Eastern-north-america
Guides
Aroga epigaeella
Aroga epigaeella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae. The species is named for its larval host plant, Epigaea repens (trailing arbutus). Adults are active from spring through early autumn across a broad range of the eastern and south-central United States. The species exhibits distinctive forewing patterning with contrasting white spots against a dark ground color.
Arpedium schwarzi
Arpedium schwarzi is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Omaliinae: Anthophagini) belonging to the Schwarzi species group within the genus Arpedium. It is an eastern North American species with a distribution spanning the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. The species was described by Fauvel in 1878 and has been subject to taxonomic revision, with lectotype designation and redescription in recent studies.
Asphondylia helianthiglobulus
Sunflower Purse Gall Midge
Asphondylia helianthiglobulus is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae. Its larvae induce distinctive globular stem galls on several sunflower species in eastern North America. The specific epithet "helianthiglobulus" references both its host genus Helianthus and the rounded shape of the galls it produces. This species exemplifies the intimate plant-insect relationships characteristic of gall midges, where larval development occurs entirely within plant tissue.
Aspilanta hydrangaeella
Aspilanta hydrangaeella is a minute leaf-mining moth in the family Heliozelidae, recently transferred from Antispila to the new genus Aspilanta based on phylogenetic evidence. Adults have a wingspan of 5.0–5.8 mm and are distinguished from congeners by white-tipped antennae. The larvae are specialized leaf miners of hydrangea plants, cutting out a shield-shaped pupal case from the leaf before emergence. The species occurs in the eastern United States.
Asterocampa celtis celtis
Eastern Hackberry Butterfly
Asterocampa celtis celtis is the nominate subspecies of the Hackberry Butterfly, a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is strongly associated with hackberry trees (Celtis spp.) throughout its life cycle, with larvae feeding exclusively on these host plants. The subspecies ranges across eastern North America, where it is a common and widespread resident of woodland edges and riparian corridors.
Asterocampa clyton
tawny emperor
Asterocampa clyton, the tawny emperor, is a brush-footed butterfly native to eastern North America. Adults are distinguished from the similar hackberry emperor by orange-brown forewings with pale orange-yellow spots and the absence of white forewing spots and a lower black eyespot. The species exhibits a dark morph with nearly uniformly dark hindwings in some regions. Adults rarely visit flowers, instead feeding on carrion, plant sap, and dung. The sole larval host is hackberry (Celtis spp.).
Athetis tarda
Slowpoke Moth
Athetis tarda, commonly known as the slowpoke moth, is a small noctuid moth native to eastern North America. It is strongly associated with oak-dominated habitats. Adults are active during two distinct periods in spring and late summer, while larvae feed on decomposing oak leaf litter.
Athous cucullatus
Hooded Click Beetle
Athous cucullatus, commonly known as the Hooded Click Beetle, is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. It is native to eastern North America, with confirmed records from Canadian provinces including Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec. The species is distinguished by morphological features of the pronotum and head structure. Like other elaterids, it possesses the ability to right itself using a prosternal-mesosternal clicking mechanism.
Athous posticus
Spurious Click Beetle
Athous posticus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the Spurious Click Beetle. It is a small to medium-sized beetle native to eastern North America. The species is part of the large genus Athous, which contains numerous similar-looking species that can be challenging to distinguish without close examination. It has been documented in Canada and the northeastern United States.
Athous scapularis
Red-shouldered Click Beetle
Athous scapularis is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the Red-shouldered Click Beetle. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1839. Click beetles are characterized by a unique clicking mechanism used to right themselves when flipped on their backs. The common name refers to reddish coloration on the pronotum or shoulder region.
Augochlora pura
Pure Green Sweat Bee, Pure Gold-Green Sweat Bee
A solitary sweat bee in the family Halictidae, native to eastern North America. Adults are typically 8 mm long with bright metallic green coloration, though Florida populations exhibit deep blue metallic coloration. The species nests exclusively in rotting wood, utilizing pre-existing insect burrows to construct brood cells lined with a waxy secretion from the Dufour's gland. Unlike many halictids, A. pura has secondarily lost social behavior; females are solitary nesters with no worker caste, though multiple females may aggregate during overwintering or when nesting near deceased mothers.
Axymyia furcata
Axymyia furcata is a xylophilic, semi-aquatic nematoceran fly and the sole described species in the genus Axymyia. Once considered rare, the species has been documented across twenty U.S. states and two Canadian provinces in the eastern Nearctic. Its larvae develop in water-filled rot holes and cavities of living hardwood trees within deciduous forests. Research indicates post-glacial range expansion from southern Appalachian refugia, with possible survival in northern refugia including the Driftless area and southeastern Ohio.
Bacanius tantillus
Bacanius tantillus is a small species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. It is one of the smallest members of its genus, as indicated by its specific epithet 'tantillus' (Latin for 'so little'). The species is native to eastern North America, where it occurs in forested habitats. Like other members of the subfamily Dendrophilinae, it is likely associated with decaying wood and fungal substrates.
Bibloporus bicanalis
Bibloporus bicanalis is a small rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, characterized by reduced elytra and a compact body form typical of ant-loving beetles. The species was described by Casey in 1884 and occurs in eastern North America. As a member of the tribe Trichonychini, it belongs to a diverse group of myrmecophilous beetles that have evolved specialized associations with ants. Records indicate presence in both Canada and the United States, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Bisnius blandus
A rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, widely distributed across eastern North America from Canada to the southern United States. The species has been recorded in 57 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate detection frequency by naturalists. As a member of the tribe Staphylinini and subtribe Philonthina, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory rove beetles.
Bittacomorpha clavipes
Eastern Phantom Crane Fly, Phantom Crane Fly
Bittacomorpha clavipes, the eastern phantom crane fly, is a distinctive fly in the family Ptychopteridae. Adults are small-bodied with exceptionally long, delicate black legs marked with white sheaths near the tips. The species is known for its unique flight behavior, using wind currents rather than wing beats for transportation, with legs spread to create air resistance. It inhabits shaded, moist environments near wetlands across eastern North America.
Bolitophagus corticola
Bolitophagus corticola is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species is associated with woody habitats, particularly bark and decaying wood. It is native to eastern North America, with records from the Canadian Maritimes through Ontario and Quebec. The genus Bolitophagus is mycophagous, feeding on fungi.
Bolotoperla
winter stonefly
Bolotoperla is a genus of winter stoneflies in the family Taeniopterygidae, containing a single described species, B. rossi. The genus was established by Ricker & Ross in 1975. Winter stoneflies are active during cold months, distinguishing them from most other stonefly groups.
Bombus bimaculatus
Two-spotted Bumble Bee
Bombus bimaculatus, the Two-spotted Bumble Bee, is a social bumble bee native to eastern North America. The species is distinguished by two prominent yellow spots on its abdomen, which give it its common name. Unlike many Bombus species, B. bimaculatus has shown relative stability in population trends. It is an important pollinator in its native range, contributing to both wild plant reproduction and agricultural crop pollination.
Bombus citrinus
lemon cuckoo bumblebee
Bombus citrinus is a cuckoo bumblebee native to eastern North America, recognized by its lemon-yellow coloration. As an obligate social parasite, it invades colonies of other bumblebees, kills the resident queen, and assumes control of the host worker population. It belongs to the subgenus Psithyrus, a group of parasitic bumblebees that have lost the ability to collect pollen and rear their own workers.
Bombus flavidus appalachiensis
A subspecies of the cuckoo bumble bee Bombus flavidus endemic to eastern North America, ranging from the Appalachian Mountains to the eastern boreal regions of the United States and far southeastern Canada. Described in 2021 following integrative taxonomic analysis that revealed this population as genetically and morphologically distinct from western North American and Palearctic populations. As a social parasite, this subspecies does not construct colonies or collect pollen but invades nests of other bumble bee species.
Bombus impatiens
Common Eastern Bumble Bee, common eastern bumblebee
Bombus impatiens is a native North American bumble bee and the most commonly encountered bumblebee across much of eastern North America. The species exhibits high adaptability to diverse habitats including agricultural areas, suburbs, and urban environments, which has facilitated its widespread commercial use as a greenhouse pollinator. Colonies are founded annually by solitary queens and can exceed 450 individuals. The species has been introduced beyond its native range through commercial trade and serves as a key model organism for bumble bee research.
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.
Calephelis borealis
Northern Metalmark
Calephelis borealis, the northern metalmark, is a small butterfly in the family Riodinidae endemic to the eastern United States. It is one of few tropical-associated riodinids found in eastern North America. The species has declined across its range due to habitat loss from afforestation and invasive plant encroachment. Active management including canopy thinning and invasive plant removal has been shown to increase local populations.
Calledapteryx dryopterata
Brown Scoopwing, brown scoopwing moth
Calledapteryx dryopterata, the Brown Scoopwing, is a moth species in the family Uraniidae and the sole member of its genus. It is found in the eastern United States. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1868. It belongs to a small family of moths that includes both day-flying and night-flying species, some with distinctive wing shapes.
Callima argenticinctella
Orange-headed Callima Moth, Orange-headed Epicallima Moth
A small concealer moth in the family Oecophoridae, with a wingspan of 10–13 mm. The forewings display distinctive yellowish-orange coloration with silvery black-margined lines and a deep reddish-orange basal area. The species is found in deciduous forests across eastern North America, from Nova Scotia to Texas. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light and are active from spring through autumn.
Callosamia angulifera
Tuliptree Silkmoth, Giant Silkmoth
Callosamia angulifera is a large saturniid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are nocturnal, with flight activity occurring from June through August in northern populations and March through August in southern populations where two generations occur annually. The species exhibits strong host plant specificity, with larvae feeding exclusively on tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera). Adults lack functional mouthparts and do not feed. The species is closely related to Callosamia promethea and C. securifera, with which it shares morphological similarities but differs in host plant use and diel activity patterns.
Caloparyphus tetraspilus
Caloparyphus tetraspilus is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. It occurs in madicolous habitats—thin water films on rock surfaces—in eastern North America. The species was described by Loew in 1866 and is one of several Caloparyphus species adapted to this specialized aquatic microhabitat.
Calopteryx dimidiata
Sparkling Jewelwing
Calopteryx dimidiata, commonly known as the sparkling jewelwing, is a small damselfly species endemic to the eastern and southeastern United States. It is one of the smallest members of the family Calopterygidae, measuring 37–50 mm in length. The species inhabits sandy forest streams with fast-flowing water, particularly acidic streams with abundant riverside vegetation. Adults are active from spring through autumn depending on latitude, with males defending small territories and engaging in ritualized courtship flights.
Caloptilia anthobaphes
A leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, found in eastern North America. The larvae feed on Vaccinium species, creating mines in leaves. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light sources. The species was described by Edward Meyrick in 1921.
Caloptilia bimaculatella
Maple Caloptilia Moth
Caloptilia bimaculatella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. It is known from eastern North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia) and the eastern United States. The species has a wingspan of 9–10 mm. Larvae feed on red maple (Acer rubrum), creating blotch mines in the leaves.
Caloptilia superbifrontella
Witch-hazel Caloptilia
Caloptilia superbifrontella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the Witch-hazel Caloptilia. The species is restricted to eastern North America, with records from Canada (Québec and Nova Scotia) and the eastern and central United States. Larvae are leaf miners that feed exclusively on Hamamelis species, including witch-hazel and related shrubs.
Caloptilia vacciniella
Caloptilia vacciniella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species is known from eastern North America, with records from Quebec, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Maine, Michigan, and Massachusetts. Larvae are specialized feeders on Vaccinium species, including lowbush blueberry, highbush blueberry, and hillside blueberry.
Caloptilia violacella
Tick-Trefoil Caloptilia Moth
Caloptilia violacella is a small gracillariid moth with a wingspan of approximately 10 mm. The species is distributed across the eastern and central United States, with records from Illinois, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, New York, and Texas. Larvae are leaf miners that feed on leguminous host plants including pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), tick-trefoils (Desmodium species), and Meibomia dillenii. The common name "Tick-Trefoil Caloptilia Moth" reflects its association with Desmodium host plants.
Cameraria bethunella
A small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, native to eastern North America. Larvae create mines in leaves of chestnut and oak species. Adults are tiny with wingspans under 8 mm. The species was originally described by Chambers in 1871.
Cameraria betulivora
Cameraria betulivora is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 7 mm. The species is restricted to eastern North America, where its larvae feed exclusively on Betula (birch) species.
Cameraria hamameliella
Witchhazel Leafminer
Cameraria hamameliella is a minute leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, first described by August Busck in 1903. The species is narrowly associated with witchhazel (Hamamelis) as its larval host, with larvae creating distinctive mines within leaves. It occurs throughout eastern North America, where it is the primary leafminer documented on native Hamamelis virginiana.
Cameraria obstrictella
Cameraria obstrictella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Clemens in 1859. It is found in eastern North America, where its larvae create leaf mines on oak species and wax myrtle. The species has a wingspan of 7–8 mm.
Camponotus caryae (Fitch, 1855)
Walnut Carpenter Ant
Camponotus caryae is a species of carpenter ant in the genus Camponotus, commonly known as the Walnut Carpenter Ant. It is native to eastern North America, with records from the eastern United States and eastern Canada, and has also been reported from Mexico (Nuevo León and Chihuahua). There are unconfirmed reports of its presence in parts of the western United States, Spain, Italy, and Bulgaria. Like other carpenter ants, it nests in wood and is associated with hickory and walnut trees.
Camponotus castaneus
Chestnut Carpenter Ant, Red Hazelnut Carpenter Ant, Reddish Carpenter Ant
Camponotus castaneus is a medium-sized carpenter ant native to eastern North America. Workers exhibit pronounced size polymorphism, with minor workers measuring 8-10 mm and major workers reaching 10-14 mm; queens are substantially larger at 18-20 mm. The species is distinguished by its orangish-red coloration, smooth thorax and abdomen, and single petiolar node. Colonies nest in rotting wood and undergo an early diapause beginning in fall, often ceasing foraging before other temperate ant species.
Camponotus pennsylvanicus
Eastern Black Carpenter Ant, Black Carpenter Ant
Camponotus pennsylvanicus, the Eastern Black Carpenter Ant, is a large, robust ant species native to eastern North America. Workers measure 3/8 to 1/2 inch in length and are uniformly dark brown to black. Unlike termites, this species excavates wood rather than consuming it, creating galleries in decaying stumps, fallen logs, and hollow trees for colony housing. The species is facultatively polydomous, with colonies sometimes occupying multiple nest sites connected by trails. C. pennsylvanicus is notable for its swimming ability, using forelegs to paddle and mid legs to row when encountering water hazards. The species employs chemical trail-laying for foraging recruitment and practices trophallaxis as a mechanism of social immunity, distributing antimicrobial substances among colony members. While primarily a forest species, it frequently becomes a household pest when satellite colonies establish in moisture-damaged structural wood.
Castianeira cingulata
twobanded antmimic, two-banded ant-mimic sac spider
Castianeira cingulata is a small ant-mimicking spider in the family Corinnidae, commonly known as the twobanded antmimic. Females measure 7–8 mm in body length, males 6–7 mm. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry of carpenter ants through coloration, body shape, and behavioral displays including bobbing movements and foreleg waving that simulates antennae. It inhabits woodland leaf litter across eastern North America, where it hunts insect prey.
ant-mimicryBatesian-mimicryleaf-litter-predatorCorinnidaeeastern-North-Americaforest-floor-spiderharmless-to-humansoverwintering-in-silk-sacksdiurnal-and-nocturnalslow-deliberate-movementforeleg-waving-displaysmall-size-6-8mmtwo-pale-abdominal-bandscarpenter-ant-mimicwoodland-habitatactive-hunternon-web-building-spidersilken-retreat-constructionpotential-multi-year-lifespan-in-southwandering-behavior-brings-indoorsCatastega aceriella
Maple Trumpet Skeletonizer Moth
A small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 13–17 mm, distributed across eastern North America. The species is associated with maple trees, with larvae that skeletonize leaves. Multiple generations may occur annually.
Catocala dulciola
Sweet Underwing, Quiet Underwing
Catocala dulciola, commonly known as the sweet underwing or quiet underwing, is a North American moth species in the family Erebidae. First described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1881, this underwing moth exhibits the characteristic cryptic forewings and brightly patterned hindwings typical of its genus. The species has a documented wingspan of 40–45 mm and appears to have a single annual generation with adults active during early summer.
Catocala flebilis
Mourning Underwing, Mournful Underwing
Catocala flebilis, the mourning underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of 45–65 mm and are active from July to September. The species is distinguished by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a characteristic defense mechanism of underwing moths. Larvae feed specifically on Carya glabra and Carya ovata (hickory species).
Catocala judith
Judith's Underwing
Catocala judith, or Judith's Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae first described by Strecker in 1874. It belongs to the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, which are characterized by dull forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The species is found in eastern North America, ranging from southern Quebec and Ontario south to Georgia and west to Oklahoma and Iowa. Like other underwings, it employs a startle defense by flashing its concealed hindwings when disturbed.
Catocala mira
Wonderful Underwing
Catocala mira, known as the Wonderful Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1876. The species name derives from Latin mira, meaning "wonderful." It is a medium-sized underwing moth with distinctive gray forewings featuring a lighter diagonal band and orange hindwings with irregular black banding. The species occurs across eastern and central North America and has been recorded feeding on hawthorns (Crataegus) in the larval stage.
Catocala miranda
Miranda underwing
Catocala miranda is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1881. It is commonly known as the Miranda underwing, a name reflecting the genus's characteristic hidden hindwing patterns. The species occurs in the eastern and southeastern United States, with adults active in late spring. The larvae feed on hawthorns (Crataegus).
Catocala obscura
Obscure Underwing
Catocala obscura, the obscure underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is found in eastern North America from southern Canada to the southeastern and midwestern United States. Adults are active from July to October, with a wingspan of 60–72 mm. The species is named for its relatively subdued hindwing pattern compared to other underwing moths.
Catonia picta
Catonia picta is a planthopper species in the family Achilidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1908. The species belongs to the subfamily Myconinae and tribe Plectoderini. It is a member of the diverse Hemipteran fauna of eastern North America, with documented records across the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. As with other achilid planthoppers, it is associated with forest and woodland habitats where it feeds on fungal hyphae.