Flightless-female
Guides
Alsophila pometaria
Fall Cankerworm Moth, Fall Cankerworm, Inchworm
Alsophila pometaria, the fall cankerworm, is a native North American geometrid moth notable for its sexually dimorphic adults: males are winged and capable of flight, while females are wingless, flightless, and lack functional mouthparts. The species exhibits a distinctive life cycle with adult emergence in late autumn and early winter, egg-laying on tree bark, and larval feeding in spring. Caterpillars are known as "inchworms" or "loopers" due to their characteristic looping locomotion. The species is a generalist defoliator of deciduous hardwood trees and can reach outbreak densities, causing significant economic and ecological impact.
Boopedon
boopies, ebony grasshopper (B. nubilum), yellow-belly boopie (B. flaviventris), prairie boopie (B. gracile), short-winged boopie (B. auriventris)
Boopedon is a genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, commonly known as boopies. The genus contains at least eight described species distributed across western North American grasslands. Species in this genus are notable for pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males typically winged and darkly colored while females are often larger, flightless, and paler. Several species, particularly B. nubilum (the ebony grasshopper), are significant rangeland pests capable of reaching outbreak densities.
Boopedon nubilum
ebony grasshopper, black-males grasshopper, plains boopie
Boopedon nubilum is a large slant-faced grasshopper inhabiting western North American grasslands. Males are strikingly black with functional wings, while females are large, pale brown, and typically flightless. The species is a specialized grass feeder with documented food preferences that vary geographically. At high densities, it becomes a significant pest of rangeland forage, particularly in the southern mixedgrass and desert prairies of Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas.
Cordylospasta opaca
Cordylospasta opaca is a large, black blister beetle (Meloidae) endemic to arid regions of central and southern California. Males are fully winged and reach 12 mm in length, while females are flightless with reduced elytra and reach 19 mm. The species is distinguished from its closest relative, C. fulleri, by having 11 antennal segments (versus 8-10 in C. fulleri) and by its strictly allopatric distribution. Six biological races, equivalent to subspecies, have been recognized based on step-clinal geographic variation in seven anatomical characters.
Dahlica lichenella
Lichen Case-bearer
Dahlica lichenella is a bagworm moth in the family Psychidae, commonly known as the Lichen Case-bearer. The species is native to Europe but has been introduced to North America. Males have a wingspan of 13–16 mm and are active in early spring, while females are flightless and remain within their larval cases throughout their adult lives. Larvae construct small, inconspicuous cases from lichen fragments and other debris, often going unnoticed due to their cryptic appearance.
Diastrophus kincaidii
thimbleberry gallmaker wasp, thimbleberry gall wasp
Diastrophus kincaidii is a cynipid wasp that induces integral stem galls on thimbleberry plants (Rubus parviflorus). The galls form the basis of a complex derivative ecosystem, supporting a weevil and at least nine species of parasitic wasps. Females are flightless and exhibit communal oviposition behavior, with multiple females often ovipositing at the same site. Gall shape and size influence parasitism rates, with large, round, multilocular galls showing lower parasite frequency than small or narrow galls.
Dipara trilineata
Dipara trilineata is a parasitoid wasp in family Diparidae endemic to eastern North America. Females are flightless (apterous) while males possess wings, creating pronounced sexual dimorphism. Despite this apparent dispersal limitation, populations across southern Appalachia show minimal genetic structure. The species was described from Trimicrops trilineatus in 1977, and its male had been misattributed until DNA barcoding definitively established the correct association.
Diphyllostoma
false stag beetles
Diphyllostoma is a genus of three rare beetle species endemic to California, commonly known as false stag beetles. Adults are diurnal and active during the day. Females are flightless, while males have functional wings. Larval stages have never been observed, and the life history remains largely unknown. The genus represents the sole member of the family Diphyllostomatidae.
Hypothyce
May beetles, Junebugs
Hypothyce is a genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Melolonthinae, containing four described species in the United States. All species are restricted to isolated sandhill habitats along the North American Coastal Plain. The genus exhibits pronounced geographic isolation, with each species known from a single state: Texas, Georgia, or Alabama. Several species remain poorly known, with females undescribed for three of four species.
Megacraspedus
large twirler moths
Megacraspedus is a genus of small to medium-sized moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as large twirler moths. The genus is primarily Palearctic in distribution and has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with 44 new species described in 2018 alone. Members are characterized by relatively short wings, protruding labial palps, and frequent female flightlessness. Many species inhabit high-elevation mountain habitats up to 3,000 meters.
Myrmosidae
Myrmosid Wasps
Myrmosidae is a small family of wasps in the superfamily Vespoidea, sister taxon to Sapygidae. Formerly treated as a subfamily of Mutillidae, it was elevated to family status in 2008 based on molecular and morphological evidence. Females are flightless and kleptoparasitic, entering nests of fossorial bees and wasps. The family contains approximately 10 genera and is distributed globally, though many regions remain understudied.
Operophtera brumata
Winter Moth
Operophtera brumata, the winter moth, is a geometrid moth native to Europe and the Near East that has been introduced to North America. It is notable among temperate Lepidoptera for adult activity during late fall and early winter. Females are flightless, while males are fully winged. The species is a significant pest of deciduous trees and an important food source for birds such as Blue Tits, which feed their young almost exclusively on winter moth caterpillars. The USA National Phenology Network includes this species in its Pheno Forecast program to aid pest management.
Orgyia leucostigma
White-marked Tussock Moth
A tussock moth species native to North America, distinguished by sexually dimorphic adults: females are flightless with reduced wings, while males are winged and active. The caterpillar is conspicuously colored with defensive hair tufts and can cause allergic reactions in humans. Multiple generations occur annually in eastern North America, with outbreaks occasionally reported on urban trees.
Orgyia pseudotsugata
Douglas-fir tussock moth
A western North American tussock moth known for periodic population outbreaks that cause significant defoliation of conifer forests. Males are winged and grayish-brown with feathery antennae, while females are flightless with rudimentary wings. Caterpillars are distinctive with red spots, white spines, and prominent red-tipped white tussocks. The species undergoes cyclical outbreaks every 8-12 years that can persist for up to four years.
Paleacrita
spring cankerworm moths
Paleacrita is a genus of geometer moths (Geometridae) containing at least three described species, including the widespread spring cankerworm (Paleacrita vernata). The genus was established by Riley in 1876. Species in this genus are notable for having flightless females in at least some species, a trait that influences their dispersal biology and seasonal activity patterns.
Pleocoma badia hirsuta
Pleocoma badia hirsuta is a subspecies of rain beetle in the family Pleocomidae, described by Davis in 1934. Like other Pleocomidae, adults are active during autumn rains and exhibit strong sexual dimorphism with flightless females. The subspecific epithet 'hirsuta' suggests increased hairiness relative to the nominate subspecies. It is one of several subspecies within the P. badia species complex found in western North America.
Pleocoma behrensii
rain beetle
Pleocoma behrensii is a species of rain beetle endemic to the Pacific Coast of North America. Rain beetles in this genus are known for their flightless females and their emergence during the first heavy autumn rains. The species belongs to a relict family with limited distribution and specialized ecological associations.
Pleocoma fimbriata
Fimbriate Rain Beetle
Pleocoma fimbriata is a species of rain beetle in the family Pleocomidae, known from California. Rain beetles are characterized by their flightless females and autumn-emerging adults that are often associated with rainfall events. The species was described by LeConte in 1856.
Pleocoma hirticollis
rain beetle
Pleocoma hirticollis is a species of rain beetle in the family Pleocomidae, a group of scarab beetles endemic to western North America. The species is active during autumn and winter rains, emerging only when soil is saturated. Three subspecies are recognized: P. h. hirticollis, P. h. reflexa, and P. h. vandykei. Like other Pleocomidae, adults are sexually dimorphic and do not feed.
Pleocoma octopagina
rain beetle
Pleocoma octopagina is a species of rain beetle described by Robertson in 1970. It belongs to the family Pleocomidae, a small group of scarabaeoid beetles known for their autumn emergence following rainfall. The species occurs in California on the lower West Coast of North America.
Pleocoma oregonensis
Oregon rain beetle
Pleocoma oregonensis is a rain beetle in the family Pleocomidae, endemic to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. As with other members of this family, it exhibits autumnal emergence patterns correlated with rainfall events. The species was described by Leach in 1933 and is one of approximately 30 described species in the genus Pleocoma.
Pleocoma tularensis
rain beetle
Pleocoma tularensis is a species of rain beetle in the family Pleocomidae, distinguished by having one of the largest geographic ranges within the genus Pleocoma. It is endemic to the central and southern Sierra Nevada of California. Like other rain beetles, adults are sexually dimorphic: males are winged and capable of flight, while females are flightless. Adults do not feed and rely entirely on energy reserves accumulated during their extended larval development underground.
Polyphylla barbata
Mount Hermon June Beetle
Polyphylla barbata is a federally endangered scarab beetle endemic to a single restricted locality in the Zayante sandhills of Santa Cruz County, California. The species occupies less than 1,500 acres of habitat, making it one of the most geographically limited beetles in North America. Adults are active in mid-summer, with males flying at dusk to locate flightless females using pheromone-detecting antennae. The species faces severe habitat loss from sand mining and development, with over 40% of its sandhills habitat already destroyed.
Polyphylla decemlineata
Ten-lined June Beetle, Watermelon Beetle
Polyphylla decemlineata is a large scarab beetle native to western North America, commonly known as the Ten-lined June Beetle or Watermelon Beetle. Adults are notable for their distinctive ten white stripes on dark elytra and greatly enlarged, fan-like antennae in males. The species is strongly attracted to lights and exhibits distinctive pheromone-mediated mating behavior where males actively search for flightless females. Larvae develop underground, feeding on roots of grasses and other plants.
Polyphylla occidentalis
Western Ten-lined June Beetle, Western Lined June Beetle
Polyphylla occidentalis is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the western ten-lined June beetle or western lined June beetle. It is native to the southeastern United States, where adults are active during warm summer months. The species is characterized by brownish coloration with white longitudinal stripes and enlarged, fan-like antennae in males that function in detecting female sex pheromones. Larvae develop underground, feeding on plant roots.
Polyphylla pubescens
Eglin Uplands Scarab Beetle
Polyphylla pubescens is a rare, endemic scarab beetle restricted to the upland habitats of Eglin Air Force Base and adjacent inland areas in the Florida panhandle. Adults are moderately sized for the genus, with males measuring 17.5–19 mm and females slightly larger at 19–20 mm. The species is distinguished from congeners by a strong lateral elytral margin that extends to the base. Like other members of the genus Polyphylla, males possess greatly enlarged, fan-like antennae used to detect female sex pheromones, while females are likely flightless and remain buried in sandy substrates. The species is part of the pubescens species group within Polyphylla.
Polyphylla starkae
Auburndale Scrub Scarab Beetle
Polyphylla starkae is a large scarab beetle endemic to Florida's Lake Wales Ridge, where it inhabits specialized scrub habitat. The species belongs to the pubescens species complex and exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are flightless with reddish-brown, fused elytra, while males are capable of flight and possess dark elytra with patchy light brown setae. The specific epithet honors collector Donna Stark, and the common name references Auburndale, Florida, near its restricted range.
Stagmomantis limbata
bordered mantis, Arizona mantis, bosque mantis, New Mexico praying mantis
Stagmomantis limbata is one of the largest native mantids in North America, reaching approximately 3 inches in length. It exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are flightless, robust, and typically plain green or gray with a dark spot on the tegmina, while males are slender, long-winged, and capable of flight. The species is notable for female-emitted sex pheromones that attract males, with pheromone production linked to female nutritional status and receptivity. Sexual cannibalism occurs, particularly when females are food-limited.
Zarhipis integripennis
western banded glowworm
Zarhipis integripennis, the western banded glowworm, is a glowworm beetle in the family Phengodidae. Males are winged and capable of flight, while females are larviform and flightless, creating strongly asymmetrical dispersal abilities between sexes. This sexual dimorphism has significant consequences for population genetic structure and gene flow patterns.