Nocturnal
Guides
Cydia latiferreana
Filbertworm Moth
Cydia latiferreana, the filbertworm moth, is a small tortricid moth (wingspan approximately 18 mm) found across most of North America. Adults are active from July to October, with timing varying by location. The species is a significant agricultural pest, particularly of hazelnut orchards in the Pacific Northwest, and also infests acorns of multiple oak species. Larvae develop inside nuts, reducing germination success and crop viability.
Cylas
sweet potato weevils
Cylas is a genus of sweet potato weevils comprising over 20 described species, classified in the monogeneric tribe Cyladini within the subfamily Brentinae. The genus contains major agricultural pests, particularly Cylas formicarius, which is considered the most serious pest of sweet potato worldwide. Several species including C. formicarius, C. brunneus, and C. puncticollis are known to infest sweet potato crops, causing substantial economic losses through damage to storage roots and vines.
Cylas formicarius
Sweet Potato Weevil
Cylas formicarius is a globally significant pest of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), causing 30-100% yield losses in over 80 countries. The species exhibits a highly cryptic lifestyle: larvae feed internally within vines and tubers, making chemical control ineffective once infestation occurs. Adults are nocturnal and migratory, with sexual dimorphism in antennae structure. The weevil has been designated a quarantine pest worldwide due to its economic impact on food security and agricultural trade.
Cymatophora approximaria
Giant Gray Moth
A large geometrid moth native to North America, notable for its substantial size and muted gray coloration. Adults are active during warmer months and are attracted to light. The species is relatively well-documented through citizen science observations.
Cymodusa distincta
Cymodusa distincta is a small species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The species was described by Cresson in 1864 and has been documented in Canada, with distribution records from Edmonton and Elbow. It has been observed during blacklighting surveys in spring, suggesting nocturnal activity patterns typical of many ichneumonid wasps.
Cyphoderris
Hump-winged Grigs
Cyphoderris is a genus of primitive orthopterans known as hump-winged grigs, representing a relict lineage of the ancient family Haglidae (now Prophalangopsidae). These cold-adapted, nocturnal insects are restricted to high-elevation coniferous forests and sagebrush meadows of western North America. Males produce acoustic signals by rubbing their forewings together to attract females. The genus exhibits unusual reproductive biology in which females feed on male metathoracic wing tissue during copulation, and males provide substantial proteinaceous spermatophores. Only three species are currently recognized: C. strepitans, C. buckelli, and C. monstrosa.
Cysteodemus
Desert Spider Beetles, inflated beetle, black bladder-bodied meloid
Cysteodemus is a genus of desert spider beetles in the family Meloidae, containing at least two described species: C. armatus (inflated beetle) and C. wislizeni (black bladder-bodied meloid). The genus is characterized by a highly inflated, bladder-like body form that gives these beetles their common names. Species are found in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Sexual behavior in Cysteodemus represents an intermediate condition between the two major subfamilies of blister beetles, featuring simple courtship, prolonged mating, and high female receptivity.
Daihinibaenetes arizonensis
Arizona giant sand treader cricket
Daihinibaenetes arizonensis is a wingless orthopteran in the family Rhaphidophoridae, endemic to sand dune habitats near Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. It is among the largest members of its genus, with collected specimens exceeding 2 cm in length. The species exhibits nocturnal activity and specialized fossorial behavior, digging burrows up to 18 inches deep in sand. It is active primarily in spring and is presumed to perish during summer heat.
Daihiniodes hastifera
Arizona sand-treader cricket
Daihiniodes hastifera is a flightless cricket known as the Arizona sand-treader cricket. It belongs to the family Rhaphidophoridae, commonly called camel crickets or cave crickets. The species is endemic to arid regions of western North America. Its common name reflects its specialized adaptation to sandy desert habitats.
Danosoma brevicorne
Short-horned Click Beetle
Danosoma brevicorne is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. It has been recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The species appears to be nocturnally active and has been observed in association with woody debris and forested habitats.
Darapsa myron
Virginia creeper sphinx, Green Grapevine Sphinx
Darapsa myron is a sphinx moth native to central and eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 2–3 inches, with green-brown striped forewings and orange hindwings. Larvae, known as hornworms, feed on Virginia creeper and grape family plants. The species produces multiple broods annually, with larvae capable of maturing in as few as three weeks. Adults are nocturnal, visiting lights and sugar baits, and are most active from sunset to midnight.
Dasylophia saturata
Dasylophia saturata is a species of moth in the family Notodontidae, described by Barnes in 1901. It belongs to the subfamily Nystaleinae, a group of prominent moths. The genus Dasylophia is characterized by distinctive morphological features including prominent tufts and modified setae on the body. As with other notodontid moths, adults are nocturnal and larvae feed on woody plants.
Daulia arizonensis
Daulia arizonensis is a small moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Eugene G. Munroe in 1957. The species has a wingspan of approximately 18 mm. It exhibits a disjunct distribution pattern, occurring in the southwestern United States (Arizona and Texas) and extending southward through Mexico to Argentina.
Deilelater
Glowing Click Beetles
Deilelater is a genus of bioluminescent click beetles established in 1975 by Cleide Costa. Most of its seven species were transferred from the genus Pyrophorus. Adults possess lateral luminous spots on the prothorax and a small lamellate abdominal luminous organ. The genus occurs from the southeastern United States through Mexico, Central America, and western South America.
Deinopidae
Net-casting Spiders, Ogre-faced Spiders
Deinopidae is a family of cribellate spiders known for their distinctive net-casting hunting strategy. They construct small rectangular capture webs held between their elongated front legs, which they stretch to two or three times their relaxed size before propelling themselves forward to entangle prey. The family includes three genera: Deinopis and Asianopis (ogre-faced spiders with enlarged posterior median eyes for night vision), and Menneus (humped-back spiders lacking enlarged eyes). These spiders are sit-and-wait predators with excellent night vision, hunting primarily after dark while resting cryptically during daylight hours.
Deinopis
net-casting spiders, gladiator spiders, ogre-faced spiders, American Ogre-faced Spiders
Deinopis is a genus of net-casting spiders characterized by their distinctive hunting strategy of throwing a rectangular cribellate web at prey. The genus is distinguished by enlarged posterior median eyes that are among the most light-sensitive of any animal, enabling nocturnal hunting. These spiders exhibit specialized sensory adaptations including the use of trichobothria and slit sensillae on their legs to detect prey vibrations and sounds. The genus has a tropical and subtropical distribution with a complex biogeographic history involving Gondwanan origins and subsequent dispersal events.
Deleaster dichrous
Deleaster dichrous is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae) native to the Western Palaearctic, with established introduced populations in northeastern North America. Adults measure 6.5–8 mm and display distinctive coloration with dark brown head and abdomen contrasting with orange antennae, legs, and thorax. The species occupies diverse open habitats from grasslands to coastal areas and exhibits nocturnal tendencies, with adults active primarily in spring and summer.
Dendrocerus
Dendrocerus is a genus of megaspilid wasps in the family Megaspilidae, comprising more than 100 described species. Members of this genus are hyperparasitoids, primarily attacking aphid parasitoids in the family Braconidae (Aphidiinae), particularly Aphidius species. The genus is characterized by elaborate branched antennae and specialized morphological adaptations for host location and exploitation. Some species exhibit nocturnal activity patterns and unique extrication structures for emerging from hosts.
Dendroides canadensis
fire-colored beetle, Canada Fire-colored Beetle
Dendroides canadensis, commonly known as the fire-colored beetle or Canada Fire-colored Beetle, is a species in the family Pyrochroidae. Adults range from 7 to 16 mm in length and display distinctive coloration with black head and elytra contrasting with reddish-brown thorax and legs. The species is notable for having both freezing tolerance and freezing susceptibility (supercooling) adaptations, representing the first documented instance of overwintering by switching between these two mechanisms. Larvae inhabit the cambial layer under bark of decaying hardwood logs.
Dermaptera
Earwigs
Earwigs comprise the insect order Dermaptera, with approximately 2,000 species in 12 families. They are distinguished by forceps-like cerci at the abdomen tip and hindwings folded beneath short forewings, giving rise to the order name meaning 'skin wings.' Most species are nocturnal, hiding in dark moist places during daylight. While some groups are tiny parasites lacking typical pincers, the majority are free-living and found on all continents except Antarctica.
Desmia desmialis
Desmia desmialis is a small crambid moth described from Arizona in 1914. The species is recognized by its distinctive wing pattern featuring multiple white patches on brown forewings and semiparallel dark lines on the hindwings. It belongs to a genus containing several similar North American species, including the grape leaffolder Desmia funeralis.
Desmiphora hirticollis
A longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae, characterized by dense tufts of erect hairs that provide remarkable crypsis against tree bark. Adults are strictly nocturnal and hide on the undersides of freshly cut logs during daylight hours. The species occurs from southern Texas through South America, with documented associations with trees in the family Boraginaceae as larval hosts.
Diachrysia balluca
green-patched looper, hologram moth
Diachrysia balluca is a large noctuid moth occurring in northeastern North America, recognized by its metallic green forewing patches. Adults are active from May through September, with peak abundance in July. The species inhabits mature poplar and mixedwood forests, where larvae feed on woody plants including quaking aspen and Canadian woodnettle. It produces one brood annually.
Diaphania lualis
Diaphania lualis is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of approximately 19 mm. It occurs in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the southern United States. Adults have been documented in Florida during two distinct periods: September through January and May through June.
Diaphania nitidalis
pickleworm, pickleworm moth
Diaphania nitidalis is a significant agricultural pest of cucurbit crops, particularly damaging to squash, cucumbers, and melons. Adults are nocturnal moths with iridescent brown wings marked by yellow bands and white borders. Larvae feed voraciously on reproductive tissues, flowers, and fruits, often burrowing into fruit flesh. The species is tropical in origin and intolerant of cold temperatures, limiting its permanent range to southern North America and tropical regions, though it migrates northward seasonally.
Diapheromera covilleae
creosote bush walkingstick
Diapheromera covilleae, the creosote bush walkingstick, is a wingless stick insect endemic to the Sonoran Desert region. Adults range from 5–10 cm in length with pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are larger, grey in coloration, and 3–4 cm longer than males, which are brown. The species exhibits strong host-plant fidelity to creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and related desert vegetation. It is strictly nocturnal and highly cryptic, making detection difficult despite being locally abundant.
Diastema n-sp
Diastema n-sp is a sheetweb weaver spider in the family Linyphiidae, recorded from the exterior of a woodshed in northern Door County, Wisconsin during a nocturnal survey. The specimen was an unidentified male observed on June 24, 2019, in a cool, wet forested area on the shore of Lake Michigan. No further details about this particular species' biology are available from this record.
Dichagyris arabella
cutworm, dart moth
Dichagyris arabella is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Dyar in 1901. It is classified within the subfamily Noctuinae and is native to North America. The species has been documented through limited observations, with 14 records on iNaturalist. Like other members of the genus Dichagyris, it is likely nocturnal and associated with open habitats.
Dichelonyx truncata
Dichelonyx truncata is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Melolonthinae, tribe Dichelonychini. It is native to western North America, with records from the western United States and southwestern Canada. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1856. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with open, often xeric habitats in the interior west.
Dichomeris delotella
Dichomeris delotella is a small gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1909. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Adults are active from spring through early autumn, with phenology varying by region.
Dichorda
Dichorda is a genus of emerald moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Geometrinae. The genus was erected by Warren in 1900 and currently contains nine recognized species distributed primarily in North America. Species such as Dichorda iridaria (showy emerald moth) are known for their distinctive green coloration and are attracted to ultraviolet light at night. The genus is part of the diverse Geometridae family, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths.
Dichoxenus
Dichoxenus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae. A 2024 taxonomic revision recognized 25 species, including 17 newly described from Mexico and the southern United States. The genus was expanded through synonymy of Anametis and transfer of several species from other genera. Most species are nocturnal and associated with vegetation, though some occur in leaf litter and three species are known or suspected to be cave-dwelling.
Dichoxenus setiger
Dichoxenus setiger is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae, tribe Byrsopagini. The species was described by Horn in 1876. A 2024 taxonomic revision of the genus Dichoxenus clarified that D. setiger does not include the former subspecies D. setiger arkansasensis, which was synonymized with D. granulatus. The genus comprises 25 species distributed in North America, primarily Mexico and the southern United States.
Dicromantispa
Dicromantispa is a genus of mantidflies in the family Mantispidae, comprising approximately 10 described species. Mantidflies in this genus are predatory insects characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. They are attracted to artificial light sources and are active during warmer months. The genus was established by Hoffman in 2002.
Dicromantispa sayi
Say's mantidfly
Dicromantispa sayi, commonly known as Say's mantidfly, is a small predatory insect in the family Mantispidae. Adults measure 14–15 mm and are recognized by their raptorial forelegs resembling those of praying mantises. The species exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism in coloration, with females typically darker than males. It is found across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, where it inhabits forest edges and prairies. Adults are active from mid-July through early September, peaking at the end of July. The species has a specialized life cycle in which larvae are obligate predators of spider eggs.
Dictis striatipes
Striped Spitting Spider
Dictis striatipes is a spitting spider in the family Scytodidae, known for the common name "Striped Spitting Spider." The species has been introduced to regions outside its native range, including Hawaii, Mexico, and Yemen. As a member of Scytodidae, it possesses the characteristic spitting ability that defines this family—immobilizing prey by ejecting a mixture of silk, venom, and adhesive from the chelicerae. It is a synanthropic species often found in human-modified environments.
Dictyonia
Dictyonia n-sp is an undescribed species of sheetweb weaver spider (family Linyphiidae) documented from Door County, Wisconsin, USA. It was recorded during a nocturnal survey of building exteriors in a forested lakeshore habitat. As a member of Linyphiidae, it constructs a flat, sheet-like web and hunts by hanging inverted on the web surface.
Diestrammena
Asian camel cricket, cave cricket, greenhouse camel cricket
Diestrammena is a genus of camel crickets (family Rhaphidophoridae) native to Asia, including Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. Several species have become invasive in North America, particularly in residential basements, garages, and caves. These wingless crickets are characterized by their humpbacked appearance, extraordinarily long antennae, and powerful jumping legs. Research has shown that Asian camel crickets now dominate indoor environments in many parts of the eastern United States, having largely displaced native camel cricket species.
camel-cricketcave-cricketinvasive-speciesbasement-pestAsiaNorth-Americacave-ecosystemscavengerwinglessautotomygut-microbiomekeystone-speciesDiestrammena-japanicaDiestrammena-asynamoraTachycines-asynamorusRhaphidophoridaeOrthopteranocturnalthigmotaxisurban-ecologycave-adaptationmorphological-plasticitycompetitive-displacementgreenhouse-pestfish-baitDigrammia
granite moths, angle moths
Digrammia is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, erected by Carl Freiherr von Gumppenberg in 1887. The genus is now frequently treated as a synonym of Semiothisa, though many species continue to be referenced under the Digrammia name. It includes approximately 50 described species, many of which bear common names referencing their angular wing patterns or granitic coloration. Species such as Digrammia californiaria (California granite moth), D. colorata (creosote moth), and D. continuata (curve-lined angle moth) are among the better documented members.
Digrammia atrofasciata
Broad-lined Angle
Digrammia atrofasciata is a species of geometrid moth described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1876. It belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths. The species is found in North America and has been documented through over 2,700 observations on iNaturalist. Like other members of its genus, it is a nocturnal species attracted to ultraviolet light sources.
Digrammia burneyata
Digrammia burneyata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, first described by McDunnough in 1939. It belongs to a genus of moths commonly known as granite moths, characterized by their cryptic coloration. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited. Its Hodges number is 6376.
Digrammia continuata
curve-lined angle
Digrammia continuata, commonly known as the curve-lined angle, is a moth species in the family Geometridae. It occurs across North America from New Brunswick to Florida, west to California and north to Manitoba. The species is part of a diverse genus of geometrid moths often referred to as "granite moths" or "angles."
Digrammia denticulata
Digrammia denticulata is a species of geometrid moth first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. It belongs to the genus Digrammia, which comprises North American granite moths. The species has been recorded from the Canadian prairie provinces and is part of the diverse Geometridae family, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths. Like other members of its genus, it is attracted to ultraviolet light and has been documented through blacklighting surveys.
Digrammia eremiata
Digrammia eremiata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. The genus Digrammia includes species commonly referred to as "granite moths" or "angles," though specific common names for D. eremiata are not documented. The species is part of a diverse North American moth fauna that has been studied through blacklighting surveys and museum collections. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to ultraviolet light sources.
Digrammia excurvata
Digrammia excurvata is a species of geometrid moth first described by Packard in 1874. It belongs to the genus Digrammia, which includes numerous North American species commonly known as granite moths. The species is documented from North America, though specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain limited in published sources.
Digrammia imparilata
Digrammia imparilata is a species of geometrid moth described by Ferguson in 2008. It belongs to the genus Digrammia, a group commonly known as granite moths. The species is known from North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to ultraviolet light sources.
Digrammia minuta
Digrammia minuta is a small geometer moth in the family Geometridae, native to North America. The genus Digrammia includes numerous small, cryptically colored species that rely on camouflage against bark and vegetation. Like other members of this genus, D. minuta is likely active at night and attracted to artificial light sources. Very little specific information has been published about the biology of this particular species.
Digrammia muscariata
Oak Angles and Allies
Digrammia muscariata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It has been recorded at blacklighting displays in California, where it is attracted to ultraviolet light sources. The species was originally described as Tephrina muscariata by Guenée in 1858. Three subspecies are recognized: D. m. muscariata, D. m. respersata, and D. m. teucaria.
Digrammia ocellinata
Faint-spotted Angle, Locust Looper
Digrammia ocellinata is a geometrid moth commonly known as the faint-spotted angle or locust looper. First described by Achille Guenée in 1857, it occurs across the eastern United States and southern Canada. The species is notable for its larval association with leguminous trees, particularly black locust and honey locust.
Digrammia pictipennata
Digrammia pictipennata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Hulst in 1898. It belongs to the genus Digrammia, which contains species commonly known as granite moths. The species is recorded from both North America and Central America. Like other members of its family, it is a nocturnal moth attracted to ultraviolet light sources.