Migratory
Guides
Adelphocoris
plant bugs
Adelphocoris is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, tribe Mirini. Multiple species are significant agricultural pests, particularly in Chinese cotton production following widespread Bt cotton adoption. The genus includes at least three economically important species—A. suturalis, A. lineolatus, and A. fasciaticollis—that exhibit distinct geographic distributions, seasonal dynamics, and host plant associations. Species within this genus show complex life histories involving migratory behavior, diapause, and multi-generational development on diverse host plants.
Adelphocoris lineolatus
Lucerne bug, alfalfa plant bug
Adelphocoris lineolatus is a mirid bug native to the Old World that has become a significant agricultural pest following its introduction to North America in 1917. It primarily damages alfalfa and other legume crops through feeding on reproductive and vegetative structures. The species exhibits migratory behavior that facilitates rapid population dispersal and range expansion. In northern regions, it typically follows a univoltine life cycle with overwintering eggs, while southern populations may show partial second generation development.
Aeshna canadensis
Canada Darner
Aeshna canadensis, the Canada darner, is a large dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. First described by Edmund Murton Walker in 1908, it is common throughout southern Canada and the northern United States. Adults are active from June to October. The species has been documented undertaking north-south migratory movements within its range, representing the first conclusive evidence of migration in the genus Aeshna in North America.
Aeshnidae
darners, hawkers, aeshnids
Aeshnidae is a family of large dragonflies known as darners in North America and hawkers elsewhere. The family includes some of the largest and fastest-flying dragonflies in the order Odonata, with over 450 species in more than 50 genera distributed nearly worldwide. Members are characterized by their powerful flight, elongated abdomens, and large compound eyes that meet at the top of the head. The family name derives from the Greek 'Aechma' meaning 'spear', though the spelling resulted from a printer's error.
Agrius cingulata
pink-spotted hawkmoth, sweetpotato hornworm
Agrius cingulata is a large sphingid moth with broad neotropical distribution extending northward through migratory behavior. Adults are nocturnal nectar feeders with exceptionally long proboscises, while larvae are robust hornworms that feed voraciously on Convolvulaceae, particularly sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), causing significant agricultural damage. The species has been documented as a "nectar thief" of rare orchids, removing nectar without providing pollination services.
Anabrus
Mormon cricket
Anabrus is a genus of shield-backed katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, comprising four described species including the extinct Anabrus caudelli. The genus is best known for Anabrus simplex, commonly called the Mormon cricket, a large flightless insect famous for forming massive migratory bands that cause significant agricultural damage in western North America. Despite the common name, these insects are not true crickets but katydids characterized by their gregarious behavior, distinctive morphology, and periodic population outbreaks.
Anabrus simplex
Mormon Cricket
Anabrus simplex, commonly known as the Mormon cricket, is a large flightless shieldbacked katydid (family Tettigoniidae, subfamily Decticinae) native to western North America. Despite its common name, it is not a true cricket. The species is notable for its periodic outbreak populations that form large migratory bands, causing significant damage to rangeland forage and cultivated crops. It exhibits a sex-role reversed mating system where males provide nuptial gifts and females compete for mates. The species has been documented from low-elevation sagebrush steppe to alpine tundra above 11,000 feet.
Anax
Emperors, Green Darners
Anax is a genus of large dragonflies in the family Aeshnidae, commonly known as emperors and green darners. The genus includes some of the largest and most powerful dragonflies in the world, with species distributed across multiple continents. Several Anax species are notable long-distance migrants, with Anax junius (the common green darner) being one of the most studied migratory dragonflies in North America. The genus name derives from the ancient Greek word for 'lord' or 'king', reflecting their imposing size and predatory dominance.
Anax longipes
Comet Darner
Anax longipes, commonly known as the Comet Darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It is a common North American species with a distinctive appearance and migratory behavior. Adults are large, powerful fliers that prey on other insects in flight. The species is part of the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership monitoring program due to its seasonal movements.
Anteos clorinde
white angled-sulphur, ghost brimstone
Anteos clorinde is a large pierid butterfly with a broad Neotropical distribution extending into the southern United States. Adults are characterized by their pale yellow to white wings with distinctive angled margins. The species exhibits year-round flight in tropical regions and seasonal emergence in northern portions of its range. Larval development is tied to host plants in the genus Senna.
Antigastra catalaunalis
Sesame Leafroller, Sesame Pod-borer, Sesame Webworm, Sesame Capsule Borer, Sesame Leaf Webber
Antigastra catalaunalis is a crambid moth whose larvae are major agricultural pests of sesame (Sesamum indicum). Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, it has spread globally through human-mediated transport and its own migratory capacity. The species has been documented attacking multiple plant families including Scrophulariaceae and Pedaliaceae, though sesame remains its economically significant host. Laboratory studies indicate a complete life cycle of approximately 26.5 days under controlled conditions.
Ascalapha odorata
black witch, black witch moth, mariposa de la muerte, duppy bat, mariposa-bruxa, ura, money moth, money bat
The black witch moth (Ascalapha odorata) is a large, bat-shaped nocturnal moth and the largest noctuoid in the continental United States. Females reach wingspans up to 24 cm, while males are smaller at approximately 12 cm. The species ranges from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to Brazil and Argentina, with migratory populations reaching as far north as Canada. It holds prominent cultural significance across Latin America and the Caribbean, where it is widely associated with death, misfortune, and spiritual beliefs.
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great southern white (for sole species)
Ascia is a monotypic genus of butterflies in the family Pieridae, containing only the species Ascia monuste (great southern white). The genus is distributed from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States south through tropical America to Argentina. The sole species exhibits sexual dimorphism and seasonal migration patterns along the southeastern United States coast.
Atteva aurea
Ailanthus Webworm Moth, Ermine Moth
Atteva aurea, commonly known as the ailanthus webworm moth or ermine moth, is a small, colorful moth native to Central America and the southern United States that has expanded its range northward following the introduction and spread of its host plant, the invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). The adult moth displays striking orange, black, and white coloration and is active during daylight hours, feeding on nectar from flowers such as ageratum. The larval stage, known as the ailanthus webworm, constructs communal silken webs on host plants and feeds on leaves, with the potential to defoliate small trees. The species has been proposed as a potential biological control agent for the invasive Tree of Heaven.
Camnula pellucida
Clear-winged Grasshopper, Clearwinged Grasshopper, Warrior Grasshopper
Camnula pellucida, the clear-winged grasshopper, is a medium-sized band-winged grasshopper native to North America. It is a significant agricultural pest, particularly destructive to small grains and rangeland grasses. The species exhibits dramatic population fluctuations, remaining scarce for years before irrupting to densities exceeding 20 adults per square yard across thousands of square miles. Adults possess distinctive transparent hindwings and mottled forewings. The species is notable for its migratory behavior, with nymphs marching in cohesive bands and adults forming flying swarms.
Colias philodice
common sulphur, clouded sulphur
Colias philodice is a North American pierid butterfly commonly known as the clouded sulphur or common sulphur. It is a multivoltine species that produces multiple generations per year. Adults are typically pale yellow above with no orange traces, distinguishing them from the closely related orange sulphur (C. eurytheme). Females exhibit a white form (alba) that can be common in some populations. The species is a legume-feeder whose larvae primarily develop on alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and various clovers, making it economically significant in agricultural settings. It ranges across most of North America except for the far northern regions of Labrador, Nunavut, and northern Quebec.
Danaus plexippus
Monarch, Monarch butterfly, Milkweed, Common tiger, Wanderer, Black veined brown
The monarch butterfly is a large, migratory milkweed butterfly with distinctive orange, black, and white wing patterns. It is best known for its spectacular multigenerational migration between overwintering sites in central Mexico and coastal California and breeding grounds across North America. The species has declined dramatically in recent decades, with the western population declining 99.9% and the eastern population declining 84% since the 1990s. It was listed as Endangered by the IUCN in 2022, though it remains a candidate for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Conservation efforts focus on protecting milkweed host plants and overwintering habitat.
Echinargus
Reakirt's blue
Echinargus is a monotypic butterfly genus in the family Lycaenidae, containing the single species Echinargus isola (Reakirt's blue). The genus was described by Vladimir Nabokov in 1945. The species is notable for its extensive migratory behavior, regularly moving northward from its core range in Central America and the southern United States into northern regions.
Empoasca fabae
potato leafhopper
Empoasca fabae, commonly known as the potato leafhopper, is a small, lime-green leafhopper native to North America and a significant agricultural pest. It migrates northward annually from Gulf States to the Midwest and eastern United States, causing damage to over 200 plant species. The species feeds on plant sap and injects a toxin that causes 'hopperburn'—characteristic drying, curling, and rotting of plant tissues. Climate warming has been linked to earlier arrival dates (approximately 10 days earlier than in the 1950s) and more severe infestations in warmer years. It completes one to two generations per year in northern regions like Québec, with population peaks occurring in June-July.
Eristalis arbustorum
Eurasian Drone Fly, European Drone Fly
Eristalis arbustorum is a sexually dimorphic hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae. Females closely mimic small, dark mining bees (Andrenidae), while males exhibit less specific mimicry of wasps and other yellow-black Hymenoptera. The species is abundant across the Northern Hemisphere and has been introduced to North America. Adults are important pollinators that visit diverse flowering plants, while larvae are aquatic filter-feeders known as 'rat-tailed maggots' due to their elongated posterior breathing siphon. The species is known to be migratory in Europe, with populations overwintering in sheltered locations such as cave entrances.
Eristalis rupium
Spot-winged Drone Fly
Eristalis rupium, the spot-winged drone fly, is a European hoverfly species first described by Fabricius in 1805. It is a common species across Europe and uncommon in North America. Like other Eristalis species, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of honey bees and serves as an important pollinator. The larvae are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type, inhabiting clear-water streams.
Euchromius
A genus of grass-veneer moths in the family Crambidae, established by Guenée in 1845. Species are distributed across all continents except South-East Asian islands, with highest diversity in the Palaearctic region, Africa, and the Near and Middle East. Several species are migratory and can establish temporary populations outside their core ranges. Larvae are primarily detritivores, feeding on dead plant material near the base of grasses and other plants.
Euchromius ocellea
Belted Grass-veneer, necklace veneer
Euchromius ocellea is a cosmopolitan migratory moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Haworth in 1811. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, with occasional rare migrations to temperate areas such as the UK and Netherlands. The species is notable for its ornate wing patterning and its larval association with grass crops including maize and sorghum.
Euptoieta
fritillary butterflies
Euptoieta is a genus of fritillary butterflies in the subfamily Heliconiinae, distributed throughout the Neotropical region and extending northward into temperate North America. The genus includes approximately eight described species, with Euptoieta claudia (variegated fritillary) and Euptoieta hegesia (Mexican fritillary) being the most widely recognized. Members of this genus are characterized by their orange and black wing patterns and their ecological association with Viola (violet) species as larval host plants.
Euptoieta claudia
Variegated Fritillary
Euptoieta claudia, commonly known as the variegated fritillary, is a migratory butterfly native to North and South America. Unlike the sedentary Speyeria fritillaries, this species is nomadic and produces two to three broods annually. Adults are highly wary and difficult to approach, a trait reflected in the genus name derived from Greek meaning 'easily scared.' The species is one of the last butterflies active in temperate regions each growing season before migrating south to overwinter.
Euxoa auxiliaris
Army Cutworm Moth, Miller Moth
Euxoa auxiliaris, the army cutworm moth, is a seasonal migrant and agricultural pest in the Great Plains of North America. The larval stage damages field crops by cutting stems and feeding on foliage, while adults undertake remarkable long-distance migrations to alpine talus slopes in the Rocky Mountains to escape summer heat. These aggregations serve as a critical, high-calorie food source for grizzly bears during their pre-hibernation hyperphagia. Adults are commonly called 'miller moths' due to the fine, easily-shed wing scales that resemble flour dust.
Helicoverpa zea
corn earworm, cotton bollworm, tomato fruitworm, soybean podworm
Helicoverpa zea is a major agricultural pest moth native to the Americas. The larvae are highly polyphagous, feeding on reproductive structures of numerous crop plants including corn, cotton, tomato, and soybean. The species has developed widespread resistance to many insecticides and Bt toxins. Adults are nocturnal seasonal migrants capable of traveling hundreds of kilometers on wind currents. Recent hybridization with the invasive Old World bollworm (H. armigera) has introduced additional resistance genes through introgression.
Homoeosoma electellum
American sunflower moth, sunflower moth, head moth
Homoeosoma electellum, commonly called the American sunflower moth or sunflower moth, is a small pyralid moth native to North America and also present in South America. It is the most economically significant pest of cultivated sunflowers in major production regions including Texas, Nebraska, California, and the Canadian Prairie Provinces. The species does not overwinter in Canada; adults migrate northward annually from southern populations. Females are strongly attracted to blooming sunflower heads, where they deposit eggs on or near the florets.
Junonia coenia
Common Buckeye, Buckeye
Junonia coenia, commonly known as the common buckeye, is a distinctive butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is widely distributed across North America, Central America, and parts of northern South America. The species is known for its prominent eyespots on the wings and its migratory behavior, moving south in autumn to escape cold temperatures. Adults feed preferentially on yellow flowers, while larvae specialize on plants containing iridoid glycosides.
Libellula quadrimaculata
Four-spotted Skimmer, Four-spotted Chaser
Libellula quadrimaculata, known as the four-spotted skimmer in North America and four-spotted chaser in Europe, is a holarctic dragonfly species found across Europe, Asia, and North America. This species exhibits notable behavioral plasticity in males, who adopt either territorial or satellite mating strategies depending on competitive conditions. It is also recognized for its gregarious migratory behavior, with historical records of immense swarms in Europe and documented migration flights in North America.
Libytheana
New World Snouts
Libytheana is a genus of nymphalid butterflies in the snout butterfly subfamily Libytheinae, established by Michener in 1943. The genus comprises four species, with Libytheana carinenta (American snout) being the most widespread and migratory, occurring across North and South America. The remaining three species—L. terena, L. motya, and L. fulvescens—are restricted to the Caribbean. These butterflies are characterized by their distinctive elongated labial palps that form a prominent "snout," a defining feature of the subfamily.
Loxostege
webworms, meadow moths
Loxostege is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, commonly known as webworms or meadow moths. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, particularly L. sticticalis (beet webworm/meadow moth), which is a polyphagous species causing substantial crop damage across North America, Europe, and Asia. Species in this genus exhibit complex life histories including larval diapause, long-distance migration capabilities, and high reproductive potential. Many species are characterized by outbreak dynamics with cyclic population explosions.
Macrosteles quadrilineatus
Aster leafhopper, Six-spotted leafhopper
Macrosteles quadrilineatus is a small leafhopper species native to the United States and a major agricultural pest. It is the primary vector of aster yellows phytoplasma, transmitting the pathogen to vegetable crops including carrot, celery, lettuce, and potato. Adults migrate northward in spring on southerly winds, often arriving in the Midwest and northern regions earlier and in greater numbers than resident overwintering populations. The species exhibits polyphagous feeding behavior on numerous grasses, cereals, and broadleaf plants.
Melanoplus devastator
devastating grasshopper
Melanoplus devastator, the devastating grasshopper, is a medium-sized spur-throated grasshopper endemic to the far western United States, primarily California, with limited occurrence in Oregon and Washington. It is a major agricultural pest known for irruptive population outbreaks that can cause extensive damage to rangeland forage, orchards, and crops. The species exhibits a unique life history among rangeland grasshoppers, with females entering reproductive diapause during summer and resuming egg development in fall triggered by decreasing photoperiod. When populations explode, nymphal bands and adult swarms migrate from depleted foothill rangelands into valley agricultural areas, sometimes traveling 30 miles or more.
Melanoplus differentialis
Differential Grasshopper
Melanoplus differentialis is a large, highly mobile grasshopper native to North America that has expanded from wet meadows into agricultural landscapes. It is a severe crop pest, particularly damaging to corn, alfalfa, soybeans, cotton, and small grains, with dense swarms capable of destroying young cornfields in three to four days. The species exhibits phase polymorphism, with crowded individuals developing darker pigmentation and different body proportions compared to isolated individuals. It has one generation annually and is better adapted to warmer climates than related species, with outbreaks concentrated in the central United States between the Rocky Mountains and Mississippi River.
Melanoplus rugglesi
Nevada Sage Grasshopper
Melanoplus rugglesi is a medium-sized spur-throated grasshopper endemic to the cold desert shrublands of the western United States. The species exhibits pronounced phase polyphenism, with solitary and migratory forms differing in body size, wing length, and coloration. Named in honor of entomologist Arthur G. Ruggles, this grasshopper is notable for its extreme migratory behavior and extended outbreak dynamics, with populations persisting at high densities for multiple years.
Melanoplus sanguinipes
migratory grasshopper, lesser migratory grasshopper, red-legged grasshopper
Melanoplus sanguinipes is a medium-sized spur-throated grasshopper and one of the most economically important grasshopper pests in North America. It is widely distributed across the continent, inhabiting diverse grassland habitats from native prairies to agricultural fields and disturbed areas. The species exhibits remarkable ecological flexibility, feeding on both grasses and forbs, and displays migratory behavior at high population densities. Under favorable conditions, populations can increase exponentially and form swarms that travel hundreds of miles, causing extensive damage to crops and rangeland. The species has been extensively studied for its population ecology, host plant relationships, and integrated pest management.
Mythimna unipuncta
true armyworm moth, white-speck moth, common armyworm, rice armyworm
Mythimna unipuncta is a migratory noctuid moth found across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Larvae feed on grasses and cereal crops, causing significant agricultural damage during outbreaks. Adults are nocturnal and nectivorous, feeding on flower nectar and ripe or decaying fruit. The species exhibits seasonal migration, traveling north in spring and south in fall to optimize mating conditions. Larvae display characteristic armyworm behavior, moving en masse between fields when food sources are depleted.
Nathalis iole
dainty sulphur, dwarf yellow
Nathalis iole, commonly known as the dainty sulphur or dwarf yellow, is the smallest North American pierid butterfly. It exhibits remarkable morphological variability, including seasonal wing coloration changes and distinctive structural features that have prompted suggestions it warrants a separate subfamily within Pieridae. The species occupies diverse open habitats, migrates south for winter survival, and has been documented performing elaborate courtship displays including a newly described facultative male display behavior.
Noctua pronuba
Large Yellow Underwing, Winter Cutworm
Noctua pronuba is a widespread noctuid moth commonly known as the large yellow underwing or winter cutworm. It is the type species for the family Noctuidae and one of the most abundant and familiar moths across the Palearctic region. The species exhibits highly migratory behavior in some years, with sudden appearances in marginal parts of its range. Research using optical coherence tomography has revealed that its compound eyes employ a light-absorbing pigment migration mechanism to adapt to changing light conditions over approximately 30 minutes.
Nysius
false chinch bugs
Nysius is a large genus of seed-feeding true bugs in the family Lygaeidae, commonly known as false chinch bugs. The genus contains approximately 100-106 described species with worldwide distribution. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including N. huttoni (wheat bug) in New Zealand and N. cymoides in Europe and Turkey. A unique Hawaiian radiation contains 26 species, including two flightless, predatory wēkiu bugs (N. wekiuicola and N. aa) that feed on dead and dying insects on high-elevation volcanoes. Most species feed on seeds and plant fluids, though some exhibit atypical feeding behaviors.
Oebalus pugnax
Rice Stink Bug
Oebalus pugnax, the rice stink bug, is a shield bug in the family Pentatomidae native to North America and a major agricultural pest in the Southern United States. First described by Fabricius in 1775, this species attacks cereal crops with small seeds, particularly rice, wheat, and sorghum. Adults are highly mobile and migrate en masse between wild grass hosts and cultivated fields. The species is distinguished from similar stink bugs by its narrower profile and lighter straw coloration.
Oedaleonotus
Oedaleonotus is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. The genus contains approximately nine described species distributed primarily in western North America. The best-known species, Oedaleonotus enigma (valley grasshopper), is a significant rangeland pest known for its migratory behavior and capacity to reach outbreak densities. Members of this genus are characterized by variable wing development, with some species having fully functional long wings and others having reduced or short wings.
Oncopeltus
large milkweed bugs
Oncopeltus is a genus of seed bugs in the family Lygaeidae containing at least 40 described species. The genus is best known for the large milkweed bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus), a widely studied species that feeds on milkweed seeds and exhibits striking aposematic orange and black coloration. Members of this genus are specialized feeders on plants in the family Apocynaceae, particularly milkweeds (Asclepias), and have evolved the ability to sequester toxic cardiac glycosides from their host plants for defense. Several species undergo annual migrations between northern breeding grounds and southern overwintering areas.
Pantala hymenaea
spot-winged glider
Pantala hymenaea, commonly known as the spot-winged glider, is a migratory dragonfly in the family Libellulidae native to the Americas. It is closely related to and resembles the wandering glider (Pantala flavescens), but is distinguished by a dark basal spot on the hindwing. The species is a strong flier with a very large range across North, Central, and South America, and has been documented as one of five migratory dragonfly species monitored by the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership in North America.
Peridroma saucia
Variegated Cutworm, Pearly Underwing, False Black Cutworm Moth
Peridroma saucia is a highly polyphagous noctuid moth with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution across temperate and subtropical regions. The species is a significant agricultural pest, with larvae feeding on numerous crop plants including vegetables, fruits, and field crops. Adults are migratory, moving northward in spring and returning south in autumn, with 2–4 generations per year depending on latitude. Recent research has documented its role as a nocturnal pollinator of apple and other crops, revealing ecological functions beyond its pest status.
Phoebis sennae
Cloudless Sulphur, Cloudless Giant Sulphur
Phoebis sennae is a mid-sized butterfly in the family Pieridae, widespread across the Americas from South America to southern Canada. Adults are known for their strong, fast flight and seasonal northward migration. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration and has a well-documented life cycle with specific host plant associations in the legume family.
Polites vibex
whirlabout
Polites vibex, commonly known as the whirlabout, is a grass skipper in the family Hesperiidae. The common name derives from the adult's distinctive flight pattern—a circular, vortex-like motion during landing and takeoff. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism in coloration, with males being orange and yellow while females are dark brown. It is resident throughout the southeastern United States, West Indies, Mexico, and tropical regions of Central and South America to Argentina, with seasonal northward migrations during warmer months.
Polygonia interrogationis
Question Mark, question mark butterfly
Polygonia interrogationis, commonly called the question mark butterfly, is a North American nymphalid butterfly recognized by the distinctive silver ?-shaped mark on the underside of its hindwing. Adults have a wingspan of 4.5–7.6 cm and exhibit cryptic coloration resembling a dead leaf when wings are closed. The species produces two generations annually, with adults active from May through September. Winter-form adults hibernate in sheltered locations and emerge in spring to reproduce.
Schistocerca rubiginosa
Rusty Bird Grasshopper
Schistocerca rubiginosa, commonly known as the rusty bird grasshopper, is a species of bird grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It belongs to the genus Schistocerca, which includes several large, migratory grasshopper species found in the Americas. The species was first described by Harris in 1862 under the basionym Acridium rubiginosum. Like other members of its genus, it is capable of long-distance flight and seasonal migration.