Common-species
Guides
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.
Brephidium exilis
Western Pygmy Blue, Pygmy Blue
Brephidium exilis, commonly known as the Western Pygmy Blue, is the smallest butterfly species in North America. Despite its diminutive size, it is widespread and relatively common across its range, though often overlooked due to its minute stature. The species belongs to the family Lycaenidae (gossamer-winged butterflies) and is recognized as a synonym of Brephidium exile.
Cercyonis pegala
Common Wood-Nymph, Wood-Nymph, Grayling, Blue-Eyed Grayling, Goggle Eye
Cercyonis pegala is a widespread North American satyrine butterfly commonly known as the Common Wood-Nymph. It occupies diverse open habitats including grasslands, meadows, and woodland edges across much of the continent. The species exhibits notable variation in wing pattern across its range, with coastal and interior populations showing consistent differences in eyespot size and number. Unlike some congeners, it remains common and broadly distributed, though habitat loss affects local populations.
Dichrorampha acuminatana
Sharp-winged Drill
Dichrorampha acuminatana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 10–15 mm, found across Europe and the Near East. The species exhibits distinctive wing patterns with dark fuscous ground color, purplish tints, and ochreous irroration. Adults are active from May to September, with larvae feeding on Leucanthemum vulgare (oxeye daisy) and Tanacetum vulgare (tansy). The species has been well-documented in Belgium and the Netherlands, with over 2,000 iNaturalist observations.
Frontinella pyramitela
Bowl-and-doily Spider, Bowl and Doily Spider
Frontinella pyramitela, commonly known as the bowl-and-doily spider, is a small sheet-weaving spider found across North and Central America. It is distinguished by its highly characteristic web architecture: an inverted dome-shaped 'bowl' suspended above a horizontal sheet 'doily.' The species is one of the most common and widespread linyphiid spiders in North America, frequently encountered at forest edges, in pine woodlands, and in human-modified environments. Earlier taxonomic references treated this species as Frontinella communis, a name now synonymized with F. pyramitela.
Ischnura posita
fragile forktail
Ischnura posita, commonly known as the fragile forktail, is a small damselfly species in the family Coenagrionidae. It measures 21–29 mm in body length and is native to most of eastern North America. The species is one of the more common damselflies along the east coast of the United States and is readily identified by distinctive exclamation mark-shaped shoulder stripes present in both sexes.
Korscheltellus lupulina
Common Swift Moth
Korscheltellus lupulina, commonly known as the Common Swift Moth, is a hepialid moth native to Europe and parts of northern Asia. It was previously classified in the genus Hepialus but was moved to Korscheltellus based on morphological and phylogenetic studies. The species is frequently observed and often abundant across its range. It is one of several swift moth species characterized by rapid, darting flight patterns and reduced mouthparts in the adult stage.
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.
Loensia moesta
common barklouse
Loensia moesta is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, first described by Hagen in 1861 under the name Psocus moestus. It is widely distributed across North America, with confirmed records from the United States and Canada. As a member of the order Psocodea, it is part of a group of small, soft-bodied insects commonly known as barklice or booklice. The species is relatively well-documented in entomological collections and citizen science platforms, with over 140 verified observations on iNaturalist.
Macaria pustularia
Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth
Macaria pustularia, commonly known as the Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth, is a geometrid moth species distributed across eastern and central North America. The species is well-documented with over 20,000 observations, indicating it is relatively common and conspicuous. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The common name references its association with maple host plants and the 'spanworm' habit of its larvae, which move with a looping gait characteristic of geometrid caterpillars.
Neoscona arabesca
Arabesque Orbweaver
Neoscona arabesca is a common orb-weaving spider found throughout North America, recognized by the distinctive swirling, brightly colored markings on its abdomen that give it the common name 'arabesque orbweaver.' Females build vertical orb webs 15–45 cm in diameter with 18–20 radii, occupying the hub at night and retreating to a curled leaf during the day. The species has been introduced to Nepal and China. It is a documented host for the parasitic ichneumon wasp Acrotaphus wiltii.
Parhelophilus obsoletus
Unadorned Bog Fly
Parhelophilus obsoletus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across Canada and the northeastern and central United States. Adults are commonly observed on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is considered fairly common within its range. The larval stage remains undescribed.
Plathemis lydia
Common Whitetail, Long-tailed Skimmer
Plathemis lydia, commonly known as the Common Whitetail or Long-tailed Skimmer, is a widespread dragonfly species across North America. The species exhibits striking sexual dimorphism: males possess a conspicuous white abdomen and brownish-black wing bands, while females have a brown body with different wing spot patterns. Research has documented significant wing morphometric differences between sexes, with males showing adaptations for faster flight and higher acceleration capacity, likely related to territorial behavior and predator evasion. The species inhabits a variety of freshwater habitats and is among the most frequently observed dragonflies in North America with over 110,000 iNaturalist records.