Grassland
Guides
Apantesis obliterata
Steppe Tiger Moth
Apantesis obliterata is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, originally described from North America in 1885. It exhibits a transcontinental distribution spanning northern Eurasia and North America, with populations in Russia, Mongolia, and the Canadian prairie provinces. The species inhabits grassland ecosystems and is active in late summer and early autumn. It was transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis as part of a broader taxonomic reorganization of tiger moths.
Apantesis phyllira
Phyllira Tiger Moth
Apantesis phyllira, commonly known as the Phyllira Tiger Moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Dru Drury in 1773, this moth was formerly classified under the genus Grammia but was transferred to Apantesis along with related species. It occurs across a broad range of North America from eastern Canada to the southern United States and west to the Great Plains. The species is listed as endangered in Connecticut, reflecting conservation concerns in parts of its range.
Aphrophorinae
Aphrophorinae is a subfamily of spittlebugs (family Aphrophoridae, order Hemiptera) characterized by their xylem-feeding habits and association with grasses and herbaceous vegetation. Members are known hosts for Strepsipteran parasites, with documented density-dependent parasitism regulating host populations in African grasslands.
Aplocera
treble-bar moths
Aplocera is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, comprising approximately 30 described species distributed across the Palearctic region. The genus includes several well-known species such as Aplocera plagiata (treble-bar), Aplocera praeformata (purple treble-bar), and Aplocera efformata (lesser treble-bar). These moths are characterized by distinctive wing patterns with transverse dark bands, giving rise to their common name. Several species are declining in parts of Europe due to habitat loss.
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.
Araneus pratensis
Openfield Orbweaver
Araneus pratensis, commonly known as the Openfield Orbweaver, is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It occurs across much of the United States and southern Canada. As a member of the large genus Araneus, it constructs the characteristic circular webs typical of this group. The specific epithet 'pratensis' refers to meadow or grassland habitats, suggesting an association with open field environments.
Arethaea ambulator
Hill Country Thread-leg Katydid, Walking Thread-leg Katydid
Arethaea ambulator is a species of phaneropterine katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, characterized by its exceptionally long, thread-like legs. The species was described by Hebard in 1936 and is endemic to the hill country region of central Texas. It belongs to a genus of slender, elongate katydids commonly known as thread-leg katydids.
Arphia
band-winged grasshoppers
Arphia is a genus of band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, containing at least 11 described species distributed across western North America. The genus is characterized by species with brightly colored hind wings—typically red, yellow, or orange—that are concealed at rest but displayed during flight. Several species are notable for producing audible crepitation sounds by snapping their wings together during courtship and territorial displays. Members occupy diverse grassland habitats from lowland prairies to high-elevation mountain meadows.
Arugisa latiorella
Watson's Arugisa Moth
Arugisa latiorella, known as Watson's Arugisa Moth, is a small erebid moth native to North America. First described by Francis Walker in 1863, it has been recorded across the southeastern and central United States. Adults are active nearly year-round, and the larvae feed on Kentucky bluegrass.
Arundanus
Arundanus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, established by DeLong in 1935. The genus is associated with grassland and wetland habitats, with species often found in association with sedges and rushes. It belongs to the tribe Deltocephalini, one of the largest and most diverse groups of leafhoppers.
Arundanus nacreosus
Arundanus nacreosus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. The species was described by Crumb in 1915 and is currently accepted as valid. It belongs to a genus associated with grassland habitats. Records indicate a scattered distribution across the central and southeastern United States.
Asilus
Hornet robberfly
Asilus is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Linnaeus in 1758, containing at least 150 described species. The genus includes some of the largest robber flies in the Palearctic region, with Asilus crabroniformis being the largest fly species in the United Kingdom. Members of this genus are predatory insects known for their powerful flight, large compound eyes, and habit of capturing other insects in mid-air.
Atalopedes
Sachems and Allies
Atalopedes is a genus of skipper butterflies (family Hesperiidae) containing approximately seven species distributed across North and South America. The genus includes notable species such as Atalopedes campestris (sachem skipper), which has been extensively studied for its response to climate change, and Atalopedes huron (Huron skipper). Species within this genus are associated with grassland and prairie habitats, where adults frequently visit flowers for nectar. The genus was described by Scudder in 1872.
Atrytonopsis hianna
dusted skipper
Atrytonopsis hianna, commonly known as the dusted skipper, is a small butterfly in the family Hesperiidae native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of 32–43 mm and exhibit distinct seasonal patterns across their range, with single generations in northern populations and two generations in southern regions. The species is closely associated with prairie and grassland habitats where its larval host plants, big bluestem and little bluestem, occur.
Baniana minor
Baniana minor is a small moth species in the family Erebidae, described by Lafontaine and Walsh in 2010. The species is known from open woodland and grassland scrub habitats in southeastern Arizona, with additional records from Guanacaste Province in Costa Rica. Adults are active during mid-summer in Arizona and have been recorded across multiple months in Costa Rica.
Blapstinus pratensis
Blapstinus pratensis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1859. The species is recorded from western North America, with distribution records from Alberta, Canada and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Blapstinus, it is a ground-dwelling beetle typically found in grassland and prairie habitats. The specific epithet "pratensis" refers to meadows or grasslands, suggesting an association with prairie ecosystems.
Blissus arenarius
Blissus arenarius is a species of true bug in the family Blissidae, first described by Barber in 1918. It is a member of the chinch bug genus Blissus, which contains several economically significant agricultural pests. The species is known to occur in North America and has two recognized subspecies: B. a. arenarius and B. a. maritimus. Like other Blissus species, it is associated with grassland and sandy habitats.
Boloria bellona
Meadow Fritillary
Boloria bellona, commonly known as the meadow fritillary, is a North American butterfly in the brushfoot family Nymphalidae. It is distinguished from other fritillaries by its lack of silver spots on the wing underside and its squared-off forewing apex. The species inhabits wet, open grasslands and has been observed using violets (Viola spp.) as host plants for its larvae. It produces one or two broods annually and overwinters in the larval stage.
Boloria kriemhild
Relict Fritillary
Boloria kriemhild, the relict fritillary, is a North American butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It is a grassland-associated fritillary within the genus Boloria, which includes other species such as the silver-bordered fritillary (B. selene) and small pearl-bordered fritillary (B. selene). The species has been recorded in 212 iNaturalist observations. Its common name "relict" suggests association with remnant or isolated habitats, though specific ecological details remain limited in published sources.
Bombus distinguendus
Great Yellow Bumble Bee, great yellow bumblebee
Bombus distinguendus, the great yellow bumblebee, is a bumblebee species with a Palearctic distribution spanning northern and central Europe, northern Russia, and Alaska. The species has experienced significant population declines across much of its European range, with critically low numbers or local extinction in several regions. In Ireland, it is classified as Endangered and restricted to a single remaining population in the northwest. The species exhibits late-season phenology compared to other bumblebees and shows strong foraging preferences for specific plant species, particularly Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) in Irish populations.
Bombus fervidus
golden northern bumble bee, yellow bumblebee
Bombus fervidus is a North American bumble bee distinguished by its predominantly yellow coloration on the abdomen and thorax. The species is a long-tongued specialist that forages on flowers with deep corollas, and has been documented visiting over 20 plant genera including milkweeds, goldenrods, and blueberries. It exhibits complex social behavior including coordinated nest defense and worker-queen conflict over male production. Populations have declined significantly across most of its range, with habitat loss to agricultural intensification identified as the primary threat; it is currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
Bombus fraternus
Southern Plains bumblebee
Bombus fraternus, commonly called the Southern Plains bumblebee, is a large bumblebee species native to the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. It is classified in the subgenus Cullumanobombus and is currently listed as endangered, with estimated abundance below 15% of historical numbers. The species is distinguished by its mostly black coloration with yellow thoracic and abdominal bands and unusually flattened abdominal hairs.
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.
Bruchomorpha beameri
A small planthopper in the family Caliscelidae, described by Doering in 1940. The species belongs to the genus Bruchomorpha, a group of diminutive fulgoroid planthoppers found in western North America. Records indicate occurrence in grassland and prairie habitats across the western United States and into Canada.
Brunneria
stick mantis, Brunner's stick mantis
Brunneria is a genus of slender, stick-like praying mantises native to the Americas. The genus contains six recognized species, with B. borealis being particularly notable as the only known obligate parthenogenetic praying mantis—reproducing exclusively asexually with no males ever observed. This species has spread across more than 2,400 km of coastal North America from a hypothesized single female introduction. Other species in the genus, all South American, reproduce facultatively with both sexes present.
Brunneria borealis
Northern Grass Mantis, Brunner's Mantis, Brunner's Stick Mantis
Brunneria borealis is a slender green mantis native to the southern United States, notable as the only mantis species known to reproduce exclusively through parthenogenesis. All individuals are female; no males have been documented. Adults reach approximately 77 mm in length and possess reduced wings that likely preclude flight. The species inhabits grassland habitats and exhibits stick-like camouflage behavior.
Caenurgina
grass moths, loopers
Caenurgina is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, containing several species commonly known as grass moths or loopers. The genus includes widespread North American species such as the forage looper (C. erechtea), clover looper (C. crassiuscula), and cerulean looper moth (C. caerulea). These moths are associated with open habitats including lawns, meadows, and agricultural fields.
Caenurgina annexa
Banded Grass Moth
Caenurgina annexa, commonly known as the banded grass moth, is a species of moth in the family Erebidae. It was described by Henry Edwards in 1890. The species is endemic to western North America, with adults active during spring months. The wingspan measures 28–30 mm.
Caenurgina crassiuscula
Clover Looper, Range Grass Moth
Caenurgina crassiuscula, commonly known as the Clover Looper or Range Grass Moth, is a widespread moth species in the family Erebidae. First described by Adrian Hardy Haworth in 1809, it occurs across much of North America from coast to coast, with western populations extending into Alaska, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. Adults are active for much of the year, with flight periods varying by location from March through November. The species is notable for its larval association with clover and various grasses.
Caenurgina erechtea
Forage Looper, Common Grass Moth
Caenurgina erechtea, commonly known as the Forage Looper or Common Grass Moth, is a widespread moth species in the family Erebidae. First described by Pieter Cramer in 1780, it occurs across the continental United States and adjacent Canadian provinces. Adults are active from March through November, with timing varying by location. The species is frequently encountered in lawns and grassy areas, where walking through vegetation readily flushes individuals during daylight hours.
Calameuta
Calameuta is a genus of stem sawflies (family Cephidae) established by Friedrich Wilhelm Konow in 1896. The genus comprises approximately 14 described species distributed across Europe and North America. Members of this genus are associated with grasses and sedges, reflecting the family-wide ecological pattern of Cephidae. The genus is taxonomically stable and well-represented in entomological collections.
Caliscelis
Caliscelis is a genus of planthoppers in the family Caliscelidae, established by Laporte in 1833. These insects belong to the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, a group of true bugs known for their distinctive head morphology and jumping hind legs. The genus is part of the tribe Caliscelini within the subfamily Caliscelinae. Members of this genus are found primarily in the Palearctic region, with documented observations across Europe and parts of Asia.
Calliopsis andreniformis
Eastern Miner Bee
Calliopsis andreniformis, commonly known as the eastern miner bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America and has been documented as a specialist pollinator of plants in the family Fabaceae. The species belongs to a genus of small mining bees that typically nest in sandy or bare soils. Like other members of Andrenidae, females construct individual burrows and provision cells with pollen and nectar for their offspring.
Capraiellus panzeri
Lesser Cockroach
Capraiellus panzeri is a small, non-cosmopolitan cockroach native to Europe and northwestern Africa, with localized populations in southern Britain where it is known as the lesser cockroach. Formerly classified as Ectobius panzeri, it was reclassified to the genus Capraiellus based on recent taxonomic work. It is one of the smaller native European cockroaches and is not associated with human dwellings.
Carterocephalus skada
Western Arctic Skipper
Carterocephalus skada, commonly known as the Western Arctic Skipper, is a species of butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It belongs to the genus Carterocephalus, which includes several Arctic and subarctic skipper species. The species is part of a group of butterflies adapted to cooler climates and northern latitudes.
Cephus
stem sawflies
Cephus is a genus of stem sawflies in the family Cephidae, first described by Latreille in 1802. Members are found in Europe and North America. These insects are notable for their cylindrical, wasp-like bodies and their habit of boring into grass stems.
Cerapteryx graminis
Antler Moth
Cerapteryx graminis, commonly known as the antler moth, is a noctuid moth distinguished by the bold white branched basal streak on its forewings that resembles antlers. The species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, with females notably larger than males. It is primarily diurnal but also flies at night, and is attracted to both flowers and light. The species is native to Europe and northern Asia, has been introduced to North America, and occurs at elevations up to 2100 meters in the Alps.
Cercyonis oetus
Small Wood-Nymph, Dark Wood-Nymph
Cercyonis oetus is a brush-footed butterfly of western North America, commonly known as the Small Wood-Nymph or Dark Wood-Nymph. It is a medium-sized satyrine with a wingspan of 32–45 mm. Adults fly in a single generation from June to August. The species has four recognized subspecies distributed across its range.
Cercyonis pegala
Common Wood-Nymph, Wood-Nymph, Grayling, Blue-Eyed Grayling, Goggle Eye
Cercyonis pegala is a widespread North American satyrine butterfly commonly known as the Common Wood-Nymph. It occupies diverse open habitats including grasslands, meadows, and woodland edges across much of the continent. The species exhibits notable variation in wing pattern across its range, with coastal and interior populations showing consistent differences in eyespot size and number. Unlike some congeners, it remains common and broadly distributed, though habitat loss affects local populations.
Cerodontha angulata
Cerodontha angulata is a species of leaf miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. The genus Cerodontha is part of a diverse group of small flies whose larvae develop within the tissues of grasses, sedges, and rushes, creating distinctive feeding tunnels between leaf layers. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range including North America, South America, and Europe.
Cerodontha dorsalis
grass sheathminer, grass sheathminer fly
Cerodontha dorsalis is a leaf miner fly in the family Agromyzidae, commonly known as the grass sheathminer. Larvae bore between the layers of grass blades and leaves of sedges and rushes, creating internal mines. The species exhibits two color forms: a pale eastern form and a dark western form, with intermediate forms where distributions overlap. It has a broad geographic range spanning the Nearctic, Palearctic, and Neotropical regions.
Cerodontha saintandrewsensis
Cerodontha saintandrewsensis is a species of leaf-miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. The genus Cerodontha comprises small flies whose larvae create distinctive feeding patterns by boring between the layers of grass blades and leaves of sedges and rushes. This species was documented during blacklighting surveys in Leavenworth, Kansas, in early spring 2024.
Cerodontha scirpi
Cerodontha scirpi is a leaf miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species name 'scirpi' refers to its association with sedges (genus Scirpus). Larvae mine between the layers of grass blades and leaves of sedges and rushes. It is recorded from North America and Europe.
Cetema elongatum
Cetema elongatum is a small fly species in the family Chloropidae, commonly known as grass flies. It occurs across the Palearctic region, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The larval stage has been documented feeding on grasses in the family Poaceae.
Ceuthophilus pallidus
plains camel cricket
Ceuthophilus pallidus, the plains camel cricket, is a native North American camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is distinguished from other Ceuthophilus species by its pale coloration and association with plains and grassland habitats rather than caves. The species is wingless and nocturnal, with exceptionally long antennae adapted for navigation in dark environments. It belongs to a genus of approximately 90 North American species, many of which are habitat specialists.
Chasmodon
Chasmodon is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae. Species in this genus are ground-dwelling and function as parasitoids of stem-boring Diptera, particularly frit flies (Oscinella spp.) in grassland ecosystems. The genus has been documented in northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Chesiadini
Chesiadini is a tribe of geometer moths within the subfamily Larentiinae, established by Stephens in 1850. The tribe comprises approximately 12 recognized genera distributed primarily in the Holarctic region. Members are small to medium-sized moths with relatively broad wings and often subdued coloration. The tribe includes economically and ecologically significant species such as those in the genus Aplocera.
Chilophaga
Chilophaga is a genus of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) established by Gagné in 1969. The genus includes species whose larvae develop in plant tissues, with Chilophaga virgati documented feeding on switchgrass inflorescences in the northern Great Plains. Members serve as hosts for parasitoid wasps in the family Platygastridae.
Chloriona
Chloriona is a genus of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, established by Fieber in 1866. The genus comprises at least five recognized species distributed across Eurasia. Members are small, sap-feeding insects associated with grassland and wetland habitats. As delphacid planthoppers, they possess a characteristic enlarged hind femur with a mobile spur, an adaptation for jumping.