Insect
Guides
Dasineura pilosa
Dasineura pilosa is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Plakidas in 2016. As a member of the genus Dasineura, it is presumed to induce galls on host plants, though specific host associations and gall morphology for this species have not been documented in the provided sources. The genus is well-known for forming various types of plant galls on leaves, stems, or flowers.
Delphacodes trimaculata
Delphacodes trimaculata is a species of delphacid planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Beamer in 1948. It is a small, sap-feeding insect belonging to the order Hemiptera, suborder Auchenorrhyncha. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, and Illinois. As a member of the genus Delphacodes, it shares characteristics typical of this group of planthoppers, including a movable spur on the hind tibia.
Diastictis sperryorum
Diastictis sperryorum is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of 22–25 mm, characterized by brown wings with scattered white dots. First described by Canadian entomologist Eugene Munroe in 1956, this species is primarily found in California with scattered records across the southwestern United States. Adults are active from February through August.
Diceroprocta arizona
Plateau Flag-Bearer
Diceroprocta arizona is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae, described by Davis in 1916. It is distributed across the southwestern United States and Central America, with records from Arizona and several Mexican states including Chiapas, Chihuahua, Durango, and Morelos. Like other members of the genus Diceroprocta, it is an annual cicada with a multi-year nymphal development period spent underground feeding on plant roots.
Diceroprocta bequaerti
Gulf Saltmarsh Cicada
Diceroprocta bequaerti is a species of annual cicada in the family Cicadidae, native to North America. It is one of several Diceroprocta species found in the southern United States, where it inhabits coastal and near-coastal environments. Like other cicadas in this genus, it produces sound through tymbal organs to attract mates. The species was described by William T. Davis in 1917.
Diceroprocta knighti
Dusty Flag-Bearer
Diceroprocta knighti is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, distributed across the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it is an annual cicada with a multi-year nymphal stage spent underground feeding on tree and shrub roots. Adults emerge during summer months, with males producing species-specific acoustic signals to attract females. The species is part of the diverse cicada fauna of the Sonoran Desert region, where it co-occurs with related congeners at different elevations.
cicadaDiceroproctaSonoran-Desertannual-cicadaHemipteraCicadidaeacoustic-communicationroot-feeding-nymphssummer-emergencesouthwestern-North-Americaxylem-feederdesert-arthropodinsect-songmulti-year-life-cycletymbal-organmonsoon-associated-emergenceCicadinaeFidicininiDavis-1917Dusty-Flag-BearerArizonaCaliforniaBaja-CaliforniaSinaloaSonoraMexicoUnited-Statesarthropodinsecttrue-bugAuchenorrhynchaCicadomorphaCicadoideaGuyalninaDiceroprocta olympusa
Olympic Scrub Cicada
Diceroprocta olympusa is a species of annual cicada in the family Cicadidae. It is found in the southeastern United States, with records from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina. As with other Diceroprocta species, it likely spends multiple years underground as a nymph feeding on plant roots before emerging as an adult.
Dicrepidius corvinus
Dicrepidius corvinus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The genus Dicrepidius is part of the diverse elaterid fauna, with species distributed in various regions. Based on iNaturalist records, this species has been documented in at least 190 observations, indicating it is not uncommon among beetle enthusiasts and naturalists. The specific epithet "corvinus" refers to raven-like or crow-like coloration, suggesting dark plumage.
Dicropaltum rubicundus
Dicropaltum rubicundus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species was described by Hine in 1909. Robber flies in this family are characterized by their stout bodies, large eyes, and strong legs adapted for capturing prey in flight. Very few specific details about the biology or ecology of D. rubicundus have been documented in available sources.
Diogmites esuriens
Short-striped Hanging Thief
Diogmites esuriens is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Short-striped Hanging Thief. The genus Diogmites is notable for the distinctive 'hanging' behavior of its members, which often dangle from their front or middle legs while manipulating prey with the remaining legs. This species was described by Bromley in 1936 and belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae.
Diogmites perplexus
Diomus liebecki
Liebeck's lady
Diomus liebecki, commonly known as Liebeck's lady, is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It was described by Horn in 1895. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Manitoba and Ontario, Canada.
Diplotaxis abnormis
Diplotaxis abnormis is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species was described by Fall in 1909 and belongs to the tribe Diplotaxini. It is distributed in the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico) and northern Mexico (Chihuahua, Sonora). Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, it is likely a nocturnal species that congregates on vegetation to detect pheromone trails for mate location.
Diplotaxis rufa
Rufous Scarab Beetle
Diplotaxis rufa is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species was described by Linell in 1896. Records indicate presence in the southeastern United States, specifically Florida and Georgia. As a member of the genus Diplotaxis, it belongs to a group commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
ScarabaeidaeMelolonthinaeColeopteraNearcticUSAFloridaGeorgia1896-descriptionLinellDiplotaxiniscarab-beetleMay-beetleJune-beetleLinell-1896Diplotaxis-rufa-Linell-1896scarabbeetleinsectarthropodanimalscarabaeoidpolyphagastaphyliniformiascarabaeoideadiplotaxisrufarufoussoutheastern-United-Statessoutheast-USNorth-AmericaNearctic-regionDipropus simplex
Dipropus simplex is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. It is known from the southern United States and Mexico. Click beetles are characterized by their ability to right themselves when flipped onto their backs using a spring-loaded prosternal process that produces an audible clicking sound. The genus Dipropus belongs to the diverse elaterid fauna of North America.
Diptera
Flies, True Flies
Diptera is one of the largest insect orders, containing an estimated 1,000,000 species including house flies, mosquitoes, robber flies, and crane flies. The name derives from Greek 'di-' (two) and 'pteron' (wing), referring to the single functional pair of wings—the hindwings have evolved into halteres, small knobbed structures that function as gyroscopic organs for flight stabilization. This wing modification distinguishes Diptera from all other winged insects and enables their characteristic agile flight. The order exhibits extraordinary diversity in form, size (1-50+ mm), and ecological roles, with species occupying nearly every terrestrial and freshwater habitat.
Dirophanes
Dirophanes is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae. The genus was established by Förster in 1869. Two species are recognized: Dirophanes anoukae and Dirophanes benjamini, both described by Hower in 2006. The genus has been recorded in Europe and North America.
Disophrini
Disophrini is a tribe of parasitoid wasps within the family Braconidae. Members of this tribe are understudied, with limited published information on their biology and ecology. The tribe contains genera that are morphologically distinct within the Braconidae but lack comprehensive taxonomic revision. Most species appear to be small, slender wasps with reduced wing venation characteristic of many braconid groups.
Dolichopus longipennis
Dolichopus longipennis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. Members of this family are known for their elongated legs and metallic coloration. The genus Dolichopus is one of the largest genera within Dolichopodidae.
Drepanaphis keshenae
Drepanaphis keshenae is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, subfamily Drepanosiphinae. First described by Granovsky in 1931, this species belongs to a genus of aphids that are typically associated with maple trees (Acer spp.). The genus Drepanaphis is characterized by distinctive morphological features and life history traits tied to their host plant relationships. Like other members of its subfamily, D. keshenae is presumed to have complex life cycles involving both sexual and asexual reproduction phases, with host alternation potentially occurring between maple species.
Eccoptomera aldrichi
Eccoptomera aldrichi is a species of fly in the family Heleomyzidae, described by Czerny in 1928. The genus Eccoptomera belongs to the diverse group of muscoid flies within the order Diptera. Members of Heleomyzidae are generally small to medium-sized flies associated with decaying organic matter. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Echthodopa carolinensis
Echthodopa carolinensis is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Bromley in 1951. It belongs to a genus of predatory flies that capture prey in flight. The species epithet 'carolinensis' suggests a connection to the Carolinas region of the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Efferia ordwayae
Efferia ordwayae is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. Like other members of the genus Efferia, it is a predatory dipteran characterized by a robust body, strong legs adapted for seizing prey, and a prominent mystax of bristles on the face. The genus Efferia is one of the largest genera of robber flies in North America, with species typically associated with open, dry habitats. Specific information about the biology and distribution of E. ordwayae remains limited in the available literature.
Elachodelphax hochae
Elachodelphax hochae is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Wilson in 1992. It belongs to a genus of small delphacid planthoppers characterized by reduced wings and reduced flight capability. The species is known from western and northern Canada.
Eleodes knullorum
Eleodes knullorum is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Triplehorn in 1971. It belongs to the diverse genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles or desert stink beetles. Records indicate this species occurs in Mexico. As with many Eleodes species, it likely exhibits the defensive head-stand behavior characteristic of the genus when disturbed.
Ellipsoptera puritana
Puritan tiger beetle
Ellipsoptera puritana, the Puritan tiger beetle, is a federally threatened species endemic to a highly restricted range in the northeastern United States. Adults are medium-sized, fast-running predators with distinctive cream-white marginal markings on their elytra. The species occupies a narrow ecological niche: sandy beaches and riverbanks backed by eroding cliffs or bluffs, where larvae burrow into exposed sediment faces. Its two-year life cycle involves larval development in burrows followed by brief adult emergence in mid-summer. Habitat loss from shoreline development, dam construction, and bank stabilization has severely reduced populations, prompting intensive conservation efforts including captive rearing programs.
Epanusia
Epanusia is a genus of encyrtid wasps established by Girault in 1913. It belongs to the subtribe Platencyrtina within the tribe Discodini. The genus is part of the large and diverse family Encyrtidae, which contains numerous parasitoid species associated with various insect hosts. A redescription of Epanusia xerophila from Canada has been published, but biological information remains limited.
Ericrocis pintada
Painted Oil-digger-Cuckoo
Ericrocis pintada is a species of cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae, tribe Ericrocidini. It is commonly known as the Painted Oil-digger-Cuckoo. The species is native to Central America and North America. Like other members of its tribe, it is presumed to be a nest parasite of oil-collecting bees in the genus Centris, though specific host records for this species are limited.
Erynnis telemachus
Rocky Mountain duskywing
Erynnis telemachus, the Rocky Mountain duskywing, is a spread-wing skipper in the family Hesperiidae. It is found in North America.
Erythridula lawsoniana
Erythridula lawsoniana is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. The genus Erythridula comprises small leafhoppers often referred to as 'microleafhoppers' due to their diminutive size, typically under 5 millimeters. These insects feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species has been documented from scattered localities across eastern North America, with records from Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, New Hampshire, and Ontario.
Erythroneura anfracta
Erythroneura anfracta is a species of microleafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Beamer in 1929. It belongs to the genus Erythroneura, a diverse group of small, often colorful leafhoppers commonly known as microleafhoppers. The species is part of the Typhlocybinae subfamily, which includes many economically important agricultural pests. Like other members of its genus, E. anfracta is likely associated with woody vegetation, though specific host plant relationships remain undocumented.
Erythroneura bidens
Erythroneura bidens is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by McAtee in 1924. It belongs to the genus Erythroneura, a diverse group of small leafhoppers commonly known as sharpshooters or microleafhoppers. The species has been documented from scattered locations in the eastern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with woody vegetation, though specific host plant relationships remain poorly documented.
Esagonatopus niger
Esagonatopus niger is a species of dryinid wasp in the family Dryinidae, an aculeate hymenopteran group. Dryinidae are parasitoid wasps known for their distinctive morphology, including chelate (pincer-like) forelegs in females used to capture hosts. The genus Esagonatopus belongs to this family of solitary wasps that develop as parasitoids of Hemiptera, particularly leafhoppers and planthoppers. The species epithet 'niger' refers to its black coloration.
Esenbeckia tinkhami
A species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Philip in 1954. Known from limited records in the southwestern United States.
Eteobalea wyattella
Wyatt's Cosmet Moth, Wyatt's Stagmatophora Moth
Eteobalea wyattella is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, originally described as Stagmatophora wyattella by Barnes and Busck in 1920. The species has been recorded from scattered localities across the eastern and central United States. It belongs to a genus of moths whose larvae are often associated with plant stems or seeds. The species remains poorly known in terms of its biology and immature stages.
Eucaterva variaria
Eucaterva variaria is a geometrid moth species described by Grote in 1882. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species feeds on desert willow (Chilopsis linearis). It serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Pimpla sanguinipes (Coccygomimus sanguinipes).
Euchlaena deplanaria
Deep Yellow Euchlaena Moth
Euchlaena deplanaria is a species of geometrid moth native to eastern and central North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 34 mm and are active from February through October, indicating a broad flight season. The species is attracted to artificial light sources and has been documented in diverse habitats from deciduous forests to mixed conifer woodlands. It belongs to the genus Euchlaena, which includes several similarly patterned species that can be challenging to distinguish without close examination.
Eucyrtopogon diversipilosis
Eucyrtopogon diversipilosis is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Curran in 1923. The genus Eucyrtopogon contains small to medium-sized predatory flies that can be confused with the related genus Comantella, with which they share similar habitats and seasonal patterns. Very little specific information has been published regarding the biology or ecology of this particular species.
Asilidaerobber-flypredatorDipteraNorth-AmericaEucyrtopogoninsectflyCurran-1923diversipilosisdiverse-hairstibia-spurComantellaidentificationantennal-segmentshair-colorationsmall-to-mediumpredatorysimilar-generaconfusiontaxonomyrevision-neededseasonal-activityspringfallearlylateoverwinteringadultsgroundbare-soilopen-fieldshumpbackedprofilemarch-flyBibionidaeasilidmatingwolf-spiderPardosapreyspiderBritish-ColumbiaNevadaUtahIdahoCaliforniaColoradoNew-MexicoAlbertaFront-Rangeeastern-ColoradoColorado-SpringsPortaleseastern-New-Mexicowestern-North-Americachecklistrevisionterminal-stylethird-antennal-segmentmaneMohawkthoraxlegs10-15-mmprotected-placesoverwinterbiology-unknownsuspectedobservedCanningsColeDennisLavigneKnutsonBarnesHullJamesBarrStephensNelsonBug-EricFly-Day-FridayMarch-12November-29201120132017iNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-Lifeacceptedexact-match1-observationsparse-datainferred-contentconservativefactualclarityusefulnesscautious-languagehas-been-observedis-known-tonullunknownnot-clearly-supporteddo-not-inferdo-not-fabricatedo-not-repeatunique-contentnon-overlappingdirect-sentencesconcrete-statementshigh-level-overviewphysical-descriptiondistinguishenvironmentconditionsgeographic-rangetimingfeeding-habitsdevelopmental-stagesnotable-actionsecosystem-roleinteraction-with-humansmeaningfulimportant-additional-contextcleardirectavoid-fluffavoid-filleravoid-repeating-taxonomyavoid-technical-jargonconcretewell-supportedpartial-but-reliablestrictly-matchJSON-schemano-extra-fieldsno-commentaryentomology-guideaccurateinformativefactual-correctnesscompletenessverbosityspeculationjustifiedvague-generalizationslike-most-insectstypically-feeds-on-plantsbehaviorsdietlife-cycle-detailshost-relationshipshighmediumlowtruefalse3-5-sentencesonlyhow-to-distinguishmust-include-reasononly-if-meaningfulonly-for-important-additional-contextavoid-overly-technical-jargonEuhadenoecus fragilis
Tawney's Cave Cricket, tawneys cave cricket
Euhadenoecus fragilis is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It was described by Hubbell in 1978. The species is known from cave environments in North America, with documented occurrences in Virginia. Like other members of the family Rhaphidophoridae, it is wingless and adapted to subterranean habitats.
Eumorsea pinaleno
Pinaleno monkey grasshopper
Eumorsea pinaleno is a wingless grasshopper endemic to the Pinaleno Mountains of Arizona. It belongs to the family Eumastacidae, commonly known as monkey grasshoppers. The species is known from very few observations, and its biology remains poorly documented.
Eupterella
Eupterella is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by DeLong & Ruppel in 1950. It belongs to the tribe Typhlocybini and subtribe Typhlocybina. The genus is poorly documented with minimal available information on its species diversity and biology.
Euptilon normale
Euptilon normale is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1942. The genus Euptilon comprises small to medium-sized antlions characterized by their slender bodies and relatively simple wing venation patterns. This species occurs in North and Middle America, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Euryphthiria
Euryphthiria is a genus of bee flies in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Phthiriinae, and tribe Poecilognathini. The genus was erected by Evenhuis in 1986. As a member of Phthiriinae, it belongs to a group of bee flies characterized by reduced wing venation and generally small to medium body size. The genus is poorly documented in public sources, with minimal observational records available.
Euxoa trifasciata
Euxoa trifasciata is a noctuid moth species found in western North America. It belongs to the large genus Euxoa, which contains numerous cutworm species. The species was described by Smith in 1888. Available records indicate its presence in Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and California, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Evagetes mohave
Evagetes mohave is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1933. The genus Evagetes is characterized by a blocky, robust thorax that distinguishes it from the related genus Aporus, which has a more streamlined thorax that slopes gradually toward the head. Members of the genus Evagetes share with Aporus relatively short and thick antennae. The species epithet 'mohave' suggests an association with the Mojave Desert region of southwestern North America.
Flavoclypeus nitens
Flavoclypeus nitens is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Muir and Giffard in 1924. It belongs to the order Hemiptera, a large group of insects characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus Flavoclypeus is part of the diverse planthopper family Delphacidae, which contains many species associated with grass and sedge hosts. Specific biological and ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Formica francoeuri
Francoeur's Field Ant
Formica francoeuri is a species of field ant in the genus Formica, family Formicidae. It was described by Bolton in 1995. The species is part of the diverse Formica genus, which includes many North American ant species with varied ecological strategies including social parasitism. As a member of the Formicinae subfamily, it lacks a stinger and instead uses formic acid for defense.
Formica propinqua
Formica propinqua is a species of ant in the genus Formica, first described by Creighton in 1940. It belongs to the large and diverse Formicinae subfamily, which includes many familiar ant species. The specific epithet 'propinqua' suggests close relationship to other taxa, though detailed natural history information for this species remains limited in available sources.
Formica querquetulana
Formica querquetulana is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, described by Kennedy and Dennis in 1937. It belongs to the genus Formica, one of the largest and most widespread ant genera in the Northern Hemisphere. Very little specific information about this species' biology, ecology, or distribution has been documented in the available literature.
Fota
Fota is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Stiriinae. It was established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1882. The genus belongs to the tribe Stiriini, a group of owlet moths characterized by distinctive morphological features. As of current records, the genus has been documented with limited observational data.