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Aglais
Tortoiseshells
Aglais is a Holarctic genus of brush-footed butterflies commonly known as tortoiseshells. The genus contains several well-known European species including the small tortoiseshell (A. urticae) and the peacock butterfly (A. io). Taxonomic placement remains somewhat contentious, with some authorities treating Aglais as a subgenus of Nymphalis rather than a separate genus. Species in this genus are characterized by their distinctive wing patterns and adult hibernation behavior.
Chauliognathus
soldier beetles, leatherwings
A genus of soldier beetles (family Cantharidae) comprising over 450 described species. Adults possess characteristically soft, flexible elytra that give rise to the common name 'leatherwings.' Many species exhibit red-and-black or orange-and-black coloration reminiscent of historical military uniforms. Adults are diurnal and frequently associated with flowers, where they feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae are primarily ground-dwelling predators. The genus occurs in the Americas and Australia, with notable species including the goldenrod soldier beetle (C. pensylvanicus) and the plague soldier beetle (C. lugubris).
Coccinella novemnotata
nine-spotted ladybug, nine-spotted lady beetle, C9
Coccinella novemnotata is a native North American lady beetle that experienced a drastic population decline beginning in the 1960s. Once among the most common coccinellids in the northeastern United States and southern Canada, it has become rare across much of its former range. The species is a specialized aphid predator with potential value as a biocontrol agent in agriculture. It is the state insect of New York, designated in 1989.
Euchlaena irraria
least-marked euchlaena, Least-marked Euchlaena Moth
Euchlaena irraria is a geometrid moth first described from North America in 1916. The species is commonly known as the least-marked euchlaena, a name reflecting its relatively plain wing pattern compared to congeners. It belongs to a genus of moths that are frequently attracted to artificial light sources. Available records indicate presence across multiple Canadian provinces and parts of the United States.
Leucauge venusta
Orchard Orbweaver, Orchard Spider
Leucauge venusta, commonly known as the orchard orbweaver, is a small, colorful spider in the family Tetragnathidae. It is one of the most common and visually distinctive spiders in eastern North America, recognized by its silvery-white body, green legs, and variable red or orange abdominal markings. The species builds horizontal orb webs in woodland habitats and is active primarily in late spring and early summer. Despite its common name, it is not particularly associated with orchards, preferring forest edges and shrubby vegetation.
Paectes oculatrix
Eyed Paectes Moth
Paectes oculatrix, commonly known as the eyed paectes or eyed paectes moth, is a species of moth in the family Euteliidae. First described by Achille Guenée in 1852, it is found throughout North America. The species is assigned MONA (Moth Photographers Group) or Hodges number 8957. It belongs to a genus that has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, with cryptic species complexes identified through genital dissection studies.