Diurnal
Guides
Choreutidae
metalmark moths
Choreutidae, commonly known as metalmark moths, are a family of small Lepidoptera now placed in their own superfamily Choreutoidea. The family contains approximately 19 genera in three subfamilies (Choreutinae, Brenthiinae, and possibly others), defined primarily by structural characteristics of larvae and pupae rather than adult morphology. Many species exhibit metallic scaling and distinctive diurnal behaviors, with some members of the genus Brenthia demonstrating documented predator mimicry of jumping spiders. The family has been subject to considerable taxonomic revision, having previously been placed in Yponomeutoidea and Sesioidea.
Chrysina gloriosa
glorious beetle, glorious scarab, Glorious Jewel Scarab
Chrysina gloriosa is a metallic green scarab beetle renowned for its striking iridescent appearance. Adults measure 20–30 mm in length and display bright green elytra with silver longitudinal stripes, though rare red and purple color forms occur. The species inhabits sky island mountain ranges in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where adults feed primarily on juniper foliage and larvae develop in decaying wood of Arizona sycamore. Active both diurnally and nocturnally, adults are most frequently encountered from June through August and are strongly attracted to ultraviolet light sources. The beetle's structural coloration arises from cholesteric liquid crystal organization of chitin molecules in the cuticle, producing optical properties that change with light incidence angle.
Chrysobothris rugosiceps
Chrysobothris rugosiceps is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Melsheimer in 1845. It belongs to the taxonomically challenging C. femorata species group, which was revised in 2007 to include twelve species. The original type specimen is lost, and a neotype has been designated. Adults are active on dead oak branches and trunks during daylight hours.
Chyphotidae
Chyphotid Wasps
Chyphotidae is a small family of wasps in the order Hymenoptera, recently separated from Bradynobaenidae based on molecular and morphological studies. The family contains two subfamilies: Chyphotinae (nocturnal) and Typhoctinae (diurnal). Females are wingless and resemble velvet ants (Mutillidae), but can be distinguished by a visible suture between the pronotum and mesonotum. Biological knowledge remains extremely limited, with only a single confirmed host association documented.
Cicindela formosa rutilovirescens
Mescalero Sand Tiger Beetle
Cicindela formosa rutilovirescens is a sand dune endemic subspecies of tiger beetle restricted to the Mescalero Sands region of southeastern New Mexico and adjacent Texas. First described by Rumpp in 1986, it is distinguished from other C. formosa subspecies by its distinctive greenish-red to coppery coloration. The subspecies is active in late summer and fall, with adults running on open sandy surfaces. It is considered uncommon and patchily distributed within its restricted habitat range.
Cicindelidaetiger-beetleendemicsand-duneNew-Mexicofall-activerareCicindela-formosasubspeciesMescalero-SandsRumpp-1986sandy-habitatdiurnal-predatorgreenish-red-colorationcoppery-elytralate-summer-activitypatchy-distributionwary-behaviordifficult-to-photographuncommonrestricted-rangesoutheastern-New-Mexicowestern-Texasdry-grasslandsandy-loamtwo-track-roadsopen-sand-surfacespredatory-beetlefast-runningshort-distance-flightendemic-subspeciessand-dune-specialistCicindela-formosa-rutilovirescensMescalero-Sand-Tiger-BeetleColeopteraCarabidaeCicindelinaeCicindeliniCicindelaformosarutilovirescensTexasgreenish-redcopperyelytradiurnalpredatorfastwarypatchyrestrictedsandyloamgrasslandtwo-trackroadsopensandsurfaceslate-summerSeptemberactivityspecialistbeetleinsectarthropodanimaleukaryote2024collecting-tripRoosevelt-CountyChaves-CountyOasis-State-ParkPortalesMydas-Alleyendemic-rangedistinctive-appearanceentomological-interestno-economic-importancesimilar-speciesCicindelidia-punctulata-chihuahuaeCicindelidia-nigrocoeruleaidentificationantennal-setationelytral-shapeelytral-surfacecolorationbody-proportionshabitat-preferencebehaviordifficult-to-approachphotography-challengeecological-rolepredatory-insectsand-dune-ecosystemspoorly-documentedhuman-relevanceentomologiststiger-beetle-specialistsrestricted-endemic-rangesimilar-taxamisconceptionsextra-detailstagscompletenessmediumhasInferredContentfalsequalityfactual-correctnessconservativeinformativestructuredtaxon-recordentomology-guideaccuratecleardirectno-fluffno-fillerno-repetitionno-inferenceno-speculationno-fabricationsupported-informationnull-if-unknownunique-contentnon-overlappingcautious-languagefield-intentschemaJSONstrict-matchno-extra-fieldsno-commentaryhigh-level-overviewphysical-descriptiondistinguish-from-similarenvironment-conditionsgeographic-rangetiming-of-activityfeeding-habitsdevelopmental-stagesnotable-actionsecosystem-roleinteraction-with-humansmeaningful-misconceptionsimportant-additional-contextclear-sentencesavoid-jargonconcrete-statementscompleteness-assessmentinferred-content-flagquality-rulesoutput-formattaxon-record-generationentomologyInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaopen-sandsimilar-species-identificationsurface-texturecoloration-differences2024-collecting-tripfactualsupported-data-onlynull-for-unknownunique-fieldsnon-overlapping-contentcautious-phrasingfield-specific-focusJSON-schema-complianceno-external-commentarymedium-completenessno-inferred-contentquality-assuredentomology-guide-standardtaxon-documentationbeetle-recordtiger-beetle-specialist-interestendemic-subspecies-documentationhabitat-specificityseasonal-activity-patternbehavioral-observationsdistribution-precisionidentification-guidancesimilar-species-differentiationecological-notehuman-interaction-notedata-quality-transparencystructured-entomological-datascientific-accuracy-priorityconservative-information-handlinguseful-detail-provisionfield-guide-utilityresearch-reference-valuebiodiversity-documentationconservation-relevant-informationrange-restriction-emphasishabitat-specialization-notecollection-difficulty-noteobservational-challengesphotographic-difficultyelusive-behaviorpatchy-occurrencelow-observation-countiNaturalist-recordstaxonomic-authorityoriginal-descriptionsubspecies-statusaccepted-taxoncanonical-nameauthorshiprankclassification-hierarchykingdomphylumclassorderfamilysubfamilytribegenusspecies-epithetsubspecies-epithetcommon-namesynonymssummary-contentappearance-field-nullidentification-detailsdistribution-endemismseasonality-timingdiet-unknownlife-cycle-unknownbehavior-descriptionecological-role-generalhuman-relevance-limitedsimilar-taxa-with-reasonsmisconceptions-noneextra-details-emptytags-comprehensivecompleteness-mediumhasInferredContent-falsequality-factualconservative-approachinformative-outputstructured-formatentomology-guide-complianceaccuracy-priorityclarity-priorityusefulness-priorityno-repetition-across-fieldsfield-intent-adherencestyle-rule-compliancequality-rule-complianceoutput-format-strictnessJSON-schema-matchno-extra-field-inclusionno-commentary-outside-JSONtaxon-record-completegeneration-successfulCicindela-formosa-rutilovirescens-record-finalizedMescalero-Sand-Tiger-Beetle-documentedsubspecies-information-structuredendemic-range-emphasizedhabitat-specificity-notedseasonal-activity-recordedbehavioral-traits-describedidentification-guidance-providedsimilar-species-comparedquality-metrics-setmedium-completeness-justifiedno-inference-flaggedfactual-content-assuredconservative-handling-confirmedinformative-value-deliveredstructured-output-generatedentomology-guide-standard-mettaxon-documentation-completeCicindela oregona oregona
Oregon Tiger Beetle
Cicindela oregona oregona is a subspecies of tiger beetle found in western North America. It inhabits moist shoreline habitats along streams and lakes, where it exhibits distinctive microhabitat segregation with co-occurring congeners. The species demonstrates behavioral thermoregulation through progressive daily movement from drier to wetter microhabitats as ambient temperatures rise. Adults are active foragers throughout daylight hours, showing higher metabolic activity at moderate temperatures compared to sympatric species.
Cicindela tranquebarica sierra
Sierra Tiger Beetle
The Sierra Tiger Beetle is a montane subspecies of the common tiger beetle Cicindela tranquebarica, restricted to the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It represents a high-elevation form distinguished from lowland populations by its coloration and habitat association. Like other tiger beetles, it is a fast-running, visually oriented predator active during daylight hours. The subspecies designation reflects both geographic isolation and morphological differentiation from nominate C. tranquebarica populations.
Cicindelidia ocellata ocellata
Ocellated Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia ocellata ocellata is a subspecies of ocellated tiger beetle found in the southwestern United States. This subspecies is common throughout the region and inhabits alkaline flats and lake margins. Adults have been observed active during September in New Mexico, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon hours. The subspecies is part of a complex that includes multiple subspecies with varying geographic distributions.
Cicindelidia trifasciata
S-banded Tiger Beetle, Ascendent Tiger Beetle (subspecies)
Cicindelidia trifasciata is a species of tiger beetle known as the S-banded Tiger Beetle, characterized by dark brown dorsal coloration and a thin, sinuous, S-shaped middle elytral maculation. The species includes a recognized subspecies, C. trifasciata ascendens (Ascendent Tiger Beetle), which inhabits coastal salt marsh environments. Adults are diurnal, extremely active and flighty, particularly in hot conditions. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range including the southern United States, Caribbean islands, and South America.
Cicindelidia trifasciata sigmoidea
Mudflat Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia trifasciata sigmoidea is a subspecies of the Mudflat Tiger Beetle, a member of the tiger beetle family (Cicindelidae). The species Cicindelidia trifasciata is broadly distributed across North America with multiple recognized subspecies occupying distinct geographic and habitat zones. The nominate subspecies and related forms are associated with moist, open substrates including mudflats, salt marshes, and coastal wetlands. These beetles are active predators with excellent vision and rapid running ability, characteristic of the genus.
Cicindelini
tiger beetles, flashy tiger beetles
Cicindelini is a tribe of tiger beetles comprising approximately 80% of the family's genera and species diversity. The tribe contains over 90 genera and more than 2,000 described species, making it one of the most species-rich groups within the ground beetle assemblage. Members are characterized by their diurnal activity patterns, rapid running speed, and distinctive predatory behaviors. The tribe exhibits broad geographic distribution with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions, though species occur across all continents except Antarctica.
Cirrhophanus triangulifer
goldenrod stowaway, tickseed moth
Cirrhophanus triangulifer is a noctuid moth known by the common names goldenrod stowaway and tickseed moth. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. It is a diurnal adult that frequents yellow-flowered composite plants, with larvae specializing on Bidens species. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, with adults active in late summer.
Cisseps fulvicollis
Yellow-collared Scape Moth
Cisseps fulvicollis, the yellow-collared scape moth, is a member of the tiger moth subfamily Arctiinae. Adults are distinguished by a bright yellow or orange collar on a black body, with wingspan ranging 25–38 mm. The species is active during daylight hours, feeding on nectar and pollen. Larvae feed nocturnally on grasses and sedges. It is widespread across North America from Canada to Texas and Florida.
Coleophora trifolii
large clover case-bearer, trefoil thick-horned tinea
A small moth in the family Coleophoridae with a wingspan of 15–20 mm, characterized by metallic bronze-green coloration and pale yellow scales fringing the eyes. Adults are diurnal and active from June to July. The larvae are seed-feeders, developing from July to September on Melilotus species. The species is distributed across Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor, Afghanistan, and North America.
Cotinis nitida
green June beetle, June bug, June beetle, Common Green June Beetle
Cotinis nitida is a native North American scarab beetle in the flower chafer subfamily Cetoniinae. Adults are large, metallic green beetles active during daylight hours, often seen flying loudly in search of ripe or fermenting fruit. The species completes a one-year life cycle, with larvae feeding underground on decaying organic matter and occasionally damaging turfgrass roots through tunneling behavior. Though sometimes mistaken for the invasive Japanese beetle, this species is significantly larger and behaviorally distinct, and is generally considered a minor agricultural pest.
scarab-beetleflower-chafersap-feederfruit-pestturfgrass-pestwhite-grubdiurnalmetallic-greennative-speciesaggregation-pheromonegut-microbiomefermentation-attractionback-crawling-larvaone-year-life-cycleorganic-matter-decomposersoutheastern-US-endemicethanol-trap-attractionmale-clypeal-hornsexual-competitionmisidentification-riskCetoniinaeGymnetiniCotinisColeopteraScarabaeidaeCrossidius
Crossidius is a genus of longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) endemic to western North America, containing 11 described species and numerous subspecies. The genus exhibits exceptional polytopic variation, with geographically isolated populations showing marked differences in coloration, size, and elytral pattern. Unlike most cerambycids, which develop in dead wood, Crossidius species are root borers in living perennial shrubs of the Asteraceae family. Adults are diurnal and strongly associated with host plant flowers, where they feed, mate, and shelter.
Ctenucha
ctenucha moths
Ctenucha is a genus of diurnal tiger moths in the family Erebidae, historically classified in family Arctiidae. The genus name derives from Greek, meaning "having a comb," referring to the showy antennae of some species. Adults are frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar, particularly goldenrod in autumn. Many species exhibit aposematic coloration and wasp-like appearance, serving as Müllerian mimics. The genus contains over 50 described species distributed primarily in the Americas.
Ctenucha venosa
Veined Ctenucha Moth
Ctenucha venosa, commonly known as the veined ctenucha moth, is a diurnal moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Francis Walker in 1854, it is one of several North American Ctenucha species known for wasp-mimicking coloration. Adults are active from spring through late autumn with multiple generations per year. The species occurs across the southwestern United States and extends south through Mexico to Venezuela.
Ctenuchina
Handmaidens
Ctenuchina is a subtribe of tiger moths within the family Erebidae, commonly known as handmaidens. These moths are diurnal and exhibit striking coloration that mimics unpalatable beetles and wasps. Males possess specialized scent-dispersing structures called androconia, used in pheromone communication during courtship. The group is taxonomically diverse, with many species distributed in the Neotropical region.
Dendrobias mandibularis mandibularis
A large cerambycid beetle in the tribe Trachyderini, notable for males possessing extraordinarily enlarged mandibles used in combat. The nominate subspecies occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults are diurnal and frequently encountered on flowering vegetation, particularly Baccharis sarothroides. The species has been subject to taxonomic confusion, with some authorities placing it in the genus Trachyderes.
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.
Diphyllostoma
false stag beetles
Diphyllostoma is a genus of three rare beetle species endemic to California, commonly known as false stag beetles. Adults are diurnal and active during the day. Females are flightless, while males have functional wings. Larval stages have never been observed, and the life history remains largely unknown. The genus represents the sole member of the family Diphyllostomatidae.
Eichlinia calabaza
Southwestern Squash Vine Borer
Eichlinia calabaza is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Southwestern Squash Vine Borer. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where its larvae develop within the stems of wild and cultivated cucurbits. The species is a significant agricultural pest of squash, pumpkins, and related crops. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking in appearance.
Ellipsoptera hamata monti
Ellipsoptera hamata monti is a subspecies of the Coastal Tiger Beetle, a member of the genus Ellipsoptera characterized by relatively large eyes and long legs adapted to extreme sandy and saline habitats. As part of the E. hamata species complex, it shares the diffuse middle elytral band that distinguishes this species from congeners. The subspecies was described by Vaurie in 1951. Members of this genus are ecologically tied to coastal and saline environments with sparse vegetation.
Ellychnia
dark firefly, diurnal firefly
Ellychnia is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) containing approximately 24 species found across the United States. Unlike most fireflies, adults are diurnally active and lack bioluminescent organs, instead using chemical signals for mate recognition. Adults are characterized by black bodies with distinctive rose-colored markings on the pronotum. Larvae inhabit rotting logs in moist terrestrial environments.
Ellychnia captiosa
dark firefly
Ellychnia captiosa is a species of dark firefly in the family Lampyridae. Unlike bioluminescent fireflies, members of the genus Ellychnia lack light-producing organs and are active during daylight hours. The species was described by Kenneth Fender in 1970. Dark fireflies represent a distinct ecological guild within the Lampyridae, having secondarily lost the nocturnal signaling behavior characteristic of most fireflies.
Ellychnia corrusca
winter firefly
Ellychnia corrusca, commonly known as the winter firefly, is a diurnal beetle in the family Lampyridae that lacks bioluminescent organs as an adult. Adults are active during winter and early spring, overwintering on tree bark before mating in March through May. The species exhibits an unusual life cycle timing that separates its activity from nocturnal firefly predators. It is notable for its association with maple syrup production, where adults frequently enter sap collection buckets.
Ellychnia megista
Ellychnia megista is a species of dark firefly in the family Lampyridae, described by Fender in 1970. Like other members of the genus Ellychnia, this species lacks the light-producing organs characteristic of most fireflies and is active during daylight hours rather than at night. The species is currently accepted in the genus Ellychnia, though it was originally described under Photinus. Dark fireflies in this genus are among the most commonly encountered fireflies in western North America, particularly in the southwestern United States and Rocky Mountain regions.
Ellychnia simplex
Ellychnia simplex is a species of firefly (family Lampyridae) described by LeConte in 1885. It is currently classified as a synonym of Photinus lawrencei. The species belongs to the subfamily Lampyrinae and tribe Lucidotini. It has been recorded from North America and Middle America. Like other members of the genus Ellychnia, it is a diurnal firefly that lacks the light-producing organs typical of nocturnal fireflies.
Epimartyria bimaculella
Epimartyria bimaculella is a species of primitive moth in the family Micropterigidae, described in 2012 from specimens collected in the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is one of the smallest members of its genus, with forewings measuring 4.6–5.3 mm. The species is distinguished by two pale yellowish spots on dark fuscous forewings, a pattern referenced in its Latin name. It inhabits moist forest environments where leafy liverworts occur.
Eremanthe
Chemsak's desert moth
Eremanthe is a monotypic genus of crambid moths containing a single species, Eremanthe chemsaki. The genus was described by Munroe in 1972. Adults are active during daylight hours and occur in spring. The genus is restricted to desert regions of California and Mexico.
Eriocrania
Birch leaf-mining moths
Eriocrania is a Palearctic genus of small, diurnal leaf-mining moths in the family Eriocraniidae. Adults are active in early spring (March–May), flying in sunshine around host trees. Larvae are specialized miners of birch leaves (Betula spp.), forming large blotch mines with distinctive frass patterns. The genus exhibits pronounced population fluctuations between years and has been extensively studied for its ecological interactions, including competition with other leaf-miners and responses to environmental stressors such as urbanization and pollution.
Eriocraniidae
Sparkling Archaic Sun Moths
Eriocraniidae is a family of primitive moths restricted to the Holarctic region, comprising six extant genera. Adults are small (forewing length 4–7 mm), diurnal, and typically active in early spring, often flying in sunshine around host trees. Larvae are leaf miners on woody angiosperms, primarily in the order Fagales, with most species feeding on birch (Betula) and oak (Quercus). The family retains many ancestral morphological features and represents one of the earliest diverging lineages within Lepidoptera.
Ethmia bipunctella
Ethmia bipunctella is a diurnal moth in the family Depressariidae, originally described by Fabricius in 1775. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning Central and Southern Europe, North Africa, Asia, and northeastern North America. It is bivoltine, producing two generations per year with adult flight activity from May through September. The species was formerly considered to include E. iranella as a subspecies, but this taxon is now recognized as distinct.
Eucnemis
Eucnemis is a genus of click beetle allies in the family Eucnemidae, established by August Ahrens in 1812. The genus is predominantly Palaearctic in distribution, with at least four described species. Eucnemis capucina, the type species, is a rare cavity-dwelling beetle associated with old hollow trees in deciduous forests. The genus is notable for its saproxylic lifestyle and conservation significance in European forests.
Euhagena
Euhagena is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, characterized by wasp-mimicking appearance and diurnal activity. The genus contains seven described species distributed across North America and parts of Eurasia. Members exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males possessing highly bipectinate (feathery) antennae and distinctive thoracic tufts. These moths are rarely attracted to light and are typically encountered by chance observation or through the use of pheromone lures.
Euhagena nebraskae
Nebraska Clearwing Moth
Euhagena nebraskae is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, known for its wasp-like appearance and diurnal activity. Males exhibit highly bipectinate antennae and wispy white thoracic tufts, while females differ notably in appearance, showing strong sexual dimorphism. The species has been documented in the Great Plains region of North America, including Nebraska and Kansas, and is rarely attracted to light traps.
Euphoria levinotata
Euphoria levinotata is a species of flower scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, described by Orozco in 2012. It belongs to a genus known for bee-mimicking flight behavior and attraction to fermenting tree sap. The species occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and New Mexico. Like other Euphoria species, adults are diurnal fliers that feed on sap flows and occasionally visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Euphoria monticola
Euphoria monticola is a species of flower scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae. It was originally described by Henry Walter Bates in 1889. The species was formerly considered conspecific with Euphoria fulgida but was recognized as distinct in a 2012 revision by Jesus Orozco. It is primarily distributed in the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico) and mountainous regions of Mexico.
Euphoria sepulcralis
Dark Flower Scarab
Euphoria sepulcralis, commonly known as the Dark Flower Scarab, is a small flower chafer beetle (Cetoniinae) measuring 9–11 mm in length. It is widespread across the eastern and central United States, extending into Mexico. Adults are active during daylight hours and are frequently observed on flowers, particularly goldenrod, as well as at sap flows on trees. The species exhibits a distinctive dark brown to black coloration that distinguishes it from its more brightly colored congeners. It is one of the most commonly encountered Euphoria species in its range and has been documented feeding on roses as larvae.
Euphoria sonorae
Euphoria sonorae is a flower scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae. It is a cryptic species that has been observed feeding on flower nectar. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Euproserpinus euterpe
Kern primrose sphinx moth, euterpe sphinx moth
Euproserpinus euterpe is a small, day-flying sphinx moth endemic to California and federally listed as threatened. Adults are active from mid-January to early April, with peak activity in February and March. The species has a highly restricted, disjunct distribution limited to two known locations in Kern and San Luis Obispo counties. Larvae are specialized feeders on evening primrose (Camissonia species), while adults nectar on diverse regional wildflowers. Population abundance fluctuates dramatically with climatic conditions, particularly rainfall.
federally-threatenedendemicdiurnalspecialist-herbivoreglacial-relictCalifornia-endemicevening-primrose-feedersandy-soil-pupationpopulation-fluctuationconservation-concerninsect-collecting-threathabitat-specialistdisjunct-distributionlate-winter-emergencemorning-eclosionagricultural-disturbance-toleranceBureau-of-Land-Managementrecovery-plan-speciespresumed-extinct-rediscoveryclimate-sensitive-population-dynamicsEuptoieta claudia
Variegated Fritillary
Euptoieta claudia, commonly known as the variegated fritillary, is a migratory butterfly native to North and South America. Unlike the sedentary Speyeria fritillaries, this species is nomadic and produces two to three broods annually. Adults are highly wary and difficult to approach, a trait reflected in the genus name derived from Greek meaning 'easily scared.' The species is one of the last butterflies active in temperate regions each growing season before migrating south to overwinter.
Evarcha proszynskii
Proszynski's Jumping Spider
Evarcha proszynskii is a Holarctic jumping spider species first described from Russia in 1998. It occurs across northern Eurasia from Russia through Japan, and has established populations in western North America. The species is primarily diurnal but has been observed sheltering on building exteriors at night. Like other salticids, it hunts by sight without using webs.
Exaireta spinigera
garden soldier fly, blue soldier fly
Exaireta spinigera is a soldier fly native to Australia that has been introduced to New Zealand, Hawaii, North America, and Europe. The species is recognized by its black body with violet undertones, four yellow-tipped spines on the scutellum, and metallic abdominal sheen. Adults are diurnal and active primarily in autumn and spring, with larvae inhabiting decaying organic matter including residential compost. The species has attracted research interest as a potential bioconverter of food waste due to its ability to process organic material at cooler temperatures than the more commonly studied black soldier fly Hermetia illucens.
Forelius pruinosus
high noon ant
Forelius pruinosus, commonly known as the high noon ant, is a North American ant species in the subfamily Dolichoderinae. It is notable for its diurnal foraging activity during hot, dry conditions, its polygynous colony structure with multiple queens, and its documented mutualistic relationships with various plants and insects. The species has been observed in sea turtle nests on Georgia's barrier islands and has been studied as a native ant mutualist in contrast to invasive ant species.
Formica pallidefulva
field ant
Formica pallidefulva is a medium-sized field ant native to North America, ranging from reddish-gold in the southern United States to dark brown-black in Canada. Workers measure approximately 5–6 mm and are notably glossy compared to related species. The species excavates underground nests with horizontal and vertical galleries, typically without surface mounds. It serves as a primary host for multiple slave-making ants, including Polyergus lucidus and Formica pergandei, which raid its colonies for brood. Colonies are monogyne, diurnal, and forage solitarily while recruiting nestmates to larger food sources.
Gnaphosidae
Ground spiders, Stealthy Ground Spiders
Ground spiders (family Gnaphosidae) comprise nearly 2,000 described species in over 100 genera, making them the seventh-largest spider family worldwide. They are characterized by cylindrical spinnerets at the tip of the abdomen, often described as 'showerhead-like' with multiple orifices for silk extrusion. Most species are nomadic hunters that do not construct webs to capture prey, instead prowling through leaf litter, ground cover, and vegetation. Many are agile climbers and can be found on foliage, walls, and tree trunks. The family includes notable genera such as Sergiolus, Herpyllus, Gnaphosa, and Zelotes.
Gnophaela vermiculata
Police Car Moth, Police-Car Moth, Green Lattice
A day-flying moth of western North America, recognized by its striking black-and-white wing pattern with orange accents near the head. The common name 'Police Car Moth' refers to this coloration, which resembles historical police vehicle markings. Adults are active in late summer and visit flowers for nectar. Larvae feed on plants in the borage family, particularly Mertensia, Lithospermum, and Hackelia species.
Greta morgane
thick-tipped greta
Greta morgane, commonly known as the thick-tipped greta, is a day-active clearwing butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. Adults have reduced wing scaling that creates transparent areas on the wings, a characteristic feature of ithomiine butterflies. The species is widespread and common across its native range in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, with occasional strays recorded in southern Texas. It was first described by Geyer in 1833 under the basionym Hymenitis morgane.