Great-plains
Guides
Ellipsoptera nevadica playa
Ellipsoptera nevadica playa is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. The species E. nevadica, known as the Nevada tiger beetle, comprises several subspecies distributed across western and central North America. The subspecies epithet 'playa' refers to its association with playa lake habitats—ephemeral alkaline wetlands in arid regions. Tiger beetles in this genus are fast-running, visually oriented predators.
Eritettix simplex
velvet-striped grasshopper, velvet-striped locust
Eritettix simplex, the velvet-striped grasshopper, is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is characterized by distinctive velvet-like dark bands along the lateral carinae of the pronotum and three longitudinal carinae on the head. The species has an extensive range across North America, with major population centers in the Great Plains and Appalachian Mountains. It feeds almost exclusively on grasses and sedges, with blue grama being a highly preferred food plant.
Euhagena nebraskae
Nebraska Clearwing Moth
Euhagena nebraskae is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, known for its wasp-like appearance and diurnal activity. Males exhibit highly bipectinate antennae and wispy white thoracic tufts, while females differ notably in appearance, showing strong sexual dimorphism. The species has been documented in the Great Plains region of North America, including Nebraska and Kansas, and is rarely attracted to light traps.
Eunota circumpicta johnsonii
Johnson's Tiger Beetle
Eunota circumpicta johnsonii, commonly known as Johnson's Tiger Beetle, is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae (subfamily Cicindelinae). It is a saline habitat specialist found in the central and southern Great Plains of North America. The species is active during summer months and exhibits habitat partitioning with co-occurring tiger beetle species through temporal and microhabitat segregation. It has been observed in alkaline lake margins, saline flats, and salt-encrusted soils, often alongside other saline-adapted tiger beetles.
Eunota circumpicta pembina
Pembina Tiger Beetle
Eunota circumpicta pembina is a subspecies of tiger beetle endemic to the Great Plains region of North America. It is closely related to Eunota circumpicta johnsonii (Johnson's tiger beetle), from which it differs in geographic distribution and adult coloration. The subspecies is restricted to a disjunct population in North Dakota, where it occupies saline seep habitats. Adults exhibit blue-green coloration without the reddish or dark morphs found in other populations of the species. The subspecies was formally described by Johnson in 1993 and is considered to have subspecific status based on its geographic isolation and distinctive coloration.
Eunota togata
White-cloaked Tiger Beetle
Eunota togata, the White-cloaked Tiger Beetle, is a species of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. It was formerly classified under Cicindela but is now the sole species in the genus Eunota. The species is notable for its strong association with saline habitats, with different subspecies occupying distinct geographic regions and habitat types. Adults are small, measuring 10–13 mm in length, and exhibit variable white coloration on the elytra that gives the species its common name. The species demonstrates classic tiger beetle behaviors including rapid running, quick flight when disturbed, and visual predation.
Euphoria kernii
Kern's flower scarab
Euphoria kernii is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, commonly known as Kern's flower scarab. The species exhibits extreme color polymorphism, with individuals ranging from all black to various combinations of black with white or yellow markings, to nearly entirely yellow. Adults are diurnal and frequently observed aggregating in flowers. The species occurs across the southern Great Plains and southwestern United States, extending into northern Mexico.
Euxoa
miller moths, cutworm moths
Euxoa is a genus of noctuid moths established by Jacob Hübner in 1821, comprising approximately 305 species distributed primarily across dry and semi-dry regions of the northern hemisphere. The genus is notably absent from South-East Asia and Australia. Larvae are cutworms that feed on surface vegetation and occasionally climb plants. The genus includes the army cutworm moth (Euxoa auxiliaris), a significant agricultural pest whose adult aggregations serve as a critical food source for grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Euxoa cinereopallidus
Euxoa cinereopallidus is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1903. It is found in western Canada and parts of the western United States. The wingspan is approximately 32 mm. Like other Euxoa species, it is a cutworm moth, with larvae that likely feed on vegetation and may be agricultural pests.
Euxoa clausa
Euxoa clausa is a noctuid moth described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1923. It is restricted to the north-western Great Plains of North America, with a wingspan of approximately 33 mm. Adults are active in mid-summer, with one generation per year.
Flexamia curvata
Flexamia curvata is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, originally described as Deltocephalus curvatus by DeLong in 1926. The species belongs to the genus Flexamia, a group of leafhoppers known for host plant specificity. It has been recorded from several central and south-central U.S. states including Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with particular grass species, though specific host relationships for this species remain poorly documented.
Fokkeria producta
Fokkeria producta is a shield-backed bug in the family Scutelleridae, described by Van Duzee in 1904. This species belongs to a family commonly known as shield bugs or jewel bugs, recognized for their enlarged scutellum that covers most of the abdomen and wings. The genus Fokkeria is part of the diverse North American scutellerid fauna.
Geolycosa
Burrowing Wolf Spiders
Geolycosa is a genus of burrowing wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) established by Montgomery in 1904. These spiders are characterized by their obligate burrowing lifestyle, constructing deep cylindrical burrows in sandy or loose soils. Some species build distinctive turrets around burrow openings using sticks and debris. The genus includes approximately 70 species distributed across North America, with some species extending into the Levant. Geolycosa species are medium to large spiders with morphological adaptations for digging, including enlarged chelicerae and stout anterior legs.
Geolycosa missouriensis
Missouri Burrowing Wolf Spider, Burrowing Wolf Spider, Missouri Earth Spider, Missouri Wolf Spider
Geolycosa missouriensis is a large wolf spider native to the Great Plains of North America. It is a burrowing specialist that spends most of its life in deep, silk-lined vertical burrows, emerging primarily to hunt or mate. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in size, with females reaching approximately 21 mm in body length and males 15–18 mm. Unlike wandering wolf spiders, this species employs an ambush predation strategy, detecting prey through ground vibrations from within its burrow.
Hemileuca slosseri
Slosser's buckmoth, nit-grass moth
Hemileuca slosseri is a species of buck moth in the family Saturniidae, described in 1989 by Richard S. Peigler and Stephen E. Stone. It is found in North America, particularly in the southwestern United States including New Mexico and adjacent Oklahoma. The species is associated with oak habitats, with larvae feeding on Havard shin-oak (Quercus havardii). Like other Hemileuca species, it is diurnal and possesses urticating (stinging) spines as larvae.
Hesperia leonardus pawnee
Pawnee Skipper
Hesperia leonardus pawnee, the Pawnee Skipper, is a subspecies of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is found in the Great Plains region of North America, with distribution records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, as well as the U.S. state of Vermont. As a member of the genus Hesperia, it belongs to a group commonly known as the "branded skippers." The subspecies was described by Dodge in 1874, originally as Hesperia pawnee before being reclassified as a subspecies of H. leonardus. iNaturalist records indicate this taxon has been observed 177 times, suggesting it is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists.
Hesperotettix viridis pratensis
Purple-striped Grasshopper
A subspecies of the snakeweed grasshopper, Hesperotettix viridis pratensis is a spurthroated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It occurs in grasslands and prairie habitats where its host plants grow. The subspecies is distinguished from the nominate form by geographic distribution and subtle morphological differences. It is one of several subspecies within the H. viridis complex.
Hylurgopinus rufipes
Native Elm Bark Beetle
The native elm bark beetle is a small scolytine weevil and principal vector of Dutch elm disease in the northern Great Plains and prairie provinces of Canada. Adults are brownish-red, measuring 2.3–2.9 mm, and complete one generation annually. Overwintered adults emerge in spring to colonize weakened or dying American elm, constructing egg galleries in the inner bark where larvae feed on cambium tissue. The species exhibits distinctive acoustic communication: males produce simple multipulse calls, stress/rivalry chirps, and bimodal premating stridulation at gallery sites, while females do not stridulate. Males become strongly arrested at attractive female galleries and engage in brief contests with rival males shortly after a resident male establishes presence.
Ilnacora vittifrons
Ilnacora vittifrons is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1963. It belongs to the genus Ilnacora, a group of mirid bugs found in North America. The species is recorded from the Great Plains region of the United States.
Limenitis archippus watsoni
Watson's Gulf Coast Viceroy
Limenitis archippus watsoni is a subspecies of the viceroy butterfly found in central North America. It is part of the well-known mimicry complex with the monarch butterfly, though recent research suggests viceroys may also be unpalatable to predators. This subspecies is distinguished from other viceroy populations by geographic range and subtle morphological differences.
Listrus gentry
Listrus gentry is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. It is a small beetle, measuring less than 5mm in length. The species has been observed feeding on flowers of Heterotheca stenophylla (stiffleaf false goldenaster) in Oklahoma. Like other members of the genus Listrus, it appears to be associated with asteraceous flowers and is likely a pollen feeder.
Listrus senilis
Listrus senilis is a small soft-winged flower beetle (family Melyridae, subfamily Dasytinae) distributed across the Great Plains of North America. Adults are typically found feeding on pollen of yellow-flowered asteraceous plants, particularly Heterotheca species. The species was redescribed by Mawdsley (1999) who provided notes on its biology.
Megatibicen
Great Cicadas
Megatibicen is a genus of North American cicadas established in 2016, comprising approximately 10 species previously classified under Tibicen, Neotibicen, Ameritibicen, and Gigatibicen. These are large-bodied cicadas commonly known as 'Great Cicadas,' with males producing distinctive calling songs using tymbal organs. The genus exhibits notable diversity in the south-central and southwestern United States, including a recently described endemic species from the Mescalero-Monahans shinnery sands.
Megatibicen dealbatus
Plains Cicada
Megatibicen dealbatus, the plains cicada, is an annual cicada species occurring in the central Great Plains of North America. The species name derives from Latin 'dealbatus' meaning 'whitewashed.' Males produce a distinctive song similar to that of M. pronotalis (Walker's cicada), and have been observed calling late into the night—unusual behavior for most cicadas in the region. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights.
Megatibicen dorsatus
Bush Cicada, Giant Grassland Cicada, Grand Western Cicada, Splendid Prairie Cicada
Megatibicen dorsatus, commonly known as the Bush Cicada or Giant Grassland Cicada, is a large, striking cicada species endemic to the tallgrass and shortgrass prairies of the central United States. Adults are among the largest North American cicadas, measuring approximately 57 mm in length, with distinctive white waxy markings on a dark body. Males produce loud, characteristic songs using internal tymbal organs to attract females. The species has an annual life cycle with staggered emergences, with adults active primarily from July through September. M. dorsatus is frequently found perched on low vegetation in open grassland habitats, where its contrasting coloration provides surprising cryptic protection. Adult males serve as hosts for the acoustically hunting sarcophagid parasitoid Emblemasoma erro.
Megatibicen dorsatus-tremulus
bush cicada, prairie cicada, Cole's bush cicada
Megatibicen dorsatus-tremulus represents a cryptic species pair within the bush cicada group, with M. dorsatus (prairie cicada/bush cicada) and M. tremulus (Cole's bush cicada) being nearly identical in appearance and song. These large cicadas inhabit grassland and sand dune habitats across the central and southern Great Plains. The two species were long confused due to their similarity, with M. tremulus only recently recognized as distinct. They are distinguished by tymbal cover coloration—brown in M. dorsatus versus black in M. tremulus—and occupy slightly different habitats, with M. tremulus favoring sandier substrates.
Megatibicen pronotalis
Walker's Annual Cicada, Walker's cicada
Megatibicen pronotalis, commonly known as Walker's Annual Cicada or Walker's cicada, is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae. It is found in the northern Great Plains of the United States and has been reported from states including Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Alabama, and Florida. Males produce sound using tymbals—hardened membranes under plates on the venter at the base of the abdomen—and are reportedly among the loudest insects in the world. The species is often associated with riparian cottonwood (Populus) and willow (Salix) habitats.
Microstylum morosum
Giant Prairie Robber Fly
Microstylum morosum is the largest robber fly in North America, with body lengths reaching 35–50 mm. The species was long considered endemic to Texas until range extensions were documented into Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, and southwestern states. It inhabits prairie and grassland ecosystems, where adults are active predators. The species exhibits distinctive emerald-green eyes and a relatively hairless, streamlined body compared to other large asilids.
Moneilema annulatum
cactus beetle, ambulated cactus beetle
Moneilema annulatum is a flightless cactus beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. Adults are found almost exclusively on opuntioid cacti (prickly pears and chollas), where they feed on plant tissues and flowers. Larvae tunnel within cactus stems, often causing visible damage in the form of hardened black exudate. The species occurs across western North America from the Great Plains to the Pacific coast.
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suturalis
A click beetle species in the family Elateridae. Formerly classified under the genus Eleodes (family Tenebrionidae), this species was reclassified to Monocrepidius based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. The species is characterized by a reddish-brown sutural stripe on dark elytra and occurs in grassland habitats of the Great Plains region.
Mycetochara haldemani
Mycetochara haldemani is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The genus Mycetochara comprises fungus-feeding beetles, and this species follows that ecological pattern. It is known from scattered observations across North America, with records from the Great Plains region. The specific epithet honors the entomologist Samuel Stehman Haldeman.
Myiopharus
Myiopharus is a New World genus of tachinid flies containing at least 15 species north of Mexico. Species in this genus are parasitoids of chrysomelid beetles, with documented hosts including the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) and the sunflower beetle (Zygogramma exclamationis). The genus belongs to the M. dorsalis species group, characterized by distinctive morphological features in females.
Neoclytus approximatus
Neoclytus approximatus is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1862. It is among the most uncommonly encountered longhorned beetles in North America, with a disjunct distribution across the Great Plains and scattered records from the eastern United States. The species' larval host plant remains unknown, making it one of the most elusive cerambycids on the continent.
Neotibicen canicularis
dog-day cicada, dog-day harvestfly, heatbug, Northern Dog-day Cicada
Neotibicen canicularis is an annual cicada species found across much of North America, commonly known as the dog-day cicada or dog-day harvestfly. Unlike periodical cicadas that emerge in synchronized broods every 13 or 17 years, this species appears every summer, though individuals require several years to develop underground. Adults are active during the hot midsummer period traditionally called the "dog days." The species has been documented as a host for multiple flesh fly parasitoids in the family Sarcophagidae, including several first-record associations.
cicadaannual-cicadadog-day-cicadaHemipteraCicadidaeNeotibicenNorth-Americaparasitoid-hostflesh-flySarcophagidaesummersongtymbalnocturnal-emergencenymphroot-feedercarrionEmblemasomaHelicobiaSarcophagaOntarioQuébecOklahomaprairiewoodlandentomologyinsect-photographyMr.-JulyESA-calendarKeith-KennedyTed-MacRaeCatherine-DanaJohn-CooleyGene-Kritskycicada-killerSphecius-speciosusperiodical-cicada-contrastclimate-change-indicatorsoil-temperature-emergencebrood-XIIIbrood-XIXMagicicadaMegatibicenNeotibicen-auriferusNeotibicen-pruinosusNeotibicen-superbusMegatibicen-dorsatusMegatibicen-tremulusMegatibicen-dealbatuscicada-mappingCicada-Safaricitizen-scienceiNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBI-Taxonomylate-summerAugustJulyMontréalWoodward-CountyCimarron-CountyMajor-CountyBeaver-CountyAlabaster-Caverns-State-ParkGloss-Mountain-State-ParkBeaver-Dunes-ParkBlack-Mesa-State-Parkshortgrass-prairiehackberrybumeliajunipercanyon-woodlandmesquite-chaparralsand-duneHelianthus-annuusHelianthus-petiolarisProsopis-glandulosaPopulus-deltoidesRhus-aromaticaAsclepias-engelmanniiAsclepias-latifoliaSideroxylon-lanuginosumEuphorbia-marginatajug-trapLindgren-funnelultraviolet-lightmercury-vapor-lightacoustic-communicationpredator-avoidancecamouflagegreen-and-black-colorationcicada-killer-waspparasitoidEmblemasoma-albicomaEmblemasoma-erroHelicobia-rapaxSarcophaga-sarracenioidesSarcophaga-utilisfirst-recordnew-host-associationnew-provincial-recordnutrient-cyclingcarrion-resourcefood-webpredator-preyaerationflaggingtree-pruningclimate-changeearlier-emergencesoil-temperature64-Fahrenheitstraggler-cicadabrood-overlapIllinoisMidwestGreat-Plainseastern-forestannual-emergencesynchronous-emergencemass-emergencebrood-Xbrood-IIbrood-XIVbrood-XXIII17-year-cicada13-year-cicadaMagicicada-septendecimMagicicada-cassiniMagicicada-septendeculaOkanagana-rimosaSay's-cicadaTibicenAbrictaAmphipsaltaAruntaAustrotomaAyuthiaBaeturiaBalintaBasaBrevisanaCacamaCalyriaCicadatraCicadettaCicadivettaCosmopsaltriaCyclochilaDiceroproctaDundubiaEuterpnosiaFidicinaFidicinoidesGaeanaHenicopsaltriaHerreraHuechysHyalessaHylocicadaJassopsaltriaKikihiaLembejaLemurianaMacrotristriaMaoricicadaMoganniaMudaMyerscicadaNeopsaltriaNotopsaltaOkanaganaOkanagodesOligoglenaOnoralnaOudeboschiaPacarinaPahariaPalapsaltaPauropsaltaPictilaPlatypleuraPomponiaPsaltodaPterapsaltaQuesadaQuintiliaRaiateanaSaticulaSemiaSonotympanaSoudaniellaTaipingaTannaTerpnosiaTettigadesTettigettaThophaTibicinaTosenaTryellaUradolichosVenustriaXeropsaltaYezoterpnosiaZammaraZaphsaOeneis alberta
Alberta Arctic
Oeneis alberta is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as the Alberta Arctic. It inhabits prairie and montane grassland habitats across the Canadian prairie provinces and isolated Rocky Mountain populations in the southwestern United States. The species exhibits a single annual generation with adults active in late spring. Larvae feed on bunch grasses and overwinter in the larval stage.
Ospriocerus
robber flies
Ospriocerus is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) containing approximately 17 described species. These large, predatory flies are primarily associated with grassland and prairie habitats across western North America. Several species exhibit mimetic coloration resembling spider wasps (Pompilidae), with black bodies and red or orange abdominal markings. The genus has been documented as far north as Canada and south into Mexico. Species such as O. abdominalis represent significant range extensions when found in eastern localities, highlighting the importance of remnant prairie conservation.
Ospriocerus aeacidinus
robber fly
Ospriocerus aeacidinus is a large robber fly (family Asilidae) native to western North America. The species was historically recorded as far east as Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, but has been documented in recent years in relictual hilltop prairie habitats in northwestern Missouri and southwestern Illinois—representing significant eastern range extensions. Adults are active predators with wasp-mimetic coloration. The species is considered a grassland specialist associated with dry prairie remnants, particularly those linked to the Loess Hills landform.
Ospriocerus latipennis
Ospriocerus latipennis is a robber fly species in the family Asilidae, one of three Ospriocerus species recorded in Canada. It inhabits grassland habitats on the Great Plains. The species has been documented in association with the beetle family Meloidae, though the nature of this relationship requires further investigation. As with other robber flies, adults are presumed to be predatory.
Pachybrachis othonus sioux
Pachybrachis othonus sioux is a subspecies of case-bearing leaf beetle described by Balsbaugh in 1973. It belongs to the genus Pachybrachis, a diverse group of small, convex leaf beetles commonly known as scriptured leaf beetles. The subspecies epithet "sioux" suggests an association with the northern Great Plains region inhabited by the Sioux people. As a member of Chrysomelidae, it shares the family characteristics of herbivorous feeding and compact body form.
Parvindela
American Diminutive Tiger Beetles, swift tiger beetle
Parvindela is a genus of small, flightless tiger beetles in the family Cicindelidae, established by Duran & Gough in 2019 when it was elevated from subgenus status within Cylindera. The genus contains species adapted to specialized habitats including loess hilltop prairies, sand plains, and gypsum mesas in the central United States. The type species, Parvindela celeripes (formerly Cylindera celeripes), is known from disjunct populations in northwestern Oklahoma and northwestern Missouri. These beetles are characterized by their diminutive size, rapid running speed, and reduced or absent flight wings.
Parvindela celeripes
Swift Tiger Beetle
Parvindela celeripes, the Swift Tiger Beetle, is a tiny (6–8 mm), flightless tiger beetle species native to the Great Plains of North America. Once abundant in native grasslands of Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s, the species has experienced severe population declines due to habitat loss. It was unknown from Missouri until its discovery in 2010, where it persists in small, isolated loess hilltop prairie remnants. The species remains robust in northwestern Oklahoma's red clay/gypsum exposures, representing its most secure population. Its flightless nature makes recolonization of disturbed or burned sites extremely difficult.
Parvindela terricola imperfecta
Imperfect Tiger Beetle
Parvindela terricola imperfecta is a subspecies of tiger beetle formerly classified under Cicindela and later Cylindera, now placed in the genus Parvindela following elevation of the former subgenus Cylindera to generic rank. It is distinguished by bright metallic green coloration, dense setae on the head and legs, and reduced or absent elytral maculations. The subspecies name 'imperfecta' refers to the incomplete or reduced white markings on the elytra compared to other subspecies. It occurs in the Great Plains region of North America, including Nebraska.
Parvindela terricola terricola
Variable Tiger Beetle
Parvindela terricola terricola is a subspecies of Variable Tiger Beetle in the subfamily Cicindelinae. It is characterized by bright metallic green coloration, a densely setose (hairy) head and pronotum, and a cream-colored labrum. This subspecies occurs in Nebraska and surrounding regions, where it inhabits open, sandy areas. The species was formerly classified under Cicindela and later Cylindera before the elevation of the subgenus Parvindela to generic rank.
Pediodectes daedalus
Pediodectes daedalus is a species of shieldback katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. The genus Pediodectes comprises wingless or short-winged katydids distributed across the Great Plains of North America. Adults of this genus are typically found in prairie and grassland habitats, often associated with herbaceous vegetation. Species in Pediodectes are known for their cryptic coloration, though some individuals may exhibit more contrasting markings. The genus is taxonomically challenging, with species identification often requiring examination of morphological details beyond external coloration.
Pediodectes haldemanii
Haldeman's shieldback, American shield-back katydid
Pediodectes haldemanii is a large, flightless shield-backed katydid native to the Great Plains of North America. Adults lack the leaf-like wings typical of many katydids and exhibit striking dark red markings against a green body. The species is known for its relatively docile behavior and has been observed feeding on cactus flowers.
Pediodectes nigromarginatus
Black-margined Shieldback
Pediodectes nigromarginatus, commonly known as the black-margined shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in central North America, with records from Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and northeastern Mexico. The species belongs to a genus of wingless or short-winged katydids adapted to grassland and prairie habitats. Two subspecies are recognized: P. n. nigromarginatus and P. n. griseis.
Pediodectes stevensonii
Stevenson's shieldback
Pediodectes stevensonii, known as Stevenson's shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It belongs to the genus Pediodectes, which comprises flightless katydids distributed across the Great Plains of North America. The species is characterized by its wingless condition and distinctive coloration patterns that differ from the more cryptic green typical of many katydids.
Phacepholis planitiatus
Phacepholis planitiatus is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Buchanan in 1939. It belongs to the tribe Naupactini, a group of root-feeding weevils primarily found in the Americas. The species is documented from the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions of the United States. Like other Naupactini, adults likely feed on foliage while larvae develop in soil feeding on roots.
Prionus emarginatus
Prionus emarginatus is a species of long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, found in North America. It belongs to the subgenus Homaesthesis, one of eight species in this poorly known group primarily distributed in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. Adults are large, blackish beetles with broad pronota. Males are attracted to prionic acid lures, suggesting females emit this compound as a sex pheromone. The species is nocturnal, with males active at night and attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights.
Prionus fissicornis
Prionus fissicornis is a long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, distinguished as the sole member of the monotypic subgenus Prionus (Antennalia). It inhabits shortgrass prairie habitats in the Great Plains of North America. Adults are highly attracted to prionic acid lures, and emergence appears to be triggered by rainfall events. Unlike some congeners, adults do not appear to construct or occupy burrows.