Forest
Guides
Abdera
Abdera is a genus of false darkling beetles (family Melandryidae) established by Stephens in 1832. The genus is found in northern Europe, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As a member of the family Melandryidae, Abdera species are associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The genus contains multiple species, though specific taxonomic boundaries and species counts require further verification.
Acidota crenata
Crenate Ocellate Rove Beetle
Acidota crenata is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Omaliinae. The species has a Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern and central Europe, extending eastward through Russia to East Asia, and present in North America including Canada and the United States. It is one of approximately 15 species in the genus Acidota, which are characterized by distinctive ocellate (eye-spotted) patterns on the elytra. The specific epithet 'crenata' refers to the crenate (scalloped or notched) margins characteristic of this species.
Acronicta laetifica
Pleasant Dagger, Pleasant Dagger Moth
Acronicta laetifica, commonly known as the Pleasant Dagger, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae. It is a member of the dagger moth genus Acronicta, characterized by distinctive forewing markings that include a dark dagger-shaped streak. The species occurs across eastern North America, with larvae that feed on various woody plants.
Agathidiini
round fungus beetles
Agathidiini is a tribe of small beetles within the family Leiodidae, commonly known as round fungus beetles. Members are characterized by their association with slime moulds, which serve as their primary food source. The tribe encompasses 11 genera distributed across multiple continents.
Allotria elonympha
False Underwing
A medium-sized moth in the family Erebidae, known for its cryptic forewings and brightly patterned hindwings. The species is found in eastern North America and is most active during late summer and early autumn. Adults rest with forewings covering the hindwings, concealing the colorful underwing pattern until disturbed.
Amphipyra glabella
Grey Amphipyra, Smooth Amphipyra
Amphipyra glabella is a noctuid moth found across eastern and central North America. Adults are active from August to September with one generation per year. The species was first described by Herbert Knowles Morrison in 1874. It is one of several Amphipyra species known as "amphipyra" moths, characterized by their stout bodies and cryptic coloration.
Andrenosoma
Chiselmouths
Andrenosoma is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) in the subfamily Laphriinae, containing at least 70 described species. The genus is distributed across North America, Europe, and the Neotropics, with greatest diversity in the Neotropical region. Species are associated with dead wood habitats, where larvae prey on wood-boring beetle larvae. Adults are predatory and typically perch on sun-exposed surfaces such as tree trunks, logs, and stumps.
Anochetus mayri
Mayr's Lesser Trap-jaw Ant
Anochetus mayri is a species of trap-jaw ant in the subfamily Ponerinae, distributed across much of northern and central South America. Like other members of the genus Anochetus, it possesses enlarged mandibles capable of rapid closure to capture prey. The species was described by Carlo Emery in 1884 and remains relatively understudied compared to its congener Anochetus simoni. Records indicate presence in Brazil, Colombia, and other Neotropical regions, primarily in forested habitats.
Anomaloninae
Anomaloninae is a cosmopolitan subfamily of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae. Members are slender, ranging from small to large, and typically black or brownish with yellow markings on the face and legs. The subfamily is divided into two tribes: Anomalonini, which parasitize Coleoptera larvae (Tenebrionidae and Elateridae) and some Lepidoptera larvae (Noctuidae and Tortricidae), and Gravenhorstiini, which parasitize Lepidoptera larvae. They are distinguished from other ichneumonid subfamilies by a highly reticulated propodeum, slender metasoma, fore wing with vein 3 rs-m absent, and swollen hind tarsi in males.
Apaturinae
emperors
Apaturinae is a subfamily of brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) comprising approximately 20 genera and roughly 100 species commonly called 'emperors.' Members are distinguished by a green proboscis, strikingly colored upperwings, and cryptic underwings. The subfamily exhibits a disjunct global distribution, with most genera occurring in South and East Asia and Africa, while the genera Doxocopa and Asterocampa are primarily Neotropical and Nearctic. Larvae of at least some species possess a unique defensive mechanism: oral emission of volatile halitosis (alcohols and aldehydes/ketones with 4–5 carbon chains) when disturbed by predators.
Apoda rectilinea
Rectilinea Slug Moth
Apoda rectilinea is a slug moth in the family Limacodidae, native to North America. The caterpillars are known for their distinctive flattened, slug-like form and are associated with oak foliage. Adults are small, relatively plain moths that are attracted to light. The species is part of a genus whose larvae feed on specific host plants and possess stinging spines.
Arachosia
A genus of anyphaenid sac spiders native to the Americas, first described by Octavius Pickard-Cambridge in 1882. The genus comprises 21 recognized species, including seven recently described species. Arachosia species are primarily associated with grassland and forest habitats. A taxonomic revision resolved long-standing identification problems in the A. cubana species complex and documented disjunct distribution patterns suggesting potential cryptic speciation.
Athous fossularis
Grooved Click Beetle
Athous fossularis is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the Grooved Click Beetle. It is a member of the large genus Athous, which contains numerous similar-looking species distributed primarily across the Northern Hemisphere. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853 and is known from eastern Canada.
Aulacidae
Aulacid Wasps
Aulacidae is a small, cosmopolitan family of parasitoid wasps in the superfamily Evanioidea, containing approximately 200 known species across two extant genera: Aulacus and Pristaulacus. These wasps are primarily endoparasitoids of wood-boring insects, specifically targeting larvae of wood wasps (Xiphydriidae) and xylophagous beetles in the families Cerambycidae and Buprestidae. They are closely related to Gasteruptiidae and Evaniidae, sharing the distinctive evanioid trait of having the metasoma attached high on the propodeum above the hind coxae. Despite their wide distribution, aulacids are rarely collected and poorly studied, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere.
Bacanius tantillus
Bacanius tantillus is a small species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. It is one of the smallest members of its genus, as indicated by its specific epithet 'tantillus' (Latin for 'so little'). The species is native to eastern North America, where it occurs in forested habitats. Like other members of the subfamily Dendrophilinae, it is likely associated with decaying wood and fungal substrates.
Batrisodes frontalis
Batrisodes frontalis is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by LeConte in 1849. It is distributed across northern North America, with records from Canada and the northern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with ant colonies, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species is one of several in the genus Batrisodes found in North America.
Bdellozonium cerviculatum
Bdellozonium cerviculatum is a small millipede species in the family Polyzoniidae, one of two recognized species in its genus. It is native to the forests of California, where it inhabits crevices in decaying wood. The species reaches up to 16 mm in length and displays distinctive salmon pink coloration in living specimens. It was described by Cook & Loomis in 1928.
Blera analis
Orange-tailed Wood Fly
Blera analis is an uncommon syrphid fly found in northeastern North America. Adults are medium-sized hoverflies, 9–13 mm in length, with distinctive orange-yellow abdominal markings. The species was described by Macquart in 1842. Larvae develop in tree rot holes and feed on exuding sap.
Bombus sylvicola
Forest Bumble Bee, Forest Bumblebee
Bombus sylvicola, the forest bumble bee, is a North American bumble bee species with a broad distribution across Canada and Alaska, extending into the western contiguous United States. In California, it occurs only at high elevations, making it a high-altitude specialist. The species has been identified as particularly vulnerable to climate change, with rising summer temperatures threatening its populations. Research indicates that B. sylvicola is among the cool-adapted bumble bee species experiencing decline due to warming temperatures.
Boraria
Boraria is a genus of flat-backed millipedes in the family Xystodesmidae, established by Chamberlin in 1943. The genus is characterized by the lateral expansion of dorsal segments into paranota, giving individuals a flattened appearance distinct from cylindrical millipedes. Species in this genus, like other xystodesmids, produce hydrogen cyanide as a chemical defense and display bright aposematic coloration—typically black with yellow or orange markings—as warning signals to predators. The genus is part of the diverse Polydesmida order, which represents the culmination of diplosegmentation in millipedes with no external evidence of sutures between fused body somites.
Brachionycha borealis
Boreal Fan Moth
Brachionycha borealis is a noctuid moth described by Smith in 1899. It occurs across northern North America from Maine and Pennsylvania west to central Alberta. The species has a single annual generation and is active in early spring, with adults flying from April to May. Larvae feed on oak and blueberry species.
Calosoma frigidum
Cold-country Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma frigidum is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the cold-country caterpillar hunter. First described by William Kirby in 1837, this species occurs throughout southern Canada and the northern United States. Adults are nocturnal predators that climb trees to hunt caterpillars, hiding under debris during daylight hours. The species shows sensitivity to soil temperature changes, with elevated temperatures causing adults to abandon their burrows.
Carabus goryi
Gory's worm and slug hunter
Carabus goryi is a North American ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Gory's worm and slug hunter. The species inhabits cool, moist forests as well as agricultural settings including orchards and cultivated fields. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), nocturnal, and exhibit gregarious behavior. They are predatory, feeding on soft-bodied insect larvae including those of the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar).
Carphoborus bicornis
Carphoborus bicornis is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Wood in 1986. The genus Carphoborus comprises bark beetles associated with coniferous trees. This species is recorded from North America. Very little published information exists regarding its specific biology or ecology.
bark-beetleweevilconifer-associatedNorth-AmericascolytinaeCurculionidaeColeopterainsectbeetleforest-pestwood-boring-beetleScolytiniCarphoborusbicornisWood-19861986provisionally-acceptedacceptedexact-matchAnimaliaArthropodaInsectaCarphoborus-bicornistaxonomyclassificationconiferforestwood-boringpesteukaryotahexapodapolyphagacucujiformiacurculionoideaCatocala clintonii
Clinton's Underwing
Catocala clintonii, commonly known as Clinton's Underwing, is a species of underwing moth in the family Erebidae. It belongs to a genus renowned for its striking coloration concealed beneath cryptic forewings. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Wisconsin. Like other underwings, it exhibits the characteristic resting posture with forewings folded together, hiding the brightly patterned hindwings until disturbed.
Catocala crataegi
Hawthorn Underwing, Chokeberry Underwing
Catocala crataegi is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, native to eastern North America. Adults display the characteristic Catocala pattern of cryptic forewings concealing brightly colored hindwings. The species is named for its larval association with hawthorns (Crataegus). It was formerly considered conspecific with Catocala pretiosa, but the latter was reinstated as a valid species in 1982.
Catocala dejecta
Dejected Underwing
Catocala dejecta, the Dejected Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is found in eastern and central North America, from Massachusetts and Connecticut south to Florida, west to Texas and Oklahoma, and north to southern Ontario. Adults have a wingspan of 56–73 mm and are active from June to October, with timing varying by location. The larvae feed on hickories (Carya glabra, Carya ovata) and oaks (Quercus species).
Catocala epione
Epione Underwing
Catocala epione, the Epione Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae first described by Dru Drury in 1773. It is one of over 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, recognized for their cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The species occurs in eastern and central North America and has been documented in forested habitats.
Catocala gracilis
Graceful Underwing
Catocala gracilis, the Graceful Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 40–45 mm and are active from July to September. The species has one generation per year. Larvae feed on Leucothoe, Vaccinium pallidum, and possibly Quercus.
Catocala sappho
Sappho Underwing
Catocala sappho is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Strecker in 1874. It is a medium-sized underwing moth with a wingspan of 62–75 mm. Adults are active from May to July and again from September to October in highland areas. The species is found in the southeastern and central United States, ranging from Virginia and Tennessee south to Florida and west to Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Missouri, and Illinois. Larvae feed on Carya species (hickories and pecans).
Catocala subnata
Youthful Underwing
Catocala subnata, commonly known as the youthful underwing, is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1864, this species is characterized by its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a defensive trait shared with other members of the genus Catocala. The species has a broad distribution across eastern and central North America, with adults active during mid to late summer. Larvae feed on specific host trees in the walnut family.
Charadra deridens
Laugher Moth, Marbled Tuffet Moth, Laugher
Charadra deridens is a medium-sized noctuid moth commonly known as the Laugher Moth or Marbled Tuffet Moth. It is widespread across northern North America, ranging from eastern Canada to the Pacific coast, with notable absence from the southwestern United States. The species exhibits seasonal variation in flight period, with shorter activity windows in northern populations and extended seasons in southern regions such as Florida.
Chernetidae
Chernetid Pseudoscorpions
Chernetidae is a large family of pseudoscorpions in the order Pseudoscorpiones, containing over 650 described species across 119 genera. Members are small arachnids lacking a tail and stinger, characterized by prominent pincer-like pedipalps. The family was established by Anton Menge in 1855. Many species inhabit subcortical environments beneath tree bark and are frequently documented engaging in phoresy—attaching to insects such as longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) for dispersal.
Choristoneura parallela
parallel-banded leafroller moth
Choristoneura parallela, commonly known as the parallel-banded leafroller moth, is a tortricid moth distributed across eastern and central North America. Adults are active from March through October, with a wingspan of 21–23 mm. The larvae feed on a diverse range of host plants including goldenrod, blueberry, rose, citrus, and various other woody and herbaceous species.
Chrysobothris orono
Chrysobothris orono is a rarely collected metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was first described by Frost in 1920 and has been recorded from a limited number of localities along the eastern seaboard and around the Great Lakes, with a 2012 discovery in Tennessee confirming its occurrence in that state. Adults are associated with exposed roots and trunks of pine trees, particularly Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) and red pine (Pinus resinosa). The species has a two-year life cycle and is not considered an economically important forest pest due to its low population levels and minimal damage to host trees.
Chrysosyrphus versipellis
Chrysosyrphus versipellis is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Callicerini. Members of this genus are known for their metallic coloration and distinctive facial ornamentation. The species is associated with forested habitats and has been recorded in the Palearctic region.
Chymomyza amoena
A Nearctic drosophilid fruit fly native to eastern United States forests. It has established as an invasive species in Europe since its discovery in former Czechoslovakia in 1975, subsequently spreading to Switzerland, Italy, and German border regions. The species exhibits a distinctive ecological strategy: breeding in damaged or parasitized nuts and fruits rather than relying solely on fermenting substrates. This behavioral constancy for interspecies dependency—exploiting substrates pre-conditioned by other insects—has enabled it to occupy a vacant niche in European ecosystems.
Cicindela denikei
Laurentian Tiger Beetle
Cicindela denikei, the Laurentian Tiger Beetle, is a small tiger beetle species found in the upper Midwest of North America. Adults measure 13–15 mm in length and possess metallic green elytra. The species inhabits gravel and sand substrates in coniferous forest environments, where it preys on other insects using active pursuit or ambush tactics. Larvae construct burrows in soil from which they ambush passing prey.
Cisthene plumbea
Lead-colored Lichen Moth
Cisthene plumbea is a small tiger moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Richard Harper Stretch in 1885. It is found in eastern North America, where larvae feed on lichen. The species exhibits bivoltine or trivoltine life cycles depending on latitude, with adults active from June through September.
Clemensia umbrata
Little Shaded Lichen Moth
Clemensia umbrata is a moth in the family Erebidae, described by Packard in 1872. It is known as the Little Shaded Lichen Moth and occurs in forested regions of North America. The species belongs to the lichen moth tribe Lithosiini, whose larvae feed on lichens. Adults are nocturnal and are attracted to light.
Clusiidae
druid flies
A family of small acalyptrate flies (approximately 3.5 mm) commonly known as druid flies. The family comprises 636 species in 14 genera across three subfamilies, with highest diversity in tropical regions. Adults are typically found on tree trunks, while larvae inhabit decaying wood. Several genera exhibit lekking behavior and territorial defense by males.
Colladonus clitellarius
Saddled Leafhopper
Colladonus clitellarius, commonly known as the saddled leafhopper, is a small leafhopper species distinguished by a bright green saddle-shaped marking on its back. It occurs in eastern North America, primarily in forested environments of the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The species is a documented vector of Cherry X Disease (eastern X-disease virus) in peaches and cherries, and has been recorded as prey for the wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata.
Colydium lineola
Lined Cylindrical Bark Beetle
Colydium lineola is a species of cylindrical bark beetle in the family Zopheridae, first described by Thomas Say in 1826. The species is known from North America, with records from British Columbia to Ontario in Canada. As a member of the cylindrical bark beetles, it inhabits forested environments where it likely feeds on fungi associated with dead wood.
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.
Coras lamellosus
Coras lamellosus is a species of funnel weaver spider in the family Agelenidae. It occurs in the United States, where it constructs funnel-shaped webs in sheltered locations. Like other members of the genus Coras, it builds webs with multiple retreats rather than a single retreat, a distinguishing feature of this group. The species was described by Keyserling in 1887.
Corticivora
Corticivora is a genus of tortricid moths established by Clarke in 1951. The genus contains four described species: C. chica, C. clarki, C. parva, and C. piniana. Members belong to the tribe Grapholitini within the subfamily Olethreutinae. Observations suggest activity in forested regions of North America, with records from the United States, Sweden, and Norway.
Cryphoeca
Cryphoeca is a genus of small araneomorph spiders first described by Tamerlan Thorell in 1870. The genus name derives from Greek meaning "hidden," reflecting its reclusive habits beneath loose bark and within stone walls. The genus contains twelve described species with a Holarctic distribution spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. Cryphoeca species are nocturnal and among the larger members of their subfamily, reaching nearly eight millimeters in body length.
Ctenopelmatinae
Ctenopelmatinae is a cosmopolitan subfamily of ichneumonid wasps comprising approximately 95 genera of koinobiont endoparasitoids. Members are small to medium-sized wasps that primarily attack sawflies (Symphyta), with some species parasitizing Lepidoptera. The subfamily was historically classified within Tryphoninae but was separated based on larval morphology and ecological traits. Ctenopelmatines are particularly abundant in temperate Holarctic regions, where they can constitute over 10% of local ichneumonid faunas in cooler areas.
Cydia latiferreana
Filbertworm Moth
Cydia latiferreana, the filbertworm moth, is a small tortricid moth (wingspan approximately 18 mm) found across most of North America. Adults are active from July to October, with timing varying by location. The species is a significant agricultural pest, particularly of hazelnut orchards in the Pacific Northwest, and also infests acorns of multiple oak species. Larvae develop inside nuts, reducing germination success and crop viability.
Cyllopsis pertepida
Canyonland Satyr, Canyonland Gemmed-Satyr
Cyllopsis pertepida is a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as the canyonland satyr or canyonland gemmed-satyr. The species was first described by Dyar in 1912 and is native to North America. It belongs to the genus Cyllopsis, which comprises small to medium-sized satyr butterflies typically associated with forested habitats. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 4572. Three subspecies are recognized: C. p. avicula, C. p. dorothea, and C. p. maniola, all described by Nabokov in 1942.