Eastern-united-states
Guides
Abedus immaculatus
Abedus immaculatus is a species of giant water bug in the family Belostomatidae. It is the only Abedus species found in the eastern United States, with a range extending throughout Florida north into Georgia and west along the Gulf Coast to Mississippi. Adults measure 13–14 mm in length, making them the smallest species in the genus Abedus and the smallest belostomatid in the United States. The species is the sole member of the subgenus Microabedus. It is locally common in parts of the Everglades, where it occurs in shorter hydroperiod sites.
giant-water-bugaquatic-insectfreshwaterwetlandEvergladesendemiceastern-United-Statessmallest-belostomatid-USAmale-parental-careBelostomatidaeHemipteraMicroabedushydroperiodFloridaGeorgiaMississippiGulf-CoastThomas-Say1832Abedus-cantrallisynonymywater-bugtrue-bugNepomorphaHeteropteraInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaAcrobasis minimella
Acrobasis minimella is a small snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described by Émile Louis Ragonot in 1889. It occurs in the eastern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 17 mm. Its larvae are specialized feeders on oak species (Quercus).
Acrolophus popeanella
Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth
Acrolophus popeanella is a moth in the family Acrolophidae, commonly known as Clemens' Grass Tubeworm Moth. The species was described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1859. Adults are small moths with distinctive dark brown wings marked with lighter brown blotches and a striped pattern near the forewing margins. The larvae are root-feeders, specifically documented to feed on red clover (Trifolium pratense). The species is widely distributed across the eastern and central United States, occurring in diverse habitats from grasslands to urban environments.
Aethes angulatana
Angular Aethes Moth, angular aethes
Aethes angulatana, commonly known as the Angular Aethes Moth, is a small tortricid moth described by Robinson in 1869. Adults are active during summer months, with flight periods varying by latitude. The species is relatively well-documented with over 200 iNaturalist observations.
Agraphus bellicus
Agraphus bellicus is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1831. It belongs to the subfamily Entiminae, a diverse group of weevils characterized by their elongated snouts and root-feeding larvae. The species has been documented in several eastern U.S. states, with records concentrated in the Mid-Atlantic and Florida regions. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with herbaceous vegetation, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Amydria brevipennella
Amydria brevipennella is a small moth in the family Tineidae (formerly placed in Acrolophidae), described by Dietz in 1905. It is known from scattered records in the eastern United States. The species is rarely encountered and poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Anillinus fortis
Anillinus fortis is a species of small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, endemic to the Eastern United States. It belongs to the tribe Anillina within the subfamily Trechinae, a group characterized by reduced eyes and adaptations to subterranean or soil-dwelling habits. The species was described by George Henry Horn in 1869. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits forest floor litter and soil microhabitats.
Anopheles quadrimaculatus
common malaria mosquito
Anopheles quadrimaculatus is a mosquito species historically recognized as the most important malaria vector in the eastern United States. It belongs to a sibling species complex that includes at least four genetically distinct forms. The species breeds in freshwater habitats, particularly intermittently flooded swamps and rice fields. While it remains capable of transmitting Plasmodium parasites, local malaria transmission in its range has been eliminated through vector control and public health measures.
Aphaenogaster tennesseensis
Tennessee Collared Ant, Tennessee Spine-waisted Ant
Aphaenogaster tennesseensis is a medium-sized ant species in the family Formicidae, commonly known as the Tennessee Collared Ant or Tennessee Spine-waisted Ant. It belongs to the genus Aphaenogaster, a diverse group of ants found primarily in temperate and subtropical regions. The species has been documented in the eastern United States, with records from Vermont and other states. Workers have been observed foraging on fungi and scavenging dead or injured insects.
Aristotelia lespedezae
Aristotelia lespedezae is a small moth in the twirler moth family Gelechiidae, described by Annette Frances Braun in 1930. It occurs in the eastern United States, with records from Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. Adults have been documented from late May through October in Kentucky. The species name references its presumed larval association with Lespedeza plants.
Ataenius fattigi
Ataenius fattigi is a species of aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is found in North America, with records from the eastern and central United States. The species was described by Cartwright in 1948. Like other members of the genus Ataenius, it is associated with decomposing organic matter.
Atymna inornata
Atymna inornata is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae. First described by Thomas Say in 1831, this species is characterized by its relatively unadorned pronotum compared to other members of the genus. Treehoppers in this group are known for their highly modified pronota that often extend into elaborate structures, though A. inornata exhibits a more subdued morphology consistent with its specific epithet.
Brachygluta luniger
Brachygluta luniger is a small rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. The species has been recorded from eastern North America, with distribution records spanning from Canada to the southeastern United States. As with other members of the genus Brachygluta, it is a poorly known species with limited published biological information. The genus belongs to the diverse rove beetle fauna, one of the largest families of beetles.
Brachypnoea convexa
Brachypnoea convexa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, found in the Eastern United States. First described by Thomas Say in 1824, this species belongs to a genus of small leaf beetles. Very little has been published regarding its biology, ecology, or specific habitat requirements.
Brephidium pseudofea
Eastern Pygmy-Blue
Brephidium pseudofea, commonly known as the Eastern Pygmy-Blue, is one of the smallest butterflies in North America. It belongs to the family Lycaenidae and is closely related to the Western Pygmy-Blue (Brephidium exilis), from which it can be distinguished by distribution and subtle morphological differences. The species is associated with coastal and salt marsh habitats in the eastern United States.
Buprestis rufipes
red-legged buprestis, red-legged buprestis beetle, redbellied buprestis
Buprestis rufipes is a striking metallic wood-boring beetle native to the eastern and southern United States. Adults measure 18–25 mm and display brilliant metallic green coloration with distinctive golden-yellow bands across the elytra, with reddish legs and underparts that give the species its name. The beetle has been reared from dead or dying hardwood trunks, particularly maple, beech, oak, elm, and blackgum. Despite its visual prominence, the species remains poorly studied, with no recorded larval host plants and limited ecological data.
Camponotus chromaiodes
ferruginous carpenter ant, red carpenter ant
Camponotus chromaiodes, commonly known as the ferruginous or red carpenter ant, is a species of carpenter ant native to the eastern United States with records extending to Nebraska, Kansas, and possibly California. Workers of this species have been observed removing honeydew droplets from spotted lanternfly nymphs, suggesting potential for developing mutualistic relationships with honeydew-producing insects. Like other carpenter ants, it excavates galleries in wood for colony housing rather than consuming wood for nutrition.
Catocala serena
Serene Underwing
Catocala serena, the serene underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is found in eastern North America from southern Ontario and New England south to Tennessee, and west to Illinois and eastern Wisconsin. Adults are active from July to September with one generation per year. The larvae feed on shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) and black walnut (Juglans nigra).
Catopocerus politus
Catopocerus politus is a species of small carrion beetle in the family Leiodidae, first described by Motschulsky in 1870. It belongs to the subfamily Catopocerinae, a group of beetles primarily associated with decomposing organic matter. The species has been recorded from several eastern U.S. states including Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Washington D.C.
Ceuthophilus guttulosus angulosus
Camel cricket, Cave cricket
Ceuthophilus guttulosus angulosus is a subspecies of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. As a member of the genus Ceuthophilus, it shares traits with other American camel crickets: wingless adults, humpbacked appearance, and elongated antennae adapted for navigation in dark environments. This subspecies has been documented in several eastern and midwestern U.S. states. Like other camel crickets, it is primarily associated with cool, damp, dark habitats and is nocturnal in activity.
Ceuthophilus guttulosus thomasi
Utah camel cricket
Ceuthophilus guttulosus thomasi is a subspecies of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is a native North American camel cricket belonging to the genus Ceuthophilus, which includes approximately 90 species. The subspecies was described by Hubbell in 1936. Like other camel crickets, it is wingless, nocturnal, and adapted to dark, damp environments. It is found in the eastern United States, with records from Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, New York, and Ohio.
Chalcosyrphus metallifer
Orange-horned Leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus metallifer, commonly known as the Orange-horned Leafwalker, is a rare species of syrphid fly found in the Eastern United States. Adults are typically observed on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species belongs to the subgenus Xylotomima within the genus Chalcosyrphus, a group whose larvae are associated with decaying wood rather than the aphid predation typical of many hoverflies.
Colonus puerperus
Colonus puerperus is a jumping spider species found in the eastern United States, notable for its exceptional jumping ability. Adult females measure 7–11 mm, while males are smaller at 5–7 mm. The species has been documented jumping up to 38 times its body length, with a measured maximum horizontal jump of 23 cm for a 6.2 mm male. It inhabits grassy areas and is active during warmer months.
Condylostylus comatus
Condylostylus comatus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, primarily found in the Eastern United States. Males can be distinguished from similar species by a row of hairs on the mid metatarsus and pale genital appendages. The species belongs to a diverse Neotropical genus and exhibits typical dolichopodid characteristics including predatory behavior on small insects.
Coras aerialis
Coras aerialis is a species of funnel weaver spider in the family Agelenidae, first described by Muma in 1946. It is found in the United States, with records from Vermont and other eastern states. The species belongs to a genus of forest-dwelling spiders that construct funnel-shaped webs with multiple retreats, often in elevated positions or crevices.
Cuerna costalis
Lateral-lined Sharpshooter
Cuerna costalis, known as the lateral-lined sharpshooter, is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae. It is native to the eastern half of the United States. The species is distinguished by its black and red coloration with longitudinal stripes on the forewings and a prominent white stripe running from the eye along the side of the abdomen. It is the only species in the genus Cuerna with red on its legs.
Decarthron stigmosum
ant-loving beetle
Decarthron stigmosum is a species of rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly referred to as ant-loving beetles. The species was described by Brendel in 1865. It is distributed across eastern North America, with records from Canada and multiple U.S. states. Like other Pselaphinae, it is associated with ant colonies, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Diplotaxis subcostata
Diplotaxis subcostata is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species was described by Blanchard in 1851 and is distributed across the eastern and southern United States. Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, it is attracted to lights at night and has been observed congregating on low vegetation, possibly in association with pheromone trails.
Efferia pogonias
Yellow-bearded Hammertail
Efferia pogonias is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the yellow-bearded hammertail. It is endemic to the eastern United States, where it occurs from Maine to Georgia and westward to Minnesota and Texas. The species prefers open, dry habitats including sandy inland locations. Adults are active from May to October with peak activity in September and October. Females oviposit in soil.
Enallagma pollutum
Florida bluet
Enallagma pollutum, the Florida bluet, is a narrow-winged damselfly endemic to the eastern United States. It belongs to the family Coenagrionidae, a large group of small to medium-sized damselflies commonly known as pond damselflies or bluets. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Epiblema gibsoni
Epiblema gibsoni is a small moth in the family Tortricidae, first described by Wright and Covell in 2003. The species is named in honor of Loran D. Gibson for his contributions to Kentucky lepidopterology. It occurs in the eastern and central United States, with adult flight activity recorded from early June through late August.
Eratoneura osborni
Eratoneura osborni is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Like other members of the genus Eratoneura, it is a small plant-feeding insect. The species was described by DeLong in 1916. It has been documented in the eastern United States, with records from Maryland, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Virginia. As a typhlocybine leafhopper, it likely possesses the characteristic brochosomes—nanoparticle coatings that provide hydrophobic and anti-reflective properties to the exoskeleton.
Erebomaster acanthinus
armoured harvestman
Erebomaster acanthinus is a species of armoured harvestman in the family Cladonychiidae (sometimes listed as Travuniidae in older sources). It belongs to the suborder Laniatores, a group of harvestmen characterized by relatively short legs and often elaborate body armature. The species was described by Crosby and Bishop in 1924. It is known from scattered records in the eastern United States.
Eudryas unio
Pearly Wood-nymph
Eudryas unio, the pearly wood-nymph, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active from May through August and have a wingspan of 26–35 mm. The species was historically confused with Eudryas brevipennis, but genitalia differences in both sexes confirm their separation. Isolated populations occur in central Utah and California, with the California population potentially representing a distinct subspecies.
Fascista bimaculella
Fascista bimaculella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, found in eastern North America. The species is distinguished by its striking forewing pattern: a dark purplish-brown to black background with two prominent white markings—a large discal spot and a costal streak. It occurs in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. The specific epithet 'bimaculella' refers to these two macules (spots).
Garganus fusiformis
Garganus fusiformis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from the eastern and southeastern United States including Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. As a member of the Miridae, it possesses the characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of true bugs.
Hahncappsia neomarculenta
Hahncappsia neomarculenta is a crambid moth described by Hahn William Capps in 1967. The species is endemic to the eastern United States, with records from six states in the Appalachian and mid-Atlantic regions. Adults are active during late spring and early summer.
Helopicus subvarians
vernal springfly
Helopicus subvarians is a species of springfly in the family Perlodidae, described by Banks in 1920. It is commonly known as the vernal springfly. Records indicate occurrence in the eastern United States. Like other Plecoptera, it is associated with aquatic habitats during immature stages.
Hexatoma wilsonii
Hexatoma wilsonii is a species of limoniid crane fly (family Limoniidae) first described by Osten Sacken in 1869. The species is known from the eastern United States, with records from Ohio to Delaware and south to North Carolina. Like other members of the genus Hexatoma, adults are characterized by reduced wing venation and distinctive leg structure. The species has been documented through a small number of observations on iNaturalist (7 records), suggesting it may be underreported or genuinely uncommon.
Hoplia trifasciata
three-lined hoplia, three lined hoplium
Hoplia trifasciata is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It occurs in eastern North America, ranging from Canada through the eastern United States. The species is relatively small and belongs to a genus commonly known as hoplia beetles or monkey beetles.
Laphria sericea
Laphria sericea is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It is part of a species complex within the genus Laphria, which includes several bumble bee-mimicking species. The species is known from the eastern United States, with records from Vermont and other states.
Leuctra ferruginea
Eastern Needlefly
Leuctra ferruginea, commonly known as the eastern needlefly, is a species of rolled-winged stonefly in the family Leuctridae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from the eastern and southeastern United States including Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. As a member of the order Plecoptera, it is associated with aquatic habitats during its immature stages.
Lipocosma adelalis
A small crambid moth described by Kearfott in 1903, known from scattered records across the eastern United States. Adults are active during summer months and are characterized by a wingspan of approximately 11 mm. The species appears to be uncommon to rare, with limited ecological data available.
Lymeon orbus
Lymeon orbus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1835. It is known from the Eastern United States. As a member of the large and diverse ichneumonid family, it is presumed to be a parasitoid wasp, though specific host associations and detailed biology remain poorly documented. The genus Lymeon contains multiple species, with L. orbus being among the earlier described members.
Lytrosis sinuosa
sinuous lytrosis moth
Lytrosis sinuosa, the sinuous lytrosis moth, is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It was described by Rindge in 1971. The species is found in the eastern United States, ranging from New Jersey south to northern Florida and west to Mississippi. Adults have a wingspan of 24–29 mm, with females larger than males.
Magicicada septendecula
Decula Periodical Cicada
Magicicada septendecula is one of three species of 17-year periodical cicadas endemic to the eastern United States. It is typically the rarest of the three species in mixed-species populations and exhibits stronger habitat specificity than its congeners. The species prefers upland woodland habitats dominated by hickories and walnuts, particularly Carya glabra (pignut hickory), and shows a strong association with Juglandaceae host trees. First described in 1962, it has been recorded from Connecticut southward through the eastern states, with the northeastern-most record from Totoket Mountain in North Branford, Connecticut in 2013. M. septendecula is distinguished from M. septendecim by its smaller body size and hind tibial length (less than 6.3 mm versus 6.3 mm or greater). The species exhibits greater susceptibility to delayed emergence compared to other Magicicada species, which may contribute to its comparative rarity.
Margarinotus faedatus
clown beetle
Margarinotus faedatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America, with records from eastern Canada and the eastern United States.
Martyringa latipennis
Square-spotted Martyringa Moth
Martyringa latipennis is a small moth in the family Lecithoceridae, commonly known as the Square-spotted Martyringa Moth. It is found across the eastern and central United States, with adults active from late spring through mid-summer. The species is recognized by its distinctive wing pattern featuring pale ochreous forewings with brownish-fuscous clouding and a characteristic pale fascia.
Mermiria intertexta
Coastal Toothpick Grasshopper, Eastern Mermiria
Mermiria intertexta, commonly known as the Coastal Toothpick Grasshopper or Eastern Mermiria, is a slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distributed along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the eastern United States. The species belongs to the genus Mermiria, which includes several closely related slant-faced grasshoppers found in North American grasslands.
Metachroma quercatum
Orange-shouldered Metachroma
Metachroma quercatum is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, measuring 3.2–4.2 mm in length. The species is distributed across the eastern United States from Texas to Florida and north to New York and Kansas. Its specific epithet references Quercus (oak), indicating an association with oak as a host plant.