Nearctic
Guides
Listrochelus fimbripes
Listrochelus fimbripes is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Melolonthinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1856. It is a member of the tribe Rhizotrogini, a group of soil-dwelling scarabs commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. The species is documented from scattered localities across the south-central and southwestern United States.
Listrochelus flavipennis
A scarab beetle species in the tribe Rhizotrogini, described by Horn in 1885. Very little published natural history information exists for this species. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona, USA.
Listrochelus granti
Listrochelus granti is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Saylor in 1940. The species belongs to the genus Listrochelus, a group of rhizotrogine chafers. It has been recorded from the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Listrochelus huachuca
Listrochelus huachuca is a scarab beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Saylor in 1940. The species is named for the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona, where it has been collected. It belongs to a genus of rhizotrogine scarabs whose larvae typically develop in soil and feed on plant roots.
Listrochelus juvenilis
Listrochelus juvenilis is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Fall in 1932. It belongs to a genus of beetles commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. The species has a limited documented distribution in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Listrochelus opacicollis
Listrochelus opacicollis is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Horn in 1878. It belongs to the tribe Rhizotrogini, a group commonly known as June beetles or May beetles. The species is known from the southwestern United States.
Listrochelus planeta
Listrochelus reinhardi
Listrochelus reinhardi is a species of scarab beetle described by Saylor in 1940. It belongs to the genus Listrochelus within the tribe Rhizotrogini, a group commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. The species is known from limited observations in Texas, USA. As with other members of Rhizotrogini, it is presumed to have subterranean larval stages and adult emergence patterns typical of the group, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Listrochelus tarsalis
Listrochelus tarsalis is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Schaeffer in 1908. It belongs to the genus Listrochelus, a group of rhizotrogine scarabs. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona, USA. Like other melolonthine scarabs, it likely exhibits a subterranean larval stage and adult emergence patterns typical of the subfamily.
Listrochelus texensis
Listrochelus texensis is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Saylor in 1940. It is known from southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. As a member of the Rhizotrogini tribe, it likely exhibits root-feeding habits in larval stages typical of related taxa, though specific ecological studies remain limited.
Litasida
Litasida is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Casey in 1912. The genus is poorly documented, with minimal published information available regarding its species composition, ecology, and natural history. It belongs to the diverse beetle family Tenebrionidae, which contains over 20,000 described species worldwide, many of which are adapted to arid environments. The genus appears to be restricted to the Nearctic region based on available distribution records.
Litolinga
Litolinga is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae, subfamily Therevinae) established by Irwin and Lyneborg in 1981. The genus contains two described species, L. acuta and L. tergisa, both restricted to the Nearctic Region. A comprehensive revision by Webb (2009) provided redescriptions, genitalia illustrations, identification keys, and distribution maps for both species.
Lonchodryinus
Lonchodryinus is a genus of wasps in the family Dryinidae (Hymenoptera), established by Kieffer in 1905. Species in this genus are distributed across the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, with documented occurrences in North America, Japan, and northern Europe including Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The genus is taxonomically characterized by specific morphological traits of the head and scutum sculpture, with recent taxonomic revisions clarifying Nearctic species boundaries and the first description of the female of L. woodi from Norway.
Lonchodryinus flavus
Lonchodryinus flavus is a species of dryinid wasp in the family Dryinidae, described by Olmi in 1984. The species is known from the Nearctic region, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of Dryinidae, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations for this species have not been documented in available sources.
Lonchopteridae
spear-winged flies
Lonchopteridae is a small family of Diptera commonly known as spear-winged flies, characterized by distinctive lanceolate wings with pointed tips. The family contains approximately 50 species worldwide, primarily in the genus Lonchoptera. Species are found in diverse habitats including upland blanket bogs, mineral soils, peatlands, and lowland bogs. Some species exhibit parthenogenetic reproduction, with males rare or absent across most of the range. The family has been documented in the Palearctic, Nearctic, and other regions.
Longitarsus rubiginosus
Longitarsus rubiginosus is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species has a transcontinental distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. First described by Foudras in 1859 as Teinodactyla rubiginosa, it belongs to the large genus Longitarsus, which contains hundreds of species primarily associated with host plants in the Asteraceae and Boraginaceae families.
Longitarsus varicornis
Banded Heliotrope Longitarsus
Longitarsus varicornis is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Suffrian in 1868. It belongs to the tribe Alticini, a group characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. As with other members of the genus Longitarsus, it is likely associated with herbaceous vegetation, though specific host plant records for this species remain limited.
Lophocampa bicolor
Lophocampa bicolor is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae, described by Francis Walker in 1855. The species is known from Mexico and Big Bend National Park, Texas. The original description provides detailed morphological information for males, including distinctive coloration and wing patterns.
Lophocampa sobrina
Lophocampa sobrina is a moth species in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. It was first described by Stretch in 1872 based on specimens from California. The species belongs to a genus of tiger moths characterized by dense hair-like body setae and often striking color patterns. As a member of the Arctiini tribe, it is part of a diverse group of moths with aposematic coloration and chemical defenses.
Loscopia
Loscopia is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae. The genus was established by Beck in 1992 and contains two recognized species: Loscopia roblei (described 2009) and Loscopia velata (described 1865). These moths are part of the diverse Noctuidae family, one of the largest families of Lepidoptera.
Loxostege indentalis
Loxostege indentalis is a crambid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. The species is native to western North America, with documented records from six U.S. states. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 35 mm and are active from spring through late summer. The genus Loxostege includes several species of webworm moths, some of which are significant agricultural pests, though specific economic impacts of L. indentalis have not been documented.
Loxostege munroealis
Nearctic Beet Webworm
Loxostege munroealis is a species of moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Patrice J.A. Leraut in 2005. The species is known from western North America, with records from British Columbia. It belongs to a genus that includes several agricultural pest species commonly referred to as webworms.
Lupettiana mordax
ghost spider
Lupettiana mordax is a species of ghost spider in the family Anyphaenidae. It has been recorded across a broad geographic range extending from the United States through Central America to Peru and Brazil. The species belongs to a family of wandering spiders that are active hunters rather than web-builders.
Lupinocolus
Lupinocolus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils (subfamily Entiminae) in the family Curculionidae. The genus was established by Van Dyke in 1936 and contains at least one described species, L. blaisdelli. Like other entimine weevils, members of this genus possess a short, broad rostrum and geniculate (elbowed) antennae. The genus name suggests an association with lupine plants (genus Lupinus), though this host relationship requires confirmation.
Lutrochidae
Travertine Beetles
Lutrochidae is a small family of aquatic beetles commonly known as travertine beetles. The family has been reported from hygropetric habitats for the first time in Venezuela, expanding beyond their previously known association with travertine-depositing springs and streams in North America. Species occur in the Americas from the United States through the Neotropics, with recent revisions documenting new species from Venezuela, the Guianas, and the Lesser Antilles.
Lutrochus
travertine beetles
Lutrochus is the sole genus in the family Lutrochidae, a group of small aquatic beetles commonly called travertine beetles. The genus contains approximately 21 species distributed from the southern United States through Central America to Brazil. Both adults and larvae inhabit shallow, fast-flowing streams where they are specifically associated with submerged decaying wood and travertine deposits.
Lygistus
Lygistus is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing a single described species, Lygistus streptophallus. The genus was established by Wilcox in 1965. The sole species is found in the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico.
Lygus borealis
Lygus borealis is a mirid plant bug native to North America. The species has a two-generation annual life cycle with overwintering adults emerging in early May and second-generation adults entering diapause by autumn. It occurs in agricultural and wild habitats across southern Canada and the northern United States, where it feeds on a variety of herbaceous plants. Seasonal phenology closely resembles that of the closely related tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris.
Lygus punctatus
plant bug
Lygus punctatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It reaches a body length of approximately 6–7 mm. The species has a broad distribution across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. Adults have been recorded in high abundance on alfalfa (Medicago sativa).
Lyonetia prunifoliella
Blackthorn Blister Moth
Lyonetia prunifoliella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Lyonetiidae. Adults have a wingspan of 9–10 mm and are active in autumn, overwintering before reappearing in spring. The larvae create distinctive leaf mines on a broad range of host plants in the Rosaceae family, including Prunus, Betula, Crataegus, and Sorbus species. The species is widespread across northern Europe and Asia, with populations also established in North America.
Maccaffertium luteum
Maccaffertium luteum is a species of flat-headed mayfly in the family Heptageniidae, originally described by Clemens in 1913. The genus Maccaffertium was historically treated as a subgenus of Stenonema but was elevated to full generic status based on morphological and phylogenetic studies. Like other members of its family, this species exhibits the characteristic subimago stage—a sexually immature winged form unique to mayflies that requires one final molt to reach reproductive adulthood.
Maccaffertium mediopunctatum arwini
A subspecies of mayfly in the family Heptageniidae. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the characteristic subimago stage—fully winged but sexually immature—unique among insects. Adults are short-lived, emerging from aquatic habitats to mate. The subspecific epithet honors an individual, following the pattern of other Maccaffertium subspecies.
Maccaffertium mediopunctatum mediopunctatum
Maccaffertium mediopunctatum mediopunctatum is a subspecies of mayfly in the family Heptageniidae. The genus Maccaffertium was established to accommodate species formerly placed in Heptagenia and related genera, distinguished by particular features of the male genitalia and wing venation. This subspecies is part of a group of flatheaded mayflies commonly found in North American streams and rivers. Subimagos (subadults) of this species exhibit the characteristic pale, milky-white coloration and opaque wings typical of the genus, with sexual dimorphism in eye size and abdominal claspers.
Maccaffertium terminatum
flatheaded mayfly
Maccaffertium terminatum is a species of flatheaded mayfly in the family Heptageniidae. It is widely distributed across Canada and the Nearctic region. The species possesses the characteristic subimago stage typical of mayflies, where sexually immature adults with opaque, milky-white wings emerge from water before undergoing a final molt to the reproductive adult stage. Two subspecies are recognized: M. t. terminatum and M. t. placitum.
Maccaffertium terminatum placitum
Maccaffertium terminatum placitum is a subspecies of mayfly in the family Heptageniidae. Like other members of the genus, it exhibits the unique mayfly developmental trait of having a functional winged sub-adult stage (subimago) prior to the final molt to sexual maturity. The subimago is characterized by milky-white, opaque wings and paler body coloration compared to the transparent-winged adult. This subspecies is part of the Nearctic fauna of North America.
Maccaffertium terminatum terminatum
Maccaffertium terminatum terminatum is a subspecies of mayfly in the family Heptageniidae. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the unique mayfly developmental trait of having a winged sub-adult stage (subimago) that requires one final molt to reach full adulthood. The subspecies is part of the Nearctic fauna, with records from North America. As an aquatic insect, its life cycle is tied to freshwater habitats, with nymphs developing in water before emerging as winged adults.
Macristis
Macristis is a genus of litter moths within the family Erebidae, described by Schaus in 1916. The genus comprises four recognized species distributed in the Americas. These moths are classified in the subfamily Hypeninae, a group characterized by their association with leaf litter and detritus habitats. Relatively little is known about the biology of most Macristis species.
Macrodiplax balteata
Marl Pennant
Macrodiplax balteata, commonly known as the Marl Pennant, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is distributed across the southern United States, the Caribbean, and South America. The species was originally described by Hagen in 1861 as Tetragoneuria balteata. As a member of the skimmer family, it is associated with aquatic habitats where its larvae develop.
Macrolophus mimuli
Macrolophus mimuli is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1968. The species is known from Arizona, USA, and belongs to a genus whose members are primarily associated with vegetation. The specific epithet "mimuli" suggests a possible association with plants in the genus Mimulus (monkeyflowers), though this relationship requires verification.
Macromya
Macromya is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately five to seven described species. Members are morphologically similar to one another and closely resemble the genus Adejeania, with which they are frequently confused. The genus reaches its highest diversity in the Neotropics but extends into the southern Nearctic region. Like other tachinids, these flies are parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most species.
Macropsis borealis
Macropsis borealis is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 1983. The species is distributed across northern North America including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario. As a member of the subfamily Macropsinae, it belongs to a group of leafhoppers typically associated with woody host plants. Beyond basic taxonomic and distribution records, detailed biological information for this species remains limited in available sources.
Macropsis cinerea
Macropsis cinerea is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Breakey in 1932. It is classified within the subfamily Eurymelinae and tribe Macropsini. The species has been recorded from limited localities in North America, with distribution records spanning parts of Canada and the northeastern United States. Available information about its biology and ecology remains sparse.
Macropsis graminea
Macropsis graminea is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Fabricius in 1798. It belongs to the subfamily Eurymelinae and tribe Macropsini, a group associated with grasses and sedges. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning Eurasia and North America.
Macropsis mendax
Macropsis mendax is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Eurymelinae. It belongs to the tribe Macropsini, a group of leafhoppers often associated with woody host plants. The species was described by Fieber in 1868. Records indicate occurrence in California, District of Columbia, England, and parts of Russia (Lipetsk, Moskovsskaya).
Malacodea pulchraria
A Nearctic geometrid moth transferred from the genus Epirrita to Malacodea based on molecular phylogenetic evidence. It forms a sister-taxon relationship with the Palearctic Malacodea regelaria, with both species sharing conifer-feeding larvae that distinguish them from other Operophterini. Male genital morphology supports this close phylogenetic relationship. The species was originally described by Taylor in 1907.
Mallos niveus
Mallos niveus is a species of mesh-web weaver spider in the family Dictynidae. It was described by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1902. The species belongs to a genus whose members are known for their social web-building behavior, though species-specific documentation for M. niveus remains limited. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Manduca occulta
Occult Sphinx
Manduca occulta, the occult sphinx, is a large sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae. Adults have a wingspan of 105–120 mm and are visually similar to Manduca diffissa tropicalis, requiring genital examination for definitive identification. The species occurs from Panama through Central America and Mexico to the southern United States, with occasional strays reaching southern Florida. It completes one generation per year in Costa Rica, with adults active from May to June.
Mansonia
Mansonia mosquito
Mansonia is a genus of mosquitoes in the family Culicidae. Adults are large, dark-colored mosquitoes with distinctive iridescent scaling on wings and legs. The genus is notable for its unique larval and pupal biology: immature stages attach to submerged rootlets of aquatic plants using modified siphons to obtain oxygen, rather than surfacing to breathe. Several species serve as vectors of human and animal pathogens, including filarial worms and arboviruses. The genus has a global distribution, with particular abundance in tropical and subtropical regions associated with permanent freshwater habitats.
Manzutus huachucanus
Manzutus huachucanus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Ball in 1936. It belongs to the tribe Cicadellini, a diverse group of leafhoppers characterized by their jumping ability and plant-feeding habits. The species is known from limited records in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Marathyssa
Beautiful Marathyssa Moth (for M. pulcherrimus)
Marathyssa is a genus of moths in the family Euteliidae, established by Francis Walker in 1865. The genus contains approximately 20 described species distributed across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Several species occur in North America, including the type species M. basalis. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some sources historically placing it in Noctuidae.