Grassland
Guides
Acacesia hamata
Difoliate Orbweaver
Acacesia hamata, commonly known as the Difoliate Orbweaver, is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is the only species of its genus found north of Mexico, with a distribution ranging from the eastern United States south to Argentina. The species is recognized by its distinctive abdominal pattern featuring a dagger-like mark within a wedge-shaped folium. It builds vertical orb webs at night and removes them before dawn, typically in grassy or shrubby habitats near forest edges.
Acanthepeira stellata
starbellied orbweaver, starbellied spider
Acanthepeira stellata is a distinctive orb-weaving spider known for its hard, spiked abdomen covered in prominent tubercles that give it a star-like appearance. The species ranges from Canada to Mexico and is commonly found in grasslands, prairies, meadows, and agricultural areas. It is nocturnal, constructing vertical orb webs close to the ground to capture prey. The spider exhibits effective crypsis, resembling plant debris such as burs or seed pods when at rest.
Achorotile
Achorotile is a genus of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, first described by Fieber in 1866. The genus comprises at least 15 described species distributed across Europe and North America. As with other delphacids, members of this genus are small, sap-feeding insects associated with grasses and sedges. The genus has been documented from subarctic regions to temperate zones, with several species described from the western United States and Canada.
Achorotile stylata
Achorotile stylata is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Beamer in 1954. The genus Achorotile comprises small delphacid planthoppers distributed in the Nearctic region. Members of this genus are associated with wetland and grassland habitats.
Achurum sumichrasti
Sumichrast Toothpick Grasshopper
Achurum sumichrasti, commonly known as the Sumichrast Toothpick Grasshopper, is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It belongs to a group of grasshoppers commonly referred to as toothpick grasshoppers, characterized by their slender, elongated body form. The species has been documented across Central America and the southern United States, with observational records indicating established populations in Texas, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits cryptic coloration that provides camouflage against its surroundings.
Acmaeodera parkeri
Acmaeodera parkeri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Cazier in 1940. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been observed visiting flowers of several plant species, including Allionia incarnata (creeping four o'clock), Talinum whitei (White's flameflower), and Evolvulus arizonicus (Arizona blue-eyes).
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Short-horned Grasshoppers, Grasshoppers
Acrididae is the largest family of grasshoppers, comprising approximately 6,700–10,000 species within the suborder Caelifera. Members are characterized by short, stout antennae and auditory tympana located on the first abdominal segment. The family includes all locust species capable of forming destructive swarms, making it economically significant worldwide. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies indicate the family originated in South America during the Paleocene, approximately 59 million years ago, rather than Africa as previously believed.
Acrolophus
Grass Tubeworm Moths
Acrolophus is a genus of moths in the family Acrolophidae, originally described by Felipe Poey in 1832. The genus was formerly classified in the family Tineidae (clothes moths) but has been reassigned to Acrolophidae based on revised phylogenetic understanding. Species in this genus are commonly known as "grass tube moths" or "grass tubeworm moths" due to the distinctive larval behavior of spinning silken tubes at the base of grasses or around grass roots for concealment while feeding. The genus exhibits exceptional individual variation in color pattern within species, rendering field identification of many specimens difficult or impossible without dissection or molecular analysis.
Acrolophus
grass tube moths
Acrolophus is a genus of moths in the family Acrolophidae, commonly known as "grass tube moths." The family was formerly placed in Tineidae (clothes moths and kin) but has been reclassified based on updated evolutionary relationships. Larvae of many species construct silken tubes at the base of grasses or grass roots for concealment while feeding.
Acrolophus filicicornis
Acrolophus filicicornis is a species of moth in the family Acrolophidae, commonly known as grass tube moths. The genus was formerly placed in family Tineidae (clothes moths) but has been reclassified to Acrolophidae based on revised phylogenetic understanding. Larvae of Acrolophus species construct silken tubes at the base of grasses or among grass roots for concealment while feeding.
Acrolophus griseus
Grass Tube Moth
Acrolophus griseus is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae, described by Lord Walsingham in 1887. It belongs to a genus commonly known as 'grass tube moths' due to the larval habit of spinning silken tubes at grass bases or roots for concealment while feeding. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It was historically classified in the family Tineidae but has been reassigned to Acrolophidae based on phylogenetic studies.
Acrolophus laticapitana
Grass Tube Moth
Acrolophus laticapitana is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae, described by Walsingham in 1884. The species is found in western North America from northern California to southern Arizona. Adults have forewings measuring 6.5–9.5 mm in length. Like other members of the genus, it is commonly known as a "grass tube moth" due to larval behavior. The species includes two recognized subspecies: the nominate form and A. l. unistriganus described by Dyar in 1903.
Acrolophus minor
Acrolophus minor is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1903. Members of the genus Acrolophus are commonly known as "grass tube moths" because their caterpillars spin silken tubes at the base of grasses or grass roots for concealment while feeding. The species occurs in North America, with confirmed records from Arizona. The family Acrolophidae was formerly classified within Tineidae but has been elevated to family status based on modern phylogenetic studies.
Acrolophus occidens
grass tube moth
A species of grass tube moth in the family Acrolophidae. The genus Acrolophus was formerly placed in the family Tineidae (clothes moths) but has been reclassified based on updated taxonomy. Like other members of the genus, the caterpillars are known as "grass tube moths" for their habit of spinning silken tubes at the base of grasses or grass roots for concealment while feeding. Adults are attracted to blacklights and ultraviolet light sources.
Acrolophus piger
piger grass tubeworm moth
Acrolophus piger, commonly known as the piger grass tubeworm moth, is a small moth in the family Tineidae (subfamily Acrolophinae). First described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1900, this species is found in the southeastern United States. The genus Acrolophus is known as "grass tubeworm moths" because larvae typically spin silken tubes at the base of grasses or grass roots for concealment while feeding. Adult wingspan is approximately 16 mm.
Acrolophus plumifrontella
Eastern Grass-tubeworm Moth, Eastern Grass Tubeworm Moth
A small moth in the family Acrolophidae, known as the Eastern Grass-tubeworm Moth. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 28 mm and are active from April through October across the eastern and central United States. The common name refers to the larval habit of constructing silken tubes at the base of grasses. Formerly classified in the family Tineidae, this species was reassigned to Acrolophidae based on revised understanding of lepidopteran phylogeny.
Acrolophus propinqua
Walsingham's Grass Tubeworm Moth
Acrolophus propinqua, commonly known as Walsingham's Grass Tubeworm Moth, is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae. The species is found across the eastern and southeastern United States, with a wingspan of 22–26 mm. As with other members of the genus, the caterpillars construct silken tubes at the base of grasses or grass roots for concealment while feeding.
Acrolophus texanella
Texas Grass Tubeworm Moth, Grass Tubeworm
Acrolophus texanella, commonly known as the Texas Grass Tubeworm Moth, is a small moth species in the family Acrolophidae. The species was formerly classified in the family Tineidae but has been reassigned to Acrolophidae based on revised taxonomic understanding. Like other members of its genus, it is known as a "grass tube moth" due to the larval habit of spinning silken tubes at the base of grasses. The species is found across the eastern and southern United States, from Maryland to Florida and west to Texas.
Adelphacarus
Adelphacarus is a genus of oribatid mites in the family Adelphacaridae, established by Grandjean in 1952. It belongs to the Palaeosomata, a group of primitive mites characterized by ancestral morphological features. The genus is known from limited records, with Adelphacarus reticulatus described from Iran in 2017 representing a documented species.
Aelia
shield bug
Aelia is a genus of shield bugs (family Pentatomidae) in the tribe Aelini. These true bugs (Hemiptera) are characterized by their shield-shaped bodies. The genus is well-documented with over 11,000 observations on iNaturalist, indicating widespread recognition among naturalists. Aelia species are associated with grassland and agricultural habitats.
Aeneolamia contigua
Aeneolamia contigua is a spittlebug species in the family Ischnorhinidae (formerly placed in Cercopidae). The genus Aeneolamia contains economically significant pests of pasture grasses and sugarcane in the Neotropics. This species is part of a group known for dense aggregations and damage to graminoid hosts through sap-feeding. Adults are robust with the characteristic compact body form of the tribe Tomaspidini.
Aethes
Conch moths
Aethes is a genus of small tortricid moths (family Tortricidae, subfamily Tortricinae, tribe Cochylini) comprising approximately 70-75 described species distributed across the Palaearctic region. Species are characterized by small size (wingspans typically 8-23 mm), narrow forewings, and often subtle coloration in yellow, brown, or grey tones with variable fasciation patterns. Larvae are generally associated with Asteraceae, feeding in stems, roots, and seed heads of host plants. The genus includes several well-known species such as Aethes cnicana (Thistle Conch) and Aethes hartmanniana that have been subject to intensive ecological study.
Aethodelphax alatus
Aethodelphax alatus is a planthopper species in the family Delphacidae, originally described by Beamer in 1948 as Delphacodes alatus and later transferred to the new genus Aethodelphax. The species occurs in the midwestern and southeastern United States, where it is associated with native grassland habitats. Like other delphacid planthoppers, it likely feeds on grasses, though specific host associations remain undocumented in available sources.
Aethodelphax caninus
Aethodelphax caninus is a planthopper species in the family Delphacidae, originally described as Delphacodes caninus by Beamer in 1947 and transferred to the new genus Aethodelphax in 2011. It is distinguished from its seven congeneric species by its restricted distribution in the southwestern United States. The species is associated with native grassland habitats.
Aethodelphax megadontus
Aethodelphax megadontus is a planthopper species originally described as Delphacodes megadontus by Beamer in 1951 and later transferred to the new genus Aethodelphax. It is one of eight congeneric species in a genus established for species previously placed in Delphacodes. The species is associated with native grassland habitats in the midwestern United States.
Aethodelphax prairianus
Aethodelphax prairianus is the type species of the genus Aethodelphax, a group of delphacid planthoppers erected to accommodate this species and seven species transferred from Delphacodes. It inhabits native grasslands in the midwestern United States. The species was described in 2011 based on morphological characteristics distinguishing it from congeneric species.
Agelenopsis pennsylvanica
Pennsylvania Grass Spider, Pennsylvania Funnel-web Spider
Agelenopsis pennsylvanica is a funnel-web spider native to the United States, recognized by its characteristic funnel-shaped retreat web. Females are larger than males and exhibit notable sexual cannibalism during mating, a behavior that has been extensively studied in this species. The spider is an ambush predator that relies on vibration detection to capture prey. Its distribution spans at least 21 states, with highest abundance in areas with high humidity and water availability.
Agrilus rubrovittatus
Agrilus rubrovittatus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Waterhouse in 1889. The species has been documented in Central America and North America, with specific collection records from southwestern United States. Field observations indicate adults are associated with grasses and bunch grasses in arid and semi-arid habitats. The species exhibits typical Agrilus morphology with a somewhat flattened, elongated body form characteristic of the genus.
Agriotes obscurus
dusky wireworm, obscure click beetle
Agriotes obscurus is a click beetle native to Europe and northern Asia that has become an established invasive pest in western North America since its accidental introduction around 1900. The larvae, known as wireworms, are significant agricultural pests that feed on tubers, seeds, and roots of numerous crops including potatoes, cereals, and vegetables. Adults are dark brown to black beetles 7–10 mm long, distinguishable from related species by their pronotum morphology and elytral ridges. The species has a prolonged life cycle of 2–4 years depending on temperature, with larvae passing through 8–13 instars before pupation.
Agriotes sputator
Spitting Click Beetle, Common Click Beetle
Agriotes sputator is a click beetle native to Europe, with established populations in parts of western Asia, North Africa, and an introduced range in eastern Canada. Adults are small (6–9 mm), dark brown to black with reddish-brown antennae and legs. The larvae, known as wireworms, are soil-dwelling agricultural pests that feed on roots and germinating seeds. The species completes its life cycle in up to five years, with larvae developing through multiple growth stages before pupation. It is considered a serious pest of cereals, potatoes, and other crops, and is monitored using pheromone traps baited with geranyl butanoate.
Agriphila straminella
Pearl Veneer, Straw Grass-veneer moth
Agriphila straminella is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of 16–20 mm, found across Europe and the Palearctic region. Adults are active from June to September, with flight timing varying by location. The species is attracted to light traps. Larvae feed on grasses including sheep's fescue, smooth meadowgrass, and wheat.
Alloblackburneus cynomysi
Alloblackburneus cynomysi is a small scarab beetle in the subfamily Aphodiinae, described from the south-central United States. The species epithet "cynomysi" references its association with prairie dogs (genus Cynomys), indicating a commensal or symbiotic relationship with these burrowing rodents. Members of this genus are generally dung beetles, and this species likely exploits the unique ecological niche provided by prairie dog colonies. The species remains poorly studied, with most records limited to historical collections.
Amblycheila cylindriformis
Great Plains Giant Tiger Beetle
Amblycheila cylindriformis is a flightless tiger beetle native to the Great Plains of North America. It is the largest tiger beetle species in North America, with adults reaching 25–38 mm in length. The species is strictly nocturnal and inhabits grassland environments, where adults walk on bare ground and larvae construct deep burrows in specific soil types.
Amblyscirtes celia
Celia's Roadside-Skipper, roadside rambler
Amblyscirtes celia is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as Celia's Roadside-Skipper or roadside rambler. It is found from Texas south to northeastern Mexico, with occasional strays to southwestern Louisiana. The species has multiple generations per year and is active throughout the year in southern Texas.
Anatralata
Anatralata is a monotypic genus of Crambidae moths established by Munroe in 1961. The sole species, Anatralata versicolor, occurs in western North America from coastal central California north to British Columbia and east to Idaho. Adults are small moths with forewings 5–7 mm in length, active from spring through mid-summer.
Anatrytone
Anatrytone is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, distributed across the New World. The genus contains at least eight described species organized into two species-groups: the logan group (including the Delaware skipper) and the mella group. Species within this genus are generally associated with grassland and open habitat ecosystems. The genus was established by Dyar in 1905.
Ancyloxypha numitor
Least Skipper
Ancyloxypha numitor, commonly known as the least skipper, is a small North American butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is distinguished by rounded wings, a slender body, and checkered antennae lacking hooks. The species exhibits weak, fluttering flight reminiscent of Satyrinae butterflies. It completes multiple broods annually and overwinters as a larva.
Anicla exuberans
Exuberant Dart
Anicla exuberans is a noctuid moth known as the Exuberant Dart, first described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1898. It is characterized by a moderate wingspan of 37–41 mm and a univoltine life cycle with adults active during summer months. The species occupies dry interior habitats across western North America, ranging from central Mexico to the Canadian prairies.
Anicla tepperi
Black-girdled Dart
Anicla tepperi is a moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the Black-girdled Dart. The species occurs in central North America, ranging from eastern Manitoba and the Alberta foothills south to southern Colorado. Adults have a wingspan of 36–40 mm and fly from June to July. The larvae feed on grasses in the family Poaceae.
Anisostena kansana
Anisostena kansana is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, specifically within the tortoise beetle subfamily Cassidinae. Adults measure 4.1–5.3 mm and display distinctive metallic coloration: the head and elytra are greenish-blue, while the pronotum is reddish-orange with a greenish-blue anterior area. The species is known from a limited geographic range in the central United States, with records from Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Oklahoma. It has been documented feeding on Tripsacum dactyloides (eastern gamagrass).
Annaphila
Annaphila is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, erected by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. The genus comprises approximately 24 described species distributed in western North America. Members are notable for being day-flying moths, a trait uncommon among Noctuidae. At least one species, Annaphila astrologa, has been documented using whispering bells (Emmenanthe penduliflora) as a larval host plant.
Annaphila astrologa
Annaphila astrologa is a small day-flying owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1918. Unlike most noctuid moths, it is active during daylight hours and has been described as attractive in appearance. The species is associated with grassland habitats in California, where its larval host plant, whispering bells (Emmenanthe penduliflora), occurs.
Apamea
Cutworm moths, Rustic shoulder-knot moths
Apamea is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as cutworm moths or rustic shoulder-knot moths. The genus contains numerous species that are typically medium-sized with cryptic, mottled forewings in shades of brown, gray, and ochre. Several species are significant agricultural pests, with larvae feeding on cereal crops and grasses. Species-level identification is notoriously difficult due to extensive individual variation and overlapping morphological features.
Apamea alia
Fox Apamea
Apamea alia, commonly known as the Fox Apamea, is a noctuid moth native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 39 mm and are active from June to August. The larvae feed on various grasses. The species exhibits a disjunct distribution, occurring in both eastern and western regions of the continent.
Apamea impulsa
Impulsive Apamea
Apamea impulsa, commonly known as the Impulsive Apamea, is a noctuid moth native to North America with a transcontinental distribution across southern Canada and the northern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 34 mm and exhibits univoltine life history with adults active during summer months. Larvae are grass-feeders, placing this species within the cutworm moth group whose members can be challenging to identify due to intraspecific variation and interspecific similarity.
Apamea niveivenosa
Snowy-veined Apamea Moth
Apamea niveivenosa, known as the snowy-veined apamea, is a noctuid moth native to northern North America. The species was first described by Grote in 1879. Its larvae are subterranean cutworms that feed on grasses and have been documented as pests of grain crops in interior North America. The species occurs across Canada and extends south to California.
Apamea zeta
Northern Arches, Zeta Moth
Apamea zeta is a medium-sized noctuid moth with a Holarctic distribution spanning Europe and northern North America. Adults are active from July to August in Britain and display variable gray-green forewings with distinctive black markings. The species exhibits notable morphological variation across its range, with several described forms and subspecies. Larvae are cutworms that feed on grasses, including fescues in alpine tundra habitats.
Apantesis blakei
Blake's Tiger Moth
Apantesis blakei, commonly known as Blake's Tiger Moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1864, this species was formerly classified under the genus Grammia but was transferred to Apantesis along with related genera. It is native to the North American Great Plains and southern prairie provinces of Canada, where its larvae feed on a documented range of grass and sedge species.
Apantesis incorrupta
Immaculate Tiger Moth
Apantesis incorrupta is an arctiine tiger moth in the family Erebidae, described by Henry Edwards in 1881. It occurs across the southwestern United States and Mexico, inhabiting grasslands and open woodlands. The species produces two generations annually and is notable for research demonstrating larval self-medication behavior using alkaloid compounds to combat parasitoids. It was transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis in recent taxonomic revisions.
Apantesis margo
Margo's Tiger Moth
Apantesis margo is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, described by Schmidt in 2009. It was originally placed in the genus Grammia but transferred to Apantesis in a taxonomic revision that consolidated several related genera. The species is restricted to grassland and transitional habitats in the north-central United States and adjacent regions, with flight activity concentrated in late spring. The specific epithet honors the author's wife.