Multivoltine
Guides
Aciurina trixa
Bubble-gall tephritid
Aciurina trixa is a gall-forming tephritid fly that induces spheroidal bud galls on host plants in the genus Chrysothamnus (Asteraceae). It is multivoltine with three larval instars, typically producing one larva per gall. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism: females are larger overall, while males possess enlarged forefemora that predict copulatory success. It is unusually common and abundant in New Mexico and Arizona, where it supports complex arthropod communities including 24 associated species across 6 guilds.
Acleris caliginosana
Acleris caliginosana is a tortricid moth species native to North America. It has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning Canada and the United States. The species is associated with deciduous trees in the genera Alnus and Betula.
Acleris forbesana
Forbes' Acleris Moth
Acleris forbesana is a small tortricid moth native to North America. Adults are active in spring and again in summer through fall, producing two or more generations annually. The species is associated with dogwood species (Cornus), on which larvae feed.
Acleris kearfottana
Acleris kearfottana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of approximately 15 mm. It is known from northeastern North America, with records from Maine, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, and West Virginia. Adults are active in spring, summer, and late autumn, suggesting a possible multivoltine life cycle. The larvae feed on specific host plants including sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina), bayberries (Myrica species), and witch-hazel (Hamamelis).
Acleris minuta
Yellow-headed Fireworm, Lesser Apple Leaf-folder
Acleris minuta is a small tortricid moth native to eastern North America, commonly known as the yellow-headed fireworm or lesser apple leaf-folder. The species is recognized by its forewing length of 6.5–9.5 mm and its multivoltine life cycle with up to three generations annually. Adults are active primarily from June through August, with some individuals recorded in October. The larvae are polyphagous leaf-feeders on a range of woody and ericaceous plants, including economically significant hosts such as apple, pear, and cranberry.
Acrocercops
Acrocercops is a genus of leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae. Species in this genus are primarily known as internal feeders on plant foliage, creating mines within leaves. Several species have been extensively studied as models for host race formation and host-associated speciation, particularly A. transecta, which exhibits distinct host races on distantly related plant families. The genus includes both native and invasive species, with some members recognized as agricultural pests.
Acroneuria
common stoneflies
Acroneuria is a genus of large-bodied stoneflies in the family Perlidae, containing more than 30 described species distributed across North America and Asia. Nymphs are predatory and inhabit streams and rivers, where they serve as important bioindicators of water quality. Adults are known for distinctive emergence behaviors, including arboreal emergence in some species. Several species in the genus are experiencing range contractions and population declines due to habitat degradation and climate change.
Acronicta hasta
forked dagger moth, speared dagger moth, cherry dagger moth, dart dagger moth
Acronicta hasta is a noctuid moth native to eastern North American deciduous woodlands. Adults have a wingspan of 35–45 mm and are active from April to September, with multiple generations in southern portions of the range. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852; Acronicta furcifera was synonymized with it in 1998. Three subspecies are recognized: A. h. hasta, A. h. telum, and A. h. manitoba.
Acronicta insularis
cattail caterpillar, Henry's marsh moth
Acronicta insularis is a noctuid moth native to North America, with larvae known as the cattail caterpillar and adults as Henry's marsh moth. The species was first described in 1868 and was reclassified from Simyra to Acronicta in 2015 based on phylogenetic analysis. It has a transcontinental distribution across the United States and southern Canada, with adults active from spring through late summer and larvae feeding on wetland plants including cattails and various grasses.
Acronicta ovata
ovate dagger moth, Epauleted Oak Dagger
Acronicta ovata is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of 28–35 mm. Adults are active from June to September, with two or more generations per year across its broad North American range. The species is known for its larval association with hardwood trees, particularly oaks.
Acronicta retardata
retarded dagger moth, Maple Dagger
Acronicta retardata, commonly known as the retarded dagger moth or Maple Dagger, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 25–32 mm and are active from April to August depending on location. The species produces multiple generations annually. Larvae are specialized feeders on maple leaves, specifically red maple (Acer rubrum) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum).
Acronicta sinescripta
Acronicta sinescripta is a moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acronictinae. The species has a southeastern United States distribution centered on the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains. Adults are active from March through September with multiple generations per year.
Acronicta vinnula
delightful dagger moth
Acronicta vinnula, commonly known as the delightful dagger moth, is a small noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 28–32 mm and are active from April through August, with at least two generations per year. The species is notable for its larvae feeding exclusively on elm leaves.
Aethes matheri
Aethes matheri is a small tortricid moth native to the United States. It was described in 2002 and named in honor of Bryant Mather. The species exhibits a broad latitudinal distribution with corresponding variation in its life cycle timing.
Agapeta zoegana
sulphur knapweed moth, yellow-winged knapweed root moth, knapweed root moth
A small, bright yellow moth native to Eurasia, introduced to North America in the 1980s as a biological control agent for invasive knapweeds (Centaurea maculosa and C. diffusa). The larva is a root miner that tunnels through the root cortex, causing moderate to considerable damage to host plants. Adults are short-lived, with flight activity from May to August. The species has established populations in western North America and is compatible with other knapweed biocontrol agents.
Amblyscirtes celia
Celia's Roadside-Skipper, roadside rambler
Amblyscirtes celia is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as Celia's Roadside-Skipper or roadside rambler. It is found from Texas south to northeastern Mexico, with occasional strays to southwestern Louisiana. The species has multiple generations per year and is active throughout the year in southern Texas.
Amblyscirtes nysa
Nysa Roadside-Skipper, nysa roadside skipper
Amblyscirtes nysa, commonly known as the Nysa Roadside-Skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species exhibits a disjunct distribution spanning from Mexico through the southwestern United States into the southern Great Plains, with occasional vagrant records extending beyond its core range. Males establish perching territories in specific microhabitats during early morning hours. The species produces one to three generations annually depending on latitude, with caterpillars feeding on grasses.
Amorbia cuneanum
Western Avocado Leafroller Moth
Amorbia cuneanum, known as the western avocado leafroller moth, is a tortricid moth ranging from Baja California, Mexico, to southwestern Canada. It is a polyphagous species whose larvae feed on diverse woody plants including avocado, citrus, and various native shrubs and trees. Adults are active year-round with two generations annually. The species is of economic concern due to larval damage to avocado and citrus crops.
Anabasis ochrodesma
cassia webworm
Anabasis ochrodesma, commonly known as the cassia webworm, is a snout moth (family Pyralidae) native to the Neotropical region. The species is a specialist herbivore whose larvae feed exclusively on Cassia species (Fabaceae), constructing silk shelters between leaflets to feed protected from predators. Adults are active year-round with multiple generations annually, reflecting the tropical and subtropical distribution of the species.
Anarsia lineatella
Peach twig borer, Almond fruit moth
Anarsia lineatella, commonly known as the peach twig borer, is a gelechiid moth native to Europe that was introduced to California in the 1880s and has since spread to other regions. It is a significant agricultural pest of stone fruits, particularly peach, almond, plum, and apricot. The species exhibits multivoltine life cycles with two to three generations per year in most regions, with development rates varying by climate. Adults are small moths with a wingspan of 11–14 mm. The species overwinters as second or third instar larvae within buds and bark cracks, with diapause termination synchronized by winter chilling.
Ancistrocerus adiabatus
Bramble Mason Wasp
Ancistrocerus adiabatus is a small potter wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, commonly known as the Bramble Mason Wasp. Adults reach approximately 11 mm in length. This species is notable as the first documented case of large-scale migration in eumenine wasps, with 44,000–68,000 individuals observed moving through a migration corridor in southwestern Ontario in less than an hour. It is multivoltine, producing multiple generations per year.
Anopheles walkeri
Walker's Anopheles
Anopheles walkeri is a North American mosquito species found predominantly throughout the Mississippi River Valley, ranging north to southern Quebec, Canada. It is a freshwater swamp specialist whose eggs lack desiccation resistance, restricting it to permanently wet habitats. The species exhibits distinctive nocturnal activity patterns, with peak blood-feeding occurring late at night. A. walkeri has a multivoltine life cycle with specialized overwintering eggs that have enlarged dorsal floats, allowing it to complete one full larval generation before hibernating adults of other species become active. Despite occasional detection of human malaria parasites in southern U.S. specimens, it is considered an unlikely disease vector due to habitat preferences and low virus detection rates.
Anthanassa texana
Texan crescentspot, Texan Crescent
Anthanassa texana, the Texan crescentspot, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found from Guatemala north through Mexico to the southern United States, with strays reaching as far north as South Dakota and central Nevada. The species is multivoltine, with adults active year-round in southern Texas and the tropics, and from March to November in southern Florida and Arizona. Larvae feed on leaves of low-growing Acanthaceae plants, while adults feed on flower nectar.
Apantesis placentia
placentia tiger moth
Apantesis placentia, commonly known as the placentia tiger moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. First described by James Edward Smith in 1797, this species occurs in the southeastern United States. It was formerly classified in the genus Grammia but was transferred to Apantesis along with related genera. The species produces at least two generations annually and is associated with sandy, open woodland habitats.
Appendiseta robiniae
Black Locust Aphid
Appendiseta robiniae, the black locust aphid, is the sole species in the monotypic genus Appendiseta. Native to North America, it has become established as an alien species in Europe, where it has adapted successfully to local conditions. In Poland, studies documented up to 11 generations per season on its host plant Robinia pseudoacacia, with females of the second and third generations showing highest fertility. The species exhibits rapid population growth capability due to its biological predispositions.
Argyrotaenia franciscana
orange tortrix, apple skinworm
Argyrotaenia franciscana, commonly known as the orange tortrix or apple skinworm, is a moth in the family Tortricidae. It is native to the Pacific Coast of North America, ranging from California north through Oregon to Washington. The species has forewings measuring 5.6–9.9 mm in length. It produces at least two generations per year, with the potential for additional generations depending on local conditions.
Asphondylia solidaginis
goldenrod gall midge
A gall midge species that induces two distinct gall types on goldenrods in North America. First described in 1907, it produces blister-like 'snap' galls on leaves in spring and early summer, and leafy rosette galls from buds in late summer. The species is multivoltine, with several generations per year, and primarily uses Solidago altissima as a host.
Autographa precationis
Common Looper Moth
Autographa precationis, the Common Looper Moth, is a Noctuid moth native to eastern and central North America. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of 30–38 mm and are active from April through October, producing three or more generations annually. The species has expanded its host range to include cultivated soybeans, though with lower feeding efficiency than the closely related soybean looper. Larvae are bright green with distinctive black false eyespots on the head and possess 21–23 crochets per proleg.
Baetidae
small mayflies, small minnow mayflies
Baetidae is the most species-diverse family of mayflies, comprising approximately 1,000 described species in 110-114 genera worldwide and representing about one-third of all mayfly diversity. Adults are among the smallest mayflies, rarely exceeding 10 mm in length excluding tails, with some species much smaller. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution except for New Zealand and occupies a relatively basal position in Ephemeroptera phylogeny.
Baileya acadiana
Baileya acadiana is a moth in the family Nolidae, described by Vernon A. Brou in 2004. The species is restricted to the south-central United States, with records from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Adults exhibit three generations per year in Louisiana, with broods peaking at approximately sixty-day intervals beginning in early April. The specific epithet "acadiana" refers to the Acadiana region of Louisiana, reflecting the area where the type series was collected.
Baileya australis
Small Baileya Moth
Baileya australis is a small moth in the family Nolidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1881. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, with adults active from spring through late summer. Multiple generations are produced annually in southern portions of its range.
Blepharomastix achroalis
Blepharomastix achroalis is a small crambid moth distributed across the Caribbean and southeastern United States. Originally described as Pyrausta achroalis by Hampson in 1913, it has been reclassified to the genus Blepharomastix. The species exhibits a multivoltine flight pattern in Florida, with adult activity spanning most of the year except April and September.
Brenthia pavonacella
peacock brenthia moth
A small metalmark moth in the family Choreutidae, measuring approximately 9 mm in wingspan. The species exhibits at least two generations annually in Illinois, with larval activity documented from early July to early September. Known for its distinctive wing patterns that have been proposed to function in predator mimicry, deterring jumping spider attacks.
Bucculatrix staintonella
Bucculatrix staintonella is a small North American moth in the family Bucculatricidae, described by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1878. The species has a wingspan of 6.5–9 mm and is known from scattered records across the central and eastern United States. Adults are active during multiple periods throughout the year, with flight records spanning January and March through April, June through July, and September through October. The larvae feed on Populus species.
Burnsius philetas
Desert Checkered-Skipper
Burnsius philetas, the desert checkered-skipper, is a small skipper butterfly (wingspan 25–29 mm) found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Formerly classified under Pyrgus, this species was reassigned to the genus Burnsius based on molecular and morphological evidence. It exhibits multiple generations per year with activity extending from early spring through late fall, with timing varying by latitude and elevation. The species is notable for its checkered wing pattern and association with dry, open habitats.
Cacoecimorpha pronubana
Carnation Tortrix, Carnation Leaf-roller
Cacoecimorpha pronubana is a highly polyphagous tortricid moth of Mediterranean origin, now widespread across Europe, North Africa, and introduced to North America and South Africa. The sole species in its genus, it is a significant pest of ornamental plants and horticultural crops. Larvae feed on foliage, flowers, and fruits, rolling leaves with silken webbing to create concealed feeding shelters. The species exhibits complex transgenerational responses to host plant changes, with parental diet affecting offspring development and reproduction.
Caenis
Common Square-gills
Caenis is a genus of small mayflies in the family Caenidae, commonly known as "square-gilled mayflies." Adults are among the smallest mayflies, with some species measuring only 3–4 mm in body length. The genus is globally distributed across multiple continents and serves as an indicator taxon for aquatic ecosystem health. Nymphs inhabit various freshwater environments, and adults emerge in synchronized events.
Caenurgia chloropha
Vetch Looper Moth
Caenurgia chloropha, commonly known as the vetch looper moth, is a nocturnal moth species in the family Erebidae. Adults are active from spring through fall with multiple generations per year. The species is distributed across the southeastern United States, northern Mexico, and Cuba, with occasional strays reaching southern Ontario. Larvae feed on leguminous plants including vetch.
Caenurgina crassiuscula
Clover Looper, Range Grass Moth
Caenurgina crassiuscula, commonly known as the Clover Looper or Range Grass Moth, is a widespread moth species in the family Erebidae. First described by Adrian Hardy Haworth in 1809, it occurs across much of North America from coast to coast, with western populations extending into Alaska, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. Adults are active for much of the year, with flight periods varying by location from March through November. The species is notable for its larval association with clover and various grasses.
Calamoceratidae
Calamoceratidae is a family of caddisflies comprising approximately 9 genera and at least 120 described species. The family is distributed across tropical and temperate regions worldwide, with notable diversity in the Neotropics. Larvae are aquatic and construct distinctive cases from plant material. The genus Phylloicus is particularly species-rich in the New World, with 66 described species.
Camelobaetidius
minnow mayflies
Camelobaetidius is a genus of small minnow mayflies in the family Baetidae, comprising at least 40 described species distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. The genus is one of the most studied within Baetidae, with nymphs commonly inhabiting lotic (flowing water) environments. Species are distinguished by specific morphological characters, particularly the spatulate (flattened, spoon-shaped) tarsal claws present in nymphs. The genus exhibits considerable diversity in Central and North America, with additional species described from Costa Rica and southeastern Brazil.
Cameraria hamadryadella
Solitary Oak Leafminer, Solitary Oak Leafminer Moth
Cameraria hamadryadella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, widely distributed across temperate North America. The larvae feed exclusively on oak (Quercus) species, creating distinctive mines within leaves. Adults are active in spring with typically two generations per year, though a facultative third generation may occur in warm years. Population dynamics are strongly influenced by host plant phenology, particularly the timing of autumn leaf fall, which can account for more than 50% of mortality in years with early leaf drop.
Caryedon
pea and bean weevils, groundnut bruchids
Caryedon is a genus of seed beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae, containing approximately 11 described species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, notably C. serratus (groundnut bruchid) and C. gonagra (also called groundnut bruchid), which infest stored legume seeds. Species in this genus are primarily associated with Fabaceae hosts and have been documented across the Old World tropics and subtropics.
Celastrina neglecta
Summer Azure
Celastrina neglecta, the summer azure, is a small North American butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is distinguished from similar Celastrina species by its late-season flight period, pale blue upper surface with extensive white scaling, and specific wing pattern details. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, previously treated as a synonym of C. argiolus lucia.
Celotes nessus
Common Streaky-Skipper
Celotes nessus, commonly known as the common streaky-skipper, is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, with occasional strays reaching farther north. The species is multivoltine, with adults active from spring through late summer. Larvae feed on mallow species, while adults visit flowers for nectar.
Ceratomia amyntor
Elm Sphinx, Four-horned Sphinx
Ceratomia amyntor is a North American hawkmoth with a wingspan of 8.2–11.5 cm. Larvae feed primarily on elm but also use birch, basswood, and cherry. The species is notable for its four head horns—additional to the caudal horn typical of sphingids—giving rise to the common name "four-horned sphinx." Adults are gray-brown with wavy forewing markings and a small white dot characteristic of the genus. The species has one generation in northern regions and up to five broods in the southern United States.
Chaetorellia australis
yellow starthistle peacock fly
Chaetorellia australis is a tephritid fruit fly native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, introduced to the western United States in 1988 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis). Adult females deposit eggs beneath bracts on host flower heads, and larvae tunnel into developing seeds, destroying up to 90% of seeds within an infested capitulum. The species exhibits a host-marking pheromone behavior that prevents multiple oviposition events in the same flower head and facilitates male aggregation. Despite significant seed destruction at the individual capitulum level, field populations generally remain low and have had limited impact on overall starthistle seed production.
Cheumatopsyche
Little Sister Sedges
Cheumatopsyche is a large genus of net-spinning caddisflies comprising at least 240 described species. Larvae construct silk capture nets to filter food from flowing water and are important components of freshwater benthic communities. Species exhibit variable life histories including univoltine and multivoltine cycles, with some populations capable of producing additional generations when thermal conditions permit. The genus is widely distributed across multiple continents and serves as a significant bioindicator for water quality assessment.
Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria
Blackberry Looper, Blackberry Looper Moth, Raspberry Looper
A small emerald geometrid moth widespread across eastern and central North America. Adults are active from spring through fall with multiple generations. Larvae feed on blackberry and raspberry fruits as well as flower heads of numerous Asteraceae species. The species has been documented on prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) and recently recorded on Eriogonum alatum (Polygonaceae), representing a host range extension beyond its previously known associations.
Chlosyne gorgone
Gorgone Checkerspot
Chlosyne gorgone is a Nymphalinae butterfly occurring across central North America. Adults have orange wings with black markings and a wingspan of 32–45 mm. Larvae feed on Asteraceae host plants including Helianthus, Ambrosia, Iva, and Viguiera species; adults visit nectar sources, particularly yellow flowers. The species exhibits geographic variation in brood number, with one generation in the north and up to three in the south.