Early-spring
Guides
Ablautus arnaudi
Ablautus arnaudi is a small species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Wilcox in 1966. Adults measure approximately 6–7 millimeters in length. The species exhibits sand-colored cryptic coloration and displays distinctive sexual dimorphism in facial hair coloration. Males possess bright white facial hairs and engage in elaborate courtship displays involving leg-waving and rocking movements. Like all Asilidae, this species is predatory in both adult and larval stages.
Asilidaerobber-flypredatorysexual-dimorphismcourtshipearly-springsand-coloredcrypticleafhopper-predatormystaxfacial-hair-dimorphismextra-oral-digestionvenomoussit-and-wait-predatorplains-habitatsmall-size6-7-mmwhite-facial-hairs-malegold-facial-hairs-femaleleg-waving-displayrocking-displayWilcox-1966Ablautus-revisionCharlotte-Herbert-AlbertsColoradoeastern-plainsAblautus mimus
Arizona Prospector
Ablautus mimus is a small robber fly (family Asilidae) native to arid regions of western and southwestern North America. Adults measure approximately 6–7 millimeters and exhibit sand-colored camouflage. The species has been documented in association with sandy soils in sagebrush habitats and shows documented mimicry of Lestomyia sabulonum, another small fly species sharing its habitat. It is also known to occur alongside Cyrtopogon ablautoides in sandy desert regions.
Ablautus trifarius
Loew Prospector
Ablautus trifarius is a small robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Loew in 1866. Adults measure approximately 6–7 millimeters and are sand-colored, making them difficult to detect in their natural environment. The species is predatory in both larval and adult stages, preying on insects smaller than themselves such as leafhoppers. Males exhibit distinctive courtship behavior involving aerial displays, leg-waving, and rocking movements.
Amblyscirtes hegon
pepper-and-salt skipper
Amblyscirtes hegon, commonly known as the pepper-and-salt skipper, is a small grass-feeding skipper butterfly native to eastern and central North America. It is distinguished by its relatively early spring flight period and association with grassy habitats. The species has a single generation per year and is mostly absent from coastal plain regions within its range.
Annaphila arvalis
Annaphila arvalis is a small owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Henry Edwards in 1875. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 20 mm and are active from early March to mid-April. The species is distributed across western North America from south-eastern British Columbia to southern California. Larvae feed on Montia perfoliata. The species is assigned Hodges number 9854.
Anthocharis thoosa inghami
Ingham's Orangetip
Anthocharis thoosa inghami is a subspecies of orangetip butterfly in the family Pieridae. It is one of several recognized subspecies of Anthocharis thoosa, a species complex distributed across western North America. Like other orangetips, adults are active in early spring and are associated with specific larval host plants in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). The subspecies epithet 'inghami' honors a collector or researcher, following standard entomological naming conventions.
Bradynotes obesa
Slow Mountain Grasshopper, Mountain Lubber Grasshopper, Western Lubber Grasshopper
Bradynotes obesa is a large, flightless spur-throated grasshopper endemic to western North America. It is characterized by its robust, heavy-bodied morphology and slow, deliberate movement. The species inhabits transitional zones between pine savannah and sagebrush desert in mountainous regions, particularly at lower elevations in the Big Horn and Wind River Mountains of Wyoming. It is notable for its very early spring emergence, with adults present primarily in May and June, and its gregarious behavior in localized populations.
Cerodontha saintandrewsensis
Cerodontha saintandrewsensis is a species of leaf-miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. The genus Cerodontha comprises small flies whose larvae create distinctive feeding patterns by boring between the layers of grass blades and leaves of sedges and rushes. This species was documented during blacklighting surveys in Leavenworth, Kansas, in early spring 2024.
Cerodontha scirpivora
Cerodontha scirpivora is a leaf miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species was described by Spencer in 1969. Its larvae create mines between the layers of leaves in grasses, sedges, and rushes. The specific epithet "scirpivora" indicates an association with Scirpus (bulrushes), a genus of sedges.
Cheilosia grossa
Large Bulb Fly, Foxy Bulb Fly
A large, robust hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, widespread across Europe. Adults are active in early spring, visiting willow catkins and other early-flowering plants. The species is notable for its phytophagous larvae that tunnel within thistle stems and roots, causing characteristic plant damage. Males exhibit distinctive hovering behavior at head height, occasionally forming loose swarms.
Cochylis carmelana
Cochylis carmelana is a small tortricid moth species described in 1907. It is known only from coastal California in the United States. Adults are active in early spring, with records from February and April. The species appears to be narrowly distributed and poorly studied, with basic biological details remaining unknown.
Colletes inaequalis
Unequal Cellophane Bee, Plasterer Bee, Polyester Bee
Colletes inaequalis is a univoltine, ground-nesting solitary bee and one of the earliest pollinators to emerge in North American spring. Males emerge approximately two weeks before females and patrol nesting sites seeking mates. Females construct individual underground burrows in sandy soils, lining brood cells with a polyester secretion from abdominal glands that creates a waterproof, cellophane-like coating. The species exhibits strong site fidelity, with offspring often nesting near parental aggregation sites. It is polylectic, visiting early spring flowering trees including Eastern Redbud, maple, willow, and apple.
Colletes ochraceus
Ochraceous Cellophane Bee, Ochraceous Plasterer Bee
Colletes ochraceus is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae, commonly known as the ochraceous cellophane bee or ochraceous plasterer bee. Native to North America, this species exhibits the characteristic cellophane bee behavior of lining underground brood cells with a waterproof, cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland. Females construct individual burrows in sandy soils, provisioning them with a semi-liquid mixture of pollen and nectar for their larvae. The species is part of a diverse genus of early spring-emerging bees that serve as important native pollinators.
Comantella pacifica
Comantella pacifica is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Curran in 1926. It is one of four recognized species in the genus Comantella, which is characterized by unusual seasonal activity patterns and distinctive morphological features. The species is found in western North America from British Columbia south to Nevada and Utah. Adults are active in early spring and late fall, an unusual pattern among robber flies.
Erora laeta
Early Hairstreak
Erora laeta, commonly known as the early hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It occurs in deciduous and mixed woodlands of eastern North America. The species is notable for its early spring emergence and specialized association with American beech as a larval host. Adults have a wingspan of 21–24 mm.
Erynnis brizo
Sleepy Duskywing, Banded Oak Duskywing
Erynnis brizo is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, found throughout North America. Adults are commonly confused with E. juvenalis and E. lucilius. The species is listed as threatened in Connecticut and Maine. Larvae feed on scrub oaks, while adults nectar from heath family flowers and other sources.
Erynnis propertius
Propertius duskywing, Propertius Dusky-Wing
Erynnis propertius, commonly known as the Propertius duskywing, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs along the Pacific coast of North America from southern British Columbia to Baja California Norte and is one of the most frequently encountered skippers in California. The species has been studied at the northern edge of its range, where peripheral populations face habitat loss threats but may contribute to poleward range expansion under warming conditions.
Eucyrtopogon albibarbus
Eucyrtopogon albibarbus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Curran in 1923. The genus Eucyrtopogon contains small to medium-sized predatory flies that can be confused with the related genus Comantella. Both genera share traits such as early spring and late fall adult activity, a humpbacked profile, and ground-perching behavior in open habitats.
Eupithecia gilvipennata
Eupithecia gilvipennata is a small geometrid moth first described in 1922. It occurs along the North American Pacific coast from British Columbia southward through Colorado to California and Arizona. The species is notable for its very early spring flight period and larval specialization on Arctostaphylos species. Adults have been documented visiting apple flowers, contributing to nocturnal pollination services.
Eupithecia matheri
Eupithecia matheri is a small geometrid moth described by Frederick H. Rindge in 1985. It is one of numerous 'pug' moths in the genus Eupithecia, characterized by narrow wings and a distinctive resting posture. Adults are active in late winter and early spring, with flight records from late January through early April. The species has been documented visiting apple flowers at night, contributing to nocturnal pollination services.
Eupithecia olivacea
A North American geometrid moth described by Taylor in 1906. The species is notable for its uniform olive-brown forewings and early spring flight period. Larvae are associated with coniferous trees including firs, spruces, and hemlocks, as well as hawthorn. The species has been documented as a nocturnal visitor to apple flowers, suggesting potential pollination activity.
Ischnomera ruficollis
Red-necked False Blister Beetle
Ischnomera ruficollis, commonly known as the Red-necked False Blister Beetle, is a small beetle in the family Oedemeridae. Adults have been observed visiting flowers of early spring-blooming woody plants, particularly Prunus mexicana (Mexican plum) and Amelanchier arborea (downy serviceberry), where they feed alongside bees and other beetles. The species exhibits mating behavior on flowers and appears to be an early-season active species in temperate North American woodlands.
Leucobrephos brephoides
Scarce Infant Moth
Leucobrephos brephoides is a small geometrid moth known as the scarce infant moth. It is one of the earliest moths to appear in spring, with adults active from March through May. The species is restricted to North American boreal and montane forests, where its larvae feed on several deciduous tree species including aspen and birch.
Orthosia
early spring millers
Orthosia is a genus of owlet moths (Noctuidae) established by Ferdinand Ochsenheimer in 1816. Adults are active during winter and early spring, earning the group the common name "early spring millers." The genus includes notable species such as the Hebrew character (O. gothica), the common Quaker (O. cerasi), and the speckled green fruitworm moth (O. hibisci). Species in this genus typically have a single generation per year, with adults emerging from overwintering pupae.
Osmia lignaria propinqua
Western Blue Orchard Bee, Blue Orchard Bee, BOB
Osmia lignaria propinqua is a solitary, cavity-nesting mason bee native to western North America, commonly known as the Western Blue Orchard Bee or BOB. It is a subspecies of the blue orchard bee and is valued as a highly efficient pollinator of early-blooming fruit trees including almonds, cherries, apples, and plums. Females carry dry pollen on the scopa (hairs) beneath the abdomen rather than on leg baskets, and they forage at lower temperatures and for more hours than honey bees. The species is managed commercially in orchards, where it is often deployed alongside honey bees to improve cross-pollination through its tendency to move between trees rather than forage systematically on single plants.
Paleacrita vernata
Spring Cankerworm, Spring Cankerworm Moth
Paleacrita vernata is a geometrid moth known as the spring cankerworm. Males have functional wings and fly from February to late May, while females are wingless and climb tree trunks to lay eggs. The larvae are defoliators of deciduous trees and shrubs, with documented feeding on Acer, Ulmus, Betula, Prunus, and Quercus species. The species has been observed using flax as a secondary host, indicating broader host flexibility than previously recognized.
Phigalia plumogeraria
Walnut Spanworm Moth
Phigalia plumogeraria, the walnut spanworm moth, is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6661. It belongs to the genus Phigalia, which includes other early spring-emerging geometer moths with similar life histories.
Phigalia strigataria
Small Phigalia Moth
A small geometer moth (family Geometridae) native to North America. Males are winged and active in early spring, while females are wingless. The species exhibits a life history nearly identical to the Spring Cankerworm (Paleacrita vernata), with which it shares geographic range and seasonal timing. Adults do not feed; larvae are the dispersal and feeding stage.
Phigalia titea
Half-wing Moth, Spiny Looper
Phigalia titea, commonly known as the Half-wing Moth or Spiny Looper, is a geometrid moth native to eastern North America. Adult males have fully developed wings with an average wingspan of approximately 34 mm, while females are wingless (apterous). The species is notable for its exceptionally early adult activity period in late winter and early spring, making it one of the first moths to appear each year. Larvae are polyphagous loopers (inchworms) that feed on a wide variety of deciduous hardwood trees and can cause significant defoliation during outbreak years.
Podalonia argentifrons
cutworm wasp
Podalonia argentifrons is a species of thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, subfamily Ammophilinae. Like other members of its genus, it is a solitary hunting wasp that preys on soil-dwelling caterpillars ('cutworms'), paralyzing them to provision underground burrows for its larvae. The species occurs across North America, the Caribbean, and Middle America. Females are active in early spring and may overwinter as adults, emerging on warm winter days to hunt.
Podalonia pubescens
cutworm wasp
Podalonia pubescens is a solitary thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, subfamily Ammophilinae. Like other members of the genus, females hunt soil-dwelling caterpillars (cutworms), paralyze them, and provision underground burrows as food for their larvae. This species occurs in North America and Central America. Species-level identification requires examination of minute morphological characters such as the presence or absence of arolia (small pads between the claws), making field identification to species difficult.
Pontia
whites
Pontia is a genus of pierid butterflies in the family Pieridae, commonly referred to as the "whites." These butterflies are distributed across the Holarctic region, with species found in North America, Europe, and Asia, though they are relatively rare in central and eastern North America and Europe. Several species formerly classified in Pontia have been reassigned to the genus Sinopieris. The genus includes well-known species such as the Checkered White (Pontia protodice) and the Spring White (Pontia sisymbrii).
Pontia sisymbrii
Spring White, California White, Colorado White
Pontia sisymbrii, commonly known as the Spring White, is a small butterfly in the family Pieridae. It is one of the earliest butterflies to appear in spring in western North America, often emerging before the vernal equinox. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males typically white and females sometimes yellowish. It is closely associated with mustard family host plants and has a single generation annually at higher elevations, with two generations at lower elevations.
Sepedon armipes
marsh fly
Sepedon armipes is a North American species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, commonly known as snail-killing flies. Like other members of its genus, its larvae are aquatic predators of pulmonate snails. The species exhibits early-season activity, with adults observed active as early as February.
Spilichneumon
Spilichneumon is a genus of ichneumon wasps containing at least 30 described species. These wasps are notable for being among the first wasps active in early spring, having overwintered as adults in protected locations such as rotten logs. The genus has a holarctic and Oriental distribution, with North American species concentrated in northern regions, Canada, Alaska, and mountainous areas extending south to Arizona. Females are internal parasitoids of noctuid moth caterpillars, with larvae developing inside hosts and emerging from the pupal stage.
Tricrania sanguinipennis
Blood-winged Blister Beetle
Tricrania sanguinipennis is a flightless blister beetle (family Meloidae) native to eastern North America. Adults are 9–15 mm long with bright red, leathery elytra that conceal vestigial wings. The species is a parasitoid of solitary bees in the genus Colletes, particularly Colletes inaequalis. Its life cycle involves hypermetamorphosis, with a mobile triungulin larva that hitchhikes on male bees to access underground nest cells. The beetle has been documented from Saskatchewan to northern Florida, with Kansas marking its western limit.
Xanthippus montanus
sandhills band-wing grasshopper
Xanthippus montanus, the sandhills band-wing grasshopper, is a species of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in North America. The species belongs to the early spring group of grasshoppers that overwinter as nymphs, with adults present early in the season.