Forest-insect
Guides
Monochamus titillator
Southern Pine Sawyer
Monochamus titillator is a large longhorned beetle native to the United States, commonly known as the southern pine sawyer. Adults are notable for their elongated antennae, particularly in males, which may exceed body length. The species develops in pine trees and has been documented to respond to kairomones produced by bark beetles, suggesting ecological interactions with these forest pests. Larvae produce distinctive acoustic signals detectable in the 1000-2800 Hz range, a trait that has been explored for detecting southern pine beetle infestations.
Morrisonia confusa
Confused Woodgrain Moth, confused woodgrain
Morrisonia confusa is a noctuid moth known as the confused woodgrain, found across eastern North America. Adults are active in spring, with flight periods varying by latitude from April to June. The species is recognized by its moderate size and cryptic coloration. Larvae feed on a documented range of deciduous trees.
Mycetophila unipunctata
Mycetophila unipunctata is a species of fungus gnat in the family Mycetophilidae, a diverse group of small flies associated with decaying fungi and organic matter. The species was described by Wiedemann in 1818. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits moist forest environments where fungal resources are abundant.
Myzocallis
Oak and Chestnut Aphids
Myzocallis is a genus of aphids (Aphididae) comprising over 40 species with diverse host associations. Species feed on woody plants including oaks (Quercus), chestnuts (Castanea), hazelnuts (Corylus), myrtle (Myrica), and milkweeds (Apocynaceae). The genus exhibits host-specificity at the species level, with some taxa restricted to single host genera. Several species are minor agricultural pests, particularly of hazelnut and chestnut. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with notable diversity in the Palearctic region.
Myzocallis tuberculata
Tuberculate oak aphid
Myzocallis tuberculata is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Richards in 1965. The species has been synonymized under the genus Neomyzocallis in some taxonomic treatments, reflecting ongoing revisions within the Myzocallis complex. It is known by the common name "Tuberculate oak aphid," indicating an association with oak host plants. The species belongs to the tribe Myzocallidini, a group of aphids predominantly associated with Fagaceae, particularly oaks (Quercus).
Neocicada hieroglyphica
Hieroglyphic Cicada
Neocicada hieroglyphica, commonly known as the hieroglyphic cicada, is a medium-sized cicada species in the family Cicadidae. It is found across eastern and central North America, with records from the southeastern United States west to Kansas. The species is named for the distinctive black markings on its head and thorax that resemble hieroglyphic writing. Adults are active during summer and are attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights at night. Two subspecies are recognized: N. h. hieroglyphica and N. h. johannis.
Neuroctenus unistellatus
Neuroctenus unistellatus is a flat bug species in the family Aradidae, described from North America in 1994. Flat bugs in this genus are characterized by their extremely dorsoventrally flattened bodies, an adaptation associated with living under bark or in other tight spaces. The species epithet "unistellatus" suggests a distinctive single spotting or marking pattern. Like other aradids, it likely inhabits forested environments where it feeds on fungal hyphae.
Odontocolon bicolor
Odontocolon bicolor is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Xoridinae, first described by Cresson in 1870. The genus Odontocolon is one of four genera in Xoridinae, all recognized as parasites of wood-boring beetles and/or Hymenoptera. Members of this genus are characterized by teeth on the hind femur and, in females, long ovipositors used to drill into wood to reach hosts. There are 23 species of Odontocolon found north of Mexico, with several being holarctic in distribution.
Odontocolon ochropus
Odontocolon ochropus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Xoridinae, described by Townes in 1960. Like other members of its genus, it is a parasitoid of wood-boring beetles, utilizing its long ovipositor to reach hosts concealed within dead or dying wood. The species belongs to a group of 23 Odontocolon species found north of Mexico, several of which have holarctic distributions spanning the entire northern hemisphere.
Oncopsis flavicollis
Oncopsis flavicollis is a small leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Eurymelinae. It exhibits sexual dimorphism and is strongly associated with birch trees (Betula spp.), on which it feeds. The species has been subject to taxonomic debate regarding whether populations on different birch species represent distinct biological species or host plant utilization polymorphism. Adults are active from late spring through early autumn.
Ossiannilssonola mcateei
Ossiannilssonola mcateei is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. It is a small, delicate insect characteristic of the Typhlocybini tribe. The species was described by Christian in 1953 and is known from scattered records across eastern North America. It belongs to a genus of specialized leafhoppers that feed on plant phloem.
Ozophora salsaverdeae
Ozophora salsaverdeae is a seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, described by Slater in 1988. The specific epithet refers to Salva Verde, a protected area in Costa Rica where the species was first collected. As a member of the Ozophorini tribe, it belongs to a group of dirt-colored seed bugs characterized by ground-dwelling habits and seed-feeding ecology. The species has been documented through over 270 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is not uncommon within its range.
Panorpa flexa
common scorpionfly
Panorpa flexa is a species of scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae, described by Carpenter in 1935. It is found in North America. Scorpionflies in this genus are characterized by the male's enlarged, scorpion-like claspers formed by the external genitalia, and their elongated 'long face' with chewing mandibles at the tip. The larvae develop in soil and leaf litter, scavenging on dead or dying soft-bodied insects.
Panorpa galerita
Hooded Scorpionfly, Common Scorpionfly
Panorpa galerita is a species of scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae, described by George Byers in 1962. It is found in North America, with records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. As a member of the genus Panorpa, it shares the characteristic elongated rostrum and, in males, enlarged genital claspers that give scorpionflies their common name. The species is part of the diverse Mecoptera order, which includes approximately 600 species worldwide.
Panorpa helena
Helena's Scorpionfly, common scorpionfly
Panorpa helena is a species of scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae, described by George Byers in 1962. It is one of the most common and widespread scorpionfly species in eastern North America. The species is distinguished by three complete dark bands across its yellow wings and, in males, the presence of an anal horn on the sixth abdominal tergum. Adults are typically encountered in dense, moist forest habitats where they flit nervously through foliage.
Panorpa maculosa
common scorpionfly
Panorpa maculosa is a species of scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae, first described by Hagen in 1861. It is found in North America, where it inhabits moist woodland environments. Like other scorpionflies, it is named for the enlarged, scorpion-like claspers of the male. The species is considered a common member of its genus.
Panorpa nebulosa
Clouded Scorpionfly
Panorpa nebulosa is a species of scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae, distributed across North America. It is one of several species in the genus Panorpa found on the continent. Scorpionflies in this family are characterized by their distinctive elongated rostrum and, in males, an upturned abdomen resembling a scorpion's stinger. The species is known to occur in forested habitats, though specific ecological details remain limited in the available literature.
Parcoblatta caudelli
Caudell's wood cockroach, Caudell's wood roach
Parcoblatta caudelli is a small, pale-colored wood cockroach native to the eastern and central United States. Males exhibit distinctive clay-yellow and brownish-yellow coloration with fully developed tegmina. The species occupies forested habitats and has been recorded from sawmill refuse. Females were historically described as capable of flight, though subsequent observations have questioned this trait.
Parcoblatta divisa
Southern Wood Cockroach
Parcoblatta divisa, the southern wood cockroach, is a native North American species found in diverse woodland habitats across the eastern and southeastern United States. Previously treated as a subspecies of P. pensylvanica, it was elevated to species status based on male genitalic differences. The species exhibits unusual color polymorphism, with a pale morph restricted to Alachua County, Florida. It is considered the most adaptable member of its genus, occasionally entering homes near wooded areas.
Pedicia procteriana
hairy-eyed crane fly
Pedicia procteriana is a species of crane fly in the family Pediciidae, commonly known as hairy-eyed crane flies. It is a Nearctic species found in northeastern North America. Like other members of Pediciidae, it belongs to the group of crane flies distinguished by densely hairy eyes, a trait reflected in its common name. The species was described by Charles Paul Alexander in 1939.
Periclista marginicollis
Periclista marginicollis is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Blennocampinae. Larvae are recognized by their green coloration and distinctive bifurcate (branched) dorsal spines. The species has a widespread eastern North American distribution and develops on oak and hickory host plants. Adults are rarely encountered compared to larvae, which feed externally on foliage.
Phloeosinus canadensis
northern cedar bark beetle
Phloeosinus canadensis, commonly known as the northern cedar bark beetle, is a species of crenulate bark beetle in the family Curculionidae. It is native to North America, with documented records from Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario, Québec) and the United States (Vermont). The species belongs to the genus Phloeosinus, a group of bark beetles associated with coniferous trees. As a member of the weevil family, it exhibits the characteristic elongated snout typical of Curculionidae.
Phratora hudsonia
birch leaf beetle
Phratora hudsonia is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the birch leaf beetle. It is found in North America, with documented populations in Ontario, Canada, as well as Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The species feeds exclusively on birch leaves and has been the subject of biological study focusing on its seasonal occurrence, habits, and immature stages.
Phyllaphis fagi
Woolly Beech Aphid
Phyllaphis fagi, the woolly beech aphid, is a small sap-sucking insect that lives exclusively on beech trees (Fagus species). It produces dense white to bluish-white wax threads that give colonies a distinctive woolly appearance. The species has a complex life cycle involving both winged and wingless forms, with up to ten generations per year in favorable conditions. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to several other regions including North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where it can become a significant pest in beech forests and nurseries.
Phytoliriomyza felti
Phytoliriomyza felti is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, specialized on ferns. The larvae create distinctive mines in fronds of various fern species. It has been documented on Pellaea atropurpurea (purple-stem cliffbrake) and Asplenium species, and likely occurs on additional fern hosts. This species represents one of the relatively few agromyzid flies with documented fern-feeding specialization.
Pityophthorus setosus
Pityophthorus setosus is a species of bark beetle in the weevil family Curculionidae, described by Blackman in 1928. It belongs to the genus Pityophthorus, a group of small ambrosia and bark beetles commonly known as twig beetles. Very little specific biological or ecological information is available for this species in the provided sources. The genus Pityophthorus includes species that are associated with coniferous and hardwood trees, with some members known as significant forest pests.
Placonotus nitens
lined flat bark beetle
Placonotus nitens is a species of lined flat bark beetle in the family Laemophloeidae, first described by LeConte in 1854. It is a member of the genus Placonotus, which comprises beetles adapted to living under bark. The species is known from North America, where it inhabits forested environments.
Platycheirus confusus
Confusing Sedgesitter
Platycheirus confusus, commonly known as the Confusing Sedgesitter, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The species exhibits a disjunct distribution with separate eastern and western North American populations. Larvae have been successfully reared on the balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae), indicating a predatory lifestyle. Adults are medium-sized syrphid flies with distinctive morphological features useful for identification.
Platysoma gracile
clown beetle
Platysoma gracile is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by LeConte in 1844. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Quebec) and the eastern United States (New Hampshire to Oklahoma and South Carolina). Like other histerid beetles, it is a small predatory species that lives under bark.
Platysoma parallelum
clown beetle
Platysoma parallelum is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America, with records from multiple U.S. states. Like other members of the genus Platysoma, it is likely associated with decaying wood and bark habitats where it preys on other insects.
Pococera aplastella
Aspen Webworm Moth
Pococera aplastella is a moth species in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Epipaschiinae. Commonly known as the Aspen Webworm Moth, it occurs in western and central Canada. Larvae are web-forming caterpillars that feed on aspen and related host plants. The species has been documented in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Polypsocus corruptus
Corrupt Barklouse
Polypsocus corruptus is a species of barklouse in the family Amphipsocidae, commonly known as the Corrupt Barklouse. It is one of the most frequently observed barklice in North America, with over 2,300 documented records. The species belongs to the group of 'hairy-winged barklice,' characterized by setose wing surfaces. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning temperate and subtropical regions of North and Central America.
Ponana
Ponana is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, established by Ball in 1920. The genus contains more than 100 described species. Members belong to the tribe Gyponini within the subfamily Iassinae. The genus is well-represented in citizen science observations, with thousands of records documented.
Ponana pectoralis
Ponana pectoralis is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Iassinae. Originally described by Spångberg in 1878 as a variety of Gypona scarlatina, it was later elevated to species status within the genus Ponana. The species belongs to the tribe Ponini, a group of leafhoppers characterized by their robust body form and often distinctive coloration. Like other members of the genus Ponana, P. pectoralis is associated with woody vegetation and is distributed across eastern and central North America.
Pristaulacus fasciatus
Pristaulacus fasciatus is a species of aulacid wasp in the family Aulacidae, found in North America. These parasitoid wasps target wood-boring beetle larvae, particularly longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) and jewel beetles (Buprestidae), as well as wood wasps in the family Xiphydriidae. Females are larger than males, averaging around 16 mm in body length compared to 13 mm for males. The species is rarely encountered but can be found by searching cut wood and logs where their hosts occur.
Pristaulacus foxleei
Pristaulacus foxleei is a species of aulacid wasp in the family Aulacidae, described by Townes in 1950. It is native to North America, with records from western Canada including British Columbia. Like other members of its genus, it is a parasitoid wasp associated with wood-boring beetles. The species is one of approximately 32 aulacid species documented in North America.
Prociphilus caryae
hickory woolly aphid
Prociphilus caryae, the hickory woolly aphid, is a species of woolly aphid in the family Aphididae. Like other members of the genus Prociphilus, this species is characterized by dense white waxy secretions that cover the body, giving it a distinctive woolly appearance. The species is associated with hickory trees (Carya spp.) as its primary host. Woolly aphids in this genus are known for complex life cycles that typically involve host alternation between a primary woody host and secondary herbaceous hosts, though specific details for P. caryae are not well documented in available sources.
Psallus variabilis
Psallus variabilis is a plant bug in the family Miridae, native to the Palearctic region and adventive in North America. It feeds on sap from diverse woody and herbaceous plants including oaks, fruit trees, and berry bushes. The species has been documented across Europe, parts of Asia, and the northeastern United States.
Pseudothysanoes
Pseudothysanoes is a genus of bark beetles (Scolytinae) within the family Curculionidae. The genus contains more than 100 described species and was established by Blackman in 1920. Species in this genus have been documented in the Northwestern Himalayan region, including the first South Asian record from Jammu and Kashmir. As bark beetles, members of this genus are associated with woody plants, though specific ecological details remain limited for most species.
Raphidiidae
Raphidiid Snakeflies, Snakeflies
Raphidiidae is the largest family of snakeflies in the order Raphidioptera, comprising over 200 extant species. Members are characterized by an elongated prothorax that gives them a distinctive 'snake-like' appearance. The family is distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with notable diversity in North America, Europe, and Asia. The genus Alena is considered the most morphologically distinct within the family due to unusual male genital sclerites. Snakeflies in this family are predators of small arthropods.
Resseliella tulipiferae
Resseliella tulipiferae is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1862. It belongs to the genus Resseliella, which includes several species associated with woody plants. The species epithet "tulipiferae" indicates an association with tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera). Unlike the recently described congener Resseliella maxima, which is a significant agricultural pest of soybean, R. tulipiferae appears to be associated with native forest trees rather than cultivated crops.
Rhyssa persuasoria
Sabre Wasp, Giant Ichneumon
Rhyssa persuasoria is a large ichneumonid wasp and one of the largest in Europe, commonly known as the sabre wasp or giant ichneumon. Females possess an exceptionally long ovipositor used to drill into wood and parasitize larvae of wood-boring insects, particularly siricid woodwasps and longhorn beetles. The species has been introduced to several countries as a biological control agent for invasive woodwasps. It exhibits geographic variation in coloration patterns correlated with host tree bark characteristics, suggesting adaptive cryptic coloration.
Saperda mutica
Saperda mutica is a longhorned beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. It is native to North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Saperda, it is a wood-boring beetle whose larvae develop in living or stressed trees. The species is part of a taxonomically challenging genus where species identification often requires careful examination of morphological details.
Sceptonia
Sceptonia is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, established by Winnertz in 1863. Species in this genus are small, delicate flies associated with forest habitats. The genus occurs across northern Europe and has been documented in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As with other Mycetophilidae, larvae are presumed to develop in fungal substrates, though specific life history details for most Sceptonia species remain poorly documented.
Sphinx chersis
Great Ash Sphinx, Northern Ash Sphinx
Sphinx chersis is a large sphinx moth commonly known as the great ash sphinx or northern ash sphinx. Adults are active from May to August in southern regions and June to July in northern areas. The species is an ash specialist whose larvae feed on plants in the olive family (Oleaceae), particularly ash (Fraxinus), lilac (Syringa), and privet (Ligustrum). Research indicates that while larvae can develop on some non-native host plants, survival and development rates vary significantly compared to native ash.
Stegophylla
Woolly Oak Aphids
Stegophylla is a genus of aphids in the subfamily Phyllaphidinae, first described by Oscar W. Oestlund in 1923. Members are commonly known as woolly oak aphids due to their association with oak host plants and the waxy secretions they produce. The genus contains seven recognized species, including S. quercifoliae and S. quercicola, both linked to Quercus species.
Steleops elegans
common barklouse
Steleops elegans is a barklouse species in the family Psocidae, first described by Banks in 1904. It belongs to a group of small, soft-bodied insects commonly associated with tree bark and other plant surfaces. The species is recorded from North America, with observations primarily from the United States. Like other members of the genus Steleops, it is presumed to inhabit forested environments where it feeds on microflora.
Stephanopachys substriatus
powder-post beetle, Pine Powderpost Beetle
Stephanopachys substriatus is a species of horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae. It has a Holarctic distribution, occurring in Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species is commonly known as the powder-post beetle or Pine Powderpost Beetle, reflecting its association with coniferous wood degradation.
Stictocephala diceros
Two-horned Treehopper
Stictocephala diceros is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, commonly known as the two-horned treehopper. It is native to North America and is recognized by the pair of horns projecting from its pronotum. The species feeds primarily on American black elderberry and has been documented on various other flowering plants across multiple plant families.
Stictoleptura
Stictoleptura is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) distributed across the Holarctic region, with species in Europe, Asia, and North America. The genus includes medium-sized beetles typically associated with broadleaved woodland habitats. The first genome sequence for the genus was published for Stictoleptura scutellata, a scarce species in Britain associated with ancient woodland and wood pasture.