Eastern-north-america
Guides
Gomphaeschna
Pygmy Darners
Gomphaeschna is a genus of small dragonflies commonly called pygmy darners, currently comprising two extant species native to eastern North America. It represents one of the most ancient surviving dragonfly genera known, with fossil records extending to the earliest Cretaceous (Berriasian) of Russia. The genus formerly had a much broader distribution across Eurasia and western North America, with multiple fossil species documented from the Paleocene through Miocene. Some taxonomic authorities recognize it as the sole genus of the distinct family Gomphaeschnidae due to its deep evolutionary origins.
Gomphurus hybridus
Cocoa Clubtail
A medium-sized clubtail dragonfly endemic to eastern North America. Adults are active in late spring through mid-summer, with peak emergence typically in June. The species is named for the cocoa-brown coloration of mature males. Larvae develop in streams and rivers, requiring clean, flowing water with sandy or gravelly substrates. Like other gomphids, it is a predator both as aquatic nymph and aerial adult.
Graphisurus despectus
Salt-and-pepper Long-horned Beetle
Graphisurus despectus is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1850. It occurs in the eastern United States and is one of three Graphisurus species found in Missouri. The species breeds almost exclusively in hickory (Carya spp.), showing strong host fidelity compared to its congeners. It is less commonly encountered than the widespread G. fasciatus but more frequently collected than the attractive G. triangulifer.
Graphisurus fasciatus
Banded Graphisurus
Graphisurus fasciatus is a longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae) found throughout eastern North America. It is one of three species in the genus Graphisurus occurring in Missouri and is notably the most commonly encountered of the three. The species was described by Degeer in 1775. It is primarily associated with oak (Quercus spp.) as a larval host.
Graphisurus triangulifer
Graphisurus triangulifer is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Haldeman in 1847. It is one of three Graphisurus species occurring in Missouri and is distinguished by dark triangular markings on the elytra. The species exhibits a southern, lowland distribution pattern in eastern North America and is strongly associated with Celtis (hackberry/sugarberry) as its primary larval host.
Gymnocarena norrbomi
Gymnocarena norrbomi is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, described from eastern North America in 2012. The species belongs to the subfamily Tephritinae, which includes many phytophagous fruit flies that develop in plant tissues. Larvae of this species develop within the flower heads of specific Asteraceae host plants. The species is one of 19 currently recognized in the genus Gymnocarena.
Hadrobregmus notatus
Marked Death-watch Beetle
Hadrobregmus notatus is a species of death-watch beetle in the family Ptinidae. It is found in Eastern Canada and the Eastern United States. The species has been documented in provinces including New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario in Canada. As a member of the death-watch beetles, it belongs to a group known for their association with wood and structural timber.
Hadromyia aepalius
Sterling Quicksilver
Hadromyia aepalius, known as the Sterling Quicksilver, is a rare hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found in eastern North America. The species exhibits a distinctive shining metallic bronze coloration that gives it its common name. It belongs to a genus of relatively uncommon flower-visiting flies. Observations are sparse, with only five documented records on iNaturalist.
Haeterius blanchardi
clown beetle
Haeterius blanchardi is a myrmecophilous clown beetle (family Histeridae) native to the eastern United States. The species is known to inhabit colonies of the ant Formica pallidefulva, though its precise ecological relationship with the host remains incompletely documented. Adults have been recorded from Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The larvae have not been formally described.
Haimbachia placidellus
Peppered Haimbachia Moth
Haimbachia placidellus, commonly known as the Peppered Haimbachia Moth, is a species of grass moth in the family Crambidae. It was described by Frank Haimbach in 1907. The species is distributed across the eastern United States, with records spanning from New York and Massachusetts south to South Carolina and west to Tennessee. The specific epithet and common name reference the speckled or peppered appearance of the adult moth.
Haploa clymene
Clymene Moth
Haploa clymene, the Clymene moth, is a tiger moth in the subfamily Arctiinae. Adults display distinctive creamy yellow forewings with partial brown-black borders and yellow-orange hindwings with dark spots. The species has one brood per year, with larvae overwintering and maturing in spring and early summer. It is found in eastern North America.
Hebata volsella
Hebata volsella is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Hamilton in 1987. It belongs to the order Hemiptera, a group of insects characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species is known from eastern Canada, with records from Nova Scotia and Québec. Like other leafhoppers, it likely feeds on plant sap using its specialized mouthparts.
Heliomata cycladata
common spring moth
Heliomata cycladata is a small geometrid moth known as the common spring moth, first described in 1866. It occurs across eastern North America from southern Canada through the eastern United States. Adults fly in spring and early summer, with larvae specializing on two leguminous tree hosts.
Heliria cristata
Heliria cristata is a North American treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Léon Fairmaire in 1846. It is primarily associated with oak trees, particularly black oak (Quercus velutina), and occurs across a broad range in eastern North America. The species is one of approximately 200 observations recorded on iNaturalist, indicating moderate documentation of its occurrence.
Heliria fitchi
Heliria fitchi is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Elmer Darwin Ball in 1925. It is known from the eastern United States and Ontario, Canada. The species has been documented feeding on white oak (Quercus alba).
Hermeuptychia sosybius
Carolina Satyr
Hermeuptychia sosybius, the Carolina Satyr, is a small brown butterfly in the family Nymphalidae described by Fabricius in 1793. It is one of the most common butterflies in the eastern United States and is frequently found in shaded, wooded habitats. The species has a wingspan of 32–38 mm and is characterized by eyespots along the wing edges. It was historically considered conspecific with H. hermes but is now recognized as a distinct species based on morphological and genetic evidence.
Heterocampa pulverea
Eastern White-blotched Prominent
Heterocampa pulverea is a moth species in the family Notodontidae, commonly known as the Eastern White-blotched Prominent. It occurs in oak forests across eastern North America. The species was formerly treated as a subspecies of Heterocampa umbrata but is now recognized as distinct.
Heteromyia prattii
Heteromyia prattii is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Coquillett in 1902. It occurs in eastern North America. As a member of the tribe Heteromyiini, it belongs to a group of small, blood-feeding flies commonly known as no-see-ums or punkies.
Holopsis marginicollis
minute hooded beetle
Holopsis marginicollis is a minute hooded beetle in the family Corylophidae, first described by LeConte in 1852. It occurs in eastern North America, with records extending into Canada. The species inhabits leaf litter and vegetation, typical of the microhabitat preferences of minute fungus beetles. As a member of Corylophidae, it belongs to a family of very small beetles often associated with fungal substrates and decaying organic matter.
Hoplia trivialis
Dark hoplia
Hoplia trivialis, commonly known as the dark hoplia, is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is native to North America and has been documented across a broad range of eastern and central United States. The species is relatively poorly studied compared to other scarab beetles, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Hormaphis
witch hazel aphids, palm aphids
Hormaphis is a genus of gall-forming aphids in the family Aphididae, containing at least three described species distributed mainly in eastern North America. The genus includes the witch hazel cone gall aphid (H. hamamelidis), which induces distinctive cone-shaped galls on witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). Species in this genus exhibit complex host plant manipulation, including alteration of host phenolic metabolism to create favorable gall environments. The life cycle involves a bet-hedging strategy where eggs hatch before host budbreak to ensure gall formation opportunities.
Hymenorus
comb-clawed beetle
Hymenorus is a genus of comb-clawed beetles in the subfamily Alleculinae, family Tenebrionidae. These beetles were formerly classified in their own family Alleculidae before being subsumed into Tenebrionidae. They do not resemble 'classic' darkling beetles and represent one of several groups that complicate identification of this family. The 'sp-two-eastern' designation suggests an undescribed or provisionally identified species found in eastern North America.
Hyparpax aurora
Pink Prominent
Hyparpax aurora, commonly known as the pink prominent, is a moth in the family Notodontidae native to eastern North America. First described by James Edward Smith in 1797, this species is notable for its distinctive pink and yellow coloration. It is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut, indicating potential conservation vulnerability in parts of its range.
Hypena abalienalis
white-lined hypena, white-lined bomolocha moth, white-lined snout
Hypena abalienalis, commonly known as the white-lined hypena or white-lined bomolocha moth, is a small to medium-sized moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Francis Walker in 1859, this species occurs across eastern North America from southern Canada through the northern United States. Adults are active primarily from spring through mid-summer, with multiple generations per year. The species is distinguished by characteristic wing markings and is frequently attracted to artificial light sources.
Hypena sordidula
Sordid Hypena, Sordid Bomolocha Moth, Sordid Snout
Hypena sordidula, the Sordid Hypena or Sordid Bomolocha Moth, is a small moth in the family Erebidae described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. It is distributed across eastern and central North America, with adults active from May through August and two generations per year. The species is notable for its specialized larval association with Laportea species, and for historical confusion regarding its host plant relationships.
Hyperstrotia pervertens
Dotted Graylet
Hyperstrotia pervertens, commonly known as the dotted graylet, is a small moth in the family Erebidae. It was first described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1918. The species is distributed across eastern North America in woodland and forest habitats. It is a relatively well-documented species with over 1,500 observations on iNaturalist.
Hypoprepia fucosa
Painted Lichen Moth
A small to medium-sized moth in the family Erebidae, described by Jacob Hübner in 1831. Adults display distinctive wing patterns and are active primarily during summer months in northern populations. The species occupies a broad geographic range across eastern North America, with larvae specializing on cryptogamic growths on tree bark.
Hypsopygia olinalis
Yellow-fringed Dolichomia Moth, yellow-fringed dolichomia
A small pyralid moth of eastern North America, Hypsopygia olinalis is recognized by its distinctive yellow fringe along the wing margins. The species has a wingspan of 16–24 mm and exhibits a bimodal flight pattern with adults active from May through August in the northern part of its range and extending into September farther south. Larvae are documented feeders on Quercus species.
Idia majoralis
Greater Idia Moth
Idia majoralis, commonly known as the Greater Idia Moth, is a species of litter moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Herminiinae. First described by J. B. Smith in 1895, it is distributed across eastern North America from Ontario and Quebec southward through the midwestern United States. The species is associated with forest floor habitats where decaying organic matter accumulates.
Idia scobialis
Smoky Idia Moth, smoky idia
Idia scobialis is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Grote in 1880. It occurs across eastern North America from southern Canada to the southeastern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 20 mm and completes one generation per year. Larvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves and other organic debris.
Ilexia intractata
Black-dotted Ruddy Moth
A medium-sized geometrid moth with ruddy-brown forewings marked by scattered black dots. The common name refers to this distinctive spotted pattern. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The species is well-documented across eastern North America with over 7,500 iNaturalist observations.
Isarthrus
Isarthrus is a genus of beetles in the family Eucnemidae (false click beetles), established by LeConte in 1852. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized beetles characterized by their association with decaying wood. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with only eight observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the data cutoff. Isarthrus belongs to a family whose larvae are primarily wood-borers in dead or dying hardwoods.
Ischnura posita
fragile forktail
Ischnura posita, commonly known as the fragile forktail, is a small damselfly species in the family Coenagrionidae. It measures 21–29 mm in body length and is native to most of eastern North America. The species is one of the more common damselflies along the east coast of the United States and is readily identified by distinctive exclamation mark-shaped shoulder stripes present in both sexes.
Ithycerus noveboracensis
New York Weevil
Ithycerus noveboracensis is a primitive weevil and the sole living member of the family Ithyceridae. It is among the largest North American weevils, measuring 12–18 mm. The species is characterized by its distinctive spotted coloration and bristly body texture. It occurs in deciduous forests of eastern North America, where adults feed on fungi and sap flows from hardwood trees.
Korscheltellus gracilis
Conifer Swift Moth
Korscheltellus gracilis, the Conifer Swift Moth, is a hepialid moth native to eastern and central North America. Adults are active at dusk and exhibit a primitive mating system where males form aerial lek swarms to attract females. Larvae are root-feeders primarily associated with coniferous trees, particularly balsam fir and red spruce, though they can survive on deciduous hosts. The species is considered a forest pest due to larval damage to tree roots and associated pathogen entry points.
Labopidea allii
Onion Plant Bug
Labopidea allii is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1923. It is commonly known as the Onion Plant Bug, reflecting its association with Allium species (onions and related plants). The species is known from scattered records in the eastern and central United States. As a member of the Miridae, it possesses the characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of true bugs.
Lacinipolia vicina
Vicina Dart
Lacinipolia vicina is a small owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the Vicina Dart. It is found in the eastern United States, with records from Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey, and possibly Indiana. The species has two generations per year, with adults active in spring and fall. The larvae are believed to be polyphagous ground dwellers.
Ladona deplanata
Blue Corporal, Little Corporal
Ladona deplanata, commonly known as the Blue Corporal or Little Corporal, is a dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. First described by Jules Pierre Rambur in 1842, it is common across much of the eastern United States. The species is relatively small among corporal dragonflies and is active during spring.
Lanthus vernalis
southern pygmy clubtail
Lanthus vernalis, commonly known as the southern pygmy clubtail, is a small dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is one of the smallest members of the clubtail group and inhabits small, clear, running trout streams in eastern North America. The species has an exceptionally long larval development period, with nymphs living up to five years before emergence. Its conservation status is Least Concern, with stable populations and no immediate threats identified.
Largus succinctus
Largus bug, bordered plant bug, red bug, Eastern Bordered Plant Bug
Largus succinctus is a true bug in the family Largidae, commonly called the Eastern Bordered Plant Bug. Adults measure 13–17 mm and display black bodies with orange marginal markings. Nymphs are strikingly different: metallic blue-black with a central bright red spot. The species is the sole eastern North American representative of its genus, ranging from New York to Florida and west to Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Colorado. It is a generalist plant feeder with two generations annually.
Lasioglossum vierecki
Viereck's Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum vierecki is a solitary sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as Viereck's Sweat Bee. It is a sand specialist, nesting exclusively in sandy soils and visiting plants restricted to sandy habitats. The species is distinguished by its densely hairy orange-yellow abdomen with golden-yellow hair on the scutellum and extensively yellow legs in females. Active from April to September, it occurs across eastern North America from Minnesota and southern Canada to Georgia and Louisiana.
Leiobunum politum
Leiobunum politum is a medium-sized harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Sclerosomatidae. Originally described from Illinois in 1889, this species is widely distributed across the eastern and southeastern United States, with highest abundance in the Appalachian Mountains. It has been frequently confused with the similar Leiobunum bracchiolum due to overlapping external morphological features.
Leptinotarsa juncta
False Potato Beetle
Leptinotarsa juncta, the false potato beetle, is a chrysomelid beetle native to eastern North America. It is closely related to the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) but is distinguished by its more limited geographic range and less severe economic impact. The species feeds on solanaceous plants and is found primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States.
Leptotarsus testaceus
Leptotarsus testaceus is a large crane fly species in the family Tipulidae, distributed across the eastern United States from Maine south to Florida and Tennessee. The species was described by Loew in 1869 and is classified within the genus Leptotarsus, a group of crane flies characterized by elongated bodies and long, fragile legs typical of the family. As a member of Diptera, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with aquatic or semi-aquatic larval stages.
Leptothorax canadensis
Northern Thin Ant
Leptothorax canadensis is a small myrmicine ant native to eastern North America, where it is one of the most common ants in boreal coniferous forests. The species exhibits facultative polygyny, with colonies containing multiple fertile queens. It is also known as a slave-making ant, conducting organized raids on host colonies—particularly Leptothorax muscorum—to capture pupae that emerge as workers serving the slave-making colony. Genetic studies indicate a multicolonial population structure with moderate gene flow and no evidence of inbreeding.
Lestes inaequalis
Elegant Spreadwing
Lestes inaequalis, the elegant spreadwing, is a species of damselfly in the family Lestidae native to eastern North America. Like other spreadwings, it perches with its wings partially spread rather than folded together over the abdomen. It is one of the larger members of the genus Lestes and is associated with a variety of freshwater habitats.
Lestes rectangularis
slender spreadwing
Lestes rectangularis, commonly known as the slender spreadwing, is a damselfly species in the family Lestidae. It is native to eastern North America, ranging from eastern Canada through the eastern United States. The species is characterized by its elongated, slender body form and distinctive wing posture at rest, with wings held partially spread rather than folded together above the abdomen. It inhabits springs and temporary pond habitats, where it completes its aquatic larval development before emerging as a flying adult.
Lesteva cribratula
Lesteva cribratula is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae) native to eastern North America. It has been identified as a likely subnivium specialist, active beneath winter snowpack and rare or inactive during summer months. The species inhabits the air gap between soil and snow, where it likely functions as a predator in cold, stable conditions. Climate change poses a threat to this species through declining snowpack, which exposes subnivium habitats to temperature extremes.
Lethe anthedon
Northern Pearly-eye
Lethe anthedon, the northern pearly-eye, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Satyrinae. It is found in eastern North America from central Saskatchewan and Nebraska east to Nova Scotia, south to central Alabama and Mississippi. The species inhabits riparian forests and moist woodland edges where larvae feed on grasses and adults forage for nutrients at sap flows and animal dung.
Leucospilapteryx venustella
A small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae with a wingspan of approximately 6 mm. The species is known from eastern North America, ranging from Québec through the Atlantic states and into the Midwest. Larvae develop as leaf miners on plants in the genus Ageratina and Eupatorium urticifolium.