Coastal-plain
Guides
Acronicta sinescripta
Acronicta sinescripta is a moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acronictinae. The species has a southeastern United States distribution centered on the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains. Adults are active from March through September with multiple generations per year.
Alypia wittfeldii
Wittfeld's Forester
Alypia wittfeldii, commonly known as Wittfeld's Forester, is a small noctuid moth endemic to the southeastern Atlantic coastal plain of the United States. First described by Henry Edwards in 1883, this species is notable for its restricted distribution, occurring almost exclusively in Florida (excluding the western panhandle), coastal Georgia, and South Carolina. Adults are active during the winter and early spring months, with forewings measuring 13–14 mm in length. The species belongs to the forester moths (genus Alypia), a group characterized by bright coloration and diurnal activity patterns that contrast with the typically nocturnal habits of most noctuids.
Callophrys irus arsace
Callophrys irus arsace is a historically reported subspecies of the frosted elfin butterfly, originally described from coastal regions of the southeastern United States (Carolinas and Virginia). Genetic analysis of preserved specimens found no evidence that this subspecies is genetically distinct from the nominate subspecies C. i. irus. Field surveys conducted in 2019 and 2021 failed to locate any extant populations within its historical range. The subspecies has not been observed in over two decades and may be extirpated.
Crossidius grahami
Ohoopee Dunes Crossidius Beetle
Crossidius grahami is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) described in 2013 from southern Georgia. It is restricted to a highly specific host plant, woody goldenrod (Chrysoma pauciflosculosa), a perennial asteraceous shrub of coastal sand dunes and scrub. The species was discovered incidentally when collectors reared adults from root crowns while attempting to rear a different undescribed cerambycid. Adults are found primarily on lower stems of living plants.
Cyclophora myrtaria
Wax Myrtle Wave, waxmyrtle wave moth
Cyclophora myrtaria, commonly known as the Wax Myrtle Wave, is a small geometrid moth native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of 24–27 mm. The species is found along the Atlantic coastal plain, where its larvae feed on Myrtaceae species. As a member of the Geometridae family, its caterpillars likely exhibit the reduced proleg count characteristic of inchworms.
Dicymolomia grisea
Gray Dicymolomia Moth
Dicymolomia grisea is a small moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Munroe in 1964. It occurs in the southeastern United States, with records spanning from southern Texas through Florida to South Carolina. Adults display extended flight periods that vary by latitude, with Florida populations active nearly year-round and Texas populations showing more restricted seasonal activity. The species belongs to the subfamily Glaphyriinae, a group of crambid moths whose larvae are often associated with plant materials.
Dolania
American sand-burrowing mayfly
Dolania is a monotypic genus of mayflies containing a single species, Dolania americana. Adults exhibit the shortest known adult lifespan of any insect, completing mating and dying within approximately 30 minutes of emergence. Females die within 5 minutes after depositing eggs. The genus is notable for its highly specialized reproductive strategy involving large eggs and abbreviated adult life.
Euphyes pilatka
Palatka Skipper, Saw-grass Skipper
Euphyes pilatka, commonly known as the Palatka skipper or saw-grass skipper, is a butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is strongly associated with sawgrass marshes in the southeastern United States, where its larvae feed exclusively on Cladium jamaicensis. The species has a restricted coastal distribution and is notable for its specialized habitat requirements.
Melanapamea
coastal plain apamea moth
Melanapamea is a monotypic genus of noctuid moths established by Lafontaine in 2009. The sole species, Melanapamea mixta, is a rarely collected moth with scattered populations across eastern North America. It is primarily associated with bog habitats and shows a disjunct distribution pattern with core populations in the Northeast and scattered records in the western United States.
Melitara prodenialis
Eastern Cactus-boring Moth
Melitara prodenialis is a cactus-boring moth in the family Pyralidae, native to the Atlantic coastal plain of North America from New York to Florida and west to Oklahoma and Texas. It has been introduced to Hawaii and is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut. The species exhibits a documented phylogeographic discontinuity between Florida panhandle and peninsula populations, correlated with climatic and environmental factors.
Neotibicen latifasciatus
Coastal scissor grinder cicada
Neotibicen latifasciatus is an annual cicada species in the genus Neotibicen, commonly known as the coastal scissor grinder cicada. It was originally described by Davis in 1915 as a variety of Cicada pruinosa. The species is part of the 'scissor grinder' group of cicadas, which produce distinctive buzzing calls. As an annual cicada, it emerges every year rather than in synchronized broods like periodical cicadas.
Strangalia famelica famelica
Coastal Plain Slender Flower Longhorn
Strangalia famelica famelica is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the subfamily Lepturinae, commonly known as the Coastal Plain Slender Flower Longhorn. As a member of the flower longhorn group, it is diurnal and visits flowers as an adult. The subspecies belongs to a species complex that is widespread across eastern North America, with this particular subspecies occurring in the coastal plain region. It is one of several Strangalia species frequently encountered in the eastern United States, though less commonly than some congeners such as S. sexnotata or S. luteicornis.