includes approximately 300 species across multiple subtribes, most notably Danaina (containing the monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus and related tiger butterflies) and Euploeina (containing crow butterflies and tree nymphs). Members are characterized by reduced forelegs, bright aposematic coloration, and associations with plants containing defensive compounds. The tribe lacks a fixed colloquial name, though 'tiger butterflies' is occasionally applied to subtribe Danaina.
Danaus plexippus
Monarch, Monarch butterfly, Milkweed, Common tiger, Wanderer, Black veined brown
The monarch butterfly is a large, migratory milkweed butterfly with distinctive orange, black, and white wing patterns. It is best known for its spectacular multigenerational migration between overwintering sites in central Mexico and coastal California and breeding grounds across North America. The species has declined dramatically in recent decades, with the western population declining 99.9% and the eastern population declining 84% since the 1990s. It was listed as Endangered by the IUCN in 2022, though it remains a candidate for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Conservation efforts focus on protecting milkweed host plants and overwintering habitat.
Dasylechia
Dasylechia is a monotypic genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Williston in 1907. The genus contains a single described species, Dasylechia atrox. This robber fly was historically considered ultra-rare, but its known range has expanded significantly through citizen science photography. Observations documented on iNaturalist have become the primary source of distributional data for this species, now outnumbering museum specimens.
Dasylechia atrox
Dasylechia atrox is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) in the subfamily Laphriinae. Once considered ultra-rare, its true geographic range is now being defined primarily through photographic observations on iNaturalist, which have substantially outnumbered collected specimens. The species belongs to a small genus of distinctive, large-bodied robber flies.
Euchlaena
Euchlaena Moths
Euchlaena is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1823. The genus contains approximately 19 recognized species distributed primarily in North America. Adults are nocturnal and frequently attracted to artificial light sources. Several species have distinctive common names reflecting their coloration or morphology, such as the Deep Yellow Euchlaena Moth and the Obtuse Euchlaena Moth.
Gluphisia septentrionis
Common Gluphisia Moth
Gluphisia septentrionis is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, commonly known as the Common Gluphisia Moth. It is a North American species with a broad distribution across northern and central regions of the continent. The species is frequently attracted to ultraviolet light sources, making it a common subject of observation during moth-watching events. It is one of the more frequently observed members of its genus, with substantial occurrence records in citizen science databases.
Gyponana gladia
Gyponana gladia is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. Like other members of its genus, it possesses distinctive brochosomes—nanoparticles produced in the Malpighian tubules that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on the body and wings. The species has been documented at blacklight traps in autumn, suggesting nocturnal activity patterns. It is one of many small, often overlooked leafhopper species that contribute to the high diversity of Hemiptera in North American temperate regions.
Haematopis grataria
Chickweed Geometer Moth, Chickweed Geometer
Haematopis grataria, the Chickweed Geometer Moth, is a species of geometrid moth found throughout North America. It is a common and dependable species during National Moth Week events, frequently observed in eastern Kansas and other regions. The species belongs to the family Geometridae, known for their characteristic looping movement of caterpillars. Males have been documented at light sheets and flushed from vegetation during daytime hours.
Heilipus squamosus
Avocado Weevil, Avocado Tree Girdler
Heilipus squamosus is a large weevil native to the southeastern United States and the sole species of its genus occurring in North America. It gained notoriety as the "avocado tree girdler," causing significant economic damage to Florida avocado groves from the late 1930s through the 1950s, with larval feeding resulting in 8-10% tree mortality. The species was historically considered rare outside avocado-producing regions, but 21st-century citizen science observations have expanded its known range from eight to fifteen states. Long confused with the French Guiana species H. apiatus due to an erroneous distribution in the original 1807 description, this nomenclatural issue was clarified in 2022.
Hesperophylax designatus
silver-striped sedge, giant golden caddis, silver-striped northern caddisfly
Hesperophylax designatus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, commonly known as the silver-striped sedge or giant golden caddis. It is one of seven recognized species in the Nearctic genus Hesperophylax. The species has been observed in Colorado at bioblitz events and is documented across North America with 133 iNaturalist observations.
Hylaeus euxanthus
Yellow-collared Masked Bee
A small, nearly hairless bee in the family Colletidae, native to Australia and introduced to Argentina. First described by Cockerell in 1910, it was originally named Prosopis xanthopoda but renamed due to preoccupation. It belongs to the subgenus Gnathoprosopis and exhibits typical masked bee characteristics including reduced pilosity and internal pollen transport.
Isorhipis
false click beetles
Isorhipis is a genus of beetles in the family Eucnemidae, commonly known as false click beetles. The genus contains at least six described species distributed across Europe, Japan, and North America. Recent taxonomic revisions have revealed cryptic diversity within the genus, including the description of new species such as Isorhipis bicolor in 2024. These beetles are part of ongoing research into the classification and diversity of Eucnemidae.
Lasaia sula
blue metalmark, Blue Lasaia
Lasaia sula, commonly known as the blue metalmark or Blue Lasaia, is a small butterfly species in the family Riodinidae. It is native to North America and Central America, with a range extending from southern Texas to Honduras. The species is notable for its metallic blue dorsal wing surfaces and inhabits subtropical forest environments as well as disturbed habitats.
Lepidocyrtus paradoxus
slender springtail
Lepidocyrtus paradoxus is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Uzel in 1890. It is one of the most frequently observed springtail species in Europe, with over 1,900 documented observations on iNaturalist. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive scale patterns and body morphology typical of entomobryid springtails.