Eastern-north-america
Guides
Leuctra truncata
Truncate Needlefly
Leuctra truncata, known as the truncate needlefly, is a species of rolled-winged stonefly in the family Leuctridae. The species was described by Claassen in 1923 and is distributed in eastern North America, with records from Connecticut, Maine, Newfoundland, New York, and Pennsylvania. As a member of Plecoptera, it has aquatic immature stages and terrestrial adults.
Liancalus genualis
Liancalus genualis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, notable as the only member of its genus known from eastern North America. Like other dolichopodids, it is a predatory fly. The species was described by Loew in 1861.
Libellula incesta
slaty skimmer
Libellula incesta, commonly known as the slaty skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae native to eastern North America. Adults measure approximately 5.28 cm in length. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in coloration: mature males are dark blue with black heads, while females and juveniles display brown abdomens with a darker dorsal stripe. Larvae are specialized inhabitants of lake benthos, and adults are active from June through August.
Libellula vibrans
Great Blue Skimmer
Libellula vibrans, commonly known as the Great Blue Skimmer, is a large dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It is one of the largest skimmers, with a total body length of 50 to 63 mm. Immature individuals are brown, while mature adults develop blue coloration. The species inhabits lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams in the eastern United States, with rare occurrences in southern Ontario.
Lopidea davisi
Phlox Plant Bug
Lopidea davisi is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the Phlox Plant Bug. The species was described by Henry H. Knight in 1917. As a member of the genus Lopidea, it is associated with herbaceous plants, particularly those in the genus Phlox. The species has been documented across the eastern United States.
Lucidota atra
black firefly, woodland lucy
Lucidota atra is a diurnal firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, native to eastern North America. Unlike most fireflies, adults are active during daylight hours and lack functional light organs. Males locate females using pheromone-sensing antennae rather than bioluminescent signals. The species completes its life cycle in moist woodland habitats, with bioluminescent larvae preying on soft-bodied invertebrates.
Lygaeus turcicus
False Milkweed Bug, Heliopsis Bug
Lygaeus turcicus, commonly known as the false milkweed bug or heliopsis bug, is a seed bug in the family Lygaeidae native to eastern North America. Despite its common name, it does not feed on milkweeds but rather specializes on false sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides). The species is frequently confused with the small milkweed bug (Lygaeus kalmii) and the large milkweed bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus) due to similar orange and black coloration.
Macaria fissinotata
Hemlock Angle
Macaria fissinotata, commonly known as the hemlock angle, is a small geometrid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active from late spring through summer, with flight periods varying by latitude. The species is strongly associated with coniferous forests, where its larvae feed on hemlock, spruce, and fir trees. The specific epithet refers to the often-split forewing spot that serves as a key identification feature.
Macaria pinistrobata
White Pine Angle
Macaria pinistrobata, commonly known as the white pine angle, is a geometrid moth native to eastern North America. The species is closely associated with eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), which serves as the primary larval host. Adults are active during the warmer months, with one to two generations produced annually depending on latitude.
Macaria pustularia
Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth
Macaria pustularia, commonly known as the Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth, is a geometrid moth species distributed across eastern and central North America. The species is well-documented with over 20,000 observations, indicating it is relatively common and conspicuous. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The common name references its association with maple host plants and the 'spanworm' habit of its larvae, which move with a looping gait characteristic of geometrid caterpillars.
Macrochilo hypocritalis
twin-dotted macrochilo, Twin-dotted Owlet
Macrochilo hypocritalis is a small moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Douglas C. Ferguson in 1982. It occurs in eastern North American wetlands and is recognized by its diminutive size and characteristic wing markings. The species is commonly known as the twin-dotted macrochilo or Twin-dotted Owlet. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 8357.1.
Magicicada
Periodical Cicadas
Magicicada is a genus of periodical cicadas found in eastern North America, comprising seven species that emerge in synchronized mass events after 13- or 17-year underground development periods. These cicadas are among the longest-lived insects, spending nearly their entire lives as nymphs feeding on tree root xylem before emerging to molt, mate, and die within weeks. The genus is famous for its prime-numbered periodicity, predator satiation strategy, and the formation of distinct geographic broods that emerge on different schedules.
Mallota bautias
Bare-eyed Bee-mimic Fly
Mallota bautias is a hoverfly (family Syrphidae) native to eastern North America. The species is notable for its exceptional mimicry of bumblebees (genus Bombus), particularly Bombus pennsylvanicus, serving as a classic example of Batesian mimicry in which a harmless species evolves to resemble a stinging model. Adult flies are pollinators, while larvae develop in tree holes filled with water. The species has been the subject of behavioral studies examining how avian predators respond to the mimic and its model.
Mallota mississipensis
Eastern Mimic Fly
Mallota mississipensis is a species of hover fly (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae. It is one of approximately 13 species in the genus Mallota found in North America. The species is a bumble bee mimic, exhibiting the black and yellow coloration typical of this defensive mimicry strategy. Like other members of its genus, the larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments, specifically in water that collects in tree holes. The species is known from eastern North America, with observations documented in the iNaturalist database.
Marmara serotinella
Marmara serotinella is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Busck in 1915. The species is known from the eastern United States, with confirmed records from Virginia, Maine, and Massachusetts. Its larvae are leaf miners that feed on black cherry (Prunus serotina).
Medetera aberrans
Medetera aberrans is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Wheeler in 1899. It occurs in eastern North America, where adults are frequently encountered in wet grasslands and marshes. The species exhibits metallic green coloration with yellow legs, characteristic of many dolichopodids. It belongs to the aberrans species group within Medetera, a group that has alternatively been treated as the separate genus Saccopheronta.
Megachile campanulae
Bellflower Resin Bee
Megachile campanulae, commonly known as the bellflower resin bee, is a solitary mason bee native to eastern North America. Described in 1903, this species belongs to the subgenus Chelostomoides, distinguishing it from leafcutting relatives by its use of plant resins, mud, and pebbles rather than cut leaves for nest construction. In 2013, researchers documented this species as one of the first insects known to incorporate synthetic materials, including polyurethane-based sealants, into nest construction. The species is an important pollinator of native plants and is nonaggressive toward humans.
Megacyllene caryae
painted hickory borer, hickory borer
Megacyllene caryae, known as the painted hickory borer or hickory borer, is a longhorned beetle species in the family Cerambycidae. It occurs in the eastern United States and has been introduced to the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. Adults are active exclusively in spring, emerging from dead hickory wood as temperatures warm. The species is frequently misidentified as the closely related locust borer (M. robiniae) due to their nearly identical appearance, though they differ in seasonality, host plants, and subtle morphological characters.
Melanotus castanipes
Chestnut-footed Click Beetle
Melanotus castanipes is a click beetle in the family Elateridae. It is a medium-sized species, measuring 13–19 mm in length, with a uniformly black or slightly browner head and an elongated body with tapering elytra. The species is distributed across eastern Canada and is known for its long antennae, which extend beyond the posterior margin of the pronotum. Like other click beetles, it possesses the characteristic clicking mechanism for righting itself when overturned.
Melanotus insipiens
Melanotus insipiens is a small click beetle (Elateridae) native to the eastern United States. Its female-produced sex pheromone has been identified as decyl butanoate, enabling pheromone-based monitoring of this species. Adults are active above ground primarily in May and June, while immature stages are soil-dwelling. The species has been recorded as a pest of alsike clover and wheat in Georgia.
Mellilla
Mellilla is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae, established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Its sole species, Mellilla xanthometata (orangewing moth), was described by Francis Walker in 1862. The genus is found across most of eastern North America. Adults are active during both day and night, with two generations per year.
Mellilla xanthometata
Orange Wing, orangewing moth
Mellilla xanthometata, commonly known as the Orange Wing or orangewing moth, is a small geometrid moth native to eastern North America. It is the sole species in the monotypic genus Mellilla, which was established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. The species was originally described by Francis Walker in 1862 under the name Fidonia xanthometata. Adults are attracted to artificial lights and have been documented during moth-watching events such as National Moth Week.
Merinus laevis
Smooth Darkling Beetle
Merinus laevis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the Smooth Darkling Beetle. It is native to eastern North America, with confirmed records from Ontario and Québec in Canada. As a member of the darkling beetle family, it likely occupies habitats typical of tenebrionids, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Metacmaeops vittata
Metacmaeops vittata is a species of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lepturinae. It has been documented from mesic forest habitats in eastern North America, including Quebec and Vermont. In Missouri, it has been recorded from Trail of Tears State Park in the southeastern part of the state, where it occurs in association with typically eastern tree species such as American beech, tulip poplar, and cucumbertree. The species is considered rare in collections and appears to have specific habitat requirements.
Metarranthis hypochraria
Common Metarranthis Moth
A geometrid moth native to eastern North America. Larvae are stick mimics that feed primarily on Prunus species. Adults are active in spring, with one generation per year.
Metarranthis obfirmaria
Yellow-washed Metarranthis
Metarranthis obfirmaria is a small geometrid moth of eastern North America. Adults fly in spring and early summer, with larvae feeding on woody plants including blueberries, cherries, and oaks. The species was originally described under the genus Epirranthis.
Microdon ruficrus
spiny-shield ant fly
An uncommon syrphid fly of the eastern United States and adjacent Canada. Adults are metallic greenish or bluish black with distinctive cupreous thoracic stripes and a spiny scutellum. Larvae develop within nests of the ant Lasius americanus. The species is one of approximately 6,200 described syrphid flies worldwide.
Mimetus puritanus
Common Pirate Spider, Pirate Spider
Mimetus puritanus is a small araneophagous spider in the family Mimetidae, commonly known as the Common Pirate Spider. It is the most frequently encountered pirate spider species in the eastern United States. Unlike web-building spiders, M. puritanus infiltrates the webs of other spiders—particularly cobweb weavers and orb weavers—to prey upon them. The species exhibits specialized predatory adaptations including fused jaws that restrict gape width, leading it to attack prey spiders by biting their legs sequentially. Adults measure 3–7 mm in body length and are primarily nocturnal.
Morrisonia evicta
Bicolored Woodgrain Moth, bicolored woodgrain
A noctuid moth found across eastern and central North America, recognized by its moderate size and bicolored wing pattern. Adults fly in spring, with larvae reared on chokecherry.
Mydas clavatus
Clubbed Mydas Fly
Mydas clavatus is a large, striking mydas fly native to temperate eastern North America. Adults are notable Batesian mimics of spider wasps, displaying bold behavior enabled by their wasp-like appearance. The species is distinguished by a prominent orange to red abdominal marking and clubbed antennae—a trait shared across the genus. Adults are active in mid-summer and have been documented visiting diverse flowering plants for nectar.
Batesian-mimicrywasp-mimicpollinatorwoodboring-predatorMydidaeDipteraeastern-North-Americamid-summernectar-feederscarab-beetle-predatorclubbed-antennaeorange-abdominal-markingspider-wasp-mimicharmlessconspicuousbold-behaviormock-stinging-displayheart-rot-habitatOsmoderma-predatorflowering-plant-visitorlarge-flyglabrate-bodytemperate-forestmeadowgarden-visitordeciduous-woodlandNaphrys pulex
flea jumping spider
Naphrys pulex is a small jumping spider (Salticidae) native to eastern North America. Males measure approximately 4 mm in body length, while females are larger at 4.6–6.1 mm. The species exhibits cryptic coloration with a yellowish bar-shaped mark on the abdomen and spotted, ringed legs. First described by Nicholas Marcellus Hentz in 1846, it was transferred to the genus Naphrys in 1981. The species is primarily known for its ant-specialist diet.
Narceus
Narceus is a genus of large cylindrical millipedes in the family Spirobolidae native to eastern North America. The genus includes some of the largest millipedes in the region, with individuals reaching up to 12 cm in length. It comprises three to four recognized species, including two Florida endemics and a widespread species complex (N. americanus/annularis) spanning eastern Canada to the southern United States. These millipedes are significant decomposers in forest ecosystems and serve as intermediate hosts for certain parasites.
Narceus americanus-annularis-complex
A species complex of large North American millipedes comprising two closely related, morphologically similar species: Narceus americanus and Narceus annularis. These are among the largest millipedes in eastern North America, reaching lengths over 100 mm. The two species are difficult to distinguish without detailed examination of gonopod morphology, leading to frequent misidentification and the recognition of this unresolved complex. They are slow-moving detritivores found in moist forest habitats.
Natada nasoni
Nason's Slug Moth, Nason's Slug
Natada nasoni is a slug moth in the family Limacodidae, distributed across the eastern and central United States from Missouri to the Atlantic coast, with range extending south to the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, and Costa Rica. The larvae possess stinging spines and feed on smooth-leaved woody plants. Adults are attracted to blacklights.
Neandra brunnea
pole borer, longhorned beetle
Neandra brunnea, commonly known as the pole borer, is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Parandrinae. It is unusual among cerambycids for its relatively short, bead-like antennae rather than the elongated antennae typical of the family. Adults range from 8–20 mm in length and are yellowish-brown to reddish-brown in coloration. The species is distributed across eastern North America, with adults active from March through November. Larvae bore into decaying wood, including wooden poles and posts in contact with moist soil.
Nebria pallipes
Pale-legged Gazelle Beetle
Nebria pallipes is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, distributed across eastern North America from lowland to upland areas. Adults are nocturnal, gregarious, and carnivorous. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1823.
Neodiprion compar
redheaded pine sawfly
Neodiprion compar is a conifer sawfly in the family Diprionidae, commonly known as the redheaded pine sawfly. The species is native to eastern North America and feeds primarily on pine needles. Larvae are gregarious and can cause significant defoliation during outbreaks, though populations are typically moderated by natural enemies. The species is one of approximately 25 conifer sawfly species found in eastern U.S. forests.
Neodiprion excitans
Black-headed Pine Sawfly
Neodiprion excitans, commonly known as the Black-headed Pine Sawfly, is a conifer-feeding sawfly in the family Diprionidae. It is native to eastern North America, with documented populations in North Carolina and surrounding regions. Like other members of its genus, it is a folivore that feeds on pine needles and can cause significant defoliation during outbreak conditions. The species has been studied for its population dynamics and ecological interactions in pine forest ecosystems.
Neofidia lurida
grape rootworm
Neofidia lurida, commonly known as the grape rootworm, is a leaf beetle in family Chrysomelidae. It is distributed across eastern North America, extending south to Mexico and north to Quebec. The species is recognized as an economic pest of grape cultivation due to larval feeding damage on roots. Adults are small, hairy beetles active in late spring and early summer.
Neolygus communis
Pear Plant Bug
Neolygus communis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the Pear Plant Bug. It is native to eastern North America, with documented records from Canada (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) and the United States (New York, Vermont, West Virginia). As a member of the large and diverse Miridae family, it is likely associated with woody plants, though specific host relationships require further documentation.
Neonemobius palustris
Sphagnum Ground Cricket, Marsh Ground Cricket
Neonemobius palustris is a small ground cricket in the family Trigonidiidae, found in eastern North America. Males measure approximately 5.7 mm and females about 6.8 mm in length. The species is strongly associated with moist habitats, particularly dense patches of sphagnum moss, sandhill seeps, and wet longleaf pine savannas. It produces a distinctive calling song consisting of trills several seconds in duration separated by pauses of similar length.
Neotibicen
Dog-day Cicadas, Annual Cicadas, Harvestfly, Jar Fly
Neotibicen is a genus of large-bodied cicadas (family Cicadidae) found in eastern North America, formerly including Bermuda. These cicadas are commonly known as "dog-day cicadas" or "annual cicadas" due to their appearance every summer, typically from July through August. Unlike periodical cicadas (Magicicada), which emerge in synchronized 13- or 17-year cycles, Neotibicen species appear annually because overlapping generations ensure adults emerge every year. The genus was established in 2015 when species were moved from the formerly broader genus Tibicen, which was redefined to include only European species. Neotibicen species are among the most commonly encountered cicadas in the eastern United States and are known for their loud, complex songs produced by males to attract females.
Neotibicen linnei
Linne's cicada
Neotibicen linnei is a large-bodied annual cicada native to the Eastern United States and Canada. Like other Neotibicen species, it spends multiple years underground as a nymph feeding on plant roots before emerging in mid- to late summer. Adults are known for their distinctive calling songs produced by vibrating tymbal membranes. The species is part of the annual cicada group, meaning adults emerge every year due to overlapping generations rather than synchronized mass emergences.
Neotibicen lyricen
lyric cicada
Neotibicen lyricen, commonly known as the lyric cicada, is a medium-sized cicada species in the family Cicadidae. It is one of several species in the genus Neotibicen that occur across eastern North America. The species is characterized by its distinctive song, which has been described as a continuous, high-pitched trill. Adults emerge in summer and are active during daylight hours when they produce their characteristic calling songs from perches in trees and shrubs.
Neotibicen lyricen engelhardti
Dark Lyric Cicada
Neotibicen lyricen engelhardti is a subspecies of the lyric cicada, commonly known as the Dark Lyric Cicada. It is one of several annual cicada subspecies found in eastern North America that emerge during mid- to late summer. Like other Neotibicen species, it produces species-specific songs using tymbal organs. The subspecies was described by Davis in 1910 and is currently recognized as valid.
Neotibicen lyricen lyricen
Common Lyric Cicada, Lyric Cicada
Neotibicen lyricen lyricen is a subspecies of annual cicada in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the Common Lyric Cicada. It produces a distinctive song that has been described as a continuous, high-pitched buzz or whine. Males produce sound using paired tymbal organs located on the ventral surface of the abdomen. The subspecies is found across eastern North America, with records from Florida to New York and throughout the Midwest. It has been observed in dry-mesic deciduous forests, hilltop prairies, and woodland edges. Activity peaks in late summer, typically from August through early autumn.
Neotibicen lyricen virescens
Coastal Lyric Cicada
Neotibicen lyricen virescens, the Coastal Lyric Cicada, is a subspecies of the lyric cicada distinguished by its greenish coloration. It is one of several subspecies within the N. lyricen complex, which are among the most common and widespread annual cicadas in eastern North America. The species produces a characteristic rattling buzz call. Males possess tymbal organs for sound production, while females are silent.
Nepytia canosaria
False Hemlock Looper Moth, false hemlock looper
Nepytia canosaria is a North American geometrid moth commonly known as the false hemlock looper. The species occurs across a broad transcontinental range from northeastern Alberta to the Atlantic provinces, extending south through New England. Adults are active in late summer, with flight records from August through September. The larval stage feeds primarily on conifers including balsam fir, eastern hemlock, and various spruce species.
Nigetia
Nigetia is a monotypic moth genus in the family Erebidae, containing the single species Nigetia formosalis. The genus was described by Francis Walker in 1866 and was formerly classified in Noctuidae. The sole species is distributed across eastern North America.
Nipponoserica peregrina
Nipponoserica peregrina is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. The species exhibits a disjunct distribution, occurring in Japan and in the eastern United States (Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, and Vermont). The North American population is considered introduced. The specific epithet 'peregrina' refers to its wandering or foreign nature, reflecting its transoceanic range.