Grassland
Guides
Pithanus maerkelii
Pithanus maerkelii is a plant bug in the family Miridae. It is native to Europe and the Palearctic, with an introduced population in North America. The species feeds on grasses, sedges, and rushes, using piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract fluids from stems and reproductive structures.
Plebejus icarioides icarioides
Melissa Blue, Icaricia Blue
Plebejus icarioides icarioides is a subspecies of blue butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as the Melissa Blue or Icaricia Blue. The species complex has been subject to taxonomic revision, with this subspecies sometimes placed in the genus Icaricia. It occurs in western North America and is associated with open habitats. The subspecies is part of a broader species group that includes the endangered Fender's blue butterfly (P. i. fenderi), which has been extensively studied for conservation purposes.
Poecilotettix pantherinus
Panther-spotted Grasshopper
Poecilotettix pantherinus, the panther-spotted grasshopper, is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species was formerly classified as a subspecies of Xanthippus corallipes but has been elevated to full species status. It is notable for its distinctive spotted hind femora and has been used in forensic entomology cases to establish geographic origin.
Polites origenes
crossline skipper
Polites origenes, the crossline skipper, is a small butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in eastern North America from southern Canada through the eastern United States, excluding Florida. The species exhibits one generation annually in Canada and two generations in the United States. Larvae feed on specific grass species, while adults visit flowers for nectar.
Polites peckius
Peck's Skipper
Polites peckius, commonly known as Peck's Skipper, is a North American grass skipper in the family Hesperiidae. It is widely distributed across northern and central North America, from British Columbia to Labrador in Canada and throughout most of the northern and central United States. The species produces two to three generations annually and is active from May through October. Adults feed on nectar from flowers including red clover, purple vetch, and thistles, while larvae consume various grasses.
Polites sonora
Sonoran skipper, western long dash
Polites sonora is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae found along the Pacific coast of North America. It has a wingspan of 25–27 mm and exhibits one generation annually in Canada, flying from mid-July to mid-August. Research indicates this species overwinters as eggs, with snowpack providing insulating protection that positively influences adult emergence success. Climate change poses significant threats through warming winters and reduced snow cover.
Pontia
whites
Pontia is a genus of pierid butterflies in the family Pieridae, commonly referred to as the "whites." These butterflies are distributed across the Holarctic region, with species found in North America, Europe, and Asia, though they are relatively rare in central and eastern North America and Europe. Several species formerly classified in Pontia have been reassigned to the genus Sinopieris. The genus includes well-known species such as the Checkered White (Pontia protodice) and the Spring White (Pontia sisymbrii).
Prionus geminus
Prionus geminus is a longhorned beetle species in the subfamily Prioninae, described in 2016 from material collected in the Great Plains region of North America. It belongs to the subgenus Homaesthesis, a group of grassland-associated Prionus species whose biology remains poorly documented. The species is part of a genus whose larvae are subterranean root feeders, though specific host associations for P. geminus have not been established.
Protorthodes incincta
banded Quaker moth
Protorthodes incincta, commonly known as the banded Quaker moth, is a noctuid moth species native to western North America. Adults display remarkable color polymorphism, ranging from pale whitish-grey to blackish-grey with intermediate brown, orange, and grey forms. The species occupies dry grassland and open forest habitats across the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and adjacent regions. Flight period extends from early June through early October, with larval stages feeding on herbaceous plants including legumes.
Psammotettix dentatus
Psammotettix dentatus is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Knull in 1954. It belongs to the genus Psammotettix, which comprises grass-feeding leafhoppers commonly found in sandy or psammophilous habitats. The species is part of the subfamily Deltocephalinae and tribe Paralimnini, a group associated with grassland and open habitat ecosystems. Like other members of its genus, P. dentatus likely inhabits sandy soils and feeds on grasses, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pseudopsallus demensus
Pseudopsallus demensus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, originally described by Van Duzee in 1925. It belongs to the genus Pseudopsallus, a group of mirids primarily associated with herbaceous vegetation in temperate and semi-arid regions. The species occurs across western North America, from the Great Plains through the Rocky Mountains and into northern Mexico. Records suggest it occupies grassland and open habitat zones, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Psoloessa delicatula
Brown-spotted Range Grasshopper, Brownspotted Grasshopper
Psoloessa delicatula is a small slant-faced grasshopper inhabiting western North American grasslands. It exhibits a flexible life cycle ranging from one to two years depending on latitude. The species is notable for sophisticated thermoregulatory behaviors and specific feeding techniques on grasses and sedges. Population densities fluctuate dramatically, occasionally reaching outbreak levels in mixedgrass prairie habitats.
Psyche casta
Bagworm Moth
Psyche casta is a nocturnal bagworm moth in the family Psychidae. Males are small, winged insects with metallic brown wings, while females are wingless and grub-like. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism and is native to the Palearctic region, with introduced populations in North America. Caterpillars construct portable protective cases from grass and plant material.
Pterombrus
Pterombrus is a genus of small, slender wasps in the family Thynnidae (formerly placed in Tiphiidae). The genus contains at least one described species, Pterombrus rufiventris, which is a rare parasitoid of tiger beetle larvae. These wasps are poorly known and seldom photographed, with most biological knowledge derived from a single detailed study of the western subspecies P. rufiventris hyalinatus. Adults are active during summer months and are associated with grassland habitats where their hosts occur.
Pterombrus rufiventris
Pterombrus rufiventris is a parasitoid wasp in the family Thynnidae, native to North America. The species is notable for its specialized life history as a parasite of tiger beetle (Cicindela) larvae. It is considered rare but has been documented across a wide geographic range from southern California to Texas and eastward to Georgia and Virginia. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism typical of thynnid wasps, with wingless females and winged males. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form in the eastern range and P. r. hyalinatus in the western portion of its distribution.
Pyrgus
Grizzled Skippers, Checkered Skippers
Pyrgus is a genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as grizzled skippers. The genus occurs primarily in the Holarctic region, with some species extending into the Neotropics. Following a major taxonomic revision in 2019, most New World species were moved to other genera (Burnsius, Chirgus, Heliopetes), leaving only four Pyrgus species in the Americas: P. centaureae, P. ruralis, P. scriptura, and P. xanthus. The genus is characterized by small butterflies with checkered or grizzled wing patterns.
Pyropyga nigricans
Dark Firefly
Pyropyga nigricans is a species of dark firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae. Unlike many fireflies, it does not produce bright bioluminescent flashes. The species is widespread across North America, Central America, and central Europe, and is often the most common firefly in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Colorado Front Range. Adults are active during summer months and are frequently encountered in grassy areas near water sources.
Rabidosa punctulata
Dotted Wolf Spider
Rabidosa punctulata is a ground-dwelling wolf spider distributed across the eastern and central United States. Mature females average 15.2 mm in body length, males 12.8 mm. The species exhibits distinctive alternative male mating tactics: complex multimodal courtship displays with substrate-borne vibrations and visual leg waves toward unmated females, versus direct coercive mounting with grappling toward already-mated females. Females carry egg sacs attached to their spinnerets and provide extended maternal care, with spiderlings riding on the mother's abdomen for approximately three weeks after emergence.
Rhopalopterum atriceps
Rhopalopterum atriceps is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, described by Loew in 1863. The genus Rhopalopterum comprises small, often dark-colored flies associated with grasses and sedges. Like other chloropids, members of this genus are generally inconspicuous and poorly studied, with limited biological data available. The specific epithet 'atriceps' refers to the black head characteristic of this species.
Rivula propinqualis
Spotted Grass Moth, Yellow Snout-moth
Rivula propinqualis is a small moth in the family Erebidae, first described in 1854. It is widespread across eastern North America, with adults active during late spring and summer. The species is associated with grassland habitats, and its larvae feed on grasses.
Rotundifronta lutea
Rotundifronta lutea is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Beamer in 1950. It belongs to a genus of small delphacid planthoppers characterized by rounded frontoclypeal structures. The species epithet "lutea" (meaning yellow) likely refers to coloration. Like other delphacids, it is associated with grasses and sedges in wetland habitats.
Schinia meadi
Mead's Flower Moth
Schinia meadi is a small noctuid moth of western North America, described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 24 mm and are active from June to July. The species belongs to the flower moth genus Schinia, whose larvae typically feed on flowers and seed pods of their host plants.
Schizocosa
Brush-legged Spiders
Schizocosa is a genus of wolf spiders (Lycosidae) comprising 56 species distributed across North and South America, Africa, and East and Southeast Asia. Members are medium to large spiders (5–15 mm, occasionally to 28 mm) with strong legs, keen eyesight, and distinctive carapace morphology. The genus is notable for elaborate male courtship behaviors involving vibratory and acoustic signals, with some species exhibiting prominent leg ornamentation. Several species have been extensively studied for sexual selection, reproductive isolation, and behavioral ecology.
Scolops pruinosus
Scolops pruinosus is a planthopper species in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by an elongated rostrum or 'horn' projecting from the head. Like other members of the genus Scolops, it is a small, squat insect with reduced wings in some individuals. The genus is endemic to North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico. These planthoppers feed on plant sap, primarily from host plants in the families Asteraceae and Chenopodiaceae. Very little is known about the specific biology of S. pruinosus, as most Scolops species remain poorly studied.
Scolops robustus
Scolops robustus is a species of planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, first described by Ball in 1902. It belongs to the genus Scolops, a group of distinctive planthoppers characterized by an elongated facial projection often compared to a rhinoceros horn. The species is part of a genus endemic to southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. Like other Scolops species, S. robustus is small (approximately 5-8 mm), typically straw-colored to brown or gray, and possesses the genus-defining elongated cephalic projection.
Sepsis neocynipsea
black scavenger fly
Sepsis neocynipsea is a black scavenger fly in the family Sepsidae, widespread across the Holarctic region including North American grasslands. The species is obligate on cow dung for reproduction, with females depositing eggs on fresh dung and larvae completing development within or near the dung pat. Research has documented severe sensitivity to ivermectin residues in livestock dung, with females showing approximately three times higher mortality than males when exposed. The species exhibits complex interactions between chemical stress and environmental conditions, including potential hormetic effects where combined heat and ivermectin exposure can improve survival relative to ivermectin alone.
Spangbergiella
Spangbergiella is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, tribe Hecalini. The genus was established by Signoret in 1879 and contains at least four described species distributed in North America. Like other leafhoppers, members of this genus are small, active insects that feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus is placed in the tribe Hecalini, which includes grass-feeding leafhoppers often associated with open, grassy habitats.
Spharagemon campestris
Campestral Grasshopper, McNeill campestral grasshopper
Spharagemon campestris is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, subfamily Oedipodinae. The species was originally described as Trimerotropis campestris by McNeill in 1901 and later transferred to the genus Spharagemon. It is recorded from western North America including Wyoming and British Columbia. As a member of the Oedipodinae, it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping and typically exhibits banded wing patterns characteristic of this subfamily.
Staphylus mazans
Mazans Scallopwing
Staphylus mazans, commonly known as the Mazans Scallopwing, is a spread-wing skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species occurs across Central America and North America, with four recognized subspecies showing geographic variation. Subspecies include the nominate S. m. mazans, S. m. ascaphalus, S. m. hayhurstii, and S. m. tierra. The species has been documented in diverse habitats including riparian corridors, sandy areas, and botanical gardens.
Steiroxys trilineatus
Three-lined Shieldback, Three-lined Camel Cricket
Steiroxys trilineatus is a shieldback katydid native to western North America, recognized by the three pale longitudinal stripes running along its dorsal surface. This flightless, ground-dwelling species inhabits grassland and sagebrush steppe ecosystems, where it occupies a cryptic lifestyle among vegetation and litter. Adults are active during summer months, with males producing songs via tegminal stridulation to attract mates. The species has been documented from the Great Basin through the Rocky Mountain region, with populations adapted to semi-arid conditions.
Stenocraninae
Stenocraninae is a subfamily of planthoppers within the family Delphacidae, established by Wagner in 1963. Members share the diagnostic hind tibial spur characteristic of Delphacidae. The subfamily contains multiple genera distributed across temperate and tropical regions. Species are generally associated with grasses and sedges.
Stenocranus brunneus
Stenocranus brunneus is a delphacid planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Beamer in 1946. It is a small, sap-feeding insect found in North America. Like other delphacids, it possesses a characteristic movable spur on the hind tibia, a key family trait. The species is part of the subfamily Stenocraninae, which includes planthoppers often associated with grass and sedge habitats.
Stenometopiini
Stenometopiini is a tribe of leafhoppers in the subfamily Deltocephalinae (family Cicadellidae), first established by Baker in 1923. The tribe includes the genus Stirellus, which has been described as grassland-dwelling leafhoppers with a broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents. Species within this tribe have been documented from the Americas, Africa, Madagascar, Australia, and Asia, with recent taxonomic work expanding known diversity and distributional records.
Stenotus
plant bug
Stenotus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, comprising species that are primarily associated with grasses and cereal crops. The genus includes notable agricultural pests, particularly Stenotus rubrovittatus (sorghum plant bug or pecky rice bug), which causes significant damage to rice and other Poaceae. Species in this genus exhibit specialized host plant relationships and distinct reproductive behaviors tied to plant phenology.
Stirellus
Stirellus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Stenometopiini. Species in this genus are associated with grassland habitats. The genus was described by Osborn and Ball in 1902. At least one species, Stirellus pakistanicus, has been described from Pakistan.
Stirellus bicolor
Stirellus bicolor is a leafhopper species native to North America, first described by Van Duzee in 1892. The species exhibits remarkable phenotypic plasticity in coloration, with two distinct forms that were originally described as separate species. Summer adults in hot climates display iridescent coloration with prominent black stripes, while cooler-climate specimens appear drab with translucent wings. The species feeds on bluestem grasses and broomsedge.
Stroggylocephalus
Stroggylocephalus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Aphrodinae. The genus was established by Flor in 1861 and contains at least six described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Species have been recorded from Europe, Asia, and North America.
Sympycnus
Sympycnus is a genus of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae) established by Loew in 1857. Species occur across Europe and the East Palaearctic, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Taxonomic revision has resolved substantial confusion in European species, particularly consolidating multiple synonyms under S. pulicarius and describing S. septentrionalis as a distinct northern species.
Syrbula
slant-faced grasshoppers
Syrbula is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Gomphocerinae. The genus contains at least three described species distributed across grassland habitats of North America, from the southern United States through Central America. Syrbula species are notable among grasshoppers for their elaborate courtship behavior, which involves complex visual, acoustic, and chemical signals. Males perform intricate displays including leg movements and stridulation to attract females. The genus includes species such as the admirable grasshopper (S. admirabilis) and Montezuma's grasshopper (S. montezuma).
Tetraclipeoides anomaliceps
Tetraclipeoides anomaliceps is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. It was described by Brown in 1929. The species is known from scattered records across the south-central and southwestern United States. As a member of the dung beetle tribe Aphodiini, it is presumed to be associated with decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The genus Tetraclipeoides is small and taxonomically obscure, with limited study beyond original descriptions.
Tetramesa
Tetramesa is a genus of minute phytophagous wasps in the family Eurytomidae comprising over 200 described species. Members are exclusively associated with grasses (Poaceae), where they typically induce stem or inflorescence galls. The genus exhibits pronounced host specificity, with most species restricted to a single grass species or closely related congeners. Several species have been deployed as biological control agents against invasive grasses, including T. romana for giant reed (Arundo donax) and candidate agents for medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) and African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula). Adults feed on nectar. Recent phylogenomic studies have synonymized the genera Aiolomorphus and Cathilaria within Tetramesa.
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hotographydrone-imageryLiDARradarsonarseismicgeophysicalgeochemicalbiogeochemicalecoinformaticsbioinformaticscomputational-biologysystems-biologysynthetic-biologybiotechnologynanotechnologygenetic-engineeringgenome-editingCRISPRTALENzinc-finger-nucleasetransgeniccisgenicintragenicsubgenicagrobacterium-mediated-transformationbiolisticselectroporationmicroinjectionprotoplast-fusionsomatic-hybridizationcybridasymmetric-hybridsynthetic-polyploiddoubled-haploidhaploid-inductionanther-culturemicrospore-cultureovule-cultureembryo-cultureendosperm-cultureprotoplast-culturecell-culturetissue-cultureorgan-cultureshoot-cultureroot-culturecallus-culturesuspension-culturebioreactorhairy-root-culturetransformationhardeningmicropropagationclonal-propagationmeristem-cultureshoot-tip-cultureaxillary-bud-culturenodal-cultureleaf-culturepetiole-culturestem-cultureinternode-culturerhizome-culturebulb-culturecorm-culturetuber-cultureseed-culturezygotic-embryo-culturesomatic-embryo-culturesomatic-embryogenesisorganogenesiscaulogenesisrhizogenesisadventitious-shoot-formationdirect-regenerationindirect-regenerationprimary-metabolismsecondary-metabolismbiosynthesisbiotransformationbioconversionbiodegradationbioremediationphytoremediationmycoremediationzooremediationbioaugmentationbiostimulationnatural-attenuationmonitored-natural-attenuationengineered-natural-attenuationpermeable-reactive-barrierpump-and-treatsoil-vapor-extractionair-spargingthermal-desorptionincinerationlandfillingcontainmentcappingslurry-wallgrout-curtainsheet-pilingclay-linergeomembranegeotextilegeogridgeocompositegeosyntheticgeofabricgeonetgeocellgeopipegeostripgeofoamgeobaggeotubegeocontainergeomatgeoblanketgeospacergeodraingeoinjectiongeogroutgeopiergeocolumngeopilegeowallgeobermgeotrenchgeocutgeofillgeoliftgeoslabgeopanelgeoblockgeobrickgeotilegeopavergeowebgeomattressgeocushionTettigoniidae
katydids, bush crickets, long-horned grasshoppers
Tettigoniidae is a large family of orthopteran insects containing over 8,000 described species, commonly known as katydids in North America and bush crickets in the United Kingdom. The family is the only extant member of the superfamily Tettigonioidea within the suborder Ensifera. Members are characterized by extremely long, thread-like antennae that often exceed body length, distinguishing them from true grasshoppers. The family exhibits remarkable diversity in size, ranging from 5 mm to 130 mm, and occupies varied habitats from tropical rainforests to temperate grasslands across all continents except Antarctica.
Thaumatomyia pullipes
Thaumatomyia pullipes is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, described by Coquillett in 1898. The genus Thaumatomyia comprises small flies commonly associated with grasses and cereal crops, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature. It belongs to the tribe Mindini within the subfamily Chloropinae.
Thaumatopsis pectinifer
Thaumatopsis pectinifer is a grass-veneer moth in the family Crambidae, described by Zeller in 1877. It occurs across the central and eastern United States. The larvae are stem borers in grasses, including cultivated corn.
Thecesternus
bison dung weevils, bison snout beetles
Thecesternus is a genus of flightless, nocturnal broad-nosed weevils comprising approximately seven described species. These small beetles, measuring about six millimeters in length, are known for their truncated rostrum and habit of sheltering under bison dung in grassland habitats. The genus has been studied primarily through *T. hirsutus*, which was evaluated as a potential biological control agent for the invasive weed *Parthenium hysterophorus*.
Thecesternus hirsutus
bison dung weevil, bison snout beetle
Thecesternus hirsutus is a small, flightless weevil in the family Curculionidae, native to North America. It was first described by Pierce in 1909 and gained scientific attention through evaluation as a potential biological control agent for Parthenium hysterophorus in Australia. The species is nocturnal, spends winter as larvae underground feeding on plant roots, and is known for its cryptic appearance and death-feigning behavior when disturbed.
Tholera
Feathered Gothic
Tholera is a genus of noctuid moths comprising approximately five species distributed across the Palearctic region. The most extensively studied species, Tholera decimalis (Feathered Gothic), has served as a model for genomic and ecological research. Males of this genus are characterized by prominently feathered antennae, an adaptation for pheromone detection. Populations of Tholera decimalis experienced significant decline and range contraction during the late 20th century, followed by partial recovery and expansion in recent decades.
Thymelicus
skippers
Thymelicus is a Palearctic genus of skipper butterflies (Hesperiidae) and the sole member of the tribe Thymelini. The genus includes approximately 12 described species, several of which have been subjects of conservation and biological study. Two species—Thymelicus sylvestris (small skipper) and Thymelicus lineola (European skipper/Essex skipper)—have been introduced to North America, where T. lineola has become a notable agricultural pest. The genus has served as a model for studies in conservation translocation, parasite-host relationships, and insect developmental biology.
Tibellus maritimus
Maritime Running Crab Spider
Tibellus maritimus is a species of running crab spider in the family Philodromidae, characterized by its slender body and vertical striped pattern that provides effective camouflage on grasses and foliage. The species is notable within its genus for lacking the two dark dorsal spots on the abdomen that distinguish related species such as T. oblongus and T. asiaticus. It is the only Tibellus species in the Canadian portion of its range without these spots. The spider hunts by ambush, lying flattened on vegetation to capture prey.
Tibellus oblongus
oblong running spider, slender crab spider
Tibellus oblongus is a Holarctic spider in the family Philodromidae. It is an active hunter that does not construct webs, instead pursuing and ambushing small insect prey. The species exhibits distinctive elongated body morphology with longitudinal striping that provides camouflage in grassy vegetation. Adult females measure 6–11 mm in body length, with males slightly smaller at 5–8 mm. Females construct flattened egg sacs and guard them until spiderlings emerge.