Coastal
Guides
Acanalonia virescens
Acanalonia virescens is a planthopper species in the family Acanaloniidae, first described by Stål in 1864. It has a restricted coastal distribution along the western Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, ranging from southern Texas through eastern Mexico to Panama. The species was once recorded in Florida but has not been observed there since the initial report, suggesting either extirpation or misidentification.
Actebia fennica
Finnish Dart, black army cutworm, Eversmann's rustic
Actebia fennica is a noctuid moth with a Holarctic distribution spanning boreal regions of North America and Eurasia. Adults are active from July to September with a single generation per year. The species exhibits a documented behavioral response to landscape fire smoke, with females doubling egg production when exposed to volatiles from burning vegetation. Larvae feed on a diverse range of host plants including grasses, forbs, and woody species in coastal and disturbed habitats.
Actia dimorpha
Actia dimorpha is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae, described by O'Hara in 1991 from specimens collected on Sapelo Island, Georgia, United States. Tachinid flies are parasitoids, with larvae typically developing inside other insects. The specific epithet "dimorpha" suggests sexual dimorphism in this species, though details of this dimorphism have not been documented in available sources. The species is known only from its type locality and has received limited study since its original description.
Adelonia sulcatula
Adelonia sulcatula is a small darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Champion in 1885. The species is known from limited specimens and observations in coastal northern South America and Mexico. It belongs to a genus of beetles adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. Available records suggest it is rarely encountered and poorly studied.
Aegialia arenaria
dune scarab beetle
Aegialia arenaria, commonly known as the dune scarab beetle, is a coastal scarab beetle species restricted to sand dune habitats. It occurs across western and northern Europe and has been introduced to eastern North America, where it is known from coastal areas of Canada and the northeastern United States. The species is specialized to sandy coastal environments and is not found inland.
Aegialia convexa
Aegialia convexa is a species of aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Fall in 1932. It is a member of the tribe Aegialiini, a group of beetles associated with sandy coastal and dune habitats. The species is found in North America, with records from California.
Aegialia opifex
Aegialia opifex is a species of aphodiine dung beetle described by Horn in 1887. It belongs to the genus Aegialia, a group of small scarab beetles often associated with sandy coastal habitats. The species is documented from eastern North America, with records from both Canada and the United States.
Aeoloplides fratercula
Northern Coast Bush Grasshopper
Aeoloplides fratercula, known as the northern coast bush grasshopper, is a spur-throated grasshopper species in the family Acrididae. It belongs to a genus of grasshoppers associated with coastal and salt marsh habitats. The species has been documented in California and is considered part of the North American grasshopper fauna, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Agyrtidae
Primitive Carrion Beetles
Agyrtidae is a small family of beetles in the superfamily Staphylinoidea, containing approximately 60 species across three subfamilies: Agyrtinae, Necrophilinae, and Pterolomatinae. Members range from 4–14 mm in length and exhibit diverse ecological habits, with some subfamilies associated with carrion and decaying organic matter while others show predatory or coastal specialized lifestyles. The family has a disjunct distribution in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and New Zealand, with fossil records extending to the Early Cretaceous.
Aleochara sulcicollis
A rove beetle species in the family Staphylinidae with a documented parasitoid life history involving kelp flies. Larvae develop as parasitoids of intertidal kelp flies, specifically Fucellia rufitibia, with adults likely active in coastal habitats where macroalgae and host flies occur. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning North, Central, and South America.
Americorchestia
beach hoppers
Americorchestia is a genus of beach hoppers (amphipods) in the family Talitridae, established by Bousfield in 1991. The genus contains five described species, including the common Atlantic sandhopper (A. longicornis) and the northern big-eyed sandhopper (A. megalophthalma). These amphipods inhabit coastal environments and are characterized by their jumping locomotion.
Ameronothridae
Ameronothridae is a family of oribatid mites comprising approximately 8 genera and at least 30 described species. The family is predominantly distributed in Holarctic cold-temperate and polar coastal regions, with some populations occurring far inland on anthropogenic structures. Members are primarily intertidal inhabitants of rocky shorelines, with documented lichenivorous feeding habits. The family includes notable genera such as Ameronothrus, Halozetes, Alaskozetes, and Podacarus.
Ammopelmatus muwu
Point Conception Jerusalem Cricket
Ammopelmatus muwu is a Jerusalem cricket species in the family Stenopelmatidae. It is endemic to a restricted coastal region of central California, specifically parts of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. The species was described in 1981 and is one of several sand dune-associated Ammopelmatus species in western North America. Like other members of its genus, it is nocturnal and fossorial.
Ammotrechella
Ammotrechella is a genus of curve-faced solifugids (camel spiders) in the family Ammotrechidae, established by Carl Friedrich Roewer in 1934. The genus contains approximately 15-18 described species distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of North and South America. Several species show transoceanic distributions, with some occurring on both sides of the Atlantic. One species, A. manggi, has been studied in Colombian mangrove ecosystems.
Anisolabis
Anisolabis is a genus of earwigs in the subfamily Anisolabidinae, with most species occurring in Asia. The genus name derives from the asymmetrical male cerci, with the right cercus more acute than the left. The best-studied species is Anisolabis maritima, the maritime earwig, which has been extensively researched for its social behavior, sexual selection, and maternal care. Other species such as A. annulipes are known agricultural pests.
Anisolabis maritima
maritime earwig, seaside earwig
A cosmopolitan, wingless earwig species found on coastal beaches worldwide. Males possess asymmetrical forceps used for mating, prey capture, and defense. Exhibits notable maternal care behavior, with females guarding eggs and nymphs for up to 28 days and progressively provisioning offspring. Displays complex social dynamics including sex-specific aggression patterns and size-based dominance in shelter competition.
Anomala flavipennis
panhandle beach anomala scarab beetle, Yellow-winged Anomala
Anomala flavipennis is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. It is commonly known as the panhandle beach anomala scarab beetle or Yellow-winged Anomala. The species was described by Burmeister in 1844 and is currently recognized as a synonym under the genus Paranomala in some taxonomic treatments. Seven subspecies have been described, including the nominate subspecies flavipennis and regional forms such as okaloosensis and aransas.
Apamea inebriata
drunk apamea
Apamea inebriata, commonly known as the drunk apamea, is a noctuid moth species described by Ferguson in 1977. It occurs along the Atlantic coast of North America with a disjunct distribution pattern consisting of scattered local populations. The species remains poorly known, with limited documentation of its biology and ecology.
Apatolestes
Apatolestes is a genus of horse flies in the family Tabanidae, subfamily Pangoniinae, established by Williston in 1885. The genus comprises approximately 14 recognized species distributed in North America, with some species exhibiting autogeny—the ability of females to produce an initial egg batch without a blood meal. At least one species, Apatolestes actites, has been documented as autogenous in coastal California habitats.
Armases cinereum
squareback marsh crab, wharf crab
Armases cinereum is a small, dark brown crab native to Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America. It inhabits intertidal zones from salt marshes to mangrove swamps, often found under rocks and debris. The species is highly omnivorous, consuming detritus, plant material, and small invertebrates. It is notable for extensive mobility between marsh and upland habitats, with females exhibiting wider ranging movements that may transport energy between ecosystems.
Asphondylia borrichiae
Asphondylia borrichiae is a gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that induces galls at the apical meristems of its host plant Borrichia frutescens. The larvae develop and pupate entirely within these galls. During development, immature stages are attacked by a guild of parasitic wasps, with Galeopsomyia haemon and Torymus umbilicatus being the most common parasitoids. Research has demonstrated that abiotic factors affecting host plant characteristics, particularly gall diameter, significantly influence the composition of the parasitoid community attacking this midge.
Atheta novaescotiae
Atheta novaescotiae is a species of rove beetle described in 2006. It inhabits marine seashore environments in eastern North America. The species exhibits adaptations convergent with those of Tarphiota, a genus of rove beetles specialized for similar coastal habitats.
Atrytonopsis quinteri
Crystal Skipper
Atrytonopsis quinteri, the Crystal Skipper, is a recently described skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) endemic to a narrow coastal range in North Carolina. The species was formally described in 2015 by Burns, though specimens had been collected as early as 1978. Its extremely restricted distribution along barrier islands makes it one of the most geographically limited butterfly species in North America.
Bembidion contractum
Bembidion contractum is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Thomas Say in 1823. It is restricted to the Atlantic coastal region of North America, with a distribution spanning from Newfoundland to southern Florida. Inland occurrence records exist but remain unverified and require confirmation.
Bembidion palosverdes
Palos Verdes Minute Intertidal Beetle
Bembidion palosverdes is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Kavanaugh & Erwin in 1992. It is endemic to the Palos Verdes area of California, USA. The species is known as the Palos Verdes Minute Intertidal Beetle, reflecting its apparent association with intertidal or coastal habitats. Like other members of the genus Bembidion, it is presumed to be a small predatory beetle, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Bombus vancouverensis nearcticus
Nearctic Bumble Bee
Bombus vancouverensis nearcticus is a subspecies of bumble bee native to western North America. It belongs to a species complex that has undergone taxonomic revision, with some authorities previously treating it as a distinct species (Bombus nearcticus) or synonymizing it with related taxa. The subspecies occurs in montane and coastal regions where it participates in pollination networks. Like other bumble bees in the subgenus Pyrobombus, it exhibits social colony structure with a single queen founding nests in spring.
Brachygluta abdominalis
ant-loving beetle
Brachygluta abdominalis is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada and the eastern United States. This species inhabits coastal ecosystems, specifically occurring in leaf litter of salt marshes, beaches, and other shoreline environments. The species has a problematic taxonomic history due to a missing type specimen, and its identity has been discussed but not fully resolved in recent revisions.
Brephidium pseudofea
Eastern Pygmy-Blue
Brephidium pseudofea, commonly known as the Eastern Pygmy-Blue, is one of the smallest butterflies in North America. It belongs to the family Lycaenidae and is closely related to the Western Pygmy-Blue (Brephidium exilis), from which it can be distinguished by distribution and subtle morphological differences. The species is associated with coastal and salt marsh habitats in the eastern United States.
Broscus cephalotes
coastal ground beetle
Broscus cephalotes is a nocturnal, flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is native to coastal regions of temperate Europe and western Siberia, and was introduced to eastern Canada around 1975, subsequently spreading into the United States. The species is recognized as beneficial in agricultural contexts due to its predatory habits.
Bryotropha hodgesi
Bryotropha hodgesi is a small gelechiid moth described in 2004. It is known from the western coast of North America, ranging from the United States into extreme southern Canada. The species was named in honor of R.W. Hodges.
Cafius
coastal rove beetles
Cafius is a genus of relatively large rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, comprising approximately 8 described species in North America and approaching 50 globally. The genus originated in the early Miocene (ca. 17.91 Ma) along the coasts of Europe and Australia, with subsequent diversification driven by transoceanic dispersal via ocean surface currents. Species are obligate inhabitants of coastal marine environments, particularly sandy intertidal zones. The genus is notable for its global distribution across temperate and tropical coastlines and its biological adaptations to saline, dynamic shoreline habitats.
Cafius aguayoi
Cafius aguayoi is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Bierig in 1934. The species belongs to the genus Cafius, a group associated with coastal and intertidal habitats. Documented occurrences are limited to the northeastern United States.
Cafius bistriatus
Cafius bistriatus is a relatively large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, reaching up to 7 mm in length. The species exhibits a transcontinental distribution in the Americas, occurring along both Atlantic and Pacific coastlines from Canada to northern South America, with extensive Caribbean island records. Two subspecies are recognized: C. b. bistriatus (Atlantic and Gulf coasts, Caribbean) and C. b. fulgens (Pacific coasts including the Gulf of California and Salton Sea).
Cafius femoralis
Cafius femoralis is a rove beetle species in the family Staphylinidae, originally described from the North Pacific region. GBIF records indicate this name is currently treated as a synonym of Cafius mutatus. The species has documented distribution records along the western coast of North America from Alaska to California, with additional records from British Columbia and Oregon.
Canacea
beach flies
Canacea is a genus of beach flies in the family Canacidae, established by Malloch in 1924. The genus comprises four described species restricted to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. All known species inhabit coastal environments.
Canaceoides nudatus
Canaceoides nudatus is a species of beach fly in the family Canacidae. Originally described as Canace nudata by Cresson in 1926, it was later transferred to the genus Canaceoides. Members of this family are associated with coastal marine environments. The species is documented from a small number of observations, indicating it may be uncommon or underreported.
Canacidae
beach flies, surf flies, surge flies
Canacidae is a family of minute Diptera commonly known as beach flies, surf flies, or surge flies. The family comprises approximately 307 species in 27 genera as of 2010, though counts vary among sources. Following McAlpine's 2007 taxonomic revision, the family now includes Tethininae as a subfamily, uniting what were previously treated as separate families. Members are predominantly intertidal specialists found along sea coasts worldwide.
Ceratinostoma ostiorum
Large Shore Dung Fly
Ceratinostoma ostiorum is a shore fly in the family Scathophagidae, commonly known as the Large Shore Dung Fly. It occurs in coastal habitats of northwestern Europe, where it has been recorded from Belgium, the British Isles, Norway, and Sweden. The species belongs to a small genus of dung-associated flies that inhabit intertidal and shoreline environments.
Chersodromia
dance flies
Chersodromia is a genus of dance flies in the family Hybotidae, comprising more than 70 described species. Species are distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including the Palaearctic, Nearctic, Afrotropical, and Oriental regions. Several species are associated with coastal and marine littoral habitats, particularly in Mediterranean and beach-dwelling environments. The genus includes both winged and brachypterous (short-winged) forms.
Chionodes arenella
Chionodes arenella is a small gelechiid moth native to eastern North America, ranging from Nova Scotia to Virginia. The species has a wingspan of approximately 20 mm and is distinguished by its clay-colored forewings with contrasting pale veins and dark greyish shading. Larvae are specialized stem borers in beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata).
Cicindela latesignata
Western Beach Tiger Beetle, Angel's Tear
Cicindela latesignata is a tiger beetle species known by the common names Western Beach Tiger Beetle and Angel's Tear. It belongs to the subfamily Cicindelinae within the ground beetle family Carabidae. The species is native to coastal regions of western North America and Mexico, where it inhabits sandy beach habitats. Like other tiger beetles, it is a fast-running, visually acute predator with distinctive elytral markings.
Cicindela scutellaris rugifrons
Wrinkle-fronted Tiger Beetle
Cicindela scutellaris rugifrons is a subspecies of the festive tiger beetle restricted to the upper Atlantic seaboard of North America. It is one of seven recognized subspecies of C. scutellaris, a species that exhibits exceptional geographic variation in coloration across its range. This subspecies is distinguished by its bright green coloration with white maculations and a more wrinkled pronotum and smoother head compared to other subspecies. Like other members of the species, it inhabits deep, dry sand habitats fully exposed to sun.
Cicindelidia trifasciata
S-banded Tiger Beetle, Ascendent Tiger Beetle (subspecies)
Cicindelidia trifasciata is a species of tiger beetle known as the S-banded Tiger Beetle, characterized by dark brown dorsal coloration and a thin, sinuous, S-shaped middle elytral maculation. The species includes a recognized subspecies, C. trifasciata ascendens (Ascendent Tiger Beetle), which inhabits coastal salt marsh environments. Adults are diurnal, extremely active and flighty, particularly in hot conditions. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range including the southern United States, Caribbean islands, and South America.
Cicindelidia trifasciata ascendens
Ascendent Tiger Beetle, Three-lined Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia trifasciata ascendens is a subspecies of tiger beetle commonly found in coastal salt marsh habitats along the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is recognized by its dark brown dorsal coloration and distinctive thin, sinuous, S-shaped middle elytral maculation. The subspecies is notably active and flighty, particularly during hot afternoon conditions. It has been documented as far north as Missouri as a rare vagrant, but its core range centers on saline coastal wetlands from Texas through Florida.
Cicindelidia trifasciata sigmoidea
Mudflat Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia trifasciata sigmoidea is a subspecies of the Mudflat Tiger Beetle, a member of the tiger beetle family (Cicindelidae). The species Cicindelidia trifasciata is broadly distributed across North America with multiple recognized subspecies occupying distinct geographic and habitat zones. The nominate subspecies and related forms are associated with moist, open substrates including mudflats, salt marshes, and coastal wetlands. These beetles are active predators with excellent vision and rapid running ability, characteristic of the genus.
Coelopa vanduzeei
kelp fly
Coelopa vanduzeei is a species of kelp fly in the family Coelopidae, a group of flies specialized for life in coastal environments. Like other members of this family, it is associated with decaying marine vegetation. The species was described by Cresson in 1914.
Coelopidae
kelp flies, seaweed flies
Coelopidae, commonly known as kelp flies or seaweed flies, is a small family of acalyptrate Diptera containing fewer than 40 species worldwide. These flies are specialized inhabitants of temperate seashore wrack zones, where their larvae develop in decaying seaweed. The family exhibits notable sexual dimorphism and complex mating behaviors involving scramble competition and sexual conflict. Coelopidae are significant decomposers in coastal ecosystems and can reach enormous biomass in their specialized habitat.
Coenobitidae
Land Hermit Crabs, Terrestrial Hermit Crabs
Coenobitidae is the family of terrestrial hermit crabs, comprising approximately 17-18 species in two genera. Adults are fully terrestrial but depend on marine environments for reproduction. Females return to the ocean to release eggs; larvae develop through planktonic zoeal stages before settling. Juveniles acquire empty gastropod shells and migrate to land, where they continue development. The family is distributed throughout coastal tropical regions worldwide.
Colaspis flavocostata
Colaspis flavocostata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by C.F.A. Schaeffer in 1933. It is restricted to coastal southeastern United States, with records from Mississippi through Florida to South Carolina. The species includes two recognized subspecies: C. f. flavocostata and C. f. avaloni.
Conocephalus nigropleuroides
tidewater meadow katydid
A small meadow katydid in the genus Conocephalus, described by Fox in 1912. Known from the southeastern United States coastal region. Like other members of subfamily Conocephalinae, it possesses the characteristic long, thread-like antennae typical of katydids and a prominent ovipositor in females. The species name references dark lateral markings ('nigro-' = black, 'pleur-' = side).