Eastern-north-america
Guides
Nitidotachinus horni
Nitidotachinus horni is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Campbell in 1973. It belongs to the subfamily Tachyporinae and tribe Tachinusini. The species is native to eastern North America, with documented occurrences in both the United States and Canada. As a member of the large and diverse rove beetle family, it likely inhabits forest floor and decaying organic matter habitats typical of the subfamily, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Nodopus flavilabris
Nodopus flavilabris is a species of soft-bodied plant beetle in the family Melyridae. It belongs to a small genus of beetles distributed in eastern North America. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1825 and is recognized as valid in current taxonomic databases. Records indicate presence in eastern Canadian provinces.
Notopygus virginiensis
Notopygus virginiensis is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Cushman in 1915. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. The genus Notopygus is part of the diverse ichneumonoid complex, with species typically characterized by specialized parasitoid life histories targeting other insects. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Oecanthus niveus
narrow-winged tree cricket, snowy tree cricket
Oecanthus niveus is a small tree cricket species in the family Oecanthidae, first described by Charles de Geer in 1773 from a Pennsylvania specimen. Adults measure 13–16 mm and are pale green with distinctive orange markings on the head. The species is notable for its temperature-dependent calling song, with males producing sounds at rates and frequencies that vary predictably with ambient temperature. It occurs primarily in eastern North America and the Caribbean, where it inhabits broad-leaved trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation.
Oestodes tenuicollis
Oestodes tenuicollis is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, first described by Randall in 1838. It is a small, poorly documented species known primarily from eastern Canada. The genus Oestodes contains few species and is characterized by slender body proportions.
Olceclostera angelica
Angel Moth
Olceclostera angelica, the angel moth, is a small to medium-sized moth in the family Apatelodidae. First described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1864, it occurs across eastern North America from Quebec and Maine south to Florida, west to Texas, and north to Wisconsin and Ontario. Adults are active from May through September in deciduous forest habitats. The larval stage feeds specifically on ash (Fraxinus) and lilac (Syringa) leaves.
Olethreutes ferriferana
Hydrangea Leaftier Moth, hydrangea leaftier
Olethreutes ferriferana, commonly known as the hydrangea leaftier moth, is a tortricid moth native to eastern North America. The species is notable for its association with hydrangea plants, as suggested by its common name. It was first described by Walker in 1863 under the basionym Sciaphila ferriferana. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 2827 for North American moth classification.
Olophrum obtectum
Olophrum obtectum is a rove beetle in the subfamily Omaliinae, endemic to eastern North America. It was formally revised and recognized as distinct from holarctic congeners in a 1983 taxonomic treatment. The species is one of seven North American Olophrum species and is distinguished by its restricted eastern distribution.
Omoglymmius americanus
American crudely carved wrinkle beetle
Omoglymmius americanus, commonly known as the American crudely carved wrinkle beetle, is a small ground beetle in the family Rhysodidae native to eastern North America. First described in 1836, this species is characterized by its distinctive sculptured exoskeleton with grooves and indentations. Adults are found in association with fungus-infested trees, where they inhabit decaying wood. The species represents one of approximately 38 observation records documented on iNaturalist.
Oneida lunulalis
Oak Gall Snout Moth, Orange-tufted Oneida Moth
Oneida lunulalis is a small snout moth in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Epipaschiinae. It occurs across eastern North America from Canada to Florida. The larvae are associated with oak foliage and galls. Adults are known by two common names: "oak gall snout moth" and "orange-tufted Oneida moth."
Ophiderma flava
Ophiderma flava is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae, first described by Frederic Webster Goding in 1893. It is found in mixed hardwood forests of eastern North America, where it is closely associated with oak trees (Quercus). The species is active from June to August and feeds specifically on oak species.
Orchelimum pulchellum
Handsome meadow katydid
Orchelimum pulchellum, the handsome meadow katydid, is a medium-sized katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is distinguished from closely related species by specific morphological features of the pronotum, cerci, and hind femora. The species is found in moist forests and wetlands across the eastern United States, where it feeds on pollen, foliage, and opportunistically on other insects. It is active from mid-summer through mid-autumn in the northern parts of its range.
Orussus terminalis
Orussus terminalis is a parasitic woodwasp in the family Orussidae, a group unique among woodwasps for their parasitoid lifestyle. Like other orussids, they are rarely encountered in collections and poorly studied. The species belongs to a family whose members attack immature stages of wood-boring beetles and other woodwasps. Orussus terminalis has been recorded from eastern North America, with distribution records from Canada (Ontario, Quebec) and the United States (Vermont).
Osmia lignaria lignaria
Eastern Blue Orchard Bee
Osmia lignaria lignaria is the eastern subspecies of the blue orchard bee, a solitary mason bee native to North America. It is a managed pollinator prized for its efficiency in pollinating early spring-blooming fruit trees including almonds, apples, pears, and cherries. The bee nests in pre-existing cavities such as hollow stems and beetle holes, sealing nest entrances with mud. It has experienced population declines in the eastern United States, with research ongoing into competition with non-native Osmia species and vulnerability to pesticides and parasites.
Osmia pumila
Osmia pumila is a solitary mason bee native to eastern North America. It is strongly associated with forest habitats, where it performs spring pollination of wildflowers and possibly some timber trees. The species nests in pre-existing cavities such as hollow stems or holes in wood, sealing brood chambers with mud. Research indicates it is one of the most common forest-associated bee species in the eastern United States, with populations increasing as forest cover has regrown since the early 1900s.
Ostrocerca complexa
Notched Forestfly
Ostrocerca complexa, commonly known as the notched forestfly, is a species of spring stonefly in the family Nemouridae. First described by Claassen in 1937 as Nemoura complexa, it is now placed in the genus Ostrocerca. It occurs in eastern North America, with documented records from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
Oxyporus major
Oxyporus major is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Oxyporinae. It is found across eastern North America, from Canada to the southeastern United States. As a member of the Oxyporinae, it is associated with fungal habitats, particularly polypore bracket fungi.
Packardia elegans
Elegant Tailed Slug Moth
Packardia elegans is a small moth species in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as the elegant tailed slug moth. It occurs in eastern North American woodlands and forests, with a range extending from Quebec and Maine south to Georgia and west to Missouri. The species has a forewing length of 10–12 mm. Larvae feed on woody plants including beech, cherry, and oak. Two subspecies are recognized: P. e. elegans and P. e. fusca.
Palpita magniferalis
splendid palpita snout moth, ash pyralid, ash leafroller
Palpita magniferalis is a small crambid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active from spring through fall, with a wingspan of 23–27 mm. The larvae are specialized feeders on Fraxinus (ash) species, giving rise to the common name 'ash leafroller.' The species is sometimes confused with Palpita guttulosa, which some authors treat as a distinct species.
Panthea furcilla
Eastern Panthea Moth, Tufted White Pine Caterpillar
Panthea furcilla is a noctuid moth occurring across boreal Canada and the eastern United States. Adults fly from June to August, with a single generation in Canada and multiple generations in the southern United States. The species is notable for its association with coniferous trees, with larvae feeding on pines, spruces, and eastern larch. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate P. f. furcilla and the southern P. f. australis.
Paonias astylus
Huckleberry Sphinx
Paonias astylus is a sphinx moth native to eastern North America, commonly known as the huckleberry sphinx. The species exhibits bivoltine flight periods in the southern portion of its range and univoltine patterns in the north. Adults have reduced mouthparts and do not feed; larvae specialize on woody plants in several families including Ericaceae and Salicaceae.
Papaipema cerussata
ironweed borer moth
Papaipema cerussata, commonly known as the ironweed borer moth, is a noctuid moth species found in eastern North America. The species is a stem-borer specialist, with larvae that feed internally on the stems of Vernonia noveboracensis. It has been documented across seventeen states from Maine to Georgia. The specific epithet 'cerussata' refers to the lead-white coloration characteristic of this species.
Papaipema marginidens
brick-red borer moth, Wild Yam and Rattlesnake-master Borer Moths
Papaipema marginidens, known as the brick-red borer moth, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. It inhabits open oak woodlands and rocky barrens with herbaceous undergrowth, particularly near streams. The species is listed as endangered in Connecticut, reflecting habitat vulnerability in parts of its range.
Paractenicera fulvipes
Paractenicera fulvipes is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, first described by Bland in 1863. Records indicate this species occurs in eastern Canada, with documented observations from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. As a member of Elateridae, it possesses the family's characteristic ability to right itself from a supine position using a prosternal spine and mesosternal groove mechanism. The specific epithet 'fulvipes' refers to the tawny or yellowish coloration of the legs.
Paraplatyptilia auriga
False Foxglove Plume Moth
Paraplatyptilia auriga is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, described in 1921 by Barnes and Lindsey. It is restricted to eastern North America and is associated with false foxglove (Gerardia) and other Asteraceae hosts. The species is one of approximately 38 observation records on iNaturalist, suggesting it is not frequently encountered.
Periclista albicollis
Periclista albicollis is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. The genus Periclista comprises approximately 20 North American species whose larvae feed on oak and hickory. Larvae of Periclista species are distinguished by bifurcate (branched) dorsal processes, which separate them from superficially similar lepidopteran caterpillars. The specific epithet 'albicollis' refers to a white collar marking, though detailed species-level descriptions remain limited in accessible literature.
Pericoma signata
moth fly
Pericoma signata is a species of moth fly in the family Psychodidae, described by Banks in 1901. It is found in eastern North America. The wing length measures approximately 2 mm. Like other moth flies, adults are characterized by their hairy bodies and wings, giving them a moth-like appearance. The species belongs to a family commonly associated with moist habitats and organic matter.
Perimede erransella
Gray Perimede Moth
Perimede erransella is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, described by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1874. It occurs across eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf Coast. The species has a wingspan of approximately 12 mm and is active year-round as an adult. Larvae are known to feed on a diverse range of woody host plants including tulip tree, hickory, oak, bald cypress, and elm.
Phanogomphus descriptus
Harpoon Clubtail
Phanogomphus descriptus, commonly known as the harpoon clubtail, is a species of clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It was originally described by Banks in 1896 and was long classified under the genus Gomphus. Phylogenetic studies led to the elevation of Phanogomphus from subgenus to full genus rank. The species occurs in eastern North America.
Philonthus neonatus
Philonthus neonatus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Smetana in 1965. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Philonthus, which contains numerous predatory species commonly associated with decaying organic matter, fungi, and other insects. The species is documented from eastern North America, with records spanning Canada and the eastern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely predatory, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Phoenicocoris claricornis
Phoenicocoris claricornis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1923. It belongs to a genus of small predatory or phytophagous true bugs. The species is documented from multiple localities in eastern North America.
Photinus consanguineus
double cousin firefly
Photinus consanguineus, commonly known as the double cousin firefly, is a species of firefly in the genus Photinus found in eastern North America. Like other Photinus species, adults produce bioluminescent flashes through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase. Males fly and emit characteristic flash patterns to locate sedentary females, which respond with their own flashes to facilitate mating. The species faces threats from light pollution, habitat destruction, and lawn insecticides.
Phyllonorycter lucetiella
Basswood Miner Moth
Phyllonorycter lucetiella is a micro-moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the Basswood Miner Moth. Adults are extremely small with a wingspan of 6–7 mm. The species is native to eastern North America, where larvae create distinctive tentiform leaf mines on host plants. It is one of many Phyllonorycter species specialized in mining leaves of deciduous trees.
Phyllonorycter ostryaefoliella
Wrinkled Hophornbeam Blotch Miner Moth
Phyllonorycter ostryaefoliella is a minute moth in the family Gracillariidae, known from eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 6–6.5 mm. The species is specialized on Ostrya species as larval hosts, with larvae mining the leaves of their host plant.
Phyllonorycter trinotella
Red Maple Blotchminer
Phyllonorycter trinotella is a micro-moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the Red Maple Blotchminer. The species has a wingspan of approximately 5 mm. Larvae are leaf miners that feed on several Acer species, creating blotch mines on the leaves. The species is known from eastern Canada and the northeastern and midwestern United States.
Phyllophaga micans
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga micans is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as a May beetle or June beetle. Adults measure 15–17 mm in length and are characterized by a dark body with a distinctive pale, dust-like coating. The species is found in eastern and central North America, where adults feed on hardwood trees. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga, larvae develop as white grubs in soil, feeding on plant roots.
Phymatodes aereus
Phymatodes aereus is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Newman in 1838. It occurs in eastern North America, with records from Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario, Québec) and the United States. The species belongs to the genus Phymatodes, which is most diverse in western North America but includes several eastern representatives. Like other members of the tribe Callidiini, adults are typically associated with dead or dying woody vegetation.
Physocnemum andreae
Cypress Bark Borer
Physocnemum andreae, commonly known as the cypress bark borer, is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae. Native to eastern North America, the species is classified as uncommon. Adults are associated with cypress trees, as indicated by both its common name and the ecological patterns observed in related species within the genus. The species was first described by Haldeman in 1847.
Pilophorus brunneus
Pilophorus brunneus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Poppius in 1914. It belongs to a genus known for ant-mimicking morphology. The species has been documented in the eastern United States, with specific records from Louisiana, Maryland, and West Virginia. Like other members of Pilophorus, it likely exhibits morphological adaptations that resemble ants, a trait common in this genus.
Pilophorus walshii
Pilophorus walshii is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Uhler in 1887. The species is known from eastern North America, with records from Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. It has been documented feeding on Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) foliage. The species has been the subject of life history studies combining field observations with laboratory rearing.
Pisenus humeralis
Pisenus humeralis is a species of polypore fungus beetle in the family Tetratomidae, originally described as Cryptophagus humeralis by Kirby in 1837. It is one of approximately 20 described species in the genus Pisenus, which are specialized associates of polypore fungi. The species is documented from eastern North America, with records from Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario, Québec) and the United States.
Pissonotus concolor
Pissonotus concolor is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Bartlett in 2000. It belongs to a genus of small, grass-feeding insects commonly known as delphacid planthoppers. The species is documented from several states in the eastern United States. As with most delphacids, its biology and ecological role remain poorly studied.
Platydracus mysticus
Mystic Rove Beetle
Platydracus mysticus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, native to eastern North America. It is one of the larger species in the genus Platydracus, which includes many of the most conspicuous rove beetles in the region. Like other members of its genus, it is a predatory beetle attracted to decomposing organic matter where it hunts other insects. The species occurs across a broad range of eastern and central North America, from Canada through the United States.
Plusiodonta compressipalpis
Moonseed Moth
Plusiodonta compressipalpis, commonly known as the moonseed moth, is a small nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae. The species was described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It occurs across eastern North America with two generations per year in most of its range. The common name reflects its larval association with moonseed vines (Menispermum species).
Poanes massasoit
mulberry wing
Poanes massasoit, commonly known as the mulberry wing, is a small skipper butterfly native to eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 22–29 mm and are characterized by their distinctive wing patterning. The species is associated with wetland habitats where its larval host plants, primarily sedges in the genus Carex, grow. It has been documented from the East Coast of the United States through the Great Lakes region and into southern Canada.
Podabrus modestus
soldier beetle
Podabrus modestus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. Adults measure 8.5–11 mm in length. The species occurs in eastern North America, including Canada and the United States. Like other soldier beetles, it is active during the day and commonly found on flowers and foliage.
Polyergus lucidus
Shining Slave-Making Ant, Shining Amazon Ant, Lucidus-group Amazon Ant
Polyergus lucidus is an obligatory social parasite and slave-making ant endemic to the eastern United States. Workers are incapable of feeding themselves or rearing their own brood, relying entirely on captured host ants to perform these tasks. The species conducts organized raids on nests of Formica ants, primarily Formica incerta, capturing pupae that mature into functional workers in the parasite colony. P. lucidus exhibits strong host specificity, with colonies typically containing only one slave species despite multiple potential hosts being available in the same habitat.
Prionus imbricornis
Tile-horned Prionus
Prionus imbricornis is a large longhorned beetle in the subfamily Prioninae, commonly known as the Tile-horned Prionus. Males are attracted to synthetic 3,5-dimethyldodecanoic acid, a compound originally identified as a female-produced sex pheromone in the related species P. californicus. The species belongs to the subgenus Neopolyarthron and is one of several Prionus species in eastern North America.
Prionus laticollis
broad-necked root borer, broad necked prionus
Prionus laticollis, commonly known as the broad-necked root borer, is a large root-boring longhorn beetle native to eastern North America. The species is a significant economic pest of apple orchards, where larvae tunnel through roots causing structural damage to trees. Adults are primarily nocturnal, with males attracted to lights and females using an elongated ovipositor to deposit eggs in soil. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism, with females substantially larger than males. The life cycle spans 3-4 years, with larvae developing underground while feeding on tree roots.
Prochoreutis inflatella
skullcap skeletonizer moth
A small choreutid moth (wingspan 9–11 mm) found in eastern North America. Adults are active from June through September with multiple generations per year. Larvae are specialist feeders on Scutellaria species, particularly Scutellaria lateriflora, and appear in March shortly after host plant emergence. The species constructs a distinctive fusiform, multi-layered white silk cocoon for pupation.