Montane
Guides
Acmaeodera resplendens
Resplendent Buprestid
Acmaeodera resplendens is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Van Dyke in 1937. The species is distinguished by its brilliant metallic green to copper coloration. It has been collected from flowers of several composite species in montane habitats of southern Arizona, particularly from Heliomeris longifolia and Bahia dissecta. The specific epithet 'resplendens' refers to its striking, resplendent appearance.
Acmaeodera vandykei
Acmaeodera vandykei is a jewel beetle species in the family Buprestidae, described by Fall in 1899. It belongs to the large genus Acmaeodera, which contains approximately 150 species in North America. The species is known to be associated with Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany) in western North America, where adults have been reared from dead branches. Like other members of its genus, adults likely feed on pollen from flowers.
Acmaeodera variegata
Acmaeodera variegata is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to North America. The species was described by LeConte in 1852. It has been collected from flowers of Fallugia paradoxa (Apache plum) and Verbesina encelioides (cowpen daisy) in Arizona, and is associated with Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany) as a larval host. The species is part of the diverse Acmaeodera fauna of western North America.
Agathymus neumoegeni
orange giant-skipper, Neumogen's giant-skipper, Neumogen's agave borer, Neumogen's moth-skipper, tawny giant-skipper
Agathymus neumoegeni, the orange giant-skipper, is a large skipper butterfly of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults are univoltine, flying in September and October, and are strongly associated with agave plants. The species is notable for its distinctive orange and black wing patterning and its unique life history involving caterpillars that bore into agave leaves. Males exhibit mud-puddling behavior while females are non-feeding.
Agoliinus corruptor
Agoliinus corruptor is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Aphodiinae, described by Brown in 1929. It is known from a limited number of observations and collection records across northwestern North America. The species appears to be associated with temperate to boreal regions in western Canada and the northern United States.
Agoliinus incommunis
Agoliinus incommunis is a species of small scarab beetle in the subfamily Aphodiinae, originally described by Fall in 1932. The species is documented from mountainous regions of western North America, with records spanning from British Columbia south to New Mexico. As a member of the Aphodiini tribe, it belongs to a group commonly known as small dung beetles, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species name "incommunis" (Latin for "uncommon" or "not shared") may allude to its rarity or restricted distribution.
Agonopterix canadensis
Canadian agonopterix, Canadian Agonopterix Moth
Agonopterix canadensis is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, with forewings measuring 8.5–10.5 mm. The species occurs across a broad North American range from the northeastern United States and southern Canada westward through the Rocky Mountains to Colorado, California, and Nevada. Larvae feed on Senecio species, including Senecio serra.
Agrenia
Agrenia is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Isotomidae) distributed across arctic, boreal, and mountainous regions of the northern hemisphere. The genus was formerly monotypic but now contains multiple species divided into two groups: the bidenticulata-group (with mucronal seta) and the agilis-group (without mucronal seta). Species exhibit morphological variation in claw structure related to latitude, with some populations showing sexual polymorphism and cyclomorphosis.
Agrenia bidenticulata
Agrenia bidenticulata is the type species of the genus Agrenia, a springtail in the family Isotomidae. It belongs to the bidenticulata species group, characterized by the presence of a mucronal seta. Populations show considerable morphological variation across their range, with Buryatian mountain forms differing from typical arctic populations in claw length. The species exhibits sexual polymorphism (epitoky) and cyclomorphosis.
Agrilaxia arizonae
Agrilaxia arizonae is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle (family Buprestidae) native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Agrilaxia flavimana, though this status remains ambiguous in some taxonomic sources. It is associated with oak habitats in montane regions of Arizona and has been collected by sweeping foliage of Quercus arizonica (Arizona white oak) and other oak species.
Agrilus abditus
Agrilus abditus is a North American jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) described by George Henry Horn in 1891. The species belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which contains thousands of species worldwide. Based on field observations, adults have been collected by sweeping foliage of Quercus arizonica (Arizona white oak) in southeastern Arizona. The species appears to be associated with oak habitats in montane regions of the southwestern United States.
Agrilus chiricahuae
Agrilus chiricahuae is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Fisher in 1928. The species is named after the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, where it occurs. It belongs to the large genus Agrilus, which contains hundreds of species that are often challenging to distinguish from one another. The species has been documented in pine slash habitats in the Chiricahua Mountains.
Alexeter
Alexeter is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Ctenopelmatinae, tribe Mesoleiini. First described by Förster in 1869, the genus has a primarily Holarctic distribution with highest diversity in temperate regions, though species also occur in mountainous areas of the Oriental and Neotropical regions. Species are koinobiont endoparasitoids of sawfly larvae (Tenthredinoidea).
Ameletus
Upland Summer Mayfly (A. inopinatus)
Ameletus is a genus of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) and the type genus of the family Ameletidae, circumscribed by Rev. A. E. Eaton in 1885. The genus is speciose, with approximately 30 bisexual species recognized in North America and additional species in Europe and Asia. Ameletus species occur in cold-water streams from small headwater brooks to larger rivers, with greatest diversity in mountainous regions of western North America. The genus includes A. inopinatus, the only predominantly montane mayfly species in the UK and a noted climate change indicator species.
Ameletus velox
Ameletus velox is a North American mayfly species described by Dodds in 1923. It belongs to the family Ameletidae, a group of predatory mayflies known for their distinctive larval morphology and behavior. The species is part of the Nearctic fauna with documented presence in North America. As with other Ameletus species, it likely inhabits cool freshwater streams, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in available literature.
Ammosphex
Ammosphex is a subgenus of spider wasps in the genus Arachnospila, family Pompilidae. It was established by Wilcke in 1942 and comprises species distributed across East Siberia and the Russian Far East. Recent taxonomic work has described five new species from Tuva, Khakassia, and the Republic of Altai, and expanded known distributions for eight additional species. The group is characterized by morphological features distinguishable in males, for which a revised identification key covering 24 species exists.
Amphichroum
Amphichroum is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Omaliinae and tribe Anthophagini, established by Kraatz in 1857. The genus comprises approximately 32 described species distributed across montane regions of Asia, with significant diversity in the Himalayan region, Tibet, and southwestern China. Recent taxonomic revisions have added numerous species from China, particularly from Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. Species are primarily known from high-elevation mountain localities.
Amphizoa
troutstream beetles
Amphizoa is a monogeneric genus of aquatic beetles, the sole representative of the family Amphizoidae. These beetles are commonly called troutstream beetles due to their association with cold, flowing mountain waters. The genus contains five known species, with three distributed in western North America and two in the eastern Palearctic region (China and North Korea). Adults and larvae are predatory, feeding primarily on stonefly larvae. When disturbed, adults release a yellowish, cantaloupe-scented fluid from the anus as a chemical defense.
Amphizoa lecontei
Trout-stream beetle
Amphizoa lecontei is an aquatic beetle species in the family Amphizoidae, commonly known as the trout-stream beetle. Adults measure 11.5–16 mm in body length and possess a diagnostic carina on the fifth interval of the elytron. The species is restricted to western North America, with concentrations in the Rocky Mountains. It is one of few beetles in its family and represents a distinctive lineage of stream-dwelling coleopterans.
Anaplectoides brunneomedia
Brown-lined Dart
Anaplectoides brunneomedia, commonly known as the brown-lined dart, is a noctuid moth restricted to a few localities in the Appalachian Mountains. The species was described by McDunnough in 1946 and remains poorly known due to its limited distribution and rarity. Adults are active during summer months. The specific epithet 'brunneomedia' refers to the brown median line on the forewing.
Ancognatha
Ancognatha is a genus of rhinoceros beetles (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Cyclocephalini) comprising 22 described species. It represents the fourth most species-rich genus of Neotropical cyclocephaline scarabs. Species in this genus are distinguished from related taxa by their predominance in montane habitats at high elevations, in contrast to the lowland preferences of most other cyclocephalines.
Anepsius montanus
Mountain Darkling Beetle
Anepsius montanus is a darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) described by Casey in 1891. The species is known from Alberta, Canada, with very few documented observations. As a member of the genus Anepsius, it belongs to a group of tenebrionid beetles typically associated with dry, often montane habitats. The common name "Mountain Darkling Beetle" reflects its alpine or subalpine distribution pattern.
Anillinus langdoni
Anillinus langdoni is a small ground beetle in the tribe Bembidiini, described in 2004. It belongs to the A. langdoni species group, which includes four species with three endemic to the Great Smoky Mountains region. The species is distinguished from congeners primarily by male genitalia morphology and female spermathecal shape. Phylogeographic studies suggest its distribution reflects historical altitudinal shifts of habitat corridors and watershed-mediated isolation.
Anopina arizonana
Anopina arizonana is a small tortricid moth first described by Lord Walsingham in 1884. It has a wingspan of approximately 16 mm. The species is native to western North America, with a range extending from southern interior British Columbia and Alberta south to Arizona.
Anthaxia caseyi caseyi
Anthaxia caseyi caseyi is a subspecies of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae. Based on field observations, adults have been collected from flowers of Purshia stansburyana (Stansbury's cliffrose) in the southwestern United States. The nominate subspecies occurs in the western Nearctic region. Taxonomic study of populations in Utah and Arizona suggests potential subspecific variation that may not align with currently recognized subspecies boundaries.
Anthocharis julia julia
Southern Rocky Mountain orangetip
Anthocharis julia julia is a subspecies of orangetip butterfly in the family Pieridae, found in the southern Rocky Mountain region. Adults are active in early spring and are distinguished by orange wing tips in males and more subdued coloration in females. The subspecies represents the nominate form of A. julia, described by Edwards in 1872.
Anthocharis thoosa inghami
Ingham's Orangetip
Anthocharis thoosa inghami is a subspecies of orangetip butterfly in the family Pieridae. It is one of several recognized subspecies of Anthocharis thoosa, a species complex distributed across western North America. Like other orangetips, adults are active in early spring and are associated with specific larval host plants in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). The subspecies epithet 'inghami' honors a collector or researcher, following standard entomological naming conventions.
Apamea acera
Apamea acera is a noctuid moth native to western North America. The species was described by Smith in 1900 and was originally placed in the genus Polia. Its documented range extends from British Columbia through California and eastward to Utah. The wingspan measures approximately 46 mm.
Apantesis allectans
Apantesis allectans is a small tiger moth in the family Erebidae, originally described as Grammia allectans by Douglas C. Ferguson in 1985. The species was later transferred to Apantesis as part of a broader reclassification of tiger moth genera. It has a restricted distribution in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, where it inhabits montane pine forests at moderate elevations.
Apantesis behrii
Apantesis behrii is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Stretch in 1872. The species occurs in the western United States from Oregon south through California, with highest abundance in the Siskiyou and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. It inhabits dry, rocky mountain environments and has a narrow adult flight period from early August to late September. Larvae feed on specific host plants including Lotus humistratus and Amsinckia species. The species was transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis based on phylogenetic revision.
Apantesis bolanderi
Apantesis bolanderi is a small tiger moth in the family Erebidae, originally described from Mount Shasta, California in 1872. It was formerly classified in the genus Grammia but was transferred to Apantesis along with related genera. The species is known from a single locality and remains poorly documented, with no confirmed observations in major biodiversity databases.
Apantesis elongata
Columbia Tiger Moth
Apantesis elongata is a tiger moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Stretch in 1885. It was transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis in a taxonomic revision that consolidated several related genera. The species occupies montane meadows in western North America and has been documented feeding on Claytonia lanceolata as a larva.
Apteroloma
Apteroloma is a genus of primitive carrion beetles in the family Agyrtidae, comprising approximately 14 described species. The genus is distinguished by its wingless or reduced-wing condition, as indicated by its name (from Greek 'apteros' meaning wingless). Species occur primarily in montane and alpine regions of central Asia and the Himalayas. Taxonomic revisions have clarified species boundaries, with recent work synonymizing A. jankovskii under A. anglorossicum and A. heinzi under A. harmandi.
Archips alberta
Alberta leafroller
Archips alberta is a species of tortricid moth commonly known as the Alberta leafroller. It occurs across boreal Canada and south through mountainous regions to Utah. The species inhabits coniferous forests, where larvae are presumed to feed on conifer foliage, though specific host records are not well documented. Adults are active during the growing season in northern forest ecosystems.
Archytas metallicus
Archytas metallicus is a species of tachinid fly (family Tachinidae) distributed across North America. As a member of the Tachininae subfamily, it belongs to a group of parasitoid flies whose larvae develop inside other insects. The species has been documented visiting flowers of Ericameria nauseosa (rubber rabbitbrush), where it occurs alongside other pollinators and flower-visiting insects. It is one of numerous Archytas species in the Nearctic region, many of which remain poorly studied in terms of their specific host relationships and ecological details.
Arctobyrrhus subcanus
Arctic Grey Pill Beetle
Arctobyrrhus subcanus is a species of pill beetle in the family Byrrhidae, commonly known as the Arctic Grey Pill Beetle. It is native to North America with documented records from western Canada including Alberta and British Columbia. Pill beetles in this family are characterized by their ability to conglobate—roll into a tight ball when disturbed. The genus Arctobyrrhus is associated with northern and montane habitats.
Arhopalus rusticus montanus
Arhopalus rusticus montanus is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, distributed across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. The species is associated with coniferous forests and develops under the bark of dead or dying conifers. Adults are active during cooler periods, with some populations exhibiting winter activity patterns. This subspecies is part of a complex with Holarctic distribution, showing variation in host preferences across its range.
Atoposmia
Atoposmia is a genus of bees in the family Megachilidae, tribe Osmiini. The genus was established by Cockerell in 1935 and is part of the diverse megachilid bee fauna. These bees are solitary and nest in pre-existing cavities, with females constructing brood cells using collected materials.
Atrecus macrocephalus
Atrecus macrocephalus is a rove beetle in the tribe Othiini, characterized by its relatively large head compared to body proportions. The species occurs across northern North America and has been recorded in both Canada and the western and northeastern United States. As a member of Staphylinidae, it belongs to one of the most diverse beetle families, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Autographa pseudogamma
Delicate Silver Y
A medium-sized North American noctuid moth in the Plusiinae subfamily, characterized by its distinctive wing pattern. Adults are active in mid-summer with a single generation per year. The species occupies a broad geographic range across northern and western North America.
Autographa v-alba
White Y Mark, White Y Mark Moth
Autographa v-alba is a North American noctuid moth first described by Rodrigues Ottolengui in 1902. It belongs to the subfamily Plusiinae, commonly known as loopers or semiloopers. The species is restricted to montane and foothill regions of western North America, with adults active in mid-summer. It is distinguished by a characteristic white Y-shaped mark on the forewing, referenced in both its scientific and common names.
Boloria astarte
Astarte Fritillary
Boloria astarte, commonly known as the Astarte fritillary, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It has a broad distribution across northwestern North America and northeastern Siberia. The species exhibits a wingspan of 42–51 mm and is active from mid-June to mid-August. Its larvae feed exclusively on spotted saxifrage (Saxifraga bronchialis).
Bombus bifarius
Two-form bumblebee
Bombus bifarius is a eusocial bumble bee of the subgenus Pyrobombus, first described by Cresson in 1879. Recent genetic research (2020) has clarified its taxonomy: what was historically considered a single species with two color morphs (red-tailed 'bifarius' and black-tailed 'nearcticus') has been split into two cryptic species. True B. bifarius is now restricted to the red-tailed form found in the southern Rocky Mountains, while the black-tailed and variable forms belong to the sister species Bombus vancouverensis. The species is small-bodied and has been identified as one of only two bumble bee species known to use pheromones in kin recognition.
Bombus mixtus
Fuzzy-Horned Bumble Bee, Tricoloured Bumblebee, Orange-Belted Bumblebee, Mixed Bumblebee
Bombus mixtus is a bumble bee species native to western North America, with a disjunct population in the Great Lakes region. It occupies diverse habitats including mountain meadows, taiga, tundra, chaparral, and open grassy areas. The species has been documented feeding on multiple flowering plant genera and nests both underground and on the surface. It is one of several Bombus species surveyed during 2016 conservation efforts for rare bumble bees in the Mt. Ashland area of Oregon.
Bombus vancouverensis
Vancouver Bumble Bee, Vancouver Island Bumblebee
Bombus vancouverensis is a eusocial bumblebee of subgenus Pyrobombus, widespread across mountainous regions of western North America. The species was long treated as synonymous with Bombus bifarius, with most historical literature on bifarius actually referring to vancouverensis. Genetic studies completed in 2020 confirmed their distinct status, with true B. bifarius being exclusively red-tailed and geographically restricted, while B. vancouverensis is polymorphic and broadly distributed. It is one of only two bumblebee species known to use pheromones for kin recognition.
Bombus vancouverensis nearcticus
Nearctic Bumble Bee
Bombus vancouverensis nearcticus is a subspecies of bumble bee native to western North America. It belongs to a species complex that has undergone taxonomic revision, with some authorities previously treating it as a distinct species (Bombus nearcticus) or synonymizing it with related taxa. The subspecies occurs in montane and coastal regions where it participates in pollination networks. Like other bumble bees in the subgenus Pyrobombus, it exhibits social colony structure with a single queen founding nests in spring.
Booneacris alticola
Marys Peak Wingless Grasshopper
Booneacris alticola, commonly known as the Marys Peak Wingless Grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper described in 1962. The specific epithet 'alticola' refers to its high-elevation habitat. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a diverse group of North American grasshoppers. The species is characterized by its wingless condition, an adaptation common in montane grasshopper species.
Boreus californicus
California Snow Scorpionfly
Boreus californicus is a flightless species of snow scorpionfly endemic to western North America. It is active on snow surfaces across a broad elevation gradient from valley grasslands to alpine areas above tree line. The species exhibits a distinctive life history tied to snow cover, with mating occurring directly on snow surfaces. Surface activity has been documented at temperatures ranging from −5.0°C to 5.5°C, with pairs in copula observed between −0.5°C and 5.5°C.
Bothropolys
Bothropolys is a genus of lithobiid centipedes established by Wood in 1862. The genus comprises approximately 30 valid species distributed across North America and East Asia, with notable diversity in China. Species are primarily associated with temperate forest habitats, ranging from low elevations to montane environments above 2000 meters. Members of this genus are characterized by specific morphological traits including particular arrangements of ocelli, coxosternal teeth, and tergite projections.
Brachylomia populi
Brachylomia populi is a noctuid moth species first described by Strecker in 1898. It inhabits the inland mountain regions of western North America, with larvae that feed specifically on cottonwood, aspen (Populus), and oak (Quercus) leaves. The species has a wingspan of approximately 30 mm and is known from 133 iNaturalist observations.