Declining-species
Guides
Agrochola
Agrochola is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1821. Species are primarily autumn-flying (late August to November) with overwintering eggs. The genus includes species of conservation concern; Agrochola litura has declined substantially in Britain (73% abundance decrease 1970–2016). Long-term monitoring data from Prague showed Agrochola lychnidis exhibited significant population decrease over 29 years. Some authorities treat Sunira as a subgenus of Agrochola.
Aplocera
treble-bar moths
Aplocera is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, comprising approximately 30 described species distributed across the Palearctic region. The genus includes several well-known species such as Aplocera plagiata (treble-bar), Aplocera praeformata (purple treble-bar), and Aplocera efformata (lesser treble-bar). These moths are characterized by distinctive wing patterns with transverse dark bands, giving rise to their common name. Several species are declining in parts of Europe due to habitat loss.
Bombus pensylvanicus
American bumblebee, Sonoran bumblebee
Bombus pensylvanicus is a threatened bumble bee species historically widespread across eastern North America. Populations have declined approximately 90% since the early 2000s, with range contractions particularly severe in northern and eastern portions of its former distribution. The species is a long-tongued pollinator favoring open grassland and agricultural habitats. It maintains a typical bumble bee colony cycle with queens initiating nests in early spring and colonies persisting until late autumn. The species is of significant conservation concern and has been proposed for Endangered Species Act protection.
Bombus terricola
Yellow-banded Bumble Bee, Yellow-banded Bumblebee
Bombus terricola, the yellow-banded bumble bee, is a North American bumble bee native to southern Canada and the eastern and midwestern United States. The species has experienced significant population declines since the late 1990s, with range contractions particularly severe in its southern distribution. It is now classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and listed on the Xerces Society Red List of endangered bees. The species exhibits complex behavioral traits including thermoregulation for cold-weather flight and adaptive responses to queenless nests.
Coccinella novemnotata
nine-spotted ladybug, nine-spotted lady beetle, C9
Coccinella novemnotata is a native North American lady beetle that experienced a drastic population decline beginning in the 1960s. Once among the most common coccinellids in the northeastern United States and southern Canada, it has become rare across much of its former range. The species is a specialized aphid predator with potential value as a biocontrol agent in agriculture. It is the state insect of New York, designated in 1989.
Coccinella transversoguttata
Transverse Lady Beetle, transverse ladybird
Coccinella transversoguttata is a predatory lady beetle native to North America, now also found in Europe and Asia including the Tibetan plateau. It is recognized by the transverse black band across the base of its elytra, formed by connected spots. The species serves as an important biological control agent against aphids and other agricultural pests, though its populations appear to be declining in some regions following the introduction of competing non-native lady beetles.
Eacles imperialis imperialis
Imperial moth
Eacles imperialis imperialis is a subspecies of giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae. Adults are large, colorful moths with yellow and purple-brown patterning. Unlike many related silk moths, larvae do not spin silk cocoons; instead they burrow into soil to pupate. The subspecies has experienced significant population declines in parts of New England, including extirpation from Connecticut, though it remains widespread across much of North, Central, and South America.
Ochlodes agricola
Rural Skipper
Ochlodes agricola, commonly known as the rural skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is found in North America, particularly in mid-elevation habitats and foothills. The species has been identified as declining in western North American populations, with studies documenting a 1.6% annual reduction in butterfly numbers across the region associated with warming fall temperatures.
Pholisora
sootywing
Pholisora is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae) established by Scudder in 1872. The genus contains at least two recognized species: the common sootywing (Pholisora catullus) and Pholisora mejicanus. Members are small, dark-colored butterflies often associated with disturbed habitats and weedy vegetation. The common sootywing has been documented in long-term butterfly monitoring studies, with populations showing significant decline in parts of its range.
Pholisora catullus
common sootywing, roadside rambler
Pholisora catullus, commonly known as the common sootywing or roadside rambler, is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species has experienced significant population declines in parts of its range, including regional extinction from Davis, California by 2007. It occurs from the central United States south to central Mexico, with vagrant individuals occasionally reaching more northern areas. The species is not found in peninsular Florida.
Polistes fuscatus
Northern Paper Wasp, Dark Paper Wasp, Golden Paper Wasp
Polistes fuscatus is a primitively eusocial paper wasp native to eastern North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States. It builds exposed, umbrella-shaped paper nests suspended from a single stalk, typically in semi-protected locations near human structures or in woodlands. The species exhibits a linear dominance hierarchy centered on a single dominant foundress, with remarkable individual recognition capabilities based on variable facial and abdominal markings. P. fuscatus has experienced significant population decline due to competition from the invasive European paper wasp, Polistes dominula.