Light-pollution-sensitive
Guides
Antheraea polyphemus
Polyphemus moth, Polyphemus silk moth
A large North American silk moth with tan to brown coloration and distinctive purplish eyespots on the hindwings, named after the cyclops Polyphemus from Greek mythology. Adults have vestigial mouthparts and do not feed, living less than one week. The species produces silk cocoons and has been used in hybridization experiments with other silk moths. Two broods typically emerge annually across most of its range.
Dynastes
Hercules beetles
Dynastes is a genus of large scarab beetles in the subfamily Dynastinae, commonly known as Hercules beetles. Males are distinguished by prominent cephalic and pronotal horns used in combat, while females lack horns. The genus exhibits remarkable hygrochromic color change, with elytra shifting between black and yellow-green depending on humidity levels. Eight species are currently recognized, distributed from the United States through Central America to South America. Larvae develop in rotting wood, with some species reaching exceptional sizes.
Operophtera brumata
Winter Moth
Operophtera brumata, the winter moth, is a geometrid moth native to Europe and the Near East that has been introduced to North America. It is notable among temperate Lepidoptera for adult activity during late fall and early winter. Females are flightless, while males are fully winged. The species is a significant pest of deciduous trees and an important food source for birds such as Blue Tits, which feed their young almost exclusively on winter moth caterpillars. The USA National Phenology Network includes this species in its Pheno Forecast program to aid pest management.
Photinus consimilis
Cattail Flash-train Firefly
Photinus consimilis, commonly known as the cattail flash-train firefly, is a medium-sized firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae. It is native to eastern North America, where it inhabits wetlands and riparian areas. The species is recognized by its distinctive flash pattern of 3 to 9 quick pulses in a series lasting about 2 seconds, with 9 to 12 seconds of darkness between flash trains. Its specific epithet 'consimilis' refers to its morphological similarity to closely related Photinus species.
Photinus pyralis
Common Eastern Firefly, Big Dipper Firefly
Photinus pyralis is the most common firefly species in North America, distributed east of the Rocky Mountains. Males perform distinctive J-shaped flight patterns while flashing to attract females, earning the common name "big dipper firefly." The species produces yellow bioluminescence through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase in specialized abdominal organs. Larvae are predatory, spending up to two years underground before pupating and emerging as short-lived adults.
Photuris versicolor
Changeable Firefly
Photuris versicolor is a species complex of predatory firefly found throughout the Eastern United States. Males produce a species-typical triple-pulsed flash for courtship signaling. Females are larger than males with a more developed flash organ, and are known to hunt males of other firefly species by mimicking their flash patterns. This species is notable for acquiring defensive compounds called lucibufagins from its prey.