Coleoptera

  • A metallic green tiger beetle at the bottom of an orange plastic jar.
    Tiger beetles are some of the most charismatic insects on Earth: metallic, sharp-eyed, absurdly fast, and every bit as predatory as their name suggests. Come learn how they hunt, why their larvae live like tiny trapdoor monsters in the soil, and what their decline says about the fragile open habitats many other species need too.

Guides

  • Anisotoma confusa

    Anisotoma confusa is a species of round fungus beetle in the family Leiodidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1880. The species occurs in western North America from Alaska to California. As a member of the tribe Anisotomini, it belongs to a group of small beetles primarily associated with fungal habitats. The specific epithet "confusa" suggests historical taxonomic confusion with related species.

  • Anisotoma discolor

    round fungus beetle

    Anisotoma discolor is a species of round fungus beetle in the family Leiodidae. It is found across eastern and central North America, from Canada through the United States. The species was first described by F. E. Melsheimer in 1844. As a member of the round fungus beetle group, it is associated with fungal habitats.

  • Anisotoma errans

    Anisotoma errans is a species of round fungus beetle in the family Leiodidae, described by W. J. Brown in 1937. It is distributed across northern North America, with records from Canada and the northern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with fungal habitats.

  • Anisotoma geminata

    Anisotoma geminata is a small round fungus beetle in the family Leiodidae, a group specialized for feeding on fungal fruiting bodies. The species was described by Horn in 1880 and occurs across eastern North America, with records spanning from Canada to the southern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with decaying fungi in forest habitats.

  • Anobiini

    death-watch beetles

    Anobiini is a tribe of beetles within the family Ptinidae, commonly known as death-watch beetles. The tribe contains at least 6 genera and approximately 20 described species. Members of this tribe are wood-boring beetles known for their association with timber and wooden structures. The common name "death-watch" derives from the tapping sounds produced by some species, historically associated with superstitions about impending death.

  • Anogdus dissimilis

    Anogdus dissimilis is a species of round fungus beetle in the family Leiodidae. It was described by Blatchley in 1916. The species is known from scattered records across eastern North America, from Canada to the southern United States.

  • Anomala foraminosa

    shining leaf chafer

    Anomala foraminosa is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. The species was described by Bates in 1888 and is currently classified under the genus Anomala, though it has also been placed in Paranomala in some taxonomic treatments. As a member of the Rutelinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of scarab beetles commonly known as shining leaf chafers. The species has been documented in 61 observations on iNaturalist.

  • Anomala lucicola

    shining leaf chafer

    Anomala lucicola is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. The species was described by Fabricius in 1798. Some taxonomic authorities recognize this species under the genus Paranomala as Paranomala lucicola. It is part of the diverse genus Anomala, which contains numerous leaf chafer species distributed across multiple continents.

  • Anomala nimbosa

    shining leaf chafer

    Anomala nimbosa is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. It belongs to the subfamily Rutelinae, a group commonly known as shining leaf chafers due to their often metallic or iridescent appearance. The species was described by Casey in 1915. Taxonomic databases indicate this species has been synonymized under the genus Paranomala in some classifications, though it remains listed under Anomala in other sources.

  • Anomala umbra

    shining leaf chafer

    Anomala umbra is a species of shining leaf chafer in the scarab beetle family Scarabaeidae. It belongs to the large genus Anomala, which contains numerous species commonly known as chafers. The specific epithet "umbra" refers to shadow or shade, possibly alluding to coloration or habitat preferences. Like other members of the genus, this species is likely associated with vegetation and may have larval stages that develop in soil.

  • Anomala undulata

    shining leaf chafer

    Anomala undulata is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Paranomala undulata according to GBIF taxonomy. The species was described by Melsheimer in 1845 and belongs to the diverse group of scarab beetles commonly known as chafers, many of which are associated with feeding on plant material.

  • Anommatus duodecimstriatus

    Anommatus duodecimstriatus is a small beetle species in the family Teredidae (formerly placed in Bothrideridae), distributed across the Palearctic region with confirmed records from the Azores. The species has been used as a comparative taxon in identification keys for congeneric species.

  • Anomoea nitidicollis nitidicollis

    Anomoea nitidicollis nitidicollis is a subspecies of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, tribe Clytrini. Members of this genus are associated with host plants in the family Asteraceae. The nominate subspecies occurs in North and Middle America. As with other clytrine beetles, adults are likely flower visitors and larvae develop in association with plant material.

  • Anostirus bipunctatus

    Anostirus bipunctatus is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, described by W.J. Brown in 1936. The species is known from western North America, with records from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada. Like other elaterids, it possesses the family-characteristic prosternal process that enables the clicking mechanism used for righting itself when overturned.

  • Anthaxia dichroa

    Anthaxia dichroa is a metallic wood-boring beetle (family Buprestidae) described by Bílý in 1991. It is found in North America and has been documented in ethanol-only bait traps in Illinois, where it occurs alongside related Anthaxia species. The genus Anthaxia includes species associated with Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany) and other woody hosts, though specific host relationships for A. dichroa remain unconfirmed.

  • Anthaxia expansa

    Anthaxia expansa is a species of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1860. It belongs to the genus Anthaxia, a diverse group of metallic wood-boring beetles distributed across multiple biogeographic realms. The species has been recorded from North America and is present in the Nearctic region. Like other members of its family, A. expansa likely exhibits the characteristic metallic coloration and compact body form typical of buprestid beetles.

  • Anthaxia viridifrons

    Anthaxia viridifrons is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Gory in 1841. It belongs to the subgenus Haplanthaxia within the genus Anthaxia. The species is found in North America, with records from the United States including Vermont. As with other members of the genus, adults are typically associated with woody vegetation, though specific host relationships for this species remain incompletely documented.

  • Anthicinae

    ant-like flower beetles

    Anthicinae is a subfamily of ant-like flower beetles within the family Anthicidae, first described by Latreille in 1819. The group comprises approximately 38 genera and is characterized by its ant-mimetic morphology. Members are small beetles commonly found in flowers and associated vegetation. The subfamily is widely distributed with over 11,000 observations documented on iNaturalist.

  • Anthicus biguttulus

    antlike flower beetle

    Anthicus biguttulus is a species of antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The species is found in North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada. As with other members of Anthicidae, it exhibits a superficial resemblance to ants in its body form and movement.

  • Anthicus dilaticollis

    Anthicus dilaticollis is a species of antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae, first described by Champion in 1890. The species is characterized by its broadened pronotum, as indicated by its specific epithet 'dilaticollis' (from Latin 'dilatus' meaning broadened and 'collis' meaning neck, referring to the pronotum). It occurs in Central America and North America, though detailed natural history information remains limited.

  • Anthicus ephippium

    antlike flower beetle

    Anthicus ephippium is a species of antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae. It is distributed across Central America, North America, and Oceania, with records from Canada (Alberta and British Columbia) confirming its presence in northern temperate regions. The species belongs to a family of small beetles commonly associated with flowers and vegetation.

  • Anthicus falli

    Anthicus falli is a species of ant-like flower beetle in the family Anthicidae, described by Werner in 1964. The species is documented from North America and Middle America, though detailed biological information remains limited. Like other members of the genus Anthicus, it likely inhabits dry, sandy, or disturbed habitats where it may be found under debris or in association with vegetation. The family Anthicidae is characterized by their elongated, ant-like appearance and generally small size.

  • Anthicus ictericus

    Anthicus ictericus is a species of antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae. It was described by LaFerté-Sénectère in 1849. The species is known from North America. Members of this family are commonly called antlike flower beetles due to their resemblance to ants.

  • Anthicus lutulentus

    antlike flower beetle

    Anthicus lutulentus is a species of antlike flower beetle described by Casey in 1895. The species belongs to the family Anthicidae, a group of small beetles that often mimic ants in appearance and behavior. It has been recorded across North America and Central America, with observations spanning from Canada (Alberta) through the United States to Middle America. The species is one of approximately 28 documented observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is not frequently encountered by naturalists.

  • Anthicus maritimus

    antlike flower beetle

    Anthicus maritimus is a species of antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae, described by LeConte in 1851. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Anthicus, it exhibits the characteristic ant-like appearance that gives the group its common name. The specific epithet 'maritimus' suggests an association with coastal or maritime environments, though the precise habitat preferences remain poorly documented.

  • Anthicus nanus

    Anthicus nanus is a species of antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The species exhibits the characteristic compact body form and ant-mimicking appearance typical of the genus Anthicus. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning temperate and subtropical regions of North America and Central America.

  • Anthicus rufulus

    Anthicus rufulus is a species of antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1852. It is found in North America. Like other members of Anthicidae, it exhibits ant-mimicry in its body form and movement patterns.

  • Anthocomus equestris

    Eurasian Red-and-black Melyrid

    Anthocomus equestris is a soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, characterized by its red-and-black coloration. The species is native to Eurasia and has been introduced to the eastern United States, where it has established populations. It belongs to the subgenus Celidus within the genus Anthocomus.

  • Anthocomus pristinus

    Anthocomus pristinus is a species of soft-bodied plant beetle in the family Melyridae. It belongs to a genus of small, often brightly colored beetles commonly known as malachiid beetles or soft-winged flower beetles. The species is part of the subfamily Malachiinae, which is characterized by flexible elytra and frequent association with flowers. Specific ecological details for A. pristinus remain poorly documented.

  • Anthonaeus

    Anthonaeus is a genus of short-winged flower beetles in the family Kateretidae. The genus was established by Horn in 1879 and contains a single described species, A. agavensis. Members of this genus are small beetles with reduced hindwings, characteristic of their family.

  • Anthonomus albopilosus

    Black Toothed Croton Weevil

    Anthonomus albopilosus is a species of true weevil described by Dietz in 1891. It belongs to the genus Anthonomus, a large group of weevils commonly associated with plants. The common name 'Black Toothed Croton Weevil' suggests a possible association with croton plants (genus Croton), though this relationship has not been formally documented in available sources. The species is recorded from North America with limited observational data.

  • Anthonomus arenicolor

    Anthonomus arenicolor is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Clark and Burke in 2001. The species belongs to the large genus Anthonomus, which contains numerous economically significant agricultural pests. As a relatively recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited. The specific epithet "arenicolor" (Latin: sand-colored) suggests a possible association with sandy habitats or coloration.

  • Anthonomus consors

    cherry curculio

    Anthonomus consors, commonly known as the cherry curculio, is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. The species was described by Dietz in 1891. It belongs to the genus Anthonomus, a large and economically significant group of weevils that includes several agricultural pests. The common name suggests an association with cherry plants, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in available sources.

  • Anthonomus extensus

    Anthonomus extensus is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Clark & Burke in 2005. The species is currently provisionally accepted in taxonomic databases. As a member of the genus Anthonomus, it belongs to a group commonly known as cotton or strawberry bud weevils, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited. It has been recorded from British Columbia, Canada.

  • Anthonomus haematopus

    Red-winged Weevil

    Anthonomus haematopus is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the Red-winged Weevil. It is native to North America and has been recorded across multiple Canadian provinces. The specific epithet "haematopus" (from Greek "haima" meaning blood and "pous" meaning foot) likely refers to reddish coloration on the legs or body. As with other members of the large genus Anthonomus, it is presumably associated with plants, though specific host relationships remain undocumented in available sources.

  • Anthonomus jacobinus

    Anthonomus jacobinus is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Dietz in 1891. As a member of the genus Anthonomus, it belongs to a group commonly known as cotton boll weevils and their relatives, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases with provisional status in some sources.

  • Anthonomus ligatus

    Devilweed Weevil

    Anthonomus ligatus is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. It is found in North America. The species is commonly known as the Devilweed Weevil.

  • Anthonomus nebulosus

    Anthonomus nebulosus is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876. It is a small beetle distributed across North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the large genus Anthonomus, which includes numerous agricultural pests, this species shares the characteristic elongated snout and compact body form typical of weevils. Specific details regarding its biology, host associations, and economic significance remain poorly documented.

  • Anthonomus pusillus

    Anthonomus pusillus is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae. The species was described by Clark in 1990 and is known to occur in North America. As a member of the genus Anthonomus, it belongs to a group of weevils commonly known as flower weevils or bud weevils, many of which are associated with plants in the family Malvaceae. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.

  • Anthonomus rileyi

    Anthonomus rileyi is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Clark & Burke in 2010. The species epithet honors Edward Riley, a noted coleopterist and indefatigable collector of beetles. As a member of the genus Anthonomus, it belongs to a group commonly known as flower weevils or bud weevils, many of which are associated with specific host plants. The species was described relatively recently, and detailed biological information remains limited.

  • Anthonomus rufipes

    Anthonomus rufipes is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876. It is distributed across North America, with confirmed records from Canada (Alberta, Québec, and Saskatchewan) and the United States. As a member of the genus Anthonomus, it belongs to a group commonly known as cotton boll weevils and related species, many of which are associated with plants in the family Malvaceae.

  • Anthonomus sanborni

    Anthonomus sanborni is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Clark & Burke in 2010. As a member of the large genus Anthonomus, it belongs to a group commonly known as cotton boll weevils and their relatives. The species was described relatively recently, and detailed biological information remains limited in publicly available sources.

  • Anthonomus texanus

    Anthonomus texanus is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Dietz in 1891. It is native to North America. Like other members of the genus Anthonomus, it is likely associated with plants, though specific host relationships and ecological details remain poorly documented. The species is represented by very few observations in biodiversity databases, indicating it is either genuinely rare, undercollected, or restricted in distribution.

  • Anthribidae

    fungus weevils

    Anthribidae is a family of beetles commonly known as fungus weevils, distinguished from true weevils (Curculionidae) by their straight, non-elbowed antennae. Members of this family typically possess thread-like antennae that may exceed body length, representing the longest antennae among all Curculionoidea. The labrum appears as a separate segment from the clypeus, and maxillary palps are notably long and projecting. Most species feed on fungi or decaying plant matter, with larvae developing within dead wood. Some members exhibit unusual feeding habits: Choraginae includes seed-feeding species, a few are stored product pests, and the genus Anthribus uniquely preys upon soft scale insects.

  • Anthribinae

    fungus weevils

    Anthribinae is a subfamily of fungus weevils within the family Anthribidae. The subfamily contains over 50 genera and more than 80 described species. Members are distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including the Neotropics, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and North America. Taxonomic revisions have significantly expanded known diversity in some regions, with New Caledonian fauna increasing from 14 to 56 species.

  • Anthribus

    fungus weevils

    Anthribus is a genus of fungus weevils in the family Anthribidae. Species occur in forest habitats including coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests. Adults of Anthribus nebulosus have been observed to overwinter in bark crevices of coniferous trees with thicker bark. Flight activity is seasonal and weather-sensitive, with observed activity from May to July in central European populations.

  • Apallodes

    Apallodes is a genus of beetles in the family Phalacridae, established by Reitter in 1873. The genus is currently classified as doubtful in GBIF, indicating taxonomic uncertainty regarding its validity or circumscription. It belongs to the small family Phalacridae, commonly known as shining flower beetles, which are typically associated with fungal habitats. Very little specific information is available for this genus, with only a single observation recorded in iNaturalist.

  • Apalonia

    Apalonia is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by Casey in 1906. The genus contains at least 40 described species, placing it among the more species-rich genera within the aleocharine rove beetles. These beetles belong to the tribe Athetini, a large and diverse group characterized by small body size and complex morphological features. The genus has been documented in entomological collections, though detailed biological studies remain limited for most species.

  • Apatides fortis

    Apatides fortis is a species of bostrichid beetle (family Bostrichidae), a group commonly known as false powderpost beetles or branch borers. The species was described by LeConte in 1866 and occurs in North America. Based on field observations, adults have been attracted to ultraviolet light at night in sand dune habitats of western Texas. The genus Apatides includes wood-boring beetles whose larvae typically develop in dead or dying woody material.

  • Apenes angustata

    Apenes angustata is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by Schwarz in 1878. The genus Apenes comprises small to medium-sized carabid beetles, many of which are associated with moist or riparian habitats. Records indicate presence in the United States, though detailed biological information remains limited. The species is rarely encountered in collections and field observations, with only three documented observations on iNaturalist.