Diurnal
Guides
Pristaulacus strangaliae
Pristaulacus strangaliae is a species of aulacid wasp in the family Aulacidae, order Hymenoptera. It is a parasitoid wasp native to North America, with confirmed records from Canada including Manitoba. Like other members of its family, it is diurnal and associated with wood-boring beetle hosts. The species was described by Rohwer in 1917.
Procridinae
Forester Moths
Procridinae is a subfamily of Zygaenidae moths commonly known as foresters. All Australian species belong to this subfamily, which includes diurnal moths with aposematic coloration and chemical defense capabilities. The group is taxonomically challenging, with genital examination often required for species identification in Europe. Members exhibit specialized herbivory with documented host plant associations including Hibbertia (Dilleniaceae) and Achillea (Asteraceae).
Prolita sexpunctella
six-spot groundling, long-horned flat-back, groundling
Prolita sexpunctella is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 13–17 mm, found across Europe and North America. Adults are active during May and June and are diurnal. The species is notable for its distinctive wing pattern featuring five white fasciae on dark reddish-brown forewings. Larvae are leaf-tiers that feed on specific host plants including heather and mountain avens.
Proserpinus
day sphinxes, evening primrose hawkmoths
Proserpinus is a genus of seven hawkmoth species in the family Sphingidae. Most species are native to North America, with P. proserpina having a much broader distribution extending from Europe and Asia to Africa. Adults are generally diurnal and exhibit green forewings with orange or red hindwings, though P. flavofasciata displays black and yellow coloration. Larvae specialize on plants in the evening primrose family (Onagraceae), with P. terlooii feeding on Nyctaginaceae instead.
Pryeria sinica
euonymus leaf notcher, euonymus defoliator moth
Pryeria sinica is a univoltine zygaenid moth native to East Asia, introduced to the United States in 2002 where it has established populations in Maryland and Virginia. The species is a specialist herbivore of Celastraceae, particularly Euonymus species, where larvae feed gregariously and create distinctive marginal notches on leaves. Adults are diurnal wasp mimics with clear wings and aposematic coloration. The species has been reported more recently in the United Kingdom.
Pseudocharis minima
Lesser Wasp Moth
Pseudocharis minima, the Lesser Wasp Moth, is a diurnal moth species in the family Erebidae. It was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1867. The species exhibits wasp-like coloration, an example of Batesian mimicry. It occurs in Cuba, Florida, and southern Texas, with documented populations in South Florida pine rocklands.
Pyropyga decipiens
Sneaky Elf
Pyropyga decipiens is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, commonly known as the 'Sneaky Elf.' It belongs to the 'dark firefly' group—species that lack the conspicuous bioluminescent flashes typical of better-known fireflies. The species is widely distributed across North America, with records from New Brunswick, Canada, throughout the United States, and into the southwestern regions. Despite being one of the most common fireflies in parts of the western United States, particularly the Front Range of Colorado and the Southwest, it was notably omitted from major firefly field guides. Adults are diurnal or crepuscular and do not produce the dramatic light displays associated with other firefly genera.
Pyropyga minuta
Flower Elf
Pyropyga minuta is a tiny, day-active firefly species commonly known as the flower elf. Adults measure 3–7 mm and are solid black with a distinctive pale yellow pronotum marked by a dark central bar flanked by red. Unlike most fireflies, adults lack functional bioluminescent lanterns and do not flash; instead, they are believed to use pheromones for mate location. The species is widespread across North and Central America.
Rhopalophora angustata
Narrow-necked Rhopalophora
Rhopalophora angustata is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Schaeffer in 1905. It belongs to the tribe Rhopalophorini, a group of slender, diurnal beetles frequently found on flowers and exhibiting group mimicry resembling small wasps. The species occurs in southwestern North America and Mexico.
Rhopalophora longipes
Eastern Rhopalophora
Rhopalophora longipes is a small, diurnal longhorned beetle and the only eastern North American representative of the tribe Rhopalophorini. The species exhibits the characteristic black body with red head and/or pronotum coloration typical of this tribe. Adults are frequently observed on flowers during daylight hours. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1824.
Rhynchophion
Rhynchophion is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the subfamily Ophioninae. The genus contains only three known species, with Rhynchophion flammipennis being the most documented. These wasps exhibit striking coloration—black or metallic blue bodies with bright orange or red wings—resembling tarantula hawks (Pepsis spp.), which may represent Müllerian mimicry given that Ophioninae can sting in self-defense using their short, sharp ovipositors. Unlike most nocturnal Ophioninae, Rhynchophion species are diurnal and visit flowers for nectar.
Rhynchophion flammipennis
Rhynchophion flammipennis is a large ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, notable for its striking coloration resembling tarantula hawks—black or metallic blue body with bright orange or red wings. Unlike most nocturnal Ophioninae, this species is diurnal and visits flowers for nectar. It is a koinobiont endoparasitoid of sphinx moth caterpillars, with the Tobacco Hornworm (Manduca sexta) documented as a host. The wasp possesses a short, sharp ovipositor capable of delivering a sting used in self-defense.
Rhynchophion woodi
Rhynchophion woodi is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, described by Gauld in 2004. The genus Rhynchophion contains only three known species, most of which are tropical. Members of this genus are diurnal and have been observed visiting flowers for nectar. Like other Ophioninae, this species possesses a short, sharp ovipositor capable of delivering a sting in self-defense.
Rhyssella
Rhyssella is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, containing approximately 10 described species. The genus was established by Rohwer in 1920. Species in this genus are parasitoids of wood-boring insects, with documented associations to wood-wasps in the genus Xiphydria. The genus has a Holarctic distribution, with records from North America, Europe, and Asia.
Rhyssella humida
Rhyssella humida is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. Females possess an exceptionally long ovipositor used to drill into wood to reach host larvae. The species is diurnal and has been documented in North American forested habitats.
Rhyssella nitida
Rhyssella nitida is a diurnal ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The female possesses an exceptionally long ovipositor used to drill into wood and locate host larvae. It is an external parasitoid of wood-wasp larvae in the genus Xiphydria. The species has been documented at blacklight traps, though this appears to be an exception to its normally diurnal activity pattern.
Schinia ciliata
Snakeweed Flower Moth
Schinia ciliata, commonly known as the Snakeweed Flower Moth, is a small noctuid moth in the subfamily Heliothinae. It is distributed across the southwestern and south-central United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 22 mm and is closely associated with its larval host plant, Gutierrezia sarothrae. Adults are diurnal and often found resting on or near flowers of their host plant.
Schinia psamathea
A small noctuid moth in the genus Schinia, described in 2010 and endemic to the southeastern United States coastal plain. It is distinguished within its genus by unusually simple wing patterns and strong association with sandy coastal habitats. Adults fly during daylight hours in autumn and are attracted to light.
Schinia villosa
Little Dark Gem
Schinia villosa, commonly known as the Little Dark Gem, is a small noctuid moth first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1864. It is primarily a western North American species associated with montane habitats, though its range extends eastward across the Canadian prairies. The species exhibits the typical Schinia trait of flower-visiting behavior, with adults active in mid-summer and larvae feeding on Asteraceae hosts.
Scythris inspersella
Norfolk owlet
Scythris inspersella, commonly known as the Norfolk owlet, is a small moth in the family Scythrididae first described by Jacob Hübner in 1817. It has a Holarctic distribution spanning Asia, Europe, and North America. The species is diurnal and has been observed visiting flowers during its July–August flight period. Its larvae feed gregariously on willowherbs (Onagraceae), spinning together the terminal shoots of their host plants.
Sergiolus angustus
Sergiolus angustus is a ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae, native to western North America. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits bold coloration that may represent mimicry of velvet ants (Mutillidae). The species is medium-sized, diurnal, and nomadic, actively hunting rather than building webs to capture prey. It constructs silk retreats for molting, egg guarding, and overwintering.
Sergiolus capulatus
Variegated Ground Spider
Sergiolus capulatus is a colorful ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae, commonly known as the Variegated Ground Spider. It is known for its bold, contrasting coloration that resembles velvet ants (Mutillidae), suggesting possible mimicry. The species is active during the day and is frequently encountered in sun-dappled forest floors, gardens, and occasionally indoors. It does not build prey-capture webs but constructs silk retreats for molting and egg guarding.
Sergiolus columbianus
Sergiolus columbianus is a ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae, native to western North America. It is one of approximately sixteen Sergiolus species found north of Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it displays bold coloration that may serve as mimicry of velvet ants (Mutillidae). It is a nomadic hunter that does not construct prey-capture webs.
Sergiolus minutus
Sergiolus minutus is a species of ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae. It belongs to a genus noted for bold coloration and potential mimicry of velvet ants (Mutillidae). As with other Sergiolus species, it is a nomadic hunter that does not construct webs for prey capture. The species has been recorded from the Caribbean region including Cuba and Jamaica, as well as the United States.
Sergiolus montanus
Common Patterned Ant-mimic Ground Spider
Sergiolus montanus is a medium-sized ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae, distinguished by bold coloration that may serve as mimicry of velvet ants (Mutillidae). It is primarily active during daylight hours and does not construct webs for prey capture. The species is found in western North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada southward through the western United States. Like other members of the genus, it is agile, nomadic, and capable of climbing vegetation and vertical surfaces.
Sergiolus ocellatus
Ground Spider
Sergiolus ocellatus is a ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae, found across the United States and Canada. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits bold coloration that may serve as mimicry of velvet ants (Mutillidae). This nomadic, diurnal hunter prowls through leaf litter and climbs vegetation in search of prey rather than constructing capture webs. It constructs silk retreats for molting, egg guarding, and overwintering.
Sergiolus tennesseensis
Sergiolus tennesseensis is a species of ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae, first described by Chamberlin in 1922. It is found in the United States. Like other members of the genus Sergiolus, it is a nomadic, diurnal hunter that does not build webs to capture prey. The species is part of a genus known for bold coloration patterns that may function as mimicry of velvet ants (Mutillidae).
Sergiolus unimaculatus
Sergiolus unimaculatus is a ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae, first described by Emerton in 1915. Like other members of its genus, it is a nomadic, diurnal hunter that does not construct webs for prey capture. The species exhibits the characteristic bold coloration of Sergiolus, though specific pattern details for S. unimaculatus are less documented than for congeners such as S. capulatus. It is one of approximately sixteen Sergiolus species known from north of Mexico.
Sesiidae
Clearwing Moths
Sesiidae, known as clearwing moths, is a family of diurnal moths in the order Lepidoptera comprising 165 genera and over 1,500 species. The family is distinguished by Batesian mimicry of Hymenoptera, with transparent wing areas created by reduced scaling, elongated bodies, and wasp-like coloration and flight behavior. Most species are tropical, though significant diversity occurs in the Holarctic region including over 100 European species. Larvae are concealed borers in wood, stems, or roots, with some species causing serious economic damage to fruit trees, timber, and crops.
Stenaspis verticalis insignis
Red-headed Beauty
Stenaspis verticalis insignis is a subspecies of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, tribe Trachyderini. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species was collected during a 2018 Arizona collecting trip in the Santa Rita Mountains, where specimens were found on Baccharis sarothroides (desert broom). The subspecies is characterized by its distinctive coloration, which includes a red head in adults.
Stenelytrana gigas
Gigas Longhorn Beetle
Stenelytrana gigas is a species of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, found in North America. The species is characterized by its relatively large size among lepturine longhorns and its association with flowers as an adult. It belongs to a genus of flower-visiting cerambycids that are attracted to diverse floral resources. The species has been documented in both the United States and Mexico, with adults typically active during the warmer months. It is one of several Stenelytrana species in North America, distinguished by its size and morphological features.
Strangalia bicolor
Bicolored Flower Longhorn Beetle
Strangalia bicolor is a species of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It is commonly known as the bicolored flower longhorn. The species is native to North America and is typically associated with flowers, where adults are frequently observed.
Strangalia famelica
Slender Flower Longhorn Beetle
Strangalia famelica is a species of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It is found in North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Lepturinae, whose members are diurnal and commonly visit flowers as adults. Two subspecies are recognized: S. f. famelica and S. f. solitaria.
Strangalia famelica famelica
Coastal Plain Slender Flower Longhorn
Strangalia famelica famelica is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the subfamily Lepturinae, commonly known as the Coastal Plain Slender Flower Longhorn. As a member of the flower longhorn group, it is diurnal and visits flowers as an adult. The subspecies belongs to a species complex that is widespread across eastern North America, with this particular subspecies occurring in the coastal plain region. It is one of several Strangalia species frequently encountered in the eastern United States, though less commonly than some congeners such as S. sexnotata or S. luteicornis.
Strangalia famelica solitaria
Midwestern Slender Flower Longhorn
Strangalia famelica solitaria is a subspecies of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It is a diurnal species that visits flowers as an adult, and is considered one of the more commonly encountered flower longhorns in Missouri. The species has been documented from fermenting bait traps, with two specimens captured in molasses/beer traps during a 2015 study in Missouri—marking the first report of this subspecies from fermenting baits in the state. Larvae develop in dead hardwood branches.
Stratiomys normula
Stratiomys normula is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Loew in 1866. It is one of several North American species in the genus Stratiomys that exhibit wasp-mimicking coloration. The species has been recorded from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is diurnal and associated with wetland habitats where its larvae develop.
Strymon istapa
Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak, Mallow Hairstreak, Dotted Hairstreak, Hewitson's Hairstreak
Strymon istapa is a widespread hairstreak butterfly found in xeric habitats across the southern United States, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean. It is notably adaptable to human-altered landscapes, frequently occurring in rural and suburban areas with open fields or overgrown weeds resulting from land clearing. The species exhibits a distinctive behavioral trait of rubbing its hindwings together, presumably to draw attention to antenna-mimicking scales on the hindwing margin. Multiple common names reflect its association with mallow vegetation and its spotted wing pattern.
Synanthedon acerrubri
Maple Clearwing Moth, Red Maple Borer
Synanthedon acerrubri is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the maple clearwing moth or red maple borer. The species is a wood-boring pest of maple trees in eastern North America. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking in appearance, with transparent wings and banded abdomens. Larvae tunnel into the trunks and branches of host trees, causing structural damage.
Synanthedon albicornis
Western Willow Clearwing Moth
Synanthedon albicornis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Western Willow Clearwing Moth. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males possessing highly bipectinate (feathery) antennae and distinctive white thoracic tufts composed of hair-like scales. Like other sesiids, it is a wasp mimic with reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent appearance. The species is diurnal and generally not attracted to light traps.
Synanthedon arizonensis
Arizona Clearwing Moth
Synanthedon arizonensis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, known for its wasp-like appearance and diurnal activity. Like other members of its genus, it likely bores into woody plants as larvae. The species is native to the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. It belongs to a group of moths that are generally not attracted to light traps, making them difficult to survey using standard moth-collecting methods.
Synanthedon bibionipennis
Strawberry Crown Moth
Synanthedon bibionipennis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the strawberry crown moth. Adults are active from April to August and are diurnal. The species has one generation per year. Larvae are borers that feed internally on the crowns and roots of various rosaceous plants.
Synanthedon helenis
Helenis clearwing
Synanthedon helenis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, distributed across the Canadian Prairie Provinces. The species exhibits typical sesiid characteristics including reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent, wasp-like appearance. Like many clearwing moths, it is primarily diurnal and not attracted to lights. The specific host plants and larval biology remain poorly documented.
Synanthedon kathyae
Holly Borer Moth
Synanthedon kathyae is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Holly Borer Moth. Like other sesiids, adults are wasp mimics with reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent appearance. The species is diurnal and generally not attracted to lights, making it difficult to encounter except by chance observation or pheromone lures.
Synanthedon mellinipennis
Ceanothus Borer Moth
Synanthedon mellinipennis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Ceanothus Borer Moth. Like other sesiids, it exhibits wasp mimicry through transparent wings and hymenopteran-like body form. The species is associated with Ceanothus host plants, with larvae boring into stems or roots. Adults are diurnal and generally not attracted to light traps.
Synanthedon pyri
Apple Bark Borer
Synanthedon pyri, commonly known as the Apple Bark Borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults are diurnal and exhibit wasp mimicry, with transparent wings and wasp-like coloration. Larvae are wood-borers that infest the bark and cambium of fruit trees, particularly apple (Malus spp.), causing damage to commercial orchards. The species is native to North America and has been documented as a pest of economic concern in apple-growing regions.
Synanthedon rhododendri
Rhododendron Borer Moth
Synanthedon rhododendri is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the rhododendron borer moth. The species is a specialist pest of rhododendrons and related Ericaceae, with larvae boring into stems and crowns of host plants. Adults are diurnal and exhibit wasp-mimicking appearance typical of the family. The species occurs in the Nearctic region.
Synanthedon rileyana
horsenettle borer, Riley's clearwing moth
Synanthedon rileyana is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, notable for its effective wasp mimicry. Adults are diurnal and active from late spring through early autumn. The species is distinguished from similar clearwing moths by complete yellow banding on all abdominal segments and a red discal cell on the forewing. Larvae are borers in horsenettle (Solanum carolinense), a weedy plant common to sandy agricultural areas.
Synanthedon rubrofascia
Tupelo Clearwing Moth
Synanthedon rubrofascia, the Tupelo Clearwing Moth, is a North American clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males possessing highly bipectinate (feathery) antennae. The species is diurnal and, like most sesiids, generally unattracted to light traps. It is associated with Nyssa (tupelo) host plants, though specific life history details remain poorly documented.
Synanthedon sapygaeformis
Florida Oakgall Moth, Florida Oakgall Borer Moth
Synanthedon sapygaeformis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Florida Oakgall Moth or Florida Oakgall Borer Moth. A subspecies, S. sapygaeformis floridensis, has been documented in Florida with biological notes published in 1964. As with other sesiids, this species exhibits wasp mimicry through its transparent wings and hymenopteran-like appearance. The specific epithet 'sapygaeformis' references a resemblance to wasps in the genus Sapyga.
Syntomeida epilais
Polka-Dot Wasp Moth, Oleander Moth, Uncle Sam Moth
Syntomeida epilais, commonly known as the polka-dot wasp moth or oleander moth, is a day-flying moth native to the Caribbean that has become established in the southeastern United States. The species is notable for its striking aposematic coloration—iridescent blue wings with white polka-dots and a red-tipped abdomen—that mimics the appearance of stinging wasps. Both adults and larvae sequester cardiac glycosides from their host plants, making them toxic to predators. The species possesses the most elaborate acoustic communication system known in the family Erebidae, with females producing ultrasonic signals to attract mates and defend against bats.