Nocturnal
Guides
Lebia balli
Lebia balli is a species of foliage ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Reichardt in 1972. The species belongs to the genus Lebia, a group of small, often brightly colored beetles commonly known as colorful foliage ground beetles. Like other members of this genus, L. balli is likely attracted to lights at night. The species is recorded from Mexico.
Lebia cf-scapula
Lebia cf-scapula is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Lebiinae. The genus Lebia comprises colorful foliage ground beetles, many of which exhibit bright metallic coloration on their elytra. These beetles are relatively small in stature but visually conspicuous due to their reflective wing covers. They are nocturnal and frequently attracted to artificial light sources.
Lebia deceptrix
Lebia deceptrix is a species of colorful foliage ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Madge in 1967. Like other members of the genus Lebia, it is relatively small but often displays bright metallic coloration on its wing covers. The species occurs in North America. As a foliage ground beetle, it is likely associated with vegetation rather than strictly ground-dwelling habits.
Lebia esurialis
Lebia esurialis is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species is distributed across the southern United States, Mexico, and Caribbean islands including Cuba and the Bahamas. Like other members of the genus Lebia, it is likely attracted to lights at night. The species was described by Casey in 1920.
Lebia grandis
Large Foliage Ground Beetle
Lebia grandis is a North American ground beetle and the largest species in its genus on the continent. Adults are specialist predators of Colorado potato beetle eggs and larvae, consuming up to 23 eggs or 3 third-instar larvae daily. First-instar larvae are obligate parasitoids of Leptinotarsa pupae, developing within host pupal chambers in soil. The species has primarily nocturnal habits and a cryptic life cycle that delayed recognition of its ecological importance for approximately a century after its formal description.
Lebia insulata
Lebia insulata is a species of colorful foliage ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Madge in 1967. The genus Lebia comprises relatively small beetles that draw attention with often bright metallic wing covers. Like other members of this genus, L. insulata is attracted to lights at night. The species occurs in the United States, with records from North America.
Lebia lecontei
Lebia lecontei is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Madge in 1967. The genus Lebia comprises colorful foliage ground beetles that are frequently attracted to lights at night. Members of this genus are known for their often bright metallic wing covers that draw attention despite their relatively small size. The species epithet honors the entomologist John Lawrence LeConte.
Lebia lecta
Lebia lecta is a species of colorful foliage ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1885. Members of the genus Lebia are relatively small beetles that draw attention with often bright metallic wing covers. The genus is known for being attracted to lights at night. This species occurs in North America, with records from the United States.
Lebia lobulata
A small, metallic ground beetle in the genus Lebia, characterized by its colorful appearance and foliage-associated habits. Members of this genus are frequently attracted to lights at night. The species occurs across North America, with records from both the United States and Canada.
Lebia perita
Lebia perita is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Casey in 1920. It belongs to the genus Lebia, a group of small, often colorful foliage ground beetles. The species is known from North America, with records from the United States and Canada. Like other members of its genus, it is likely attracted to lights at night.
Lebia pulchella
Beautiful Banded Lebia, beautiful banded lebium
Lebia pulchella is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, known for its colorful metallic appearance. The species occurs across a broad North American range from southern Canada to southern Texas. It is one of many foliage-associated ground beetles in the genus Lebia that are frequently attracted to lights at night.
Lebia scalpta
Lebia scalpta is a species of foliage ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Henry Walter Bates in 1883. It is one of numerous small, often brightly colored species in the genus Lebia. The species is known from both Central America and North America, with records from Mexico and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to artificial light sources.
Lebia scapula
Lebia scapula is a species of foliage ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1885. The genus Lebia comprises relatively small, often brightly colored beetles that are attracted to lights at night. This species is known from North America, with records from the United States and Mexico.
Lebia subrugosa
Lebia subrugosa is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Chaudoir in 1871. It belongs to the genus Lebia, a group of small, often brightly metallic beetles commonly known as colorful foliage ground beetles. The species has been documented from Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States, indicating a distribution spanning southern North America and Central America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Lebia tricolor
Lebia tricolor is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. It is a member of the colorful foliage ground beetle genus Lebia, characterized by small size and often bright metallic coloration. The species is found in North America, with records from the United States and Canada. As with other Lebia species, it is attracted to lights at night.
Lebia viridipennis
green-winged lebia
Lebia viridipennis, the green-winged lebia, is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in North America, including Canada and the United States. The species belongs to the genus Lebia, a group of colorful foliage ground beetles often noted for their bright metallic wing covers.
Lebia vittata
Colorful foliage ground beetle
Lebia vittata is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the colorful foliage ground beetle. It is found in North America, with records from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The species is attracted to lights at night, suggesting nocturnal activity patterns. Like other members of the genus Lebia, it is relatively small but draws attention with bright metallic wing covers.
Lecontia
conifer bark beetles
Lecontia is a genus of conifer bark beetles in the family Boridae, containing a single species, Lecontia discicollis. These beetles are found in Central America and North America, where they inhabit the bark of dead conifers. The genus is notable for its specialized association with fire-killed or stressed conifer trees, particularly in the years following forest fires.
Lecontia discicollis
Burnt Conifer Bark Beetle
Lecontia discicollis is a distinctive conifer bark beetle in the family Boridae, the sole member of its genus in North America. It is a slow-moving, jet black beetle with a convex, bullet-like shape and bead-like antennae. The species is strongly associated with fire-killed conifers, particularly ponderosa pine, where adults and larvae occupy a narrow ecological niche in moist, white-rotted wood near and below ground level. Despite being locally common in suitable habitat, it is rarely encountered due to its specialized requirements.
Lepisma
silverfish
Lepisma is a genus of primitive wingless insects in the family Lepismatidae. The most familiar species is Lepisma saccharina, commonly known as the silverfish, which is a cosmopolitan commensal of humans. Members of this genus are characterized by their flattened, torpedo-shaped bodies, long antennae, and three caudal filaments. The genus name has neuter gender per ICZN Opinion 2427 (2018), affecting species epithet endings.
Lepisma saccharinum
Common Silverfish, Silverfish
Lepisma saccharinum, commonly known as the silverfish, is a small, wingless insect in the order Zygentoma. It derives its common name from its silvery coloration and fish-like undulating movements. This species is cosmopolitan in distribution and frequently found in human dwellings, where it feeds on starchy materials.
Lepismatidae
Typical Silverfishes
Lepismatidae is a family of primitive, wingless insects in the order Zygentoma, containing approximately 190-340 described species worldwide. The family includes the two most familiar domestic species: the silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) and the firebrat (Thermobia domestica). These ancient insects represent some of the earliest diverging lineages within Insecta, with origins dating back hundreds of millions of years. Members are characterized by elongated, flattened bodies covered in scales, three caudal filaments, and a complete absence of wings throughout their life cycle.
Leptophyes punctatissima
Speckled Bush-cricket
Leptophyes punctatissima, commonly known as the Speckled Bush-cricket, is a flightless bush-cricket species distributed across most of Europe. It belongs to the subfamily Phaneropterinae and exhibits distinctive acoustic behavior where both sexes stridulate. Males produce calling songs to which females respond with brief chirps, creating a duetting communication system. The species has been studied extensively for its auditory physiology and directional hearing capabilities.
Lepturges
Lepturges is a genus of longhorn beetles in the subfamily Lamiinae, established by Henry Walter Bates in 1863. The genus contains exclusively Neotropical species distributed from central Mexico to southern Paraguay. Species are small to medium-sized cerambycids with typical lamiine morphology. Some species have been recorded from temperate North America, including Missouri and Vermont, though these may represent occasional vagrants or previously undocumented populations rather than established ranges. The genus is associated with woody vegetation, with at least one species (Lepturges limpidus) linked to host plants in the family Malvaceae.
Lepturges confluens
Dark-stained Longhorned Beetle
Lepturges confluens is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae. It was described by Samuel Stehman Haldeman in 1847. The species is known to be attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights during nocturnal activity. It has been documented in mesic lowland deciduous forests and is associated with oak-dominated habitats. The species occurs in eastern North America, with records from the United States and Canada.
Lesmone
owlet moths
Lesmone is a genus of owlet moths in the family Erebidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed primarily across the Neotropical region, with some species extending into the southern United States. Several species have received common names, including the detracted owlet moth (L. detrahens) and gray-winged owlet moth (L. griseipennis). The genus shows considerable diversity in South and Central America.
Lethocerinae
giant water bugs
Lethocerinae is a subfamily of giant water bugs within Belostomatidae, comprising large aquatic predatory insects distributed across the Palearctic, Oriental, and Australian regions. The subfamily includes two genera: Lethocerus and Kirkaldyia. Members are characterized by their large size—among the largest in Hemiptera—and are distinguished from other belostomatid subfamilies by morphological and genetic differences. Species within this group face conservation concerns in parts of their range due to harvesting for human consumption.
Lethocerus
giant water bugs, toe biters, electric light bugs
Lethocerus is a genus of large predatory aquatic true bugs in the family Belostomatidae. Members are among the largest true bugs, with some species exceeding 12 cm in length. The genus is distinguished from related genera by specific morphological features of the fore femur and parasternites. Unlike other giant water bugs, females do not deposit eggs on males' backs; instead, eggs are laid on emergent vegetation above the waterline and guarded by males. The genus shows greatest diversity in the Americas, with limited representation in Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia.
Lethocerus americanus
American giant water bug, electric light bug, toe biter, fish killer
Lethocerus americanus is a large aquatic true bug native to southern Canada and the northern United States. Adults measure 5–6 cm in length, with females averaging larger than males. The species is a generalist predator in freshwater habitats and is known for its powerful bite, which it uses to subdue prey and defend itself. It is attracted to electric lights at night, earning it the common name 'electric light bug.'
Lethocerus medius
giant water bug
Lethocerus medius is a giant water bug in the family Belostomatidae, distinguished by its substantial size and unique parental care behavior. Males reach 49–58 mm, while females are larger at 62–63 mm. Unlike related species in the subfamily Belostomatinae that brood eggs on their backs, males of this species exhibit postzygotic parental care by guarding eggs deposited on objects above the water surface, moistening them, shading them, and protecting them from predators. This species occurs across a broad range from the southern United States through Mexico to Central America and throughout the Caribbean.
Leucaniini
Wainscot Moths
Leucaniini is a tribe of noctuid moths within the subfamily Noctuinae, commonly known as wainscot moths. The tribe contains at least 40 described species distributed across multiple genera including Leucania, Mythimna, and Tiracola. Members are nocturnal and frequently collected using light traps. Some species, particularly within Tiracola, are agricultural pests with documented economic impact.
Liburniella ornata
Ornate Planthopper
Liburniella ornata, commonly known as the Ornate Planthopper, is a small delphacid planthopper species found across much of North America. The species is documented in blacklight surveys and is active during late autumn, with observations extending into October and November. As a member of the family Delphacidae, it shares the characteristic morphology of planthoppers including a distinctive head shape and wing structure. The species has been recorded in diverse habitats ranging from urban yards to natural areas, attracted to artificial light sources at night.
Lichenophanes
horned powder-post beetles
Lichenophanes is a genus of horned powder-post beetles in the family Bostrichidae, established by Lesne in 1899. The genus contains more than 40 described species distributed across the Palaearctic, Oriental, and Nearctic regions. Species are nocturnal wood-borers that develop in dead hardwood trees during initial stages of fungal decomposition. Adults are attracted to artificial light and possess cryptic coloration that camouflages them in bark cracks during daylight hours.
Ligia
rock lice, sea slaters, wharf roach
Ligia is a genus of large isopods in the family Ligiidae, commonly known as rock lice or sea slaters. These crustaceans inhabit intertidal and supralittoral zones on rocky coastlines worldwide, with most species showing limited dispersal capacity and allopatric distribution patterns. Some species have become fully terrestrial in high-humidity environments. The genus exhibits complex phylogeographic patterns in East Asia, with cryptic species and overlapping lineages documented through molecular studies.
Ligia baudiniana
Central American Seaslater
A large intertidal isopod (sea slater) native to the Greater Caribbean region, reaching 25–30 mm in body length. Distinguished from congeners by long uropods exceeding two-thirds body length and brush-like structures on the first pair of legs in males. Exhibits strong habitat fidelity to natural mangrove forests and rocky intertidal zones, with documented sensitivity to coastal development. Serves as intermediate host for digenean trematodes.
Ligia exotica
sea roach, wharf roach, wharf louse
Ligia exotica is a large intertidal isopod commonly known as sea roach or wharf roach. It inhabits rocky coasts and harbor walls in the supralittoral zone just above the high water mark. The species has a complex taxonomic history with uncertain native origins, though molecular evidence points to East and Southeast Asia as the center of diversity. It has spread globally via human maritime activity and comprises multiple cryptic genetic lineages that may represent distinct species.
Ligia occidentalis
Western Sea Slater
Ligia occidentalis is a supralittoral isopod inhabiting rocky shorelines along the eastern Pacific coast. The species occupies the high intertidal zone, hiding in crevices above the high tide line during daytime to avoid desiccation and emerging nocturnally to feed. It is distinguished from the sympatric Ligia pallasii by longer uropods, larger eyes set closer together, and a sleeker body form. The species harbors mycoplasma-like bacteria as hepatopancreas symbionts and shows remarkable morphological stasis across highly genetically divergent allopatric lineages.
Ligia oceanica
sea slater, common sea slater, sea roach
Ligia oceanica is a large intertidal isopod reaching up to 35 mm in length, making it the largest species in the suborder Oniscidea. Native to rocky Atlantic coasts of Europe, it has been introduced to eastern North America and Atlantic islands. This semelparous species inhabits the supralittoral zone, hiding in rock crevices by day and emerging nocturnally to feed. Molecular phylogenetics suggests closer affinity to marine isopod suborders Valvifera and Sphaeromatidea than to terrestrial woodlice, challenging traditional classification.
Ligia pallasii
Sleepy Seaslater, Rock Louse, Sleepy Sea Slater
Ligia pallasii is a large, semiterrestrial isopod in the family Ligiidae, commonly known as the sleepy seaslater or rock louse. It is among the largest sea slaters, reaching 25–30 mm in body length. This species inhabits the high intertidal zone along the Pacific coast of North America, from the Aleutian Islands to northern California. It exhibits nocturnal scavenging behavior, feeding primarily on algae and organic matter, and seeks shelter in moist microhabitats during daylight hours to avoid desiccation.
Ligiidae
Rock Lice, Sea Slaters
Ligiidae is a family of large, dorsoventrally flattened terrestrial isopods commonly known as rock lice or sea slaters. These crustaceans inhabit rocky intertidal zones and adjacent coastal habitats, where they hide during daylight hours and emerge at night to scavenge. They represent the sole family within the infraorder Diplocheta and are distinguished from other woodlice by their elongated body form, large size (up to 30 mm), long antennae, and preference for marine-influenced environments. The family exhibits poor desiccation resistance and limited dispersal ability, leading to pronounced population isolation and cryptic genetic diversity across their range.
Ligyrus ruginasus
Ligyrus ruginasus is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae (rhinoceros beetles), described by LeConte in 1856. It belongs to a genus of relatively small dynastines that lack the prominent horns seen in larger relatives. The species is distributed across arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Limonius infuscatus
Western field wireworm
Limonius infuscatus, commonly known as the Western field wireworm, is a nocturnal click beetle native to the northwestern United States. The larval stage, referred to as a wireworm, is a soil-dwelling pest known to damage agricultural crops. The species belongs to the family Elateridae, characterized by the ability of adults to produce an audible click when righting themselves from a supine position.
Lintneria
Lintneria is a genus of sphinx moths (Sphingidae) established by Butler in 1876. Species in this genus are medium to large-sized hawkmoths found primarily in the Americas. The genus was historically merged with Sphinx but was reinstated as distinct based on morphological and molecular evidence. Lintneria species are characterized by specific wing venation patterns and genitalic structures that separate them from closely related genera.
Lipocosmodes fuliginosalis
Sooty Lipocosmodes Moth
Lipocosmodes fuliginosalis is a small crambid moth and the sole member of its genus. It occurs across eastern North America from Quebec to Florida and west to Texas and Illinois. The specific epithet fuliginosalis refers to its sooty, dark coloration. It is classified in the subfamily Glaphyriinae, a group of small moths often associated with leaf litter and herbaceous vegetation.
Lithobius
stone centipedes, common centipedes, brown centipedes, typical stone centipedes
Lithobius is a large genus of centipedes in the family Lithobiidae, containing over 500 species and numerous subspecies. Adults possess 18 body segments and 15 pairs of legs, with body lengths ranging from approximately 2–5 cm. The genus was erected by William Elford Leach in 1814 and serves as the type genus for the family Lithobiidae. These centipedes are primarily nocturnal predators found in soil, leaf litter, and beneath stones or bark across temperate regions worldwide.
Lithobius forficatus
brown centipede, garden centipede, stone centipede
Lithobius forficatus is a common stone centipede in the family Lithobiidae, native to Europe but introduced to North America, the Hawaiian Islands, and Colombia. Adults reach 18–30 mm in length with 15 pairs of legs. The species is freeze-tolerant in winter, nocturnal, and an active predator of small invertebrates. It is frequently found in gardens and woodland habitats under stones and decaying wood.
Lithobius melanops
Garden Lithobius, European steppe centipede
Lithobius melanops is a small stone centipede in the order Lithobiomorpha, native to Europe but introduced to many regions worldwide. Adults measure 11–17 mm in length with a dorsoventrally flattened, fusiform body. The species is distinguished by a combination of morphological traits including 32–44 antennal articles, 10–13 ocelli with a notably enlarged posterior ocellus, and specific tergite projections. It inhabits dry, open habitats and is a nocturnal predator of soil invertebrates.
Lithomoia germana
American Brindle, American Brindle Moth
Lithomoia germana, commonly known as the American Brindle, is a noctuid moth with a broad distribution across northern North America. Adults are bivoltine, active in spring and again in late summer to early autumn. The species is notable for hibernating as an adult, an overwintering strategy that allows early spring emergence. Larvae feed on woody plants in Salicaceae and Betulaceae, while adults visit goldenrod flowers for nectar.
Lithophane franclemonti
Franclemont's Pinion
Lithophane franclemonti, commonly called Franclemont's Pinion, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Metzler in 1998 and is found in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9888.1. It belongs to the genus Lithophane, a group of moths known for their late-season flight periods and cryptic winter-adult biology.
Lithosiini
Lichen Moths
Lithosiini is a tribe of lichen moths within the family Erebidae, containing approximately 2,752 species. The taxon was originally described by Gustaf Johan Billberg in 1820 as Lithosiinae at subfamily rank, but was reclassified to tribe status following the reorganization of the former family Arctiidae into the subfamily Arctiinae within Erebidae. Members are commonly known as lichen moths due to their typical cryptic coloration resembling lichen substrates. The tribe is divided into multiple subtribes, though the systematics remain in need of revision.