Deciduous-forest
Guides
Lepturges confluens
Dark-stained Longhorned Beetle
Lepturges confluens is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae. It was described by Samuel Stehman Haldeman in 1847. The species is known to be attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights during nocturnal activity. It has been documented in mesic lowland deciduous forests and is associated with oak-dominated habitats. The species occurs in eastern North America, with records from the United States and Canada.
Lithacodes fasciola
yellow-shouldered slug, ochre-winged hag moth
Lithacodes fasciola is a small slug moth in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as the yellow-shouldered slug or ochre-winged hag moth. The species exhibits distinctive larval and adult morphology, with caterpillars showing bright yellow-green coloration with striping and adults displaying characteristic wing patterns. It has a broad distribution across eastern North America with variable voltinism depending on latitude. The larvae feed on a wide range of deciduous trees and shrubs.
Megarhyssa macrurus
Long-tailed Giant Ichneumonid Wasp, Long-tailed Giant Ichneumon Wasp
Megarhyssa macrurus is a large parasitoid wasp and one of the biggest ichneumonids in North America. Females possess an extraordinarily long ovipositor—often exceeding body length—that allows them to reach wood-boring host larvae deep inside decaying trees. The species is a specialist parasitoid of pigeon horntail (Tremex columba) larvae. It occurs across the eastern United States and southern Canada, where it is most commonly observed in summer.
Morrisonia latex
Fluid Arches
A noctuid moth native to eastern and central North America, commonly known as the Fluid Arches. Adults are active in late spring and early summer. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. Larvae are polyphagous on deciduous trees and shrubs, with documented feeding on maples, birches, oaks, and other woody plants.
Natada nasoni
Nason's Slug Moth, Nason's Slug
Natada nasoni is a slug moth in the family Limacodidae, distributed across the eastern and central United States from Missouri to the Atlantic coast, with range extending south to the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, and Costa Rica. The larvae possess stinging spines and feed on smooth-leaved woody plants. Adults are attracted to blacklights.
Neurobathra
Neurobathra is a genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae, established by Ely in 1918. The genus contains three described species distributed in North America. Members of this genus are leaf-mining moths, with larvae that feed internally within plant tissue. The genus is classified in the subfamily Ornixolinae.
Olceclostera angelica
Angel Moth
Olceclostera angelica, the angel moth, is a small to medium-sized moth in the family Apatelodidae. First described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1864, it occurs across eastern North America from Quebec and Maine south to Florida, west to Texas, and north to Wisconsin and Ontario. Adults are active from May through September in deciduous forest habitats. The larval stage feeds specifically on ash (Fraxinus) and lilac (Syringa) leaves.
Orgyia definita
Definite Tussock Moth, Definite-marked Tussock Moth
Orgyia definita is a tussock moth in the family Erebidae, native to eastern North America. Males have functional wings with a wingspan of approximately 30 mm, while females are wingless—a distinctive trait shared with other Orgyia species. The larvae feed on a broad range of woody deciduous plants. The species was first described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1865.
Orussus minutus
Orussus minutus is a rarely collected parasitic woodwasp in the family Orussidae, native to the eastern United States. The species is notable for its significant western range expansion documented through citizen science platforms and museum collections. Previously known from only about 50 specimens mainly in the Northeast, new records from Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, and Manitoba extend its range hundreds of miles westward. The species is extremely uncommon in collections despite intensive trapping efforts.
Pandemis
Leafroller moths
Pandemis is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Archipini, commonly known as leafroller moths. The genus comprises approximately 60 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with particular diversity in Eurasia. Several species are recognized as agricultural pests, notably Pandemis cerasana (barred fruit-tree tortrix) and Pandemis pyrusana (Pandemis leafroller), which damage fruit trees and other woody plants. Larvae typically feed on leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs, often rolling or folding leaves for shelter.
Phobetron pithecium
Hag Moth, Monkey Slug (larva)
Phobetron pithecium, commonly known as the hag moth, is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae. Its larva, called the monkey slug, is one of the most distinctive caterpillars in North America, bearing nine pairs of curly, hair-covered projections that give it an appearance resembling a shed spider skin or leaf debris. The species occurs across eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast, with adults active primarily in summer. Both larva and adult exhibit notable defensive adaptations: the caterpillar's tubercles can detach without harm to the animal, and adults display sexual dimorphism with males having translucent wings while females are drab brown with yellow leg scales and reportedly mimic bees.
Phyllonorycter tritaenianella
A small North American leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species creates distinctive blotch mines on Ostrya species, with larvae developing through a flat blotch stage before the mine becomes tentiform as the leaf folds over. Adults are known from the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Phymatodes testaceus
tanbark borer, violet tanbark beetle
Phymatodes testaceus is a transpalearctic polymorphic longhorn beetle in the subfamily Cerambycinae. Adults range from 6–16 mm in length. The species exhibits significant color variation, with some individuals showing violet or metallic reflections that contribute to the common name 'violet tanbark beetle.'
Plagodis phlogosaria
scorched wing, straight-lined plagodis, Straight-lined Plagodis Moth
Plagodis phlogosaria is a geometrid moth widely distributed across North America. Adults have a wingspan of 28–38 mm and are active from April to August. Larvae feed on the foliage of several deciduous trees and shrubs. The species is recognized by six described subspecies with varying geographic ranges.
Plagodis pulveraria
Barred Umber
Plagodis pulveraria, commonly known as the barred umber, is a geometrid moth first described by Linnaeus in 1758. It is widely distributed across the Palearctic realm from Ireland to Japan, with additional populations in Canada. The species exhibits considerable color variation, ranging from reddish-brown to violaceous grey, with diagnostic straight antemedian and incurved postmedian lines on the forewings. Adults are active in two generations from mid-spring through summer.
Priocnemis minorata
spider wasp
Priocnemis minorata is a medium-sized spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It is among the first pompilid species to appear in spring, with peak activity in April and May. The species is known for hunting spiders in deciduous forest leaf litter, paralyzing them to provision underground nests for its larvae.
Prolimacodes badia
Skiff Moth
Prolimacodes badia, commonly known as the skiff moth, is a small moth in the family Limacodidae (slug caterpillar moths). The species is widely distributed across eastern North America. Adults are active from late spring through summer, and larvae feed on leaves of numerous woody plants.
Psaphida resumens
Figure-eight Sallow
Psaphida resumens, commonly called the figure-eight sallow, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It is an early spring-emerging species with adults active from March through May. The species is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota.
Psilocorsis
Psilocorsis is a genus of moths in the family Depressariidae, first described by Clemens in 1860. Species within this genus are known as leaf-tiers or leaf-tiers, with larvae that construct shelters by binding together leaves of their host plants. The genus contains approximately 14 recognized species distributed primarily in North America. Larvae are associated with woody plants including oaks (Quercus) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia), and serve as hosts for parasitoid wasp communities.
Pterophylla
true katydid
Pterophylla is a genus of true katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, containing approximately five described species distributed primarily in North America. The genus is best known for the northern true katydid (P. camellifolia), whose distinctive "katy-did, katy-didn't" call is a familiar sound of late summer evenings in deciduous forests. Males of this genus produce complex acoustic signals including solo calling, alternating calling with neighboring males, aggressive sounds, and disturbance sounds, with well-studied phonoresponse behavior involving reciprocal inhibition and post-inhibitory excitation.
Pterophylla camellifolia
common true katydid, northern true katydid, rough-winged katydid
Pterophylla camellifolia is a large, nearly flightless katydid native to eastern North America. Males produce the iconic three-pulsed "ka-ty-did" call that gave katydids their common name. The species inhabits the canopy of deciduous trees and moves primarily by walking, running, or hopping rather than flying. Populations exhibit geographic variation in song structure, with northern populations producing two- to four-pulsed songs, southeastern populations faster multi-pulsed choruses, southwestern populations one- to two-pulsed songs, and a distinctive 8-15 pulse song restricted to central Iowa. Three subspecies are recognized based on morphological and geographic differences.
Ptychoptera quadrifasciata
phantom crane fly
Ptychoptera quadrifasciata is a species of phantom crane fly in the family Ptychopteridae. The common name 'phantom crane fly' refers to the family's characteristic hovering behavior and delicate appearance. Adults are typically found in moist, wooded habitats near streams or wetlands. Larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments with decaying organic matter. The species is native to eastern North America.
Scotinella redempta
Scotinella redempta is a small ground-dwelling spider in the family Phrurolithidae, native to eastern North America. It measures approximately 2.1–2.4 mm in body length and inhabits deciduous forest leaf litter. The species was originally misidentified in 1930 and formally described by Willis J. Gertsch in 1941.
Spilomyia sayi
Four-lined Hornet Fly
Spilomyia sayi is a common North American hoverfly and wasp mimic, ranging from western Canada to the northeastern United States. Adults are active from June to October and are frequently found on flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species exhibits remarkable mimicry of yellowjacket wasps, including visual, behavioral, and acoustic deception. Larvae develop in decaying heartwood of deciduous trees and in rot holes.
Strangalia luteicornis
Yellow-horned Flower Longhorn Beetle
Strangalia luteicornis is a species of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It is found across North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States. The species has been observed mating on flowers of Hydrangea arborescens and Saururus cernuus, with females consuming pollen from the latter. It is attracted to ethanol/red wine bait traps and has been collected in xeric dolomite prairie remnants and dry-mesic upland deciduous forest habitats.
Telamona excelsa
Telamona excelsa is a North American treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Léon Fairmaire in 1846. It exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration and pronotum structure: males are yellow-brown with a dark brown anterior pronotal crest, while females are green with a higher pronotal crest edged in black or brown. The species feeds on a broad range of woody host plants including hickories, walnuts, oaks, and other trees.
Telamona tiliae
Basswood Treehopper
Telamona tiliae, the basswood treehopper, is a Nearctic treehopper species described by Elmer Darwin Ball in 1925. It belongs to the tribe Telamonini within the diverse family Membracidae, characterized by the pronounced pronotal modifications typical of the group. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in size and feeds on a broad range of woody host plants, with a particular association with Tilia species that gives it its common name.
Timulla barbigera
velvet ant
Timulla barbigera is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae. Velvet ants are actually wingless wasps, with females being entirely wingless and males possessing wings. The genus Timulla is frequently imitated by ground spiders in the genus Sergiolus, which share similar coloration and habitat preferences. These insects are known for their potent sting and are often encountered in sun-dappled forest floor habitats.
Typocerus velutinus
Banded Longhorn, Banded Longhorn Beetle
Typocerus velutinus is a common and widespread flower longhorn beetle (subfamily Lepturinae) found across eastern North America. Adults are diurnal and feed on flowers, while larvae develop in decaying wood of hardwood trees. The species is frequently encountered on wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) and other flowering plants during summer months. It serves as a pollinator and is an important component of forest ecosystem food webs. Two subspecies are recognized: T. v. velutinus and T. v. nobilis.
Zale lunata
Lunate Zale, Lunate Zale Moth
Zale lunata, commonly known as the Lunate Zale, is a moth species in the family Erebidae. First described by Dru Drury in 1773, it occurs across eastern and western North America with a wingspan of 40–55 mm. The species exhibits year-round or extended flight activity depending on geographic location, with larvae feeding on various deciduous trees.