Nearctic
Guides
Synanthedon bolteri
Northern Willow Clearwing Moth
Synanthedon bolteri, commonly known as the Northern Willow Clearwing Moth, is a species of clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. It occurs in the Nearctic region, with records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Like other members of the genus Synanthedon, it is likely a wood-boring species associated with willow or related host plants, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Synanthedon castaneae
Chestnut Clearwing Moth
A clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, Synanthedon castaneae is a specialist associated with Castanea (chestnut) trees. The species is part of a guild of insects that historically relied on American chestnut (Castanea dentata) as a host, and like other members of this community, has been affected by the decline of this keystone tree species due to chestnut blight. The common name reflects this host association.
Synanthedon helenis
Helenis clearwing
Synanthedon helenis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, distributed across the Canadian Prairie Provinces. The species exhibits typical sesiid characteristics including reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent, wasp-like appearance. Like many clearwing moths, it is primarily diurnal and not attracted to lights. The specific host plants and larval biology remain poorly documented.
Synanthedon kathyae
Holly Borer Moth
Synanthedon kathyae is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Holly Borer Moth. Like other sesiids, adults are wasp mimics with reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent appearance. The species is diurnal and generally not attracted to lights, making it difficult to encounter except by chance observation or pheromone lures.
Synanthedon pyri
Apple Bark Borer
Synanthedon pyri, commonly known as the Apple Bark Borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults are diurnal and exhibit wasp mimicry, with transparent wings and wasp-like coloration. Larvae are wood-borers that infest the bark and cambium of fruit trees, particularly apple (Malus spp.), causing damage to commercial orchards. The species is native to North America and has been documented as a pest of economic concern in apple-growing regions.
Synanthedon rhododendri
Rhododendron Borer Moth
Synanthedon rhododendri is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the rhododendron borer moth. The species is a specialist pest of rhododendrons and related Ericaceae, with larvae boring into stems and crowns of host plants. Adults are diurnal and exhibit wasp-mimicking appearance typical of the family. The species occurs in the Nearctic region.
Synanthedon richardsi
A North American clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, distinguished by wasp-mimicking appearance and diurnal activity. Adults have reduced wing scaling that creates transparent areas, and males possess strongly bipectinate antennae. The species is rarely encountered due to limited attraction to artificial light sources.
Synanthedon viburni
Viburnum Clearwing Borer, Arrowwood Borer
A clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae that develops as a borer in viburnum shrubs. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking, with transparent wings and dark bodies. The species is a documented pest of native arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) and European cranberry bush viburnum (V. trilobum), causing crown damage that can kill established plants.
Synchroa
synchroa bark beetles
Synchroa is a genus of beetles in the family Synchroidae, comprising approximately six described species. Members are characterized by an elongate, tapered, and slightly flattened body with brownish to black coloration. The genus represents the nominal and largest genus within its family, with a broad distribution spanning North America, the eastern Palearctic, and the Oriental regions. Species diversity is highest in Eastern Asia, where multiple new species have been described in recent decades.
Synemosyna petrunkevitchi
Synemosyna petrunkevitchi is a jumping spider in the family Salticidae. It belongs to the genus Synemosyna, which is known for ant-mimicking species. The species occurs in the United States and Cuba. Published observations remain limited.
Syntomus
Syntomus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, subfamily Lebiinae. The genus contains at least 50 described species distributed across the Palearctic region and North America. Members are small to minute beetles, with at least one species (Syntomus lateralis) documented as a host for parasitic mites in the family Podapolipidae.
Tabanus laticeps
broad-headed horse fly
Tabanus laticeps is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Hine in 1904. The species is found in the southern United States and Mexico. Like other horse flies, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar and other plant fluids. The species name 'laticeps' refers to the characteristically broad head of this species.
Tabuda
Tabuda is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) established by Francis Walker in 1852. The genus contains approximately seven described species distributed primarily in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Species in this genus are characterized by their slender body form and distinctive wing venation patterns typical of the Therevinae subfamily. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with related genera such as Tabudamima and Incoxoverpa described to accommodate species formerly or potentially confused with Tabuda.
Tabuda planiceps
Tabuda planiceps is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, originally described as Xestomyza planiceps by Loew in 1872. The species belongs to a genus of slender, predatory flies characterized by their elongated body form and distinctive wing venation. Members of the genus Tabuda are found in the Nearctic region, with T. planiceps representing one of the better-documented species in this group of lower brachyceran flies.
Tabudamima melanophleba
Tabudamima melanophleba is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, originally described by Loew in 1876 as Thereua melanophleba. The genus Tabudamima was established by Irwin and Lyneborg to accommodate this and related species formerly placed in Tabuda. It belongs to the subfamily Therevinae within the diverse asilomorphan radiation of lower Brachycera. The species is one of approximately seven recognized species in the genus Tabudamima, which is primarily distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions.
Tacparia
Tacparia is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. The genus was erected by Francis Walker in 1860 and contains three recognized species: Tacparia zalissaria, Tacparia atropunctata, and Tacparia detersata. These moths are part of the diverse Geometridae family, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths.
Taeniogramma
Taeniogramma is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, established by Paul Dognin in 1914. The genus contains approximately ten described species distributed across the Americas, with the highest diversity in Central and South America and several species extending into the southwestern United States. Species in this genus are characterized by their patterned forewings, often featuring distinct lines or bands.
Taenionema
winter stoneflies
Taenionema is a genus of winter stoneflies (Plecoptera: Taeniopterygidae) comprising approximately 14 described species. The genus was established by Banks in 1905 with Taenionema analis as the type species. Species are distributed across the Nearctic and eastern Palearctic regions, with 13 species native to North America and one species (T. japonicum) ranging across Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Russia and northeastern China. A second Eastern Hemisphere species, T. sinensis, was described in 2023 from southeastern China.
Tamalia
Ericaceous Gall Aphids, Manzanita Leaf Gall Aphids
Tamalia is a Nearctic genus of gall-forming aphids and the sole genus in the subfamily Tamaliinae. Eight described species induce galls on woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae), primarily on manzanita (Arctostaphylos) and related genera. The genus exhibits a distinctive social system in which multiple foundresses co-occupy galls, a trait that has been exploited by the evolution of socially parasitic inquiline species within the same genus.
Tamaliinae
Tamaliinae is a small subfamily of aphids (Aphididae) containing the Nearctic genus Tamalia. Members are obligate gall-formers on woody plants in the family Ericaceae, including Arctostaphylos, Arbutus, and Comarostaphylis. The subfamily exhibits social behavior, with foundresses co-occupying galls and high relatedness among colony members. Some species act as inquilines, acting as obligate parasites within galls of other Tamalia species.
Taniva albolineana
Spruce Needleminer Moth
Taniva albolineana is a monotypic tortricid moth endemic to North America, commonly known as the spruce needleminer moth. The species is specialized on spruce (Picea spp.) as its host plant, with larvae mining within needles. It is the sole member of the genus Taniva. The moth is primarily documented from the Canadian prairie provinces and adjacent regions.
Tanyptera dorsalis
Antlered Crane Fly
Tanyptera dorsalis is a species of crane fly in the family Tipulidae, commonly known as the Antlered Crane Fly. Males are distinguished by prominent antler-like projections on the head. The species occurs in eastern North America, with records from Canada and the United States.
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non-biting midge
Tanytarsus is a large genus of non-biting midges comprising over 480 described species. The genus belongs to the tribe Tanytarsini within the subfamily Chironominae. Larvae occur in diverse freshwater habitats, with some species inhabiting marine environments. Species-level studies reveal complex life cycles with photoperiod and temperature as key determinants of seasonal patterns.
Tapinocyba
sheet weavers
Tapinocyba is a genus of sheet web spiders (family Linyphiidae) established by Eugène Louis Simon in 1884. The genus comprises approximately 40 species distributed across the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, including Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa. Species are primarily found in leaf litter and forest floor habitats, often at montane elevations. Recent taxonomic work has clarified species boundaries and described new species from previously undersampled regions such as China and Nepal.
Tarache tetragona
Four-spotted Bird-dropping Moth, four-spotted bird dropping moth
Tarache tetragona is a small noctuid moth commonly known as the four-spotted bird-dropping moth due to its resemblance to avian droppings. The species belongs to the subfamily Acontiinae and exhibits the typical bird-dropping mimicry common in this group. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The species has been documented feeding on Malvaceae host plants during its larval stage.
Telabis
Telabis is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Casey in 1890. The genus is native to the Nearctic region. Very few observations exist in public databases, with only 8 records on iNaturalist. The genus remains poorly documented in scientific literature.
Telamona ampelopsidis
Virginia Creeper Treehopper
Telamona ampelopsidis, commonly known as the Virginia Creeper Treehopper, is a Nearctic treehopper species in the family Membracidae. The species is named for its association with Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), its primary host plant. Like other members of the genus Telamona, it possesses an enlarged, often keeled pronotum that extends backward over the body. The species is one of approximately 38 recognized species in the genus Telamona.
Telamona californica
Telamona californica is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae, described by Flynn in 2023. As a member of the tribe Telamonini within subfamily Smiliinae, it belongs to a group known for pronounced pronotal modifications. The specific epithet 'californica' indicates a geographic association with California. Like other Telamona species, it possesses the enlarged pronotum characteristic of treehoppers, though specific morphological details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Telamona calva
Telamona calva is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, described by Ball in 1933. The genus Telamona belongs to the tribe Telamonini within subfamily Smiliinae. Treehoppers in this genus are characterized by their enlarged, often ornate pronotum. Very few specific details about this particular species are documented in accessible literature.
Telamona concava
Telamona concava is a species of treehopper described by Asa Fitch in 1851. It is found in eastern North America during summer months. The species feeds specifically on white oak (Quercus alba) and black oak (Quercus velutina). Like other members of the family Membracidae, it possesses a highly modified, enlarged pronotum that extends over the body.
Telamona dorana
Telamona dorana is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae, described by Ball in 1931. As a member of the genus Telamona, it shares the characteristic enlarged pronotum typical of this group. The species is part of the diverse Nearctic fauna of Smiliinae, a subfamily known for varied pronotal ornamentation. Information specific to this species remains limited in published literature.
Telamona gibbera
Telamona gibbera is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae, described by Ball in 1925. As a member of the genus Telamona, it possesses the characteristic enlarged and modified pronotum typical of this group. The species is known from the southwestern United States, with records from Arizona and New Mexico. Like other treehoppers, it is a phloem-feeding insect associated with woody plants.
Telamona monticola
Telamona monticola is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, characterized by an enlarged and often elaborately shaped pronotum typical of the genus. The species is documented from oak trees, where both adults and nymphs feed. Nymphal development has been observed to complete in approximately eight weeks. The species belongs to the tribe Telamonini within the subfamily Smiliinae.
Telamona reclivata
Telamona reclivata is a Nearctic treehopper species in the tribe Telamonini, characterized by pronotal modifications typical of the genus. First described by Fitch in 1851, this species belongs to a group known for their enlarged, often elaborately shaped pronota that extend over the thorax. Like other members of Membracidae, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts and undergoes incomplete metamorphosis. The species has been documented across western and central North America.
Telamona subfalcata
Telamona subfalcata is a North American treehopper species in the family Membracidae, described by Van Duzee in 1912. As a member of the tribe Telamonini, it possesses the enlarged and modified pronotum characteristic of treehoppers, though less dramatically ornamented than some tropical relatives. The genus Telamona contains multiple species distributed primarily in eastern and central North America, with T. subfalcata representing one of the less commonly encountered members of this group.
Telamona tiliae
Basswood Treehopper
Telamona tiliae, the basswood treehopper, is a Nearctic treehopper species described by Elmer Darwin Ball in 1925. It belongs to the tribe Telamonini within the diverse family Membracidae, characterized by the pronounced pronotal modifications typical of the group. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in size and feeds on a broad range of woody host plants, with a particular association with Tilia species that gives it its common name.
Telamona vestita carynotana
Telamona vestita carynotana is a subspecies of treehopper in the family Membracidae, described by Ball in 1931. It belongs to the diverse genus Telamona, which is part of the Nearctic tribe Telamonini within subfamily Smiliinae. Treehoppers in this genus are characterized by pronounced pronotal modifications that create distinctive silhouettes. This subspecies has been documented from California and Oregon.
Telamona westcotti
Telamona westcotti is a Nearctic treehopper species in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae. Like other members of the genus Telamona, it possesses a pronounced pronotal extension. The species was described by Goding in 1893 and occurs in the central United States and southern Canada.
Telamonanthe pulchella
A small treehopper species in the family Membracidae, characterized by the pronounced pronotal modifications typical of the group. First described by Ball in 1903, it belongs to the Nearctic tribe Telamonini within the subfamily Smiliinae. The species has been documented across the southwestern United States.
Telamonanthe rileyi
Telamonanthe rileyi is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae, and tribe Telamonini. The species was described by Goding in 1892. It is part of a genus characterized by distinctive pronotal modifications typical of treehoppers. Based on collection records, it occurs in Texas and potentially other parts of the southern and central United States. As with other members of Membracidae, it is presumed to feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts, though specific host plants for this species have not been documented in the available sources.
Telamonini
Telamonini is a tribe of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, comprising approximately 9 genera and at least 50 described species. The tribe was reinstated from synonymy with Smiliini based on morphological phylogenetic analysis. Members are predominantly Nearctic in distribution, with strong evolutionary associations with oak (Quercus) as host plants. Nymphs represent the predominant feeding stage and are critical for accurate host plant determination, as adult movements often produce unreliable records.
Telesicles
Telesicles is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Champion in 1888. The genus is currently recognized as valid and contains species distributed in the Nearctic region. Based on iNaturalist records, the genus has been documented in at least three observations, though specific biological details remain limited in published sources.
Telmatophilus
Telmatophilus is a genus of silken fungus beetles (family Cryptophagidae) established by Heer in 1841. The genus comprises approximately seven described species distributed across Europe and North America. These beetles are associated with moist, decomposing plant matter, particularly in wetland and riparian habitats. The type species, Telmatophilus typhae, was described by Fallén in 1802 from cattail (Typha) habitats.
Telonaca
Telonaca is a small genus of treehoppers (family Membracidae) comprising two described species: Telonaca alta and Telonaca ramona. It belongs to the tribe Telamonini within the subfamily Smiliinae, a group characterized by pronounced pronotal modifications. The genus was established by Ball in 1918. Members of this genus exhibit the enlarged, often elaborately shaped pronotum typical of their family, which serves various ecological functions including camouflage and predator deterrence.
Telonaca ramona ramona
Telonaca ramona ramona is a subspecies of treehopper in the family Membracidae, described by Ball in 1918. It belongs to the tribe Telamonini within the subfamily Smiliinae. Treehoppers in this genus are characterized by their enlarged, often elaborately modified pronotum that extends over the thorax. This subspecies has been recorded from California.
Temnostoma barberi
Bare-bellied Falsehorn
Temnostoma barberi is a Nearctic syrphid fly (hoverfly) described by Curran in 1939. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry of hymenopterans, with adults showing behavioral mimicry by moving their forelegs in front of the head to simulate wasp antennae. It is closely related to T. daochus, and both species form a lineage sister to the rest of the genus Temnostoma. The species has a strikingly different mimicry pattern compared to T. daochus, contributing to understanding of evolutionary plasticity in wasp mimicry.
Tephritis webbii
Tephritis webbii is a species of true fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, first described by Doane in 1899. It belongs to the genus Tephritis, a group of small to medium-sized flies characterized by patterned wings. The species has been recorded in Canada and the United States. Information regarding its biology, host plants, and specific habitat preferences remains limited in the available literature.
Teratocoris
Teratocoris is a genus of plant bugs (family Miridae) first described by Fieber in 1858. Species occur in the Palaearctic and Nearctic biogeographic realms. The genus includes at least eleven described species, with Teratocoris antennatus designated as the type species. These mirid bugs are associated with wetland and grassland habitats.
Tesarius
Tesarius is a genus of aphodiine dung beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, established by Rakovič in 1981. The genus contains five described species distributed in the Nearctic and Australian regions. As members of the subfamily Aphodiinae, these beetles are associated with dung and decomposing organic matter. The genus includes species originally described by LeConte, Lea, and Cartwright spanning from 1857 to 1977.
Tesarius mcclayi
Tesarius mcclayi is a species of aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from California, USA. The species has been introduced to Great Britain, where it has established a presence. As a member of the subfamily Aphodiinae, it belongs to a group commonly known as small dung beetles or lesser dung beetles.