Light-attracted
Guides
Pachybrachis dubiosus
Pachybrachis dubiosus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by J.L. LeConte in 1880. The species belongs to a genus characterized by small, rounded leaf beetles that often carry egg cases or debris on their bodies. Records indicate presence in North America, with observations documented in the southwestern United States.
Pachybrachis gilberti
Pachybrachis gilberti is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Barney in 2019. The genus Pachybrachis contains numerous small, often colorful leaf beetles commonly known as 'scriptured leaf beetles' due to their frequently ornate elytral patterns. This species was documented during a 2021 collecting trip in southeastern Arizona, where specimens were attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor light stations in mesquite-acacia scrub habitat. As a recently described species, detailed natural history information remains limited.
Pachybrachis integratus
Pachybrachis integratus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Fall in 1915. Like other members of the genus, it belongs to the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, characterized by larvae that construct protective cases from fecal material and shed exoskeletons. The species is documented from North America, with specific records from the southwestern United States including Arizona.
Pachybrachis jacobyi
Pachybrachis jacobyi is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Bowditch in 1909. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona, where it has been collected at light stations in mesquite-acacia scrub and oak-juniper woodland habitats. Like other members of the genus Pachybrachis, it is likely associated with woody vegetation, though specific host plant relationships remain poorly documented.
Pachybrachis macronychus
Pachybrachis macronychus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species was described by Fall in 1915. It is known from North America. Like other members of the genus, it likely inhabits vegetation in arid and semi-arid regions, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pachybrachis othonus
Legume Case-bearing Leaf Beetle
Pachybrachis othonus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the Legume Case-bearing Leaf Beetle. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1825 and is native to North America. It belongs to a genus characterized by larvae that construct protective cases from fecal material and shed skins.
Pachybrachis pectoralis
A case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Melsheimer in 1847. It is one of numerous small, rounded leaf beetles in the genus Pachybrachis, commonly referred to as script-bearing leaf beetles due to the often intricate markings on their elytra. The species occurs in North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely feeds on various herbaceous plants and shrubs.
Pachybrachis petronius
A species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Fall in 1915. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, specifically in Arizona, where it has been collected at light stations in mesquite/acacia scrub habitat. Like other members of the genus Pachybrachis, it is likely associated with woody vegetation.
Pachybrachis picturatus
Pachybrachis picturatus is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The genus Pachybrachis contains numerous small, often colorfully patterned species commonly known as case-bearing leaf beetles due to the larval habit of constructing protective cases from fecal material. This species was described by Germar in 1824 and occurs in North America.
Pachybrachis postfasciatus
Pachybrachis postfasciatus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle described by Fall in 1915. It belongs to the family Chrysomelidae, a large group of herbivorous beetles commonly known as leaf beetles. The species is documented from North America. Like other members of the genus Pachybrachis, it is likely associated with vegetation in its habitat, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pachybrachis pusillus
Bulge-eyed Yellow Pachy
Pachybrachis pusillus is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The species is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been collected at light traps in mesquite-acacia scrub and oak-juniper woodland habitats in Arizona. The common name "Bulge-eyed Yellow Pachy" refers to distinctive eye morphology and coloration typical of the genus.
Pachybrachis quadratus
Pachybrachis quadratus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Fall in 1915. It is found in North America. Members of the genus Pachybrachis are commonly known as "scriptured leaf beetles" due to the intricate patterns on their elytra. The species has been documented in field collections from mesquite and oak habitats in the southwestern United States.
Pachybrachis signatifrons
Pachybrachis signatifrons is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Mannerheim in 1843. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, which are characterized by larvae that construct and carry protective cases.
Pachybrachis stygicus
Pachybrachis stygicus is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Fall in 1915. The genus Pachybrachis is part of the tribe Pachybrachini, commonly known as the scriptured leaf beetles for their often intricate elytral patterns. The species epithet 'stygicus' derives from Greek mythology, referring to the river Styx, suggesting dark or gloomy coloration. Records indicate presence in North America, with observations documented in the southwestern United States.
Pachysphinx
Pachysphinx is a genus of sphinx moths (Sphingidae) established by Rothschild and Jordan in 1903. The genus comprises three recognized species distributed in North America: P. modesta (big poplar sphinx), P. occidentalis (western poplar sphinx), and P. peninsularis. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light sources. Larvae feed on poplar and willow species (Salicaceae).
Pachysphinx modesta
Modest Sphinx, Poplar Sphinx
A large sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae, found across much of North America from the southern United States through Canada. Adults fly primarily in early to mid-summer, with single generations in northern parts of the range and potentially two generations further south. Larvae feed on poplar, willow, and cottonwood species.
Paectes pygmaea
Pygmy Paectes Moth, pygmy paectes
Paectes pygmaea is a small moth in the family Euteliidae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1818. It is distributed across North America and is commonly known as the pygmy paectes. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 8959 for North American moth classification. Like other members of its genus, it is a nocturnal species attracted to light.
Panthea acronyctoides
Black Zigzag, Tufted Spruce Caterpillar, Black Zigzag Moth
A medium-sized noctuid moth found across northern North America, with two recognized subspecies. Adults fly from May to August and are attracted to light. Larvae feed on coniferous trees, particularly spruces and firs, and are known as the 'tufted spruce caterpillar' due to their distinctive appearance.
Paonias excaecata
Blinded Sphinx
Paonias excaecata, commonly known as the blinded sphinx, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. It occurs across much of North America, from Canada to Florida and west to California and Texas. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet lights, a trait frequently utilized by collectors and researchers for observation. The species is one of several hawk moths found in the genus Paonias, which are characterized by their robust bodies and relatively broad wings.
Penestragania apicalis
Penestragania apicalis is a North American leafhopper species that has established as an invasive specialist phytophage of honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) in Europe. First recorded in Eastern Europe in July 2020 in Donetsk, Ukraine, it represents the third specialized pest of this host plant introduced to the continent. The species is attracted to light and has been detected using light traps, with its wide distribution in Europe suggested by records at considerable distances from initial introduction points. Its invasion vectors include unintended introduction with planting material and independent adult dispersal.
Petrophila jaliscalis
Jalisco Petrophila
Petrophila jaliscalis is a small aquatic moth in the family Crambidae, described by Schaus in 1906. The species has a broad North American distribution spanning from Alberta, Canada through the western United States to Mexico. Adults are active nearly year-round and have forewings measuring 7–11 mm. The larvae are aquatic and feed on algae.
Phileurus truncatus
Triceratops Beetle
Phileurus truncatus, commonly known as the Triceratops Beetle, is a large scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. The species is named for its distinctive horn-like projections on the head and pronotum, which resemble the horns of a triceratops dinosaur. It occurs across the southern United States and extends south through Mexico into Central America. Adults are nocturnal and frequently attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights.
Phyllophaga
May beetles, June bugs, June beetles, July beetles
Phyllophaga is a large genus of New World scarab beetles comprising over 900 species. Adults are nocturnal, attracted to artificial lights, and feed on foliage of trees and shrubs. Larvae are soil-dwelling white grubs that feed on plant roots. The genus is economically significant as both adults and larvae can cause damage to agricultural crops and turf. Some species exhibit flightlessness and diurnal activity, representing derived traits within the genus.
Phyllophaga bipartita
Phyllophaga bipartita is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as May beetles or June bugs. It belongs to a large and taxonomically challenging genus with over 400 species in North America. The species was first described by Horn in 1887 under the basionym Lachnosterna bipartita.
Phyllophaga drakii
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga drakii is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. The species is found across North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and eastern states west to New Mexico and South Dakota). Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga, adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights. The genus contains over 400 species in North America, making it one of the most species-rich scarab genera on the continent.
Phyllophaga nitida
Shining May Beetle
Phyllophaga nitida is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, native to North America. The species is part of the large genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June bugs. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights. Larvae are typical white grubs that develop in soil.
Phyllophaga quercus
Phyllophaga quercus is a species of May beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, native to the eastern and central United States. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga, it is a soil-dwelling scarab with larvae that feed on plant roots. The species name 'quercus' (Latin for oak) suggests a potential association with oak trees, though specific ecological relationships remain poorly documented. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights. The species occurs across a broad geographic range from the Atlantic coastal states westward to Texas and Oklahoma.
Phyllophaga rugosa
rugose June beetle
Phyllophaga rugosa, commonly known as the rugose June beetle, is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It occurs across much of North America, with documented records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga, it is a nocturnal beetle often attracted to lights. The species has been identified as an intermediary host for the giant thorn-headed worm of swine (Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus).
Phyllophaga subtonsa
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga subtonsa is a species of May beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. Like other members of the genus, it is characterized by nocturnal adult activity and larval development as white grubs in soil, feeding on plant roots. The species is found in the eastern and central United States. Adults are attracted to lights and are most active during late spring and early summer. The genus Phyllophaga is one of the most species-rich in North America, with over 400 species, making species-level identification often difficult without examination of genitalia.
Phyllophaga sylvatica
Phyllophaga sylvatica is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Sanderson in 1942. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga (commonly called May/June beetles), this species is likely nocturnal and attracted to lights. The species epithet "sylvatica" suggests an association with woodland or forest habitats. Based on distribution records, it occurs across a broad swath of the central and eastern United States.
Phytocoris ramosus
Phytocoris ramosus is a plant bug species in the family Miridae, first described by Uhler in 1894. It is distributed across the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, including Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Baja California. Like other members of its genus, it is primarily plant-feeding but may occasionally prey on smaller insects. The species is attracted to lights at night.
Phytocoris stitti
Phytocoris stitti is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1961. The genus Phytocoris is one of the largest genera of plant bugs in North America, with species generally characterized by gray or brown coloration and plant-feeding habits. Like other members of its genus, P. stitti is primarily associated with vegetation and has been documented in the southwestern United States. The species is part of a diverse assemblage of mirid bugs attracted to artificial lights at night.
Phytocoris tiliae
lime plant bug
Phytocoris tiliae is a small plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the lime plant bug. It is associated with deciduous trees across Europe and parts of North America. The species is notable among plant bugs for its predatory habits, feeding on mites and other small insects rather than plant sap alone. Adults are active during summer months and are attracted to light.
Plagiomimicus olvello
Plagiomimicus olvello is a species of owlet moth (family Noctuidae) first described by William Barnes in 1907. It belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae and is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9742. Like other members of its genus, it is nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Plagiomimicus tepperi
Plagiomimicus tepperi is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, originally described as Schinia tepperi by Morrison in 1875. It belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae and tribe Stiriini. The species is known from North America, with 222 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Like other members of its genus, it is attracted to lights at night.
Plateros
net-winged beetles
Plateros is a large genus of net-winged beetles (family Lycidae), with over 900 species worldwide and 47 currently described species. It is the largest genus in its family and belongs to the tribe Platerodini. The genus has a wide distribution across the Americas, Africa, and Asia, including Sri Lanka, Indochina, Korea, and Japan. Members are predominantly found in tropical regions, with some species extending into temperate zones.
Platyptilia percnodactylus
Aquiline Plume Moth
Platyptilia percnodactylus is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae known from western North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 22 mm and display distinctive pale brown coloration with contrasting wing patterns. The species is attracted to artificial light sources and has been documented in California and Alberta.
Plusiodonta nr-compressipalpis
Plusiodonta nr-compressipalpis is a noctuid moth provisionally identified as near-compressipalpis, indicating morphological similarity to Plusiodonta compressipalpis without confirmed species status. The genus Plusiodonta comprises primarily tropical and subtropical moths, many with distinctive wing patterns and reduced mouthparts. This provisional designation suggests the specimen requires further taxonomic verification, possibly through genitalic dissection or DNA barcoding. Members of this genus are generally nocturnal and attracted to light.
Polyphylla
Lined June Beetles
Polyphylla is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, containing approximately 50–85 species distributed across North America, Central America, southern and central Europe, northern Africa, and southern Asia. The genus is commonly known as "lined June beetles" due to the distinctive white elytral scales that form longitudinal stripes on most species. Adults are nocturnal and strongly attracted to lights, while larvae are root-feeders with extended development periods.
Polyphylla arguta
Polyphylla arguta is a species of lined June beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is native to western North America, with documented occurrences in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The species belongs to a genus whose members are typically associated with sandy habitats and are nocturnally active, attracted to lights.
Polyphylla crinita
Long-haired June Beetle
Polyphylla crinita, commonly known as the Long-haired June Beetle, is a large scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is distinguished from closely related species by the presence of setae (hair) on the pronotum. The species occurs in western North America, with records from California north to British Columbia and east to Wyoming, as well as in Baja California, Mexico. Like other members of the genus Polyphylla, males are attracted to lights at night and possess enlarged, fan-like antennae used to detect female sex pheromones.
Polyphylla decemlineata
Ten-lined June Beetle, Watermelon Beetle
Polyphylla decemlineata is a large scarab beetle native to western North America, commonly known as the Ten-lined June Beetle or Watermelon Beetle. Adults are notable for their distinctive ten white stripes on dark elytra and greatly enlarged, fan-like antennae in males. The species is strongly attracted to lights and exhibits distinctive pheromone-mediated mating behavior where males actively search for flightless females. Larvae develop underground, feeding on roots of grasses and other plants.
Polyphylla erratica
Death Valley June Beetle
Polyphylla erratica, commonly known as the Death Valley June Beetle, is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Melolonthinae. It is narrowly endemic to the Amargosa River drainage basin in the southwestern United States. The species is associated with saltgrass communities and has been documented at Saratoga Springs in Death Valley. Like other Polyphylla species, it exhibits sexual dimorphism in antennal structure, with males possessing enlarged, lamellate antennae for detecting female sex pheromones.
Polyphylla hammondi
Hammond's Lined June Beetle
Polyphylla hammondi is a large scarab beetle in the subfamily Melolonthinae. Adults measure 24.8–35.5 mm in length and are highly variable in coloration with almost no stripes or mottling. Males possess greatly enlarged, fan-like antennae used to detect female sex pheromones. The species is strongly associated with sand dune habitats across the Great Plains and southwestern North America. Males are attracted to lights at night and exhibit distinctive splayed-antennae behavior when actively searching for females. Females are rarely encountered and may be flightless.
Polyphylla mescalerensis
Polyphylla mescalerensis is a species of scarab beetle described by Young in 1988. It belongs to the genus Polyphylla, commonly known as lined June beetles, which are characterized by large body size, fan-like antennae in males, and strong attraction to lights. The species is known from sand dune habitats in southeastern New Mexico and adjacent areas, where it was first collected at Mescalero Sand Dunes. Like other Polyphylla species, males likely use their enlarged antennae to detect female sex pheromones.
Polyphylla occidentalis
Western Ten-lined June Beetle, Western Lined June Beetle
Polyphylla occidentalis is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the western ten-lined June beetle or western lined June beetle. It is native to the southeastern United States, where adults are active during warm summer months. The species is characterized by brownish coloration with white longitudinal stripes and enlarged, fan-like antennae in males that function in detecting female sex pheromones. Larvae develop underground, feeding on plant roots.
Polyphylla pottsorum
Polyphylla pottsorum is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is a member of the diverse genus Polyphylla, commonly known as lined June beetles, which are characterized by their large size and distinctive antennae. The species was described by Hardy in 1978.
Prioninae
Tooth-necked and Aberrant Longhorn Beetles, prionids
Prioninae is a subfamily of long-horned beetles (Cerambycidae) comprising large, robust beetles typically measuring 25–70 mm. They are distinguished by males of several genera possessing enlarged mandibles used in male-male combat, analogous to stag beetles. Most species are nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvae are wood-borers, with the majority of documented species feeding on rotting wood or roots.
Prochoerodes lineola
Large Maple Spanworm Moth, Large Maple Spanworm
Prochoerodes lineola, commonly known as the large maple spanworm moth, is a geometrid moth native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of 35–50 mm and are active from April to October in southern regions and July to September in northern areas. The caterpillars are generalist feeders known to consume leaves from numerous woody and herbaceous plants. The species occurs from Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Texas and north to Alberta.
Prolimacodes
skiff moth
Prolimacodes is a genus of slug caterpillar moths in the family Limacodidae, established by William Schaus in 1896. The genus contains at least seven described species distributed across North and Central America. Caterpillars in this genus are commonly referred to as "slug caterpillars" due to their distinctive reduced-leg locomotion. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light sources and are documented in citizen science observations.