Eastern-north-america
Guides
Promachus bastardii
false bee-killer
Promachus bastardii, commonly known as the false bee-killer, is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. Like other members of the genus Promachus, it is a large, conspicuous predator that hunts flying insects. The species is part of the 'tiger-striped' group of Promachus species characterized by yellow and black abdominal patterning. It is widely distributed in eastern North America and frequently observed in open habitats such as glades and prairies.
Proteoteras naracana
Proteoteras naracana is a small tortricid moth native to eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 15–17 mm and are active from April through July. The larvae feed on maple species (Acer), though specific details of their feeding habits remain poorly documented. The species is recorded from eleven U.S. states ranging from Massachusetts to Alabama.
Pseudodynerus quadrisectus
Pseudodynerus quadrisectus is a solitary mason wasp native to eastern North America. First described by Thomas Say in 1837, this species is frequently mistaken for the similar Four-toothed Mason Wasp (Monobia quadridens). Females construct multi-celled nests in pre-existing wood cavities, provisioning each cell with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae. The species is considered beneficial in gardens due to its pollination activity and caterpillar predation.
Ptilothrix bombiformis
Hibiscus bee, Eastern digger bee, Hibiscus turret bee
Ptilothrix bombiformis is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the hibiscus bee or eastern digger bee. It is one of only two species of the genus Ptilothrix found in the United States, with a distribution centered in the eastern half of North America. The species is notable for its specialized association with mallow family plants (Malvaceae), particularly Hibiscus species, and for its distinctive nesting behavior involving water transport to excavate hard soil. Females construct turreted nest entrances and are active primarily during summer months when host plants are in bloom.
Ptomaphagus ulkei
Ptomaphagus ulkei is a small carrion beetle in the family Leiodidae, described by Horn in 1885. It is distributed across eastern North America, with records from Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Virginia, and Washington D.C. As a member of the subfamily Cholevinae, it is associated with carrion and decomposing organic matter.
Ptycerata busckella
Ptycerata busckella is a small moth and the sole member of the monotypic genus Ptycerata in the family Gelechiidae. It is endemic to eastern North America with records limited to six states in the northeastern and midwestern United States. The species was described by Charles Russell Ely in 1910 and remains poorly known, with only 12 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Publilia concava
Aster Treehopper
Publilia concava is an eastern North American treehopper (Hemiptera: Membracidae) commonly occurring in large aggregations on goldenrod (Solidago spp.). Adults oviposit in early June; nymphs hatch by late June and aggregations peak in mid-July. The species forms dense aggregations of up to 500+ individuals on single plant ramets. It is obligately associated with tending ants, primarily Formica subsericea, Camponotus noveboracensis, and Lasius species, which defend treehoppers from natural enemies in exchange for honeydew. Feeding causes leaf damage including drooping and premature browning. The species is a model system for studying ant-hemipteran mutualisms and spatial ecology.
Purpuricenus humeralis
Red Triangle Long-horned Beetle
Purpuricenus humeralis is a large, showy longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Fabricius in 1798. It is distinguished from congeners by triangular red or orange markings on the humeri (shoulders) of the elytra, rather than transverse bands covering the basal half. The species occurs in northeastern North America and is attracted to fermenting bait traps. It is one of three similar Purpuricenus species in eastern North America, historically confused with P. axillaris until careful study revealed consistent morphological differences.
Purpuricenus paraxillaris
White Oak Branch Girdler
Purpuricenus paraxillaris is a large, showy longhorned beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Ted C. MacRae in 2000 from specimens collected in Missouri. It was the first new species discovered by the author using fermenting bait traps. The species closely resembles P. axillaris but is larger and more robust, with reddish rather than pale orange elytral markings, more developed pronotal tubercles with polished apical lines, and distinctly dentate elytral apices. It is attracted to fermenting baits and has been documented across the eastern United States.
Pyrausta acrionalis
mint-loving pyrausta moth
Pyrausta acrionalis, commonly known as the mint-loving pyrausta moth, is a small crambid moth native to eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 14–18 mm. Larvae feed specifically on leaves of Mentha (mint) species. The species is part of the snout moth family, characterized by elongated mouthparts.
Pyrausta bicoloralis
bicolored pyrausta moth
Pyrausta bicoloralis is a small crambid moth described by Guenée in 1854. Adults display a distinctive yellow and purple wing pattern and are active from June through September. The species occurs across eastern North America from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Michigan and Texas, with the range extending into South America.
Pyrausta inveterascalis
Pyrausta inveterascalis is a small crambid moth described in 1918. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 15 mm with dull vinous forewings featuring a narrow yellow terminal band and smoky hindwings. The species occurs in eastern North America from western Pennsylvania to southern Ontario, Illinois, and Missouri. Larvae feed on Monarda species.
Ramecia crinita
ant-loving beetle
Ramecia crinita is a species of ant-loving beetle in the rove beetle family Staphylinidae. The species was described by Brendel in 1865 and occurs in eastern North America. Like other members of the subfamily Pselaphinae, it is associated with ant colonies.
Redectis vitrea
White-spotted Redectis Moth, Scalloped Snout
Redectis vitrea is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1878. It occurs across the eastern and central United States. The species exhibits bivoltine phenology in at least part of its range, with adult activity spanning summer through early autumn.
Renia discoloralis
Discolored Renia Moth
Renia discoloralis is a litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1854. It occurs in eastern North America from Missouri to southern New England, southward to at least North Carolina. The species has a single annual generation with adults active in mid-summer. Larvae are detritivores that feed on dead leaf material.
Renia salusalis
Dotted Renia Moth, dotted renia
Renia salusalis, commonly known as the Dotted Renia Moth, is a litter moth in the family Erebidae. It was first described by Francis Walker in 1859. The species occurs across the eastern and central United States, where its larvae feed on detritus. Adults are active from late spring through early autumn, with generation timing varying by latitude.
Renia sobrialis
Sober Renia Moth, sober renia
Renia sobrialis, commonly known as the Sober Renia Moth, is a litter moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Francis Walker in 1859, this small moth is widespread in eastern North America. Adults are active from spring through late summer, and the larvae feed on decomposing leaf litter.
Rhopalomyia hirtipes
Rhopalomyia hirtipes is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive galls on Solidago juncea (early goldenrod) in eastern North America. The species forms large, ovoid, multi-chambered stem galls at the base of host plant stems, surrounded by a rosette of long leaves. Adults emerge in early to late September following larval development and pupation within the gall structure.
Rhopalophora longipes
Eastern Rhopalophora
Rhopalophora longipes is a small, diurnal longhorned beetle and the only eastern North American representative of the tribe Rhopalophorini. The species exhibits the characteristic black body with red head and/or pronotum coloration typical of this tribe. Adults are frequently observed on flowers during daylight hours. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1824.
Rivellia quadrifasciata
soybean nodule fly
Rivellia quadrifasciata, commonly known as the soybean nodule fly, is a signal fly in the family Platystomatidae. The species is native to eastern North America, where it originally fed on tick trefoil (Desmodium spp.) before adapting to cultivated legumes. Larvae feed on nitrogen-fixing root nodules of host plants, including soybean, cowpea, and common bean. Despite this feeding habit, the species causes only minor economic damage due to the compensatory growth abilities of soybean. Adults are characterized by their distinctive wing-waving behavior, which gives the family its common name.
Rudiloria
Rudiloria is a genus of flat-backed millipedes in the family Xystodesmidae, endemic to eastern North America. The genus contains seven described species, including the widespread R. trimaculata. Members are characterized by their flattened bodies and distinct color patterns. The genus was established by Causey in 1955.
Sacodes fuscipennis
marsh beetle
Sacodes fuscipennis is a species of marsh beetle in the family Scirtidae. It is found in the eastern United States and parts of Canada including Ontario. The species belongs to a family commonly associated with moist or marshy habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Satyrium favonius
Oak Hairstreak, Southern Hairstreak
Satyrium favonius, commonly known as the Oak Hairstreak or Southern Hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae with a wingspan of 22–38 mm. The species is distributed across the eastern and central United States, from southern New England and the Atlantic Coast south to peninsular Florida and west to central Illinois, southeastern Colorado, and the Gulf Coast. The larvae feed on Quercus (oak) species, consuming leaves, buds, and male catkins. The species overwinters as an egg.
Schaffneria davisi
Schaffneria davisi is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1923. It is distributed across the eastern Nearctic region, with records from multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces. The species was originally described under the genus Pamillia before being transferred to Schaffneria.
Schizomyia impatientis
Jewelweed Gall Midge
Schizomyia impatientis is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species induces characteristic galls on jewelweeds (Impatiens species) in eastern North America. It was first described by Carl Robert Osten-Sacken in 1862. The common name Jewelweed Gall Midge reflects its specialized association with these host plants.
Schizomyia racemicola
Goldenrod Bunch Gall Midge
Schizomyia racemicola is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces characteristic bunch galls on goldenrods (Solidago species). First described by Carl Robert Osten-Sacken in 1862, this species is found in eastern North America. The galls it produces cause dense clusters of stunted leaves at the stem tips, creating a broom-like or "bunch" appearance. The species is relatively well-documented due to the conspicuous nature of its galls on a common host plant.
Scotinella redempta
Scotinella redempta is a small ground-dwelling spider in the family Phrurolithidae, native to eastern North America. It measures approximately 2.1–2.4 mm in body length and inhabits deciduous forest leaf litter. The species was originally misidentified in 1930 and formally described by Willis J. Gertsch in 1941.
Sericophanes heidemanni
Sericophanes heidemanni is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Poppius in 1914. It belongs to the genus Sericophanes, a group within the diverse mirid fauna of North America. The species has been documented in the eastern United States, with confirmed records from Georgia and New York.
Slaterocoris atritibialis
Slaterocoris atritibialis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It was described by Knight in 1938. The species is known from scattered records across eastern North America, with documented occurrences in Ontario, New York, West Virginia, and Georgia.
Sphaeroderus indianae
Indiana False Snail-eating Beetle
Sphaeroderus indianae is a flightless ground beetle in the tribe Cychrini, known from deciduous forests of the eastern United States. Adults possess reduced wings (brachypterous), restricting dispersal and contributing to its patchy distribution. The species is one of several North American Sphaeroderus with limited range and specific habitat requirements.
Sphecomyia vittata
Long-horned Yellowjacket Fly
Sphecomyia vittata is a large, striking syrphid fly known for its exceptional mimicry of yellowjacket wasps. It possesses unusually long, thick antennae for a fly—longer than the head depth in lateral view—which enhances its resemblance to vespid wasps. The species belongs to the S. vittata species group within subtribe Criorhinina, characterized by pruinose scutellar vittae and specific thoracic pruinosity patterns. Adults are flower visitors, though detailed natural history remains poorly documented. The species has a Holarctic distribution with concentration in eastern North America.
Sphegina brachygaster
Thick-waisted Pufftail
Sphegina brachygaster, known as the Thick-waisted Pufftail, is a syrphid fly species described by Hull in 1935. It is fairly common in the eastern United States. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen. Larvae develop in decaying sap accumulations under bark in wet woodland environments.
Sphex nudus
Katydid Wasp
Sphex nudus, commonly known as the katydid wasp, is a solitary digger wasp in the family Sphecidae. Females construct subterranean nests in soil or dirt substrates, including the floors of old barns. The species is notable for its specialized hunting behavior, targeting leaf-rolling crickets as prey for its larvae. It occurs across the eastern United States.
Sphinx franckii
Franck's Sphinx, Franck's Sphinx Moth
Sphinx franckii is a large sphinx moth native to eastern North America, first described by Berthold Neumoegen in 1893. Adults have a wingspan of 100–128 mm and are active primarily at dusk and early morning. The species shows strong fidelity to ash trees as native larval hosts but has adapted to use ornamental lilac in suburban settings. Northern populations have a single generation annually, while southern populations may produce a partial second generation.
Stictiella emarginata
sand wasp
Stictiella emarginata is a solitary sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Bembicinae. It constructs nests in sandy soils and provisions cells with lepidopteran larvae, primarily Noctuidae and Hesperiidae. The species occurs across eastern North America from northern Michigan to the Atlantic Coast, with a flight season concentrated in late June through early August. Nesting behavior includes temporary nest closure, mound leveling, and orientation flights.
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Cylindrical Click Beetle
A click beetle species in the family Elateridae, distributed across eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights. The species is characterized by its cylindrical body form, as reflected in its specific epithet.
Symmerus vockerothi
Symmerus vockerothi is a species of fungus gnat in the family Ditomyiidae, described by Munroe in 1974 from eastern North America. It is classified within the subgenus Psilosymmerus, one of two subgenera established for the Holarctic genus Symmerus. The species was described in a comprehensive systematic revision that also included limited biological observations.
Synanthedon acerrubri
Maple Clearwing Moth, Red Maple Borer
Synanthedon acerrubri is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the maple clearwing moth or red maple borer. The species is a wood-boring pest of maple trees in eastern North America. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking in appearance, with transparent wings and banded abdomens. Larvae tunnel into the trunks and branches of host trees, causing structural damage.
Synanthedon decipiens
oakgall clearwing, oak gall borer, Oak Gall Borer Moth
Synanthedon decipiens is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, found in eastern North America. The species develops as a borer within woody oak galls formed by cynipid wasps. Adults are active primarily in June, with a possible second generation in September in some regions. The moth exhibits effective wasp mimicry, with a slender body, narrow transparent wings, and yellow abdominal banding.
Synecdoche dimidiata
Synecdoche dimidiata is a planthopper in the family Achilidae, a group of fulgoroid insects associated with fungal associations. This species belongs to a poorly studied group of true bugs that feed on fungal hyphae rather than plant sap. Records indicate presence in eastern North America from New England to the southeastern United States.
Syneta extorris
Syneta extorris is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Brown in 1940. The species is endemic to eastern North America and comprises two recognized subspecies with distinct geographic distributions and host associations. The nominate subspecies occurs in the southern Appalachian Mountains, while S. e. borealis ranges from Newfoundland to Ontario and New York.
Syrphus knabi
Eastern Flower Fly
Syrphus knabi is an uncommon species of syrphid fly found in eastern North America. Adults are medium-sized hover flies, 7.2–12.9 mm in length, with distinctive yellow and black banded abdomens and sexually dimorphic head coloration. The species is a known aphid predator in its larval stage.
Tabanus catenatus
Chained Horse Fly
Tabanus catenatus is a large horse fly species in the family Tabanidae, measuring 19–25 mm in body length. It is commonly known as the Chained Horse Fly and occurs in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Like other horse flies, it belongs to a group of biting flies known for their blood-feeding behavior, with females requiring blood meals for egg development.
Tabanus novaescotiae
Nova Scotia horse fly
Tabanus novaescotiae is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Macquart in 1847. The species is distributed across eastern North America, with confirmed records from Canada and the United States. Like other horse flies, it belongs to a group of biting flies known for their robust bodies and large eyes. The specific epithet references Nova Scotia, suggesting the type locality or an early collection location.
Tachinus picipes
Tachinus picipes is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Erichson in 1839. It is distributed across eastern North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the subfamily Tachyporinae, it belongs to a group of rove beetles often associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats. The species epithet 'picipes' refers to the pitch-black (piceous) coloration of the legs.
Tachyporus browni
Tachyporus browni is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Campbell in 1979. It belongs to the genus Tachyporus, a group of small to medium-sized predatory beetles commonly found in diverse terrestrial habitats. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only four records in citizen science databases. Its specific biology and ecology remain poorly understood due to limited study.
Tallaperla
roach-like stoneflies, roachflies
Tallaperla is a genus of stoneflies in the family Peltoperlidae, commonly known as roach-like stoneflies or roachflies. The genus contains seven described species distributed in eastern North America. Members of this genus are aquatic insects whose nymphs inhabit forested headwater streams and function as shredders in stream food webs. Adults emerge in late spring to early summer.
Telamona maculata
Telamona maculata is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Edward Payson Van Duzee in 1908. It is characterized by a high, almost plateau-shaped pronotum with brown and beige patterning and a pale face contrasting with the darker body. The species occurs across eastern North America, feeding on sap from various oak and hickory species. It can be confused with the similar Telamona tristis.
Tetanolita floridana
Florida Tetanolita Moth, Florida Owlet
Tetanolita floridana, commonly known as the Florida Tetanolita Moth or Florida Owlet, is a litter moth in the family Erebidae. First described by J. B. Smith in 1895, this small moth has a wingspan of 20–24 mm. It is notable for its broad geographic distribution across the eastern United States, extending from Wisconsin to Long Island and south to Florida and Texas. The species exhibits variable adult activity periods depending on latitude, with year-round flight in the southernmost parts of its range.
Tipula apicalis
Tipula apicalis is a large crane fly in the family Tipulidae, first described by Loew in 1863. The species occurs across eastern North America, from Ontario and Quebec south to Tennessee and North Carolina. It belongs to the diverse genus Tipula, which contains hundreds of species of crane flies worldwide.