Nearctic
Guides
Orizabus pyriformis
Orizabus pyriformis is a rhinoceros beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae. It occurs in the southwestern United States and central Mexico. The species was originally described as Bothynus pyriformis by John Lawrence LeConte in 1847.
Ormosia romanovichiana
Ormosia romanovichiana is a species of limoniid crane fly described by Charles Paul Alexander in 1953. It belongs to a family of small, delicate crane flies that are often mistaken for mosquitoes due to their slender bodies and long legs. The species has been documented across a broad range of eastern North America. Like other members of Limoniidae, adults are weak fliers and are frequently encountered in moist, shaded habitats.
Orthonevra bellula
Three-lined Mucksucker
Orthonevra bellula is a rare species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. The species was first described by Williston in 1882 as Chrysogater bellulus, with a lectotype later designated. It is one of three Nearctic Orthonevra species that extend into the Neotropical region. Adults are commonly found on flowers where they obtain nectar and pollen.
Orthonevra nitida
Wavy Mucksucker
Orthonevra nitida, commonly known as the Wavy Mucksucker, is a small syrphid fly (4–5 mm) native to eastern and central North America. It is one of three Nearctic Orthonevra species that extends into the Neotropical region. Adults are flower visitors, obtaining nectar and pollen from blooms. The species exhibits distinctive metallic coloration and wing markings that aid in identification. Larvae of this genus are of the rat-tailed type, though O. nitida larvae specifically have not been described.
Orthotylus candidatus
Orthotylus candidatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It is known from North America, with specific records from Colorado, Utah, and New Hampshire. As a member of the genus Orthotylus, it belongs to a diverse group of mirid bugs commonly associated with vegetation.
Orthotylus fuscicornis
Orthotylus fuscicornis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1927. It belongs to the subfamily Orthotylinae, a group of mirids often associated with woody plants. The species has been documented from Colorado, USA, and is part of the Nearctic fauna. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a phytophagous insect feeding on plant sap, though specific host plant records for this species appear to be limited in the available literature.
Osbornellus
Osbornellus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, containing at least 100 described species. The genus is divided into four subgenera, with the nominate subgenus Osbornellus (s. str.) distributed primarily in the Nearctic and Neotropical realms. Some species have been introduced to the Palearctic region through human activity, with the first European records documented in Switzerland in 2016. Species in this genus are generally small, active insects that feed on plant sap.
Oscarinus abusus
Oscarinus abusus is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. It has been documented in the south-central United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely contributes to dung decomposition in cattle farming environments.
Oscarinus brimleyi
Oscarinus brimleyi is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. It has been documented in the southeastern United States, specifically in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. As a member of the genus Oscarinus, it is likely associated with mammal dung, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature. The species was described by Cartwright in 1939.
Oscarinus matiganae
A dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Paulsen in 2006. It belongs to the genus Oscarinus, which comprises beetles associated with vertebrate dung. The species has been recorded from Nebraska and Texas in the United States.
Oscarinus welderi
Oscarinus welderi is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described in 2007 from Texas. It belongs to a genus known for dung-feeding ecology, though specific details for this species remain limited. The species is documented from very few observations.
Osmoderma scabra
Osmoderma scabra is a saproxylic scarab beetle species native to eastern North America. It belongs to the same genus as the European hermit beetle (Osmoderma eremita), which is protected under the EU Habitats Directive and has been extensively studied for conservation monitoring. Unlike its European congener, O. scabra has received limited research attention and is not listed under major conservation frameworks. The species develops in decaying wood and hollow trees, where larvae feed on wood mould for multiple years before emerging as short-lived adults.
Ostomopsis neotropicalis
Ostomopsis neotropicalis is a small beetle species in the family Cerylonidae, described by Lawrence & Stephan in 1975. The species is native to the Neotropical and southern Nearctic regions, with records from Middle America and North America. Cerylonidae are generally associated with decaying wood, fungi, or stored organic materials, though specific biology for this species remains poorly documented.
Otites
Otites is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, established by Latreille in 1804. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. Species are characterized by distinctive wing patterns typical of ulidiid flies. Two recently described species from Israel and Cyprus exhibit unusual male terminalia and extended copulation duration compared to other Otitini.
Oxyethira serrata
Oxyethira serrata is a species of microcaddisfly in the family Hydroptilidae, described by Ross in 1938. The species belongs to a genus characterized by reduced wing venation and small adult size typical of this family. Records indicate presence in North America within the Nearctic region. As with other Hydroptilidae, adults are likely associated with aquatic or riparian habitats where larval development occurs.
Oxyethira zeronia
microcaddisfly
Oxyethira zeronia is a species of microcaddisfly described by Ross in 1941. It belongs to the family Hydroptilidae, the largest family of caddisflies, whose members are characterized by their small size and reduced wing venation. The species is recorded from North America, though specific habitat and ecological details remain poorly documented.
Oxyomoides sepultus
Oxyomoides sepultus is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. It was described by Cartwright in 1944 and is known from a limited number of records in the south-central United States. The genus Oxyomoides is small and poorly studied, with most species remaining obscure in terms of biology and ecology.
Oxypoda chantali
Oxypoda chantali is a species of rove beetle described from Canada and Alaska in 2006. It belongs to the large genus Oxypoda within the subfamily Aleocharinae. The species was established as part of a comprehensive revision that reorganized the North American Oxypoda fauna into 14 species groups. Like other members of its genus, it is a small-bodied staphylinid beetle with reduced elytra.
Oxyporus mexicanus
Oxyporus mexicanus is a species of rove beetle (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Oxyporinae. The genus Oxyporus is characterized by distinctive morphological adaptations for mycophagy, including modified mouthparts for feeding on fungal substrates. This species was described by Fauvel in 1865 and is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Oxytorinae
Oxytorinae is a subfamily of ichneumonid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. The genus Oxytorus, the primary representative of this subfamily in the New World, comprises 11 described species with distribution ranging from North America through Central America to South America. The subfamily was first recorded in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2024 through DNA barcoding of historical specimens, representing a significant range extension for the group. Species identification relies on morphological features of the thorax, wings, and antennae, with taxonomic reviews providing illustrated keys for New World species.
Ozirhincus millefolii
A gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species name 'millefolii' indicates association with Achillea millefolium (yarrow), a common host plant for this genus. Larvae develop within flower heads, inducing galls. Adults are small, delicate flies typical of the family.
Ozodiceromyia notata
Mexican group Ozodiceromyia
Ozodiceromyia notata is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1821. It belongs to the mexicana-group within its genus, a group characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species is part of a genus that was taxonomically revised in 2000, which helped clarify species boundaries and distributions. Stiletto flies in this family are generally predatory as larvae, inhabiting soil and preying on other invertebrates, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Ozodiceromyia signatipennis
Ozodiceromyia signatipennis is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, originally described by Cole in 1923. The genus Ozodiceromyia belongs to the cycloteline Therevinae and is primarily distributed in the Americas. Species in this genus are typically associated with sandy or arid habitats. Therevidae larvae are generally predatory, feeding on soil-dwelling invertebrates, though specific biological details for O. signatipennis remain poorly documented. The species is distinguished by wing pattern characteristics referenced in its specific epithet.
Ozyptila conspurcata
Ozyptila conspurcata is a crab spider in the family Thomisidae, first described by Thorell in 1877. The species is recorded from Canada and the United States, with confirmed observations in Alberta. As a member of the genus Ozyptila, it belongs to a group of small, ground-dwelling crab spiders that ambush prey rather than constructing webs.
Pachodynerus
potter wasps
Pachodynerus is a genus of approximately 50 species of solitary potter wasps in the subfamily Eumeninae. The genus exhibits highest diversity in central South America, with species distributed across the Neotropical and Nearctic regions. These wasps are cavity-nesters that construct mud cells in pre-existing holes, including abandoned insect burrows, plant stems, and human-made structures. Several species have been introduced beyond their native ranges, including P. nasidens which has established populations on oceanic islands and caused aviation safety incidents in Australia by nesting in aircraft pitot probes.
Pachybrachius fracticollis
dirt-colored seed bug, wetland groundbug
Pachybrachius fracticollis is a seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, commonly known as the wetland groundbug or dirt-colored seed bug. The species has a broad distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. Three subspecies are recognized: P. f. collaris, P. f. fracticollis, and P. f. tridens. As a member of the Myodochini tribe, it belongs to a group of ground-dwelling bugs associated with moist habitats.
Pachybrachius luridus
sphagnum groundbug, dirt-colored seed bug
Pachybrachius luridus is a species of dirt-colored seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae. It has a broad distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. The species is commonly known as the sphagnum groundbug, suggesting an association with peat-forming wetland habitats.
Pachyceramyia
Pachyceramyia is a genus of muscid flies established by Albuquerque in 1955. The genus contains approximately six described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Species are classified within the subfamily Coenosiinae and tribe Limnophorini, a group associated with semi-aquatic and shoreline habitats. The genus name derives from Greek roots suggesting thick or swollen horn-like structures, likely referring to distinctive antennal or facial features.
Pachygrontha compacta
Pachygrontha compacta is a true bug species in the family Pachygronthidae, first described by Distant in 1893. It is a seed bug with a broad distribution across the Neotropical and Nearctic regions, recorded from the southern United States through Central America and the Caribbean to South America. The species belongs to a family of lygaeoid bugs characterized by their elongate body form and seed-feeding habits. Like other members of Pachygronthidae, it is presumed to feed on seeds of grasses or other monocot plants, though specific host records remain limited.
Palaeoneura
Palaeoneura is a genus of fairyflies (family Mymaridae) comprising eight described species. These minute parasitoid wasps are found in Northern America and Australia. The genus was established by Waterhouse in 1915, with Palaeoneura evanescens as the type species. Species have been described from 1915 to 2021, with recent taxonomic revisions by Triapitsyn.
Palmacorixa buenoi
Palmacorixa buenoi is a species of water boatman (family Corixidae) described by Abbott in 1913. It is an aquatic heteropteran known for producing acoustic signals, with diel periodicity patterns that differ substantially from those observed in related genera. Most aquatic heteropterans show increased acoustic activity in early evening, but P. buenoi exhibits atypical patterns in song type periodicity. The species occurs in North America, particularly in the Nearctic region excluding the Western Cordillera and Beringia.
Palmacorixa janeae
Palmacorixa janeae is a species of water boatman described by Brooks in 1959. It belongs to the genus Palmacorixa within the family Corixidae, a group of aquatic true bugs. The species is recorded from North America, particularly the Great Plains-Prairies region of Canada. Like other Corixidae, it is presumed to be aquatic, though specific ecological details remain undocumented.
Palonica pyramidata portola
Palonica pyramidata portola is a subspecies of treehopper in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae. It was described by Ball in 1931. The species Palonica pyramidata belongs to the tribe Telamonini, a group of treehoppers known for their often elaborate pronotal modifications. The subspecies epithet "portola" suggests a type locality or association, though specific details are not documented in available sources. Records indicate occurrence in Colorado, USA.
Palonica pyramidata pyramidata
Palonica pyramidata pyramidata is a subspecies of treehopper in the family Membracidae, tribe Telamonini. Treehoppers in this genus are characterized by their enlarged, often elaborately shaped pronotum. The subspecies was described by Uhler in 1877. It belongs to the Smiliinae subfamily, which is primarily distributed in the Nearctic region.
Palonica viridia
Palonica viridia is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae, described by Ball in 1903. It belongs to the tribe Telamonini within the subfamily Smiliinae, a group characterized by pronounced pronotal modifications. The species has been recorded across multiple states in western and central North America.
Panthea
Panthea is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Pantheinae. The genus name derives from Greek and Persian, meaning 'of all gods.' Species within Panthea are primarily distributed in North America, with some Neotropical representatives including recently described species from Honduras and the Dominican Republic. The genus includes notable species such as Panthea furcilla (eastern panthea or tufted white pine caterpillar) and Panthea acronyctoides (black zigzag or tufted spruce caterpillar), whose larvae feed on conifer hosts.
Papagona papoosa
Papagona papoosa is a species of planthopper in the family Caliscelidae, described by Ball in 1935. It belongs to the tribe Peltonotellini, a group of small, often cryptic fulgoromorphs. The species is recorded from Arizona and appears to be restricted to this region. Like other caliscelids, it likely inhabits grassland or shrubland environments.
Paracapnia boris
Colusa Snowfly
Paracapnia boris is a species of winter stonefly in the family Capniidae, described by Stark & Baumann in 2004. It is known from California and is commonly referred to as the Colusa Snowfly. Like other capniids, it is likely active during cold months when few other insects are present. The species name honors someone named Boris, presumably a colleague or contributor to stonefly research.
Paracimbocera
Paracimbocera is a genus of broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by Van Dyke in 1938. It belongs to the tribe Byrsopagini within the subfamily Entiminae, a group characterized by their elongated snouts and often flightless adults. The genus is known from the western United States. Species in this genus are poorly documented in the literature.
Paracotalpa deserta
Paracotalpa deserta is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Rutelinae. The species was described by Saylor in 1940 and is known from desert regions of California and Baja California. It belongs to a genus of flower chafers found in western North America.
Paracotalpa granicollis
Hairy Bear Scarab Beetle
Paracotalpa granicollis is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Rutelinae, commonly known as the Hairy Bear Scarab Beetle. The species is endemic to the Intermountain West of North America, with documented populations across the Columbia Plateau, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau. It is one of approximately 15 species in the genus Paracotalpa, a group of shining leaf chafers characterized by metallic coloration. The species has been recorded in eight western U.S. states and is relatively well-represented in citizen science observations.
Paradascalia edax
Paradascalia edax is a species of planthopper in the family Flatidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1923. It belongs to the tribe Selizini and is one of relatively few documented species in the genus Paradascalia. Like other flatid planthoppers, it likely possesses the broad, flattened body form characteristic of this family. The species has been recorded from limited localities in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Paradelphacodes litoralis
Paradelphacodes litoralis is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Reuter in 1880 under the basionym Delphacodes litoralis. It belongs to the diverse group of true bugs within the order Hemiptera. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning northern Eurasia and North America, including the Amur region, Buryatia, Khabarovsk, England, and British Columbia.
Paradidyma
Paradidyma is a genus of tachinid flies established in 1891. The genus contains approximately 35 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, from the United States through Central America and into South America. Species have been described by multiple dipterists including Reinhard, Townsend, and Curran. As members of the Tachinidae, these flies are parasitoids, though specific host associations for most Paradidyma species remain undocumented.
Paradonus pectoralis
Large-chested Click Beetle
Paradonus pectoralis is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, originally described by Say in 1834. The species was previously classified under the genus Tetraonyx as Tetraonyx pectoralis. It is known from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The common name "Large-chested Click Beetle" reflects a distinctive morphological feature of this species. Like other click beetles, it possesses the characteristic prosternal process that enables the "clicking" mechanism for righting itself when overturned.
Paragaleopsomyia
Paragaleopsomyia is a genus of minute parasitic wasps in the family Eulophidae, subfamily Tetrastichinae. The genus was described by Girault in 1917. Like other eulophid wasps, members of this genus are likely parasitoids of other insects, though specific host associations remain poorly documented. The genus is known from the Nearctic region.
Paraheraeus eximius
Paraheraeus eximius is a seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, first described by Distant in 1882. It belongs to the tribe Myodochini, a group of ground-dwelling true bugs commonly associated with seeds and plant debris. The species has been recorded from the United States and Guatemala. As a member of the Lygaeoidea superfamily, it shares the typical rhyparochromid habit of feeding on seeds, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Paraleptophlebia bicornuta
pronggilled mayfly
Paraleptophlebia bicornuta is a species of pronggilled mayfly described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1926. As a member of the family Leptophlebiidae, it possesses the forked gills characteristic of this group. The species is known from North America, with records from the Nearctic region. Like other mayflies, it has an aquatic nymphal stage and a short-lived adult stage.
Paraleptophlebia vaciva
pronggilled mayfly
Paraleptophlebia vaciva is a species of pronggilled mayfly in the family Leptophlebiidae. It is found in southwestern Canada, the northwestern United States, and Alaska. As a member of Leptophlebiidae, it possesses the characteristic forked gills on abdominal segments that give the group its common name.
Paralobesia
Paralobesia is a genus of small tortricid moths described by Obraztsov in 1953. The genus is primarily Nearctic in distribution, with approximately 40 described species, many of which were described recently by Royals and Gilligan in 2018-2019. The most economically significant species is Paralobesia viteana, the grape berry moth, a major pest of cultivated grapes in eastern North America. Host associations within the genus range from monophagous to polyphagous, including grapevines (Vitis), orchids (Cypripedium), larch (Larix), and hemlock (Tsuga).