Diurnal
Guides
Acanthopteroctetidae
archaic sun moths
Acanthopteroctetidae is a small family of primitive moths containing two genera and seven described species. Commonly known as archaic sun moths, they are diurnal and often exhibit iridescent coloration. The family has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with molecular evidence now placing it in the superfamily Neopseustoidea rather than as the sole family in Acanthopteroctetoidea. Biological data remain scarce, with larval stages documented for only one species.
Acmaeodera
Acmaeodera is a large genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) with over 150 species in North America, reaching greatest diversity in the desert southwest and Mexico. Adults are metallic, often with distinctive color patterns, and are frequently observed visiting flowers to feed on pollen. The genus is distinguished by unique flight morphology: elytra are fused along the midline and remain closed during flight, functioning as a protective shield over the abdomen while only the hindwings provide propulsion. This trait, combined with abdominal banding in many species, creates a wasp-like appearance in flight and has led to recognition of several species as hymenopteran mimics. Larvae are wood-borers in twigs and branches of various woody plants.
Buprestidaejewel-beetlesmetallic-wood-boring-beetlesflower-visitorspollen-feederselytra-fusionflight-morphologyhymenopteran-mimicrywood-borersNorth-AmericaMexicoArizonaTexasCaliforniaNew-MexicoOklahomaAlbertaAsteraceaeCercocarpusspring-activemonsoon-activefall-activetaxonomically-difficultcollector's-itemdiurnalCerceris-preyAcmaeodera bowditchi
Acmaeodera bowditchi is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America, with documented records from the southwestern United States including Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. Adults have been observed visiting flowers of various plant species, particularly in pinyon-juniper woodland and related habitats. The species was described by Fall in 1901.
Acmaeodera ligulata
Acmaeodera ligulata is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It was described by Cazier in 1940. The species is found in North America, with observations and collections documented from the southwestern United States including New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. Adults are known to visit flowers of various plant species, particularly in pinyon-juniper woodland habitats.
Acmaeodera ornatoides
Acmaeodera ornatoides is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Barr in 1972. The species occurs in North America, with documented records from Texas and Oklahoma. Adults have been observed visiting flowers of Coreopsis species and Opuntia engelmannii (Engelmann's pricklypear), suggesting a floral association common among congeners. The species is part of a diverse genus of flower-visiting buprestids.
Acmaeodera parkeri
Acmaeodera parkeri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Cazier in 1940. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been observed visiting flowers of several plant species, including Allionia incarnata (creeping four o'clock), Talinum whitei (White's flameflower), and Evolvulus arizonicus (Arizona blue-eyes).
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princeps
Acmaeodera princeps is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species occurs in North America, with confirmed observations in Texas and New Mexico. Adults have been collected on flowers of Thelosperma filifolium (stiff greenthread) and are active in late spring to early summer. Like other Acmaeodera species, adults likely feed on pollen and are diurnal flower visitors.
Acmaeodera pubiventris lanata
Acmaeodera pubiventris lanata is a subspecies of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to the southwestern United States. Adults are flower visitors, particularly associated with Sphaeralcea (globemallow) and Helianthus (sunflower) species. The subspecies occurs in pinyon-juniper woodland and associated habitats across Arizona, Utah, and adjacent regions. It is one of several Acmaeodera taxa frequently encountered by collectors in the Colorado Plateau region during summer months.
Acmaeodera quadrivittatoides
Acmaeodera quadrivittatoides is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Nelson & Westcott in 1995. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with documented records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Field observations indicate adults are attracted to flowers, particularly those of Opuntia species and various composites, where they feed on pollen.
Acmaeoderopsis
Acmaeoderopsis is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) containing approximately 12 described species distributed in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The genus was established by Barr in 1974 and includes species associated with mesquite (Prosopis) and other woody legumes. Adults are small, typically vittate (striped) buprestids that are active during hot summer months and can be collected by beating host vegetation.
Acossus
carpenterworm moths
Acossus is a genus of carpenterworm moths in the family Cossidae, established by Dyar in 1905. The genus includes at least six described species, most associated with Populus species as larval hosts. A recently described species, A. boreocryptus, exhibits exceptional diurnal flight behavior, the first documented case among New World Cossidae. Species are distributed across northern North America and northern Eurasia.
Adela
fairy longhorn moths
Adela is a genus of fairy longhorn moths in the family Adelidae, characterized by exceptionally long antennae—especially in males, which can possess antennae up to three times the length of their forewings. These small, delicate moths exhibit metallic coloration and are diurnal, often observed nectaring on flowers. The genus belongs to the subfamily Adelinae and is widespread across the Holarctic region.
Adela caeruleella
Southern Longhorn Moth
Adela caeruleella is a small diurnal moth in the family Adelidae, known as fairy longhorn moths. Adults are characterized by exceptionally long antennae, especially in males which can reach three times the forewing length. The species occurs across the eastern and southern United States, where adults have been observed nectaring on flowers in woodland habitats during spring.
Adela singulella
fairy longhorn moth
Adela singulella is a species of fairy longhorn moth (family Adelidae) endemic to California. Described by Walsingham in 1880, it is distinguished by the extreme sexual dimorphism in antennae length typical of the family—males possess antennae up to three times the length of their forewings. The species has a restricted but disjunct distribution across coastal and montane regions of California, with larval development tied specifically to two Gilia species (Polemoniaceae).
Adeloidea
Fairy Moths and Allies, Leafcutters, Yucca Moths and Relatives
Adeloidea is a superfamily of primitive monotrysian moths within Lepidoptera, comprising families including Adelidae (fairy longhorn moths), Heliozelidae (shield-bearer moths), Incurvariidae (leafcutter moths), Prodoxidae (yucca moths), and Tridentaformidae. Members are characterized by a piercing, extensible ovipositor used for inserting eggs into plant tissue. Many species exhibit diurnal activity and metallic coloration patterns.
Aedes
tiger mosquito, dengue mosquito
Aedes is a large genus of mosquitoes containing over 950 species, originally native to tropical and subtropical regions but now established on all continents except Antarctica. The genus is distinguished by black and white banding on the body and legs, and by diurnal biting behavior that differs from most mosquito genera. Several species are significant disease vectors, transmitting dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. Invasive species such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus have expanded their ranges dramatically through human activity, particularly via the international trade in used tires.
Aellopos
Aellopos is a genus of large day-flying moths in the family Sphingidae (sphinx moths), first described by Jacob Hübner in 1819. The genus contains six recognized species distributed from the eastern United States through Central America to South America. These moths are notable for their diurnal activity pattern, which is uncommon among sphingids. The genus belongs to the tribe Dilophonotini within the subfamily Macroglossinae.
Aethecerinus hornii
Horn's Aethecerinus Long-Horned Beetle
Aethecerinus hornii is a rare longhorned beetle (family Cerambycidae) endemic to Florida scrub habitat in Highlands and Lee counties. Described by Lacordaire in 1869, this species belongs to the tribe Trachyderini, a group known for bright coloration, flower-feeding behavior, and diurnal activity. The species is extremely restricted in range and poorly represented in collections, with only five observations documented.
Aethecerinus latecinctus
Aethecerinus latecinctus is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, tribe Trachyderini, described by George Henry Horn in 1880. The species is distributed across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults have been collected primarily from mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) flowers and foliage, where they feed and mate. The species is diurnal and appears to exhibit seasonal activity patterns typical of many southwestern cerambycids.
Aetole unipunctella
Aetole unipunctella is a small moth in the family Heliodinidae, a group commonly known as sun moths. The species has been documented in 277 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is moderately well-recorded. Its taxonomic status is marked as doubtful in GBIF, reflecting potential classification uncertainties. Members of Heliodinidae are typically diurnal and associated with sunny habitats.
Agrilus cochisei
Agrilus cochisei is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1948. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Adults have been observed on Ambrosia psilostachya (western ragweed) and Sphaeralcea flowers in western Texas.
Alcathoe autumnalis
Alcathoe autumnalis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, first described by Engelhardt in 1946. The species exhibits the characteristic wasp-mimicking appearance typical of sesiid moths, with reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent or 'clearwing' effect. It is known from the Nearctic region, with records from north-central United States. The species appears to be active in autumn, as suggested by its specific epithet.
Amannus vittiger
Amannus vittiger is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. Field observations indicate adults are active flower visitors, particularly associated with globemallow flowers (Sphaeralcea spp.) in the southwestern United States. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid habitats of the Colorado Plateau region.
Amphion floridensis
Nessus sphinx
Amphion floridensis, commonly known as the Nessus sphinx, is a day-flying moth in the family Sphingidae. It is the sole member of the monotypic genus Amphion. The species is widespread in eastern North America and is frequently encountered due to its diurnal activity. It is easily recognized by two bright yellow bands across the abdomen.
Anartia fatima
Banded Peacock, Fatima
Anartia fatima, the banded peacock, is a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It occurs from southern Texas through Mexico and Central America to Panama, inhabiting subtropical open areas and disturbed habitats such as second-growth woodlands. Males defend territories around host plants to secure mating opportunities, a behavior documented in both this species and its congener Anartia jatrophae. The species exhibits wing color polymorphism, with individuals bearing either white or yellow median bands.
Anaspis
false flower beetles
Anaspis is a large genus of small beetles in the family Scraptiidae, commonly known as false flower beetles. Adults are frequently found on flowers, particularly blossoms of trees, shrubs, and umbellifers, and exhibit a characteristic tumbling behavior when disturbed. Larvae are saproxylic, developing in decaying wood of various deciduous and coniferous trees. The genus is widespread across the Palaearctic region, with species distributed from Western Europe through Siberia to East Asia.
Annaphila
Annaphila is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, erected by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. The genus comprises approximately 24 described species distributed in western North America. Members are notable for being day-flying moths, a trait uncommon among Noctuidae. At least one species, Annaphila astrologa, has been documented using whispering bells (Emmenanthe penduliflora) as a larval host plant.
Annaphila astrologa
Annaphila astrologa is a small day-flying owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1918. Unlike most noctuid moths, it is active during daylight hours and has been described as attractive in appearance. The species is associated with grassland habitats in California, where its larval host plant, whispering bells (Emmenanthe penduliflora), occurs.
Araneus diadematus
European garden spider, cross orbweaver, diadem spider, cross spider, crowned orb weaver, pumpkin spider
Araneus diadematus is a medium-sized orb-weaving spider native to Europe, now naturalized across North America. Adult females reach 6.5–20 mm in body length, males 5.5–13 mm. The species is named for the distinctive white cross-shaped pattern on its dorsal abdomen, formed by guanine deposits. It constructs classic spiral orb webs with 25–30 radial threads at approximately 15° angles, often positioned in gardens, porches, and other human-modified habitats. The spider is diurnal, typically hanging head-down at the web hub, and exhibits a defensive vibrating behavior when disturbed.
Arctia opulenta
Opulent Tiger Moth
Arctia opulenta is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1881. It is a small, diurnal species restricted to high-latitude tundra habitats across northern North America. The species is notable for its Arctic-alpine distribution and specialized larval diet on willow species.
Argiope trifasciata
banded garden spider, banded orb weaving spider, banded argiope, whitebacked garden spider
A large orb-weaving spider with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, native to the Americas but now found across six continents. Females construct distinctive spiral orb webs up to 60 cm in diameter, often decorated with zigzag stabilimentum patterns. The species exhibits notable thermoregulatory behavior through strategic web orientation and body positioning. Recent phylogeographic research suggests A. trifasciata may represent a complex of cryptic species rather than a single widespread species.
Asaphidion
Asaphidion is a Holarctic genus of small ground beetles in the family Carabidae. The genus contains approximately 39 species, predominantly distributed across the Palaearctic region with limited representation in North America. Species are characterized by large eyes and diurnal activity patterns. Two native North American species, A. alaskanum and A. yukonense, are restricted to Arctic tundra environments, while the introduced A. curtum has established in the northeastern United States and adjacent Canadian maritime provinces.
Aspisoma
Aspisoma is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) comprising at least 70 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropics. Species in this genus exhibit distinctive coloration patterns that differ markedly from typical North American fireflies: yellow to orange elytra with black markings rather than the reverse, and diurnal activity in some species. The genus belongs to tribe Cratomorphini within subfamily Lampyrinae. Taxonomic knowledge of South American species remains incomplete, with many specimens identified only to genus level.
Aspisoma ignitum
Dixon's striped firefly
Aspisoma ignitum is a firefly species (family Lampyridae) distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. It represents one of the more broadly distributed Aspisoma species in the Neotropics. The species exhibits a distinctive color pattern compared to many North American fireflies, with yellow elytra bearing black markings rather than the more common black-with-yellow pattern. It has been recorded as active during daylight hours, differing from the typical crepuscular or nocturnal activity of most fireflies.
Batyle ignicollis
Fire-necked Longhorn Beetle
Batyle ignicollis is a longhorned beetle in the tribe Trachyderini, known for its diurnal activity and flower-visiting behavior. It was described by Thomas Say in 1824. The species has been documented in sand dune habitats of northwestern Oklahoma, where adults have been observed resting on inflorescences of Styllingia sylvatica (Queen's delight), suggesting possible crepuscular or nocturnal roosting behavior. The species is attracted to ethanol-based traps, indicating a probable association with fermenting plant materials or dead wood.
Brachyleptura
Brachyleptura is a genus of flower longhorn beetles in the subfamily Lepturinae, containing eight species distributed across North America. Members are distinguished from other Lepturinae by often abbreviated elytra, though this trait is variably expressed. Adults are diurnal and visit flowers, particularly those with white, compound, flat-topped inflorescences. Larvae develop in decaying hardwoods including beech, birch, elm, hickory, and maple.
Brachyleptura brevis
Short Long-horned Beetle
Brachyleptura brevis is a flower longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lepturinae of the family Cerambycidae. The species is characterized by abbreviated elytra relative to other members of the genus, a trait referenced in its specific epithet "brevis" (short). It belongs to a group of diurnal cerambycids that visit flowers as adults. The species has been documented in North America, with records from Canada and the United States including Vermont.
Brachyleptura circumdata
Dark-shouldered Long-horned Beetle
Brachyleptura circumdata is a small flower longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lepturinae, measuring 7–10 mm in length. First described by Olivier in 1795, it is smaller than congeners and exhibits abbreviated elytra characteristic of the genus. The species is known to breed in coniferous trees as larvae and is most active during June and July. It belongs to a group of diurnal cerambycids that visit flowers as adults.
Brachyleptura dehiscens
Brachyleptura dehiscens is a species of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1859. It belongs to the subfamily Lepturinae, characterized by diurnal adults that frequently visit flowers. The genus name refers to the often abbreviated elytra typical of the group, though this trait varies among species. Specific biological details for B. dehiscens remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Brachyleptura rubrica
Red-winged Longhorn Beetle
Brachyleptura rubrica is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae: Lepturinae) described by Thomas Say in 1824. It is a flower-visiting species commonly found on white, compound, flat-topped inflorescences, particularly Hydrangea arborescens. The species is distinguished by its often abbreviated elytra and white-annulated antennae. Larvae develop in decaying hardwoods including beech, birch, elm, hickory, and maple.
Brachyleptura vagans
Brachyleptura vagans is a species of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) first described by Guillaume-Antoine Olivier in 1795. It belongs to the subfamily Lepturinae, commonly known as flower longhorns, and is native to North America. The species is distinguished by its black elytra with small red patches behind the humeri and white-annulated antennae.
Calleida viridipennis
Calleida viridipennis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, characterized by a metallic green-black exoskeleton, large eyes, and functional wings enabling flight. It is a spring breeder that overwinters as an adult under tree bark, emerging in late February or early March. The species is a documented predator of specific insect larvae, including the tortoise beetle Hemisphaerota cyanea and the fruittree leafroller Archips argyrospila.
Callophrys gryneus loki
Juniper Hairstreak, Olive Hairstreak
Callophrys gryneus loki is a subspecies of juniper hairstreak butterfly historically recognized from parts of the central and southern United States. The name is currently treated as a synonym in GBIF, with specimens reclassified under the nominate form Callophrys gryneus. These butterflies are associated with juniper and cedar host plants. Adults have been observed nectaring on milkweeds and other flowering plants in prairie and open woodland habitats. The taxon represents part of a complex of similar hairstreaks whose taxonomy remains under revision.
Callosamia promethea
Promethea Silkmoth, Spicebush Silkmoth
Callosamia promethea is a North American silk moth in the family Saturniidae, notable for being the only member of its family with sexually dimorphic activity patterns: males are diurnal while females are nocturnal. Adults do not feed. Larvae feed on a broad range of host plants across multiple families, including Rosaceae, Oleaceae, and Lauraceae. The species produces silk for cocoon construction and exhibits distinctive defensive behaviors including thanatosis and chemical secretion.
Camponotus laevissimus
giant carpenter ant, Hairy Smooth Carpenter Ant
Camponotus laevissimus is a large carpenter ant native to western North America, ranging from western Canada through the United States to Mexico. Workers are among the largest in the genus, measuring 7–13 mm. The species is notable for its distinctive shiny black coloration with a blue iridescent tint and dense covering of short white hairs. It is primarily diurnal and specializes in nesting within redwood trees (Sequoia sempervirens), hollowing out cavities rather than consuming the wood. A documented predator of western spruce budworm pupae, this species plays a role in forest pest dynamics. Formerly known as C. laevigatus, it was reclassified by Mackay in 2019.
carpenter-antredwood-specialistdiurnalforest-pest-predatorwestern-North-AmericaCamponotusFormicidaeHymenopterablue-iridescencewhite-pubescencewestern-spruce-budworm-predatorSequoia-sempervirens-associatemoist-wood-nestinglarge-ant-speciespolymorphic-workersclaustral-colony-foundationhoneydew-tendingstructural-pestMackay-2019formerly-C.-laevigatusCarabus auratus
Golden Ground Beetle
Carabus auratus, commonly known as the golden ground beetle, is a flightless predatory beetle in the family Carabidae. Native to central and western Europe, it has been introduced to North America. Adults are diurnal hunters that prey on insects, snails, and worms using digestive secretions to subdue prey. The species is considered beneficial in agricultural settings due to its predation on pest species such as the Colorado potato beetle.
Carmenta
clearwing moth
Carmenta is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, characterized by transparent or partially transparent wings resulting from reduced wing scaling. The genus contains approximately 100 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropics, with some species extending into North America. Members are diurnal and often wasp-mimicking in appearance. Several species are economically significant as pests of agricultural crops, including C. theobromae which has shifted from native cacao to become a major pest of guava in Colombia.
Castianeira longipalpa
Long-palped Ant-mimic Spider
Castianeira longipalpa is an ant-mimic spider in the family Corinnidae, recognized as the most widespread member of its genus in the United States and Canada. This species exhibits Batesian mimicry of ants, gaining protection from predators that avoid aggressive ant species. It is a fast, ground-dwelling hunter active during daylight hours.
Cerapteryx graminis
Antler Moth
Cerapteryx graminis, commonly known as the antler moth, is a noctuid moth distinguished by the bold white branched basal streak on its forewings that resembles antlers. The species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, with females notably larger than males. It is primarily diurnal but also flies at night, and is attracted to both flowers and light. The species is native to Europe and northern Asia, has been introduced to North America, and occurs at elevations up to 2100 meters in the Alps.
Chalcophora angulicollis
western sculptured pine borer, sculptured pine borer
Chalcophora angulicollis is a large metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as the western sculptured pine borer. It is one of the largest jewel beetles in western North America, measuring 20–33 mm in length. The species is strictly associated with pine trees (Pinus spp.), where larvae develop in dead or dying wood. Adults are active during daylight hours and are frequently observed running on or flying to recently fallen or injured pine trunks and branches. The species was historically confused with the eastern Chalcophora virginiensis but was reinstated as valid based on distinct morphological differences in mouthparts, male genitalia, and elytral margins.