Nocturnal
Guides
Embaphion muricatum
Embaphion muricatum is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species is characterized by a notably explanate, or flattened and expanded, body form that gives it a distinctive appearance among tenebrionids. It has been documented from sand dune habitats in the southwestern United States and from prairie regions in Canada. Observations indicate it is active during late summer and early fall, with adults frequently encountered at night.
Embaphion planum
Embaphion planum is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Horn in 1870. The genus Embaphion is characterized by distinctly explanate (flanged or flattened) elytra that give these beetles a broad, flattened appearance. Species in this genus are primarily nocturnal and associated with arid and semi-arid habitats. E. planum is one of several Embaphion species found in North American desert and grassland ecosystems.
Emesaya brevipennis
thread-legged bug
Emesaya brevipennis is a thread-legged assassin bug in the subfamily Emesinae, distributed across the New World from North America through Central America to South America. The species comprises three subspecies, all occurring in North America north of Mexico. The nominate subspecies E. b. brevipennis is the most widely distributed and has been documented as bivoltine in southern Illinois, with five instars. This species exhibits specialized predatory behavior, including kleptoparasitism of spider prey and intraguild predation on conspecifics.
Empicoris
thread-legged assassin bug
Empicoris is a cosmopolitan genus of thread-legged assassin bugs in the subfamily Emesinae. These predatory true bugs are characterized by their elongated, slender legs and cryptic appearance. The genus contains at least 18 described species distributed worldwide. Empicoris species are nocturnal predators that frequent lights at night, likely hunting smaller insects attracted to artificial illumination.
Empicoris culiciformis
thread-legged assassin bug
Empicoris culiciformis is a predatory true bug in the family Reduviidae, characterized by its delicate build and raptorial forelegs. The species has a Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, the Palearctic, North Africa, and North America. It is rarely encountered due to its cryptic lifestyle in concealed habitats.
Empicoris errabundus
thread-legged assassin bug
Empicoris errabundus is a thread-legged assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. It is found across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Members of this genus are small, slender predatory insects that have been observed at ultraviolet light sources, likely hunting smaller insects attracted to the light.
Empicoris orthoneuron
thread-legged bug
Empicoris orthoneuron is a thread-legged assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, characterized by its elongated, slender body form adapted for predation. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning Central America, North America, and South America. It is one of many small, nocturnal predatory insects attracted to ultraviolet light sources. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Empicoris errabundus in some taxonomic databases.
Empicoris rubromaculatus
Thread Bug
Empicoris rubromaculatus is a thread-legged assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the thread bug. It is characterized by its elongated, slender body and exceptionally long, thread-like legs. The species has been documented in North America and Oceania, with distribution records from the Azores islands including Faial, Flores, Pico, São Miguel, and Santa Maria. It has been observed at ultraviolet light sources, suggesting nocturnal activity.
Enaphalodes atomarius
Robust Oak Borer
Enaphalodes atomarius, commonly known as the robust oak borer, is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. First described by Dru Drury in 1773 from New York City, this beetle is known to be attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights in mesic lowland deciduous forests. It has been documented in bait traps using ethanol and red wine mixtures in xeric dolomite prairie remnants and dry upland deciduous forests.
Enicospilus
Enicospilus is a megadiverse genus of large ichneumonid wasps comprising over 700 described species worldwide. Members exhibit 'ophionoid facies' with orange-brown bodies, extremely large ocelli arranged in a triangle, and long antennae. These wasps are unusual among Hymenoptera for their nocturnal or crepuscular activity and strong attraction to artificial lights. They are koinobiont endoparasitoids of moderately large lepidopteran larvae, including families such as Lasiocampidae, Noctuidae, and Saturniidae. Species delimitation is notoriously difficult due to limited diagnostic morphological characters, resulting in frequent taxonomic confusion including synonyms and misidentifications.
Enicospilus flavostigma
Enicospilus flavostigma is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, first described by Hooker in 1912. Like other members of its genus, it is a nocturnal parasitoid wasp with a uniformly orange or reddish-orange coloration. The species belongs to a group of large, gangly ichneumon wasps characterized by long antennae, prominent ocelli arranged in a triangle on the head, and reduced or very short ovipositors. Enicospilus species are koinobiont ectoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae.
Enicospilus guatemalensis
Enicospilus guatemalensis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, originally described from Guatemala. The genus Enicospilus belongs to the subfamily Ophioninae, characterized by large, gangly wasps that are often uniformly orange in color with long antennae, large ocelli arranged in a triangle on the head, and very short or nearly absent ovipositors. Species in this genus are nocturnal and frequently attracted to artificial lights.
Enicospilus peigleri
Enicospilus peigleri is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, described by Gauld in 1988. It belongs to a genus of nocturnal parasitoid wasps characterized by large ocelli, long antennae, and typically uniform orange coloration. Like other Enicospilus species, it is attracted to artificial light sources at night. The species is part of a diverse genus with wide geographic distribution, though specific details about E. peigleri remain limited in published literature.
Enicospilus purgatus
Ophionine ichneumon wasp
Enicospilus purgatus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae. It is a large, gangly wasp typically orange in coloration with long antennae and large ocelli arranged in a triangle on the head. Unlike the related genus Netelia, E. purgatus has a very short ovipositor that is often not readily visible. The species is nocturnal and frequently attracted to artificial lights. It is a solitary parasitoid wasp with females capable of stinging when handled.
Ennomos magnaria
Maple Spanworm Moth, Notched Wing Moth, Notched-wing Geometer, Notch-wing Moth
A medium-sized geometrid moth with distinctive autumn leaf-like camouflage. Adults are active from July through early November, with a single generation per year. The species is notable for its notched wing margins and nocturnal habits, often resting on buildings during daylight hours.
Eoparargyractis floridalis
Eoparargyractis floridalis is a small moth in the family Crambidae, described by William Harry Lange in 1956. It belongs to the subfamily Acentropinae, a group commonly known as water moths due to their association with aquatic habitats. The species is known from limited records in the southeastern United States.
Epermeniidae
fringe-tufted moths
Epermeniidae, commonly called fringe-tufted moths, is a family of small Lepidoptera containing approximately 14 genera. The family is placed in its own superfamily Epermenioidea, though its systematic position among the apoditrysian group "Obtectomera" remains uncertain. Members are characterized by distinctive projecting scale tufts on the inner margin of the hindwing and whorls of bristles on the legs. The group has been extensively revised by Dr. Reinhard Gaedike, with major genera including Epermenia, Ochromolopis, and Gnathifera.
Ephestiodes
snout moths
Ephestiodes is a genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, described by Émile Louis Ragonot in 1887. The genus includes approximately eight described species, with Ephestiodes gilvescentella (dusky raisin moth) being the most frequently encountered and well-documented. Species in this genus are primarily found in North America and are commonly attracted to ultraviolet light during nocturnal surveys.
Epiblema tripartitana
Epiblema tripartitana is a small tortricid moth in the leafroller family Tortricidae. The species has been documented in Colorado and Vermont, with observations at light stations during summer moth surveys. Its common name references the three-part or tripartite wing pattern. The moth exhibits distinctive coloration that has been described as resembling bird droppings, a form of protective camouflage.
Epicauta costata
Four-ribbed Blister Beetle
Epicauta costata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the Four-ribbed Blister Beetle. The species was described by LeConte in 1854. It is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other meloids, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that causes blistering upon contact with skin.
Epimecis hortaria
tulip-tree beauty
Epimecis hortaria, commonly known as the tulip-tree beauty, is a geometer moth native to North America. It is one of the larger species in its family, with a wingspan reaching 43–55 mm. The species exhibits two distinct color morphs and has a broad flight season spanning early spring through autumn.
Epipleminae
Scoopwing Moths, Epiplemiine Moths
Epipleminae is the largest and most diverse subfamily of the family Uraniidae (Lepidoptera), comprising over 600 species in approximately 70 genera. These small, drab-colored nocturnal moths are distinguished by several unique morphological and behavioral traits, including a sexually dimorphic tympanal organ with structural details unlike any other lepidopteran group. The subfamily exhibits a primarily pantropical distribution with limited extension into temperate regions. Historically, Epipleminae were frequently misclassified within Geometridae or Drepanidae due to superficial phenetic similarities.
Epirrhoe sperryi
Sperry's Argent & Sable, small argent and sable
Epirrhoe sperryi is a geometrid moth in the subfamily Larentiinae, found in North America. The species is known from the Canadian prairie provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. It belongs to a genus characterized by black-and-white patterned forewings, though specific diagnostic features for this species remain poorly documented in published literature.
Eremobates ajoanus
windscorpion, sun spider, camel spider
Eremobates ajoanus is a species of solifuge (windscorpion) in the family Eremobatidae, described by Muma and Brookhart in 1988. Like other members of the order Solifugae, it is a nocturnal arachnid predator characterized by large, powerful chelicerae used to capture and subdue prey. The species is found in arid regions of North America, particularly in the southwestern United States and adjacent areas.
Eremobates angustus
windscorpion, sun spider, camel spider, solifuge
Eremobates angustus is a species of solifuge (windscorpion or sun spider) in the family Eremobatidae, described by Muma in 1951. Solifuges are arachnids distinct from spiders and scorpions, characterized by their large, powerful chelicerae and rapid running ability. This species is part of a group of nocturnal, predatory arachnids found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America.
Eremobates corpink
Coral Pink Sand Dunes Straight-faced Windscorpion
Eremobates corpink is a species of solifuge (windscorpion) in the family Eremobatidae, described in 2004 from the Coral Pink Sand Dunes region of southwestern Utah. Like other solifugids, it is a nocturnal, non-venomous arachnid with large, powerful chelicerae used to capture and kill prey. The species is named for its type locality in the distinctive pink sand dune ecosystem.
Eremobates gerbae
windscorpion, solifuge, sun spider, wind scorpion, camel spider
Eremobates gerbae is a species of solifuge (windscorpion) in the family Eremobatidae, described by Brookhart & Cushing in 2002. Solifuges are arachnids characterized by their large, powerful chelicerae (jaws) and are primarily nocturnal predators of small arthropods. They are not venomous and pose no medical threat to humans despite their fearsome appearance. E. gerbae is one of numerous species in the genus Eremobates, which is particularly diverse in arid regions of western North America.
Eremobates inkopansis
solifuge, sun spider, wind scorpion
Eremobates inkopansis is a species of solifuge (order Solifugae), an arachnid group commonly known as sun spiders or wind scorpions. Like other members of the family Eremobatidae, this species possesses disproportionately large chelicerae used to capture and subdue prey. Solifugids are frequently mistaken for scorpions or spiders due to their appearance but represent a distinct arachnid lineage. They are primarily nocturnal predators of the arid southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico.
Eremobates norrisi
windscorpion, sun spider, camel spider
Eremobates norrisi is a species of solifuge (windscorpion) in the family Eremobatidae, described by Muma & Brookhart in 1988. Solifuges are arachnids distinct from spiders and scorpions, characterized by their large, powerful chelicerae and rapid running ability. Like other members of the genus Eremobates, this species is adapted to arid and semi-arid environments in North America.
Eremobates pallidus
pale windscorpion
Eremobates pallidus is a species of windscorpion (Solifugae) described by Muma and Brookhart in 1988. The specific epithet "pallidus" refers to its pale coloration. Windscorpions, also known as sun spiders or camel spiders, are arachnids characterized by their large chelicerae and rapid running speed. This species belongs to the family Eremobatidae, one of the most diverse families within the order Solifugae, which are primarily distributed in arid and semi-arid regions of North America.
Eremobates palpisetulosus
windscorpion, sun spider, camel spider
Eremobates palpisetulosus is a species of solifuge (windscorpion) in the family Eremobatidae, first described by Fichter in 1941. Solifuges are arachnids distinct from spiders and scorpions, characterized by their large, powerful chelicerae and rapid running speed. This species has been studied as part of desert arachnid community ecology, particularly in sympatric relationships with other desert predators including wolf spiders, tarantulas, whipscorpions, and scorpions.
Eremobatidae
Straight-faced Windscorpions, Sun Spiders, Wind Scorpions, Solpugids
Eremobatidae is a family of solifuges (camel spiders/wind scorpions) endemic to North America, first described by Karl Kraepelin in 1901. The family contains eight genera and approximately 187 species distributed across western North America and Central America. These arachnids are characterized by their exceptional speed, large chelicerae used for capturing prey, and adaptation to arid environments. They are non-venomous predators that rely on mechanical force to subdue prey.
Eremoblatta
sand cockroaches
Eremoblatta is a genus of sand cockroaches in the family Corydiidae (formerly Polyphagidae). These cockroaches are adapted to arid, sandy environments. The genus was established by Rehn in 1903. Records indicate presence in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Eremothera sculpturata
windscorpion, sun spider, camel spider
Eremothera sculpturata is a species of solifuge (windscorpion) in the family Eremobatidae, described by Muma in 1951. It belongs to a group of arachnids commonly known as windscorpions, sun spiders, or camel spiders—fast-moving, predatory arachnids that are not true scorpions despite their common name. The species is part of the North American fauna of solifuges, which are primarily nocturnal and adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.
Eriophora ravilla
Tropical Orbweaver, tropical orb weaver
Eriophora ravilla, commonly known as the tropical orb weaver, is a strictly nocturnal spider in the family Araneidae. Unlike many orb weavers that are active during the day, this species hides in curled leaves during daylight hours and emerges at night to construct large webs up to 1 meter wide, which it consumes by morning. The species is distributed across the circum-Caribbean region from the southern United States through Central America to Brazil.
Erythroneura infuscata
Leafhopper
Erythroneura infuscata is a small leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Adults measure 2.8-3.0 mm in length and exhibit distinctive dark coloration with contrasting pale and red markings. The species is primarily black with small pale spots on the wings and body, a prominent white patch on the costal margin of each wing followed by a red mark, and whitish legs and face. It inhabits mixed hardwood forests and is attracted to light at night. The species is known from several eastern and central U.S. states.
Ethmia
Ethmia is a large genus of small gelechioid moths comprising over 250 described species globally. The genus serves as the type genus for family Ethmiidae (sometimes treated as subfamily within Elachistidae or Oecophoridae). Species are characterized by distinctive black, white, and gray patterned forewings, and most larvae feed on plants in the Boraginaceae family, with Gesneriaceae recorded as an additional host family in the Neotropics. The genus exhibits greatest diversity in arid and semi-arid regions, with substantial radiations in southwestern North America and the Neotropics.
Ethmia marmorea
Ethmia marmorea is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, distributed across western North America from the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains. The species exhibits distinctive wing patterning with a longitudinal dividing line separating dark and light areas. Adults are active during summer months, with likely a single generation per year. Larval biology remains poorly documented for this species.
Ethmia trifurcella
Ethmia trifurcella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, distributed across eastern and central North America. The species is characterized by distinctive forewing patterning with a sinuate longitudinal line dividing dark and pale areas. Larvae are specialized herbivores that construct tubular shelters on host plant leaves.
Eucanthus subtropicus
Eucanthus subtropicus is an earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Geotrupidae, described by Henry Howden in 1955. The species is found in southeastern North America, with records from Alabama through the Carolinas and Florida. Like other members of the genus, it excavates burrows in soil for larval development. Adults are attracted to light and have been collected in sand dune habitats.
Euchlaena
Euchlaena Moths
Euchlaena is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1823. The genus contains approximately 19 recognized species distributed primarily in North America. Adults are nocturnal and frequently attracted to artificial light sources. Several species have distinctive common names reflecting their coloration or morphology, such as the Deep Yellow Euchlaena Moth and the Obtuse Euchlaena Moth.
Euchlaena deplanaria
Deep Yellow Euchlaena Moth
Euchlaena deplanaria is a species of geometrid moth native to eastern and central North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 34 mm and are active from February through October, indicating a broad flight season. The species is attracted to artificial light sources and has been documented in diverse habitats from deciduous forests to mixed conifer woodlands. It belongs to the genus Euchlaena, which includes several similarly patterned species that can be challenging to distinguish without close examination.
Euchlaena mollisaria
Euchlaena mollisaria is a geometrid moth species found in western North America. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of approximately 46 mm. The species is active from late spring through early autumn. It is attracted to artificial light sources.
Euchlaena obtusaria
Obtuse Euchlaena Moth
Euchlaena obtusaria is a geometrid moth found across North America in mixed wood forests. Adults have a wingspan of 27–48 mm and are active from spring through late summer. Larvae feed on Rosa and Impatiens species. The species was first described by Jacob Hübner in 1813.
Euchromius ocellea
Belted Grass-veneer, necklace veneer
Euchromius ocellea is a cosmopolitan migratory moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Haworth in 1811. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, with occasional rare migrations to temperate areas such as the UK and Netherlands. The species is notable for its ornate wing patterning and its larval association with grass crops including maize and sorghum.
Euclea incisa
Green Oak-slug Moth
Euclea incisa is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae. The species is known to be attracted to artificial light sources at night. Like other members of the genus Euclea and family Limacodidae, the caterpillars are likely slug-like in form and possess stinging spines or setae, though specific larval details for this species are not well documented. The species has been recorded in Kansas.
Euclemensia
Euclemensia is a genus of small moths in the family Cosmopterigidae, subfamily Antequerinae. The genus contains at least five described species distributed in North America, including the Kermes Scale Moth (Euclemensia bassettella), which has been documented feeding on scale insects. These are minute moths, with adults typically measuring only a few millimeters in wingspan. The genus was established by Grote in 1878.
Eudesmia arida
Arid Eudesmia Moth
Eudesmia arida is a small moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Skinner in 1906. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where adults are active during summer and early autumn. The species has a wingspan of 23–30 mm.
Eudocima
Fruit-piercing Moths
Eudocima is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Gustaf Johan Billberg in 1820. The genus contains numerous tropical species and is notable for the fruit-piercing behavior of its adults, which use their specialized mouthparts to puncture fruit and feed on juices. This feeding habit has made several species significant agricultural pests. The genus has undergone taxonomic revisions, with species historically placed in various other genera.
Eugonobapta nivosaria
Snowy Geometer Moth, Snowy Geometer
Eugonobapta nivosaria, commonly known as the Snowy Geometer Moth, is a species of geometrid moth found in eastern North America. The species was first described by Guenée in 1857 and is recognized by its distinctive white or pale coloration. It is a well-documented species with over 3,600 observations recorded on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively common and conspicuous within its range. The moth occurs in deciduous and mixed forest habitats where its larvae feed on various woody plants.