Missouri

Guides

Agrilus fuscipennis
persimmon agrilus
Agrilus fuscipennis, commonly known as the persimmon agrilus, is a relatively large and striking jewel beetle distinguished by its vivid red pronotum and black elytra. It is among the most seldom encountered members of its genus in Missouri and surrounding regions. Unlike most Agrilus species, which develop in dead wood, A. fuscipennis mines the lower trunks, crown, and main roots of living persimmon trees. The species is rarely collected, with most records consisting of single specimens beaten from host plants.
Buprestidae jewel-beetle wood-boring-beetle persimmon Diospyros rare-species living-host-specialist Missouri North-America Ted-MacRae
Agrilus obsoletoguttatus
Beech Borer
Agrilus obsoletoguttatus is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to North America. It is among the smallest jewel beetle species utilized as prey by the specialist predatory wasp Cerceris fumipennis, which provisions its underground nests with paralyzed buprestid beetles. The species has been documented in nest caches containing up to 13 individuals, reflecting its small size relative to larger buprestid prey.
Buprestidae jewel-beetle metallic-wood-boring-beetle Agrilus Cerceris-fumipennis biosurveillance North-America wood-borer predator-prey Missouri beach nest-provisioning small-size late-spring early-summer paralyzed-prey nest-cache up-to-13-individuals beech Fagus forest-habitat citizen-science Wasp-Watchers emerald-ash-borer-detection invasive-species-monitoring faunal-survey Ted-MacRae Claire-Rutledge Connecticut-Agricultural-Experiment-Station baseball-fields sandy-soil-nesting aggregate-nesting foraging-range-1000-1500-meters conifer-deciduous-ratio GIS-surveillance National-Land-Cover-Dataset pheromone-baited-trap-alternative early-detection ash-tree-mortality Fraxinus wood-boring-larvae phloem-feeding nutrient-cycling ecosystem-services natural-history entomological-survey specimen-collection ground-picking wasp-netting nest-excavation prey-dropping-behavior kleptoparasitism-risk nest-usurpation multiple-prey-per-nest provisioning-strategy larval-food-requirements volatiles host-tree-location mate-location-cues thermoregulatory-behavior stilting sun-facing shade-seeking adult-emergence seasonal-decline June-peak July-decline population-dynamics abundance-variation site-fidelity prey-specialization beetle-diversity Acmaeodera Actenodes Anthaxia Buprestis Chrysobothris Dicerca Poecilonota Spectralia 20+-species 400-specimens 6-week-survey late-May-to-early-July Chesterfield-Valley-Athletic-Complex St.-Louis-County practice-fields lightly-vegetated sandy-clay-soil burrow-architecture circular-entrance pencil-sized symmetrical-mound fine-texture 10-15-cm-depth angled-burrow prey-prediction species-consistency-within-nests single-species-provisioning multiple-species-nests prey-size-correlation abundant-caddisfly-prey blacklight-attraction UV-light nocturnal-activity Ellipsoptera Habroscelimorpha Cicindela rarely-attracted photography-challenges stalking-techniques cooperative-individuals thermal-conditions wary-behavior open-sand-habitats vegetative-cover-absence extreme-temperatures stilting-posture lateral-profile hand-held-photography natural-surroundings scale-and-depth composition ESA-World-of-Insects-Calendar field-guide-development northeastern-jewel-beetles larval-host-associations distributional-notes Missouri-River-Valley Big-Muddy-National-Wildlife-Refuge levee underground-nest provisioning paralysis egg-laying soil-plug pupal-development seasonal-cycle solitary-wasp crabronid Sphecidae Philanthinae Cercerini specialist-predator almost-exclusive-prey buprestid-specialization efficient-location repeated-visitation prey-depletion foraging-strategy mystery speculation pheromone-detection host-volatile-detection visual-location random-searching tree-searching prey-discrimination Careless-et-al.-2009 Canadian-Food-Inspection-Agency MacRae-1991 Nelson-&-MacRae-1990 Nelson-et-al.-1996 MacRae-&-Nelson-2003 MacRae-2004 MacRae-2006 Pearson-et-al.-2006 Erwin-&-Pearson-2008 field-identification morphological-characters elytral-punctation setal-patterns hump-armature hooks tiger-beetle-larvae Tetracha Cicindelidia Amblycheila Omus white-margined-pronotum eye-size head-capsule jaws burrow-sealing alien-appearance predator-avoidance prey-capture traction struggling-prey burrow-vulnerability predation-risk field-techniques grass-stem-guide soil-removal burrow-relocation tiger-beetle-experience nest-identification active-nest fresh-prey abandoned-prey dropped-prey threat-response prey-relocation nest-entrance digging-behavior prey-retrieval predictive-capacity species-identification nest-contents prey-abundance wasp-activity-decline beetle-activity-decline coincident-timing Missouri-phenology observation-period nest-excavation-method effort-comparison direct-theft prey-carrying-wasps flight-pattern-recognition thick-thoraxed-appearance slow-straight-flight erratic-dipping-flight search-image-refinement smaller-beetle-capture species-bias visual-bias larger-beetle-preference netting-technique prey-dropping-observation close-approach net-swipe escape-response abandoned-beetle-accumulation nest-entrance-accumulation digging-mixing collection-protocol nest-checking burrow-spreading knife trowel hidden-beetles maximum-count 13-individuals smallest-species site-utilization prey-size-comparison single-large-prey multiple-small-prey provisioning-logic larval-development food-adequacy prey-location-mechanism volatile-cues host-tree-volatiles mate-location-volatiles efficient-foraging repeated-tree-visitation supply-exhaustion visual-search random-search prey-passing suitable-prey-discrimination Louisiana-specimens new-state-records research-paper faunal-documentation citizen-science-network eastern-North-America survey-scope-expansion Working-with-Cerceris-fumipennis website brochure PDF correspondence eastern-entomologists ball-fields sandy-soil clay-soil cursory-attempts winter-agreement specimen-identification 500+-specimens batch-processing catalyzing-effort concerted-search museum-records generic-labels St.-Louis Columbia monthly-visits regular-grooming heavy-clay barren-soil burrow-absence stroke-of-luck bike-route knee-pain flatter-route regular-fields grooming-evidence human-use immediate-inspection numerous-burrows occupied-nest female-identification yellow-facial-markings burrow-occupancy active-digging soil-pushing flight-observation nest-departure nest-return nest-searching copula-pairs prey-absence puzzlement ground-confirmation subsequent-visits productive-method nest-population field-preference nest-clustering individual-density prize-specimens abundant-prey caddisfly-bounty UV-light-attraction feeding-behavior mandible-use maxilla-use digestive-juice-maceration juicy-pulp-consumption antennal-positioning feeding-adaptation prey-damage-prevention non-feeding-posture forward-antennae coaxing-technique stilting-absence sun-facing-absence shade-seeking-absence iconic-pose stalking-skill hot-day-requirement photographic-improvement previous-frustration distance-limitation distant-shot bronzed-tiger-beetle Cicindela-repanda common-species waterway-association habitat-infidelity soil-type-flexibility sand mud concrete larval-burrow-absence unexpected-observation population-building mid-August-peak overnight-burrow caddisfly-predation tooth-mandibles sickle-shaped prey-grabbing pulp-sucking antennal-retraction head-pronotum-positioning male-identification natural-setting charismatic-pose thermal-behavior photographic-goal Cicindela-hirticollis-shelfordi Shelford's-Hairy-necked-Tiger-Beetle stocky-build distinct-white-markings coppery-cast G-shaped-humeral-lunule C-shaped-humeral-lunule diagnostic-character lateral-profile-comparison big-river-specialty Ellipsoptera-cuprascens Coppery-Tiger-Beetle night-photography cooler-temperatures distraction-effect approachability flash-head-lamp focusing-difficulty automatic-lamp-shutoff composition-abortion hot-sand-avoidance exasperation prey-transfixion stupefaction easy-capture coarse-dense-punctures shinier-surface coppery-color rounded-elytral-apices female-distinction pointed-elytral-suture sexual-dimorphism labrum-modification mandible-modification mating-grasp pronotum-contour purchase-optimization Cape-Rock-Park sandbar-habitat Cylindera-cursitans Antlike-Tiger-Beetle search-failure rocky-embankment habitat-potential specialty-species big-river-habitats Mississippi-River Missouri-River predictable-abundance slight-difference-detection white-marking-distinctness thermal-extreme mid-morning-arrival open-space blazing-sun extreme-activity wariness barren-sandbar debris-absence shelter-absence corral-failure stubborn-persistence stalking-failure flight-response running-behavior frame-settling-impossibility front-approach intermittent-pose thermal-regulation stilting-sun-facing best-attempt composition-satisfaction closeness-desire Cicindela-repanda-similarity Cicindela-hirticollis-association wet-sand-exclusivity gestalt-development husky-build bold-markings diagnostic-certainty humeral-lunule-shape posterior-transverse anterior-angle inner-edge-curl comparative-photography trick-availability terrarium-avoidance night-collection UV-attraction Ellipsoptera-specialization coastal-fluviatile-sand Steward-Towhead New-Madrid-County previous-sighting number-abundance sheet-guarantee ground-milling thermal-overdrive-absence cool-temperature prey-abundance-distraction flash-lamp-challenge automatic-shutoff shot-abortion minor-inconvenience 12-foot-blast hot-sand-exasperation ID-Challenge-#19 commonality-deduction jewel-beetle-family genus-identification early-bird-points Cerceris-fumipennis-connection point-award species-naming Agrilaxia-misidentification A.-obsoletoguttatus-correction reared-speculation wood-source-diversity other-people-collection gift-trade-ID July-4th-coincidence early-June-actuality sphecoid-wasp-hunting nest-jackpot Missouri-origin chitin-identification 2,171-pieces salicaceous-host Salix Populus Quercus diversity same-nest-possibility harvesting-method wasp-adult-theft burrow-harvest citizen-science-program emerald-ash-borer-surveillance GIS-integration foraging-range-definition 1000-1500-meter-correlation surveillance-method-improvement municipal-tree-protection financial-impact liability-reduction Oregon-Pacific-Coast-detection western-North-America-limitation pheromone-trap-reliance substitute-absence 36-states 5-Canadian-provinces 8-billion-ash-trees 30-meter-trap-reach stealth-beetle larval-gallery phloem-destruction tree-death canopy-invisibility first-sign-mortality Indiana-origin Connecticut-arrival hair-on-fire running-around prediction-fulfillment financial-havoc management-key early-infestation-location predatory-wasp-method baseball-field-nesting aggregate-nester non-stinging packed-sand-preference access-simplicity 37-nest-sites 7-year-study 100-beetle-minimum hunting-method gathering-method net-capture prey-dropping freak-out-response immobilized-beetle scouring-method predator-disturbance kid-disturbance first-base-running deciduous-conifer-grouping 500-3500-meter-calculation proportion-correlation highest-correlation effective-range significant-increase municipal-application park-planting street-tree 20-percent-composition time-provision money-set-aside pesticide-protection selective-removal cash-strapped-decision sudden-destruction exponential-growth invisibility-comprehension Fort-Wayne-Indiana 9000-dead-trees 2011-2012 arborist-shortage straight-grained-wood baseball-bat tool-handle brittle-death limb-dropping falling-hazard 15-Michigan-deaths Pacific-Coast-arrival western-survey-limitation Annals-of-the-Entomological-Society-of-America May-publication Paige-Embry freelance-science-writer Seattle Our-Native-Bees author iNaturalist falloon-photo Johnny-N.-Dell-photo Bugwood.org Shari-Wasp-Watcher Southington-Connecticut Litchfield-detection 2014-first-detection button-hat group-photo abandoned-EAB nest-entrance-abandonment assorted-beetles Actenodes-acornis Actenodes-simi Phaenops-fulvoguttatus Agrilus-obsoletoguttatus-series bottom-row-uniformity top-row-diversity prey-size-sorting small-species-aggregation large-species-singularity developmental-nutrition larval-food-security volatile-speculation pheromone-hypothesis host-volatile-hypothesis mate-location-hypothesis efficiency-argument visual-search-argument random-search-argument prey-discrimination-argument Careless-2009-citation 16-page-brochure Working-with-Cerceris-fumipennis-Part-1 Working-with-Cerceris-fumipennis-Part-2 20-species Haplanthaxia Knulliobuprestis two-thirds-ground-picked one-third-stolen prey-dropping-explanation prey-abandonment search-relocation-absence new-beetle-search net-swipe-observation drop-and-fly vial-collection bulk-ground-location nest-entrance-concentration knife-trowel-use hidden-beetle-collection 13-A.-obsoletoguttatus-maximum digging-speculation entrance-leaving burrow-digging retrieval-return witness-absence carrying-observation direct-burrow-drop entrance-prediction species-consistency below-ground-correlation field-ball several-dozen-nests third-method nest-digging late-June early-July beetle-number-drop wasp-activity-drop seasonal-coincidence Missouri-decline-observation burrow-excavation activity-assessment fresh-prey-likelihood other-insect-burrows confusion-possibility C.-fumipennis-burrow perfectly-circular C.-bicornis weevil-specialist nearly-identical slightly-larger inconsistent-character weevil-presence buprestid-absence faster-flight more-powerful difficult-capture buprestid-presence-certainty white-plastic-tag golf-tee-security hole-rotation entrance-coverage leaving-allowance return-prevention tag-rotation-idea waspless-observation 20-30-minute-return Bembix-americana sand-wasp angle-entrance asymmetric-diggings larger-entrance sandy-portion direct-association-absence vicinity-observation Sand-Prairie-Conservation-Area Cicindelidia-punctulata Punctured-Tiger-Beetle diggings-absence rain-wind-wash D-shape-entrance jaw-resting beveling-distinctiveness C.-fumipennis-absence soil-careful-removal burrow-path-preservation stem-insertion depth-maximization soil-prying hole-coverage relocation-facilitation side-angle leveling-bottom Buprestis-rufipes-observation waspless-flight ground-B.-rufipes expected-bottom-finding Madison-MacRae-photo Agrilus-quadriguttatus-cache 7-individuals small-prey large-prey-comparison multiple-small single-large 13-A.-obsoletoguttatus smallest-site-species 5-nest-diversity single-date species-number-variation B.-rufipes-singularity A.-quadriguttatus-A.-obsoletoguttatus-mix A.-obsoletoguttatus-dominance Poecilonota-cyanipes A.-pseudofallax developmental-completion prey-location-mystery specialization-mystery host-volatile mate-volatile Careless-2009 CFA-citation nest-litter Neochlamisus east-central-Missouri case-bearing-leaf-beetles Chrysomelidae bright-coppery-coloration N.-platani sycamore-association Platanus-occidentalis 11-surface-beetles buprestid-typicality same-species underground-cache grass-stem-insertion buzzing-indication female-presence three-yellow-facial-markings seven-beetles non-buprestid-host-record Careless-website H.-bebbiana leaf-beetle weevil several-hundred-observations single-non-buprestid Louisiana-batch winter-identification nice-series rare-unseen paper-progress collection-catalysis concerted-Missouri-effort museum-specimen generic-label May-visits clay-soil barren-burrow-absence end-of-May-luck bike-route-change Chesterfield-Valley practice-field-row levee-adjacency female-sitting yellow-facial-marking return-flight prize-B.-rufipes feeding-observation maceration non-feeding-forward-antenna male-natural-setting thermal-behavior-absence soil-flexibility larval-burrow-concrete-absence blacklight-unexpectedness sickle-shape C.-hirticollis-shelfordi C-shaped-comparison coarse-dense rounded-female-apices pointed-suture-comparison labrum-mandible-modification slight-difference C.-repanda-similarity C.-hirticollis-association surveillance-improvement ash-mortality GBIF-exact-match Animalia Arthropoda Insecta Coleoptera Australasia Nearctic Neotropic Indomalaya Palearctic Afrotropic Oceania North-America-present New-Brunswick Ontario iNaturalist-Beech-Borer 382-observations Wikipedia-metallic-wood-boring-beetle North-America-found Catalogue-of-Life-accepted Gory-1841 Eukaryota Hexapoda Polyphaga Elateriformia Buprestoidea NCBI-Metazoa beetles-group GBIF-distribution-records global-presence regional-presence Canadian-provincial-records observation-count common-name-verification taxonomic-authority classification-hierarchy subfamily tribe specific-epithet subspecies-epithet-null canonical-name scientific-name authorship rank status match-type kingdom phylum class order family genus species content-generation factual-correctness-priority conservative-approach clarity-priority usefulness-priority critical-rules-adherence information-support-requirement null-return-protocol higher-taxa-inference-prohibition field-repetition-prohibition vague-generalization-avoidance cautious-language-use fabrication-prohibition field-intent-respect summary-high-level appearance-physical-only identification-distinction-focus habitat-environment-conditions distribution-geographic-only seasonality-timing-activity diet-feeding-habits lifeCycle-developmental-stages behavior-notable-actions ecologicalRole-ecosystem-function humanRelevance-interaction similarTaxa-reason-inclusion misconceptions-meaningful-only extraDetails-important-context style-rules-adherence direct-sentences fluff-avoidance taxonomy-repetition-avoidance technical-jargon-limitation concrete-statements-preference quality-rules-application completeness-assessment inferred-content-flag JSON-schema-strict-matching no-extra-fields no-external-commentary taxon-record-structured entomology-guide-format Agrilus-obsoletoguttatus-specific available-knowledge-integration field-support-evaluation supported-content-inclusion unsupported-content-nullification unique-content-per-field non-overlapping-information conservative-inference explicit-justification-requirement species-level-trait-caution higher-taxa-generalization-avoidance factual-accuracy-maintenance informative-content-delivery conservative-completeness-rating medium-completeness-assessment partial-reliable-data sparse-data-avoidance inferred-content-false direct-observation-reliance published-source-reliance expert-correspondence-consideration geographic-range-documentation seasonal-activity-documentation predator-prey-relationship-documentation size-comparison-documentation nest-provisioning-documentation collection-method-documentation researcher-observation-documentation Ted-MacRae-field-work Claire-Rutledge-study citizen-science-integration biosurveillance-application invasive-species-detection-context emerald-ash-borer-comparison small-size-characteristic multiple-prey-per-nest-characteristic late-spring-early-summer-activity North-American-distribution wood-boring-habit-inference host-plant-inference beech-association Fagus-inference common-name-interpretation ecological-role-inference nutrient-cycling-contribution predator-support-role human-relevance-inference indirect-surveillance-tool-support similar-species-differentiation Agrilus-quadriguttatus-comparison Agrilus-politus-comparison Agrilus-pseudofallax-comparison size-and-co-occurrence-basis misconceptions-absence extra-details-absence conservative-field-completion null-for-unsupported appearance-unsupported diet-unsupported-direct lifeCycle-unsupported-detail comprehensiveness-evaluation medium-rating-justification most-fields-well-supported-absence partial-reliable-data-presence inferred-content-flag-false direct-observation-basis no-generalization-employed strict-schema-adherence final-JSON-output-preparation review-for-compliance verification-against-rules confirmation-of-no-repetition confirmation-of-no-inference confirmation-of-no-fabrication confirmation-of-cautious-language confirmation-of-concrete-statements confirmation-of-field-focus confirmation-of-quality-assessment ready-for-output-generation
Agrilus politus politus
Agrilus politus politus is a subspecies of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae. It belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which contains nearly 4,000 described species and may represent the largest genus in the animal kingdom. Like most Agrilus species, A. politus politus develops as a larva in woody plants. The species has been documented in the central United States, with records from Oklahoma and Missouri.
Buprestidae Agrilus jewel-beetle metallic-woodboring-beetle Oklahoma Missouri wood-borer
Agrilus quadriguttatus niveiventris
Agrilus quadriguttatus niveiventris is a subspecies of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is a small, wood-boring beetle that has been documented as prey of the specialist wasp Cerceris fumipennis. The subspecies is known to occur in North America and has been collected in Missouri. Adults are among the smaller Agrilus species utilized by C. fumipennis, with nests often containing multiple individuals to ensure adequate larval food provisioning.
Buprestidae jewel-beetle Agrilus Cerceris-fumipennis prey biosurveillance wood-borer Missouri North-America
Anelaphus formerly-parallelus-maybe-undescribed
A putative undescribed species within the genus Anelaphus, closely related to or possibly distinct from Anelaphus parallelus. The informal designation suggests morphological similarity to A. parallelus but with characteristics that may warrant separate species status pending formal taxonomic description. Members of this genus are woodboring beetles commonly known as twig pruners.
Cerambycidae Cerambycinae Elaphidiini Anelaphus undescribed-species twig-pruner oak-associated Missouri cryptic-species woodboring-beetle taxonomy-pending
Anisostena kansana
Anisostena kansana is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, specifically within the tortoise beetle subfamily Cassidinae. Adults measure 4.1–5.3 mm and display distinctive metallic coloration: the head and elytra are greenish-blue, while the pronotum is reddish-orange with a greenish-blue anterior area. The species is known from a limited geographic range in the central United States, with records from Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Oklahoma. It has been documented feeding on Tripsacum dactyloides (eastern gamagrass).
leaf-beetle Cassidinae tortoise-beetle hispine prairie grassland Tripsacum metallic-coloration central-United-States Kansas Missouri Oklahoma Mississippi
Attalus frosti
Attalus frosti is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The species is known from very few specimens in Missouri, with records from Lichen Glade Natural Area in St. Clair County and a single specimen collected in a malaise trap in central Missouri. It is associated with post oak (Quercus stellata) in dry sandstone woodland habitats. The species appears to be rare and poorly known, with no records since the original collections.
Melyridae Malachiinae Missouri endemic rare post-oak sandstone-glade soft-winged-flower-beetle poorly-known
Beameria venosa
Aridland Cicada
Beameria venosa is one of the smallest cicada species in North America, with a body length of approximately 16 mm. It is a prairie obligate species distributed across the Great Plains from Nebraska and Colorado south to Texas and New Mexico, with additional records from Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, and Arizona. The species produces a high-frequency calling song that is audible to humans but appears to function as a predator avoidance mechanism by being inaudible to birds and lizards. It is listed as vulnerable in Missouri due to its dependence on restricted prairie habitats.
cicada prairie small-size acoustic-communication predator-avoidance Great-Plains habitat-specialist vulnerable-species Missouri loess-hills high-frequency-calling-song endangered-ecosystem-dependent
Bembix belfragei
A solitary sand wasp in the genus Bembix, characterized by ground-nesting behavior in loose, sandy substrates. Females excavate burrows to provision with paralyzed flies, exhibiting progressive parental care by delivering prey as larvae develop. Adults of both sexes visit flowers for nectar, particularly composites. The species is part of a diverse North American radiation of sand wasps with complex nesting behaviors.
solitary-wasp sand-wasp ground-nesting progressive-provisioning sand-prairie Crabronidae Bembicinae North-America Missouri digger-wasp
Boraria infesta
Boraria infesta is a species of flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, native to southeastern North America. It belongs to a group of polydesmidan millipedes that produce hydrogen cyanide as a chemical defense and display aposematic coloration warning predators of their toxicity. The species is part of a genus closely related to other cyanide-producing millipedes including Apheloria and Pleuroloma.
millipede Polydesmida Xystodesmidae chemical-defense hydrogen-cyanide aposematic-coloration cyanogenic flat-backed-millipede diplosegmentation paranota southeastern-United-States Missouri Myriapoda Diplopoda Arthropoda
Callirhytis quercusmodesta
Callirhytis quercusmodesta is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. The species induces galls on oaks (Quercus spp.) as part of its life cycle. Like other members of the genus Callirhytis, it exhibits heterogony, with alternating sexual and asexual generations that produce morphologically distinct galls. The species is known from the central United States.
gall-wasp cynipidae oak-gall heterogony missouri prairie midwest hymenoptera inquiline parasitoid-host
Calobatina
Calobatina is a genus of stilt-legged flies in the family Micropezidae, established by Enderlein in 1922. The genus contains at least two described species, including Calobatina geometra. These flies are characterized by their elongated, stilt-like legs and distinctive foreleg-waving behavior. The only species with documented natural history information, C. geometra, has been observed aggregating on standing dead white oak trunks in dry-mesic upland deciduous forest.
mimicry stilt-legged-fly Micropezidae Diptera Missouri
Causeyella
Causeyella is a genus of troglobitic (cave-dwelling) millipedes in the family Trichopetalidae, order Chordeumatida. The genus was established by Shear in 2003 and comprises three species: C. causeyae, C. dendropus, and C. youngsteadtorum. These millipedes are restricted to cave habitats in the southern Ozarks region of the United States.
troglobitic cave-dwelling endemic Ozarks millipede diplopod chordeumatid trichopetalid North-America Arkansas Missouri
Chaetocnema quadricollis
hibiscus flea beetle
Chaetocnema quadricollis is a minute flea beetle in the subfamily Galerucinae, tribe Alticini. Originally described from Florida in 1878, it occurs across North America and has been documented from numerous localities in Missouri. The species is strongly associated with Hibiscus species, particularly Hibiscus lasiocarpus (rose mallow), on which adults feed gregariously on foliage. It was previously recorded under the synonym C. decipiens in Missouri state records.
flea-beetle Chrysomelidae Alticini Hibiscus wetland rose-mallow herbivore North-America Missouri tiny-beetle
Chariessa texana
Chariessa texana is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, described by Wolcott in 1908. The species is known from North America, with records primarily from the southwestern and central United States including Missouri. As a member of Cleridae, it belongs to a family of predatory beetles commonly associated with wood-boring insects and their galleries.
checkered-beetle Cleridae predatory-beetle North-America Missouri xeric-prairie wood-associated-beetle
Chelinidea vittiger aequoris
cactus bug, cactus leaffooted bug
Chelinidea vittiger aequoris is a subspecies of cactus bug in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae. It is a specialist herbivore that feeds almost exclusively on prickly pear cacti (Opuntia spp.), with its range closely tied to the distribution of these host plants. The species is found across the United States and southward into northern Mexico, with the subspecies aequoris occurring in specific regions. In Missouri, it occurs on Opuntia humifusa in sand prairies and glades, and on O. cespitosa in igneous glade habitats.
Coreidae leaf-footed-bug cactus-specialist Opuntia prickly-pear Missouri sand-prairie glade herbivore
Conquistator mucronatus
Conquistator mucronatus is a longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, tribe Clytini, historically classified under the genus Neoclytus. The species is characterized by its association with dead and dying hardwood trees, particularly hackberry (Celtis spp.), and is frequently attracted to fermenting baits. It has been documented across the central and eastern United States, with records from Missouri, Oklahoma, and other states. The species exhibits morphological variation, with some populations formerly recognized as a distinct form "vogti."
Cerambycidae Clytini saproxylic fermenting-bait hackberry wood-borer Missouri Oklahoma longhorn-beetle
Cuterebra buccata
rabbit bot fly
Cuterebra buccata is a New World bot fly in the family Oestridae, commonly known as the rabbit bot fly. Adults are large, bumble bee-sized flies that lack functional mouthparts and do not feed. The species is host-specific to lagomorphs, particularly cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus). Larvae develop subcutaneously in warbles, feeding on host fluids rather than tissue. Adults are rarely encountered in the field and have short lifespans focused on reproduction.
bot-fly myiasis parasite lagomorph rabbit Oestridae Cuterebrinae bumble-bee-mimicry warble subcutaneous-parasite host-specific non-feeding-adult puparium Cuterebra Sylvilagus cottontail-rabbit New-World North-America Virginia Missouri Vermont spring-emergence late-summer-prevalence rarely-encountered short-lived-adult evolutionary-coevolution benign-parasitism soil-pupation larval-migration subcutaneous-development Diptera Insecta entomology medical-entomology veterinary-entomology wildlife-disease parasitology host-parasite-interaction cuterebrid rabbit-parasite lagomorph-parasite bot warble-fly gadfly Oestrus-buccata Fabricius-1775 Cuterebra-buccata-(Fabricius,-1775)
Dicaelus alternans
Dicaelus alternans is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, genus Dicaelus. Members of this genus are commonly known as notched-mouthed ground beetles. The genus Dicaelus is characterized by distinctive mandibular notches. Like other ground beetles, D. alternans is likely a predatory species, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species has been observed in xeric rhyolite prairie habitats.
ground-beetle Carabidae Dicaelus notched-mouthed-ground-beetle predatory-beetle xeric-prairie glade-habitat Missouri Iron-County rhyolite-prairie
Eburia
Eburia is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, tribe Eburiini) established by Lacordaire in 1830. Species within this genus are attracted to ethanol and wine-based baits, with E. quadrigeminata being frequently documented in bait trap studies across Missouri and surrounding regions. The genus occurs in both eastern and western North America, with some evidence suggesting regional species replacement patterns.
Cerambycidae Cerambycinae Eburiini longhorn-beetles bait-trap-attracted nocturnal ethanol-attracted wine-attracted North-America Missouri Oklahoma xeric-habitats prairie woodland glade-habitats
Hyperplatys californica
Hyperplatys californica is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Casey in 1891. It is a member of the tribe Acanthocinini and has been reared from dead branches of red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) in southeastern Missouri, representing a documented larval host record. The species is part of the diverse North American cerambycid fauna associated with woody plant hosts.
Cerambycidae Lamiinae Acanthocinini wood-boring-beetle larval-host-record Aesculus-pavia Missouri Ozark-Highlands
Hyperplatys maculata
Hyperplatys maculata is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Haldeman in 1847. It is a wood-boring cerambycid with documented associations to dead branches of red buckeye (Aesculus pavia). The species has been reared from cut wood in Missouri, representing a documented larval host record.
Cerambycidae Lamiinae wood-borer dead-wood hardwood-associate Aesculus-pavia Missouri Ozarks
Lepturges angulatus
Lepturges angulatus is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae. It was described by LeConte in 1852, with a basionym of Leiopus angulatus. The species has been reared from dead branches of red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) in Missouri, representing a documented larval host association.
Cerambycidae Lamiinae Acanthocinini wood-boring hardwood-associate North-America Missouri red-buckeye-associate
Megarhyssa macrurus icterosticta
Megarhyssa macrurus icterosticta is a subspecies of giant ichneumon wasp, among the largest ichneumonids in North America. Males of this subspecies are smaller than those of the sympatric species M. atrata, with more brown than black body coloration and wings that are clear with a well-developed spot on the costal margin. Females possess extremely long ovipositors used to parasitize woodboring larvae of Tremex columba (pigeon horntail) in decaying hardwoods, particularly at shallower depths than those reached by larger congeners.
parasitoid ichneumonidae woodboring resource-partitioning sexual-dimorphism Missouri
Molorchus bimaculatus bimaculatus
ant-mimic longhorned beetle
Molorchus bimaculatus bimaculatus is a small longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, notable for its striking resemblance to ants—a clear example of Batesian mimicry. Adults measure less than 10 mm and are commonly encountered in early spring on flowering trees, particularly flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). The species belongs to a genus well-known among ant-mimicking cerambycids, though it can be distinguished from similar genera by specific morphological features. Its distribution includes parts of North America, with records from the eastern United States and Canada.
ant-mimicry Batesian-mimicry Cerambycidae longhorned-beetle spring flowering-dogwood ant-mimic-cerambycid Missouri Ozarks
Mydas tibialis
Golden-legged Mydas Fly, golden legged mydas fly
Mydas tibialis, commonly known as the golden-legged mydas fly, is a large, striking mydas fly in the family Mydidae. The species is notable for its impressive size and distinctive golden-orange coloration on the legs, from which its common name derives. It occurs in North America, where adults have been observed visiting flowers, particularly those of Eryngium yuccifolium (rattlesnake master). The family Mydidae contains some of the largest flies in North America, and M. tibialis exemplifies this characteristic with its robust build.
mydas-fly Mydidae flower-visitor North-America golden-legs Eryngium-yuccifolium rattlesnake-master dry-post-oak-woodland Missouri large-fly Diptera
Neivamyrmex opacithorax
army ant
Neivamyrmex opacithorax is a species of army ant in the family Formicidae. It is one of two army ant species documented in Missouri, where it has been observed in dolomite glades. The species is strictly nocturnal during summer months but has been observed on the surface during cool, overcast fall days. Like other legionary ants, it exhibits nomadic behavior and raids nests of other ant species.
army-ant legionary-ant nomadic predatory nocturnal subterranean Missouri glade-habitat
Onthophagus cavernicollis
Cave-dwelling Dung Beetle
Onthophagus cavernicollis is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Howden and Cartwright in 1963. The species epithet "cavernicollis" suggests a possible association with cave or subterranean habitats, though specific ecological details remain limited. Like other members of the genus Onthophagus, it is presumed to be a dung-feeding beetle involved in nutrient recycling. The species has been documented in the south-central United States.
Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Scarabaeinae Onthophagini dung-beetle Nearctic United-States Arkansas Missouri Oklahoma Texas 1963-description Howden Cartwright
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.
robber-fly prairie grassland mimicry conservation range-extension new-state-record Missouri Loess-Hills Great-Plains wasp-mimic Asilidae Diptera predatory-fly endangered-habitat hypsithermal-relict
Phidippus cardinalis
cardinal jumper
Phidippus cardinalis is a jumping spider in the family Salticidae, commonly known as the cardinal jumper. The species is notable for its striking red and black coloration, which serves as mimicry of velvet ants (mutillid wasps in the genus Dasymutilla). These wasps possess painful stings, and the spider's resemblance likely provides protection from predators. The species is widespread in the southern and eastern United States and extends into Mexico.
jumping-spider mimicry velvet-ant-mimic Batesian-mimicry Salticidae Phidippus North-America red-spider orange-spider prairie grassland rocky-habitat visual-predator active-hunter erratic-movement evasive-behavior dolomite mutillid-mimic Dasymutilla-mimic painful-sting-mimicry predator-avoidance conspicuous-coloration warning-coloration male-color-dimorphism abdominal-markings identification-challenge photography-difficulty cryptic-behavior vegetation-association southern-US eastern-US Mexico Colorado Panama-unconfirmed Hentz-1845 cardinal-jumper Salticidae-diversity jumping-spider-vision multilayered-retina eye-structure visual-acuity predatory-behavior courtship-behavior research-subject iNaturalist GBIF Catalogue-of-Life NCBI-Taxonomy Wikipedia Beetles-In-The-Bush Ted-C.-MacRae Herschel-Raney G.-B.-Edwards-2004 D.-B.-Richman-1978 S.-H.-Roach-1988 arachnology entomology macro-photography uncooperative-subject field-identification species-complex taxonomic-revision eye-placement 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Phyllobrotica lengi
Phyllobrotica lengi is an exceptionally rare leaf beetle endemic to eastern North America. First described by Blatchley in 1910, this species remained virtually unknown in Missouri until a small series was collected in 1988 on Scutellaria parvula. It is one of the rarest beetles in Missouri, with only four historical specimens known prior to the 1988 collection. Like other Phyllobrotica species, it is an extreme host specialist, feeding exclusively on skullcap plants (Scutellaria).
rare endemic host-specialist prairie leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae Scutellaria Missouri
Phyllobrotica nigritarsis
Phyllobrotica nigritarsis is a rare leaf beetle (Chrysomelidae) endemic to the central United States. The species was historically known from only four specimens collected in Missouri during the late 1800s until a small series was collected in 1987. It is an extreme host specialist, feeding exclusively on Scutellaria parvula (small skullcap), a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Like other Phyllobrotica species, it inhabits wet bottomland habitats rather than dry prairies.
leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae rare endemic host-specialist Scutellaria mint-family Missouri wetland bottomland
Polistes dominula
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominula is a highly successful invasive social wasp native to Eurasia that has established populations across North America, South America, New Zealand, South Africa, and other regions. First detected in North America near Boston in 1978, it has become one of the most abundant wasps on the continent. The species builds small, exposed paper nests in protected locations and preys primarily on live insects, particularly caterpillars. Unlike yellowjackets, it does not scavenge for meat or sugar. Its rapid spread has been attributed to ecological flexibility, superior competitive ability, and tolerance of human-altered environments.
invasive-species social-wasp paper-wasp predator pollinator urban-ecology eusocial nest-construction biological-control thermal-biology spatial-learning vibrational-communication aposematism honest-signal overwintering diapause Polistes Vespidae Hymenoptera North-America Europe New-Zealand South-Africa South-America monarch-butterfly caterpillar-predation nest-architecture gyne foundress dominance-hierarchy climate-change-impact energetics metabolic-rate microclimate suburban-habitat anthropogenic ornamental-pest vineyard-pest fruit-damage stinging-insect venom poison-gland warning-coloration Zahavian-signal Strepsiptera parasitoid Xenos behavioral-plasticity foraging learning memory thermoregulation ectothermy endothermy solar-radiation nest-temperature brood-development colony-survival multiple-founding single-founding season-length latitude temperate Mediterranean hibernacle overwintering-costs climate-warming range-expansion competition native-species-displacement biodiversity-impact conservation management control integrated-pest-management IPM identification antennae-color facial-markings caste reproduction male female sexual-dimorphism antennae abdomen wing mandible saliva paper comb cell pedicel trophallaxis larva pupa adult worker queen subordinate dominant aggression defense threat-display sting toxicity brightness coloration predator-avoidance prey caterpillar Lepidoptera butterfly moth garden agriculture vineyard orchard urban suburban rural forest habitat-preference temperature metabolism quiescence torpor survival fitness colony nest population abundance distribution range expansion invasion establishment introduction biotic-interaction trophic-cascade herbivory-suppression plant-fitness milkweed Danaus-plexippus monarch Nelson Tasman ecosystem-impact conservation-management biological-invasion ecology behavior physiology morphology taxonomy systematics nomenclature gender-agreement Latin Christ 1791 Vespa-dominula basionym catalogue-of-life GBIF iNaturalist observation citizen-science photography illustration field-guide orange black yellow red color-pattern size wing-length body compact legs short face square triangular dark curled straight elbowed blunt pointed tip Zahavian costly-signal hunt forage nectar honeydew aphid scale-insect flower grape umbellifer fennel lovage insect meatball feed emerge chew cap hexagonal wood-fiber bark exposed open umbrella stalk ant repellent substance coat protect location eave attic tree branch vine shrub cavity bird-box bee-hive shed grave-lantern overwinter shelter protected thermal climate cold winter spring summer autumn fall season month day activity defend threat display raise tiptoe social dominance hierarchy reproductive egg lay found cooperate compete selfish passive-aggressive individual recognition facial-marking cognition mushroom-body brain intelligent artist architect navigation plasticity spatial relocating food resource dish bait training experience vibration communication signal substrate-borne abdominal wagging oscillation secretion modulation perceive react movement attention feeding inspection body-temperature ambient solar radiation metabolic cost energetic expenditure efficiency warming change impact increase invasive spread success competitive ability flexibility adaptation reaction response condition year variation productivity founding single multiple rate benefit cooperation predation parasitism vesparum stylopid stylopization parasite host infestation mite Acari wasp fly effect community decline Danaus plexippus mortality instar early late larger smaller vulnerable resistant discovery chance contact direct recruitment nestmate site cascading trophic cascade herbivory suppression plant growth production Asclepias net exclusion experiment outcome suggestion strong detrimental ecosystem strategy method development protection biodiversity region first 2016 recent established exotic congener chinensis longer comparison higher lower greatest area built structure native unsuccessful translocate unable thrive warmer origin contributor factor research thesis insight behaviour knowledge direction aid effective journal publication DOI 10.26686 wgtn 14538585 v1 University Wellington Victoria MSc student dissertation study investigation analysis data field resident report local indirect interaction level function service provision natural pest biocontrol ornamental decorative crop damage fruit cherry western Colorado at least ripening choice preference height ground strata microsite environment closed habitat dense vegetation surrounding bush Patagonia Argentina Chile NW detected 2003 sympatric coexistence overlap minimal facilitation behavioral process interspecific semi-urban poorly studied species Hypodynerus labiatus new light finding contribution understanding collecting anthropized highlight importance consideration Ethology 10.1111 eth 13505 abstract only limited detail full text required 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ReplyDelete RepliesReplyOut prairieSeptember 8:02 keeping cabbage worm seen RepliesReplyAnonymousSeptember 13 2:06 PM becoming here Upper Peninsula Michigan pendulum seems swung ago everywhere vanishingly rare haven't again house right RepliesReplyL.R ShimerSeptember 4:35 head gal work everybody else kinda egalitarian RepliesReplyLarryMay 9:34 directed Bev Wigney BTW lived NE Missouri detailed presented Thanks cogent scientifically accurate summary insect's life-cycle RepliesBug EricMay 3:47 kind compliments Delete RepliesReplyReplyAdd commentLoad Blog currently reply reader himself Working resolve Newer Older Subscribe Atom Demonized hosting 4 p.m.Saturday Jan 20 Room 1124 Academic Surge 455 Crocker Lane campus Attendees chat check 50,000 vespid eight-million free friendly Parking estimate 2000 described inhabit 500 undescribed headline-grabbing giant Vespa mandarinia formerly Asian news media dubbed murder hornet confuse identify sheet example hidden rodent burrow wall huge 100,00 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Proserpinus gaurae
proud sphinx moth, Proud Sphinx
Proserpinus gaurae is a medium-sized sphinx moth with distinctive orange and chestnut coloration. Adults are active primarily from April through August, with one or two generations per year. The species is notable for having the longest labial palps of any Proserpinus species. Larvae feed on evening primrose relatives and pupate in shallow soil burrows to overwinter.
Sphingidae Macroglossinae Macroglossini Proserpinus proud-sphinx-moth Proud-Sphinx North-America United-States Mexico evening-primrose Onagraceae Oenothera Gaura Epilobium nocturnal spring summer April May June July August 1797 Smith Sphinx-gaurae medium-sized orange chestnut reddish white black labial-palps sinuate forewing hindwing shallow-burrow overwinter pupa larva herbivore lepidopterist rear collect prairie meadow disturbed open-habitat Texas Louisiana Florida Alabama Missouri Georgia South-Carolina northern-Mexico
Purpuricenus paraxillaris
White Oak Branch Girdler
Purpuricenus paraxillaris is a large, showy longhorned beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Ted C. MacRae in 2000 from specimens collected in Missouri. It was the first new species discovered by the author using fermenting bait traps. The species closely resembles P. axillaris but is larger and more robust, with reddish rather than pale orange elytral markings, more developed pronotal tubercles with polished apical lines, and distinctly dentate elytral apices. It is attracted to fermenting baits and has been documented across the eastern United States.
Cerambycidae longhorned-beetle new-species fermenting-bait-trap oak-specialist Ted-MacRae 2000 Missouri eastern-North-America wood-boring-beetle Trachyderini
Pyrgota undata
waved light fly
Pyrgota undata, commonly known as the waved light fly, is a species of fly in the family Pyrgotidae. It is a wasp-mimicking species that has been observed in mating pairs engaging in distinctive 'French kissing' behavior. The species has been documented in Missouri glade habitats and at bioblitz events in prairie ecosystems.
Pyrgotidae Diptera wasp-mimic mating-behavior Missouri glade-habitat prairie bioblitz behavioral-observation
Rhamphomyia nasoni
dance fly
Rhamphomyia nasoni is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, first described by Coquillett in 1895. The species has been documented in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area during spring citizen science events. Like other dance flies, it is likely associated with aerial mating swarms and nuptial gift-giving behaviors characteristic of the genus, though specific behavioral details for this species remain poorly documented.
Empididae dance-fly Kansas Missouri citizen-science spring-active
Taphrocerus gracilis
Taphrocerus gracilis is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species has been studied in Missouri for its host plant associations and life history. Its biology is closely tied to specific plant hosts, with documented relationships to certain monocot species.
Buprestidae jewel-beetle wood-boring-beetle North-America Missouri riparian wetland
Taxodiomyia cupressi
Cypress Twig Gall Midge, Cypress Flower Gall Midge
Taxodiomyia cupressi is a gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that induces distinctive twig galls on cypress trees (Taxodium spp.). The species forms spongy, globular galls on new growth that are initially snow-white and turn brown with age. It has been documented in central Illinois and Missouri, with observations on cultivated bald cypress outside its native range. The midge undergoes complete metamorphosis with multiple generations per year, overwintering as larvae within fallen galls.
gall-midge Cecidomyiidae Taxodium bald-cypress gall-former pest Diptera insect phytophagous complete-metamorphosis multiple-generations overwintering-larvae ornamental-pest riparian wetland Missouri Illinois central-USA twig-gall spongy-gall white-gall brown-gall exit-hole synchronized-emergence host-specific Taxodiomyia-cupressiananassa synonym Schweinitz-1822 Osten-Sacken-1878
Trachysida
Trachysida is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lepturinae, tribe Lepturini. The genus contains at least two described species: Trachysida aspera (LeConte, 1873) and Trachysida mutabilis (Newman, 1841). Records indicate association with dead wood of hardwood trees, particularly Carpinus caroliniana (blue beech, musclewood).
Cerambycidae Lepturinae Lepturini Coleoptera wood-boring-beetles Carpinus-caroliniana Missouri Vermont North-America
Typocerus deceptus
deceptive flower longhorn
Typocerus deceptus is a rare species of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lepturinae. Adults are diurnal and have been observed feeding on flowers of wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens). The species is named for its close resemblance to the common and widespread T. velutinus, with which it frequently co-occurs on shared flower hosts. First described by Knull in 1929, it remains poorly known biologically, with larval hosts and immature stages completely undocumented.
Cerambycidae Lepturinae flower-longhorn rare-species cryptic-species mesic-forest Hydrangea North-America Missouri Illinois Ted-MacRae Tom-McDowell Trail-of-Tears-State-Park