Nocturnal
Guides
Mellilla xanthometata
Orange Wing, orangewing moth
Mellilla xanthometata, commonly known as the Orange Wing or orangewing moth, is a small geometrid moth native to eastern North America. It is the sole species in the monotypic genus Mellilla, which was established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. The species was originally described by Francis Walker in 1862 under the name Fidonia xanthometata. Adults are attracted to artificial lights and have been documented during moth-watching events such as National Moth Week.
Meloe americanus
Buttercup Oil Beetle, American Oil Beetle
Meloe americanus is a flightless blister beetle native to North America, commonly known as the buttercup oil beetle or American oil beetle. Adults are entirely black with occasional blue metallic iridescence, measuring 7–17 mm in length. The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving hypermetamorphosis, with triungulin larvae employing phoresy to reach host bee nests where they develop as parasites. Adults are active during late autumn through early spring, with peak emergence in December and April. The beetle is notable for its chemical defense: it secretes cantharidin, a potent blistering agent toxic to mammals at high concentrations.
Melolonthinae
June Beetles, June bugs, cockchafers, May beetles
Melolonthinae is a large and diverse subfamily of scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae) containing over 11,000 species in more than 750 genera, distributed worldwide. Adults range from 3 to 58 mm in length and are typically brown or black, often with setae or scales. The subfamily includes economically important pests such as the Melolontha cockchafers and Phyllophaga May beetles, whose larvae feed on plant roots while adults feed on foliage or may be non-feeding. Many species exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism in antennae, with males bearing large lamellate antennae to detect female sex pheromones.
Merope
earwigfly, forcepfly
Merope is a genus of scorpionflies (Mecoptera) in the family Meropeidae, commonly known as earwigflies or forcepflies. The genus contains Merope tuber, the only living member of Meropeidae in North America. Males possess large segmented forceps-like cerci that resemble the pincers of earwigs. The family is exceptionally rare, with only three extant species described worldwide, and the immature stages remain unknown to science.
Merope tuber
forcepfly, earwigfly
Merope tuber is the sole species in the genus Merope and the only living member of the family Meropeidae in North America. The species occurs in eastern North America from Ontario to Georgia and west to Kansas, with recent records from Florida. Adults are nocturnal and secretive, rarely encountered due to their ground-dwelling habits. The species is notable for the large genital forceps present on male abdomens, which resemble the cerci of earwigs. Immature stages remain unknown, and much of the species' biology is poorly understood.
Metalectra diabolica
diabolical fungus moth
Metalectra diabolica is a small moth in the family Erebidae, first described in 1924. It occurs in the southeastern and south-central United States, with adults active primarily during spring and summer months. The species is known to feed on fungi during its larval stage.
Meteorinae
meteorine wasps
Meteorinae is a subfamily of braconid parasitoid wasps, though since 2015 most scientists have treated this clade as the tribe Meteorini within Euphorinae. The group is characterized by koinobiont endoparasitoid biology, attacking larval Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. The subfamily's name derives from the distinctive pupal stage, in which the cocoon hangs suspended from a long silk thread when parasitizing lepidopteran hosts. Several species have been employed in biological control programs against forest and agricultural pests.
Methia
Methia is a genus of longhorned beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, and tribe Methiini. The genus was established by Newman in 1842 and contains approximately 40 described species distributed primarily in North and Central America, with some species extending into South America. Species within this genus are typically small to medium-sized cerambycids. Adult Methia have been documented as attracted to ultraviolet and mercury vapor lights, suggesting nocturnal or crepuscular activity patterns.
Methia mormona
Methia mormona is a species of longhorned beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Linell in 1897. The species belongs to the tribe Methiini and has been documented from southwestern North America, including New Mexico and adjacent regions. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet and mercury vapor lights at dusk, with observations indicating peak activity during the summer months in montane juniper-oak-pinyon woodland habitats.
Microcentrum californicum
California Angle-winged Katydid, California Anglewing
Microcentrum californicum, the California Angle-winged Katydid, is the smallest member of its genus, with adults measuring 41-52 millimeters. Males possess a brown stridulation area on the shoulders, similar to the Lesser Angle-wing Katydid, but the species' geographic range prevents confusion. It is nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Microcentrum retinerve
lesser angle-winged katydid, Lesser Anglewing
Microcentrum retinerve, commonly known as the lesser angle-winged katydid, is a North American species in the family Tettigoniidae. Adults range from 44-53 millimeters in length, smaller than the related Greater Angle-wing Katydid (M. rhombifolium). Males produce a calling song consisting of 3-5 rapid pulses repeated about once per second. The species is found in deciduous forest habitats from the eastern United States west to Missouri and extreme east Texas.
Microcentrum rhombifolium
greater angle-wing katydid, broad-winged katydid, angular-winged katydid
A large, leaf-mimicking katydid native to North America, recognized by its rhombus-shaped green wings and distinctive 'ticking' call. Adults reach 50–65 mm in length and are most active in late summer and autumn. The species is among the most convincing leaf mimics in its family, with broad, reticulate-veined tegmina that provide excellent crypsis in deciduous vegetation. Males produce intermittent calling songs and courtship songs consisting of repeated ticks once a female is attracted.
Micromus posticus
brown lacewing
Micromus posticus is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae. It is a predatory insect found across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Both larvae and adults feed on aphids, making it a potentially beneficial species in agricultural and garden settings. The species has been documented through blacklighting observations and is one of the more commonly encountered brown lacewings in its range.
Microphotus octarthrus
desert firefly
Microphotus octarthrus, commonly known as the desert firefly, is a species of bioluminescent beetle in the family Lampyridae. It was described by Fall in 1912. The species is found in arid regions of North America and is one of relatively few firefly species adapted to desert environments. Like other lampyrids, it produces light through chemical bioluminescence, though specific patterns and functions for this species remain poorly documented.
Microtomus purcis
Eastern White-winged Assassin, bark assassin bug
Microtomus purcis is a strikingly colored assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, found in North America. The species is notable for its aposematic coloration—black body with creamy-white wing bases and bright red abdominal segments and hind legs. Despite its conspicuous appearance, it is primarily nocturnal and spends daylight hours concealed under loose bark of dead trees. The species has been documented from the Ozark Highlands and surrounding regions, with adult activity recorded from September through March and nymphs found in late autumn.
Mimetus
Pirate spiders, Cannibal spiders
Mimetus is a genus of pirate spiders in the family Mimetidae, comprising approximately 71 species distributed worldwide. These small arachnids (3–7 mm body length) are obligate spider predators, employing specialized hunting tactics to infiltrate webs of other spiders and kill them through leg bites. They exhibit distinctive morphology including globular abdomens with curved bristle-like hairs and elongated anterior legs. The genus is recognized for its ecological role as an intraguild predator and its convergent resemblance to comb-footed spiders (Theridiidae).
Mimetus aktius
pirate spider
Mimetus aktius is a species of pirate spider in the family Mimetidae, first described by Chamberlin & Ivie in 1935. Like other members of its genus, it is an araneophagic predator that infiltrates the webs of other spiders rather than building its own. The species is known from the United States, specifically recorded in North America. As with many Mimetus species, detailed biological information remains limited in published literature.
Mimetus puritanus
Common Pirate Spider, Pirate Spider
Mimetus puritanus is a small araneophagous spider in the family Mimetidae, commonly known as the Common Pirate Spider. It is the most frequently encountered pirate spider species in the eastern United States. Unlike web-building spiders, M. puritanus infiltrates the webs of other spiders—particularly cobweb weavers and orb weavers—to prey upon them. The species exhibits specialized predatory adaptations including fused jaws that restrict gape width, leading it to attack prey spiders by biting their legs sequentially. Adults measure 3–7 mm in body length and are primarily nocturnal.
Mimorista trimaculalis
Mimorista trimaculalis is a small crambid moth described by Grote in 1878. It occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States. Adults are active during the warm season, with records spanning May through September. The species name refers to the three spots (tri-maculalis) characteristic of its wing pattern.
Mimoschinia
rufous-banded pyralid moth
Mimoschinia is a monotypic genus of crambid moths containing a single species, Mimoschinia rufofascialis, commonly known as the rufous-banded pyralid moth or barberpole caterpillar. The species exhibits a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, western Canada, the southwestern and western United States, and Mexico. The genus is characterized by small size, with adults displaying a wingspan of 14–18 mm and showing extended seasonal activity from January through October.
Mimoschinia rufofascialis
Rufous-banded Crambid Moth, Rufous-banded Pyralid Moth, Barberpole Caterpillar
Mimoschinia rufofascialis, commonly known as the Rufous-banded Crambid Moth, is the sole species in its genus. This crambid moth has been documented across a broad North American range from western Canada through the southwestern United States and into Mexico, as well as in the Caribbean. The species is attracted to artificial light sources and has been observed during summer moth surveys.
Miturgidae
Prowling Spiders
Miturgidae is a family of araneomorph spiders commonly known as prowling spiders. The family includes approximately 160-200 species across 33 genera worldwide. Members are small to medium-sized, active hunters that do not construct permanent webs for prey capture. The family has undergone substantial taxonomic revision, with the former family Zoridae synonymized and the genus Cheiracanthium (longlegged sac spiders) transferred to the separate family Cheiracanthiidae.
Mogoplistidae
Scaly Crickets and Allies
Mogoplistidae is a family of scaly crickets within the superfamily Grylloidea, comprising over 370 species in approximately 30 genera worldwide. The family is considered monophyletic and sister to the true crickets (Gryllidae). Members are distinguished by scales covering the abdomen and parts of the thorax, resembling those of Lepidoptera. The family includes three subfamilies: Mogoplistinae, Malgasiinae (restricted to Madagascar and Indian Ocean islands), and the extinct †Protomogoplistinae known from Burmese amber.
OrthopteraGrylloideascaly-cricketscoastalbeach-specialistdriftwood-dependentrare-speciesUK-protected-speciesMediterraneanAtlantic-coastMadagascar-endemicBurmese-amber-fossilscale-coveringLepidoptera-like-scalesomnivorousnocturnallong-ovipositoregg-development-one-yearshingle-habitatcobble-beachesstrandline-invertebrateconservation-concernbeach-cleaning-threatdriftwood-burning-threatMohavacris
desert long-horned grasshopper
Mohavacris is a monotypic genus of grasshoppers in the family Tanaoceridae, containing a single described species, M. timberlakei. The genus is endemic to desert regions of California and belongs to a small family of long-horned grasshoppers adapted to arid environments. Members of this family are characterized by their elongated antennae and nocturnal habits, distinguishing them from typical short-horned grasshoppers.
Moneilema
cactus longhorn beetles, cactus beetles
Moneilema is a genus of large, flightless, black longhorn beetles endemic to North American deserts. The genus contains twenty species distributed across the western United States and northern Mexico. Adults and larvae are exclusively associated with cacti in the subfamily Opuntioideae, including prickly pears (Opuntia) and chollas (Cylindropuntia). The beetles are notable for their remarkable mimicry of darkling beetles in the genus Eleodes, including similar appearance and defensive head-standing behavior despite lacking chemical defenses.
Moneilema blapsides
cactus beetle
Moneilema blapsides is a flightless, darkling beetle-mimicking longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae. First described by Newman in 1838, it belongs to a genus of cactus beetles found primarily in arid regions of North America. Like other Moneilema species, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of Eleodes darkling beetles, including the characteristic head-standing defensive posture when disturbed.
Monema flavescens
Oriental moth
Monema flavescens is a medium-sized moth in the family Limacodidae (slug moths or cup moths), native to East Asia. Adults exhibit yellowish coloration typical of the genus, with males having a wingspan of 30–32 mm and females 35–39 mm. The larvae are polyphagous defoliators of broadleaf trees, bearing urticating spines that can affect human health. The species has one to two generations per year depending on region, with adults active from late June to August. It has been introduced to Massachusetts, USA, and is considered a potential quarantine pest for Europe.
Monochamus clamator
spotted pine sawyer
Monochamus clamator, the spotted pine sawyer, is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae described by LeConte in 1852. The species exhibits several recognized subspecies across western North America and has been documented in pine woodland habitats. Research indicates host plants serve as a selective pressure driving genetic divergence in this species. Adults have been observed at blacklights and on stressed or dead pine trees.
Monochamus clamator latus
Spotted Pine Sawyer
Monochamus clamator latus is a subspecies of the spotted pine sawyer, a large longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae. Adults are active during summer months and are attracted to blacklights. The species breeds in dead, dying, or stressed coniferous trees, particularly pines. Adults have been observed on trunks of stressed Pinus ponderosa, with males exhibiting mate-guarding behavior.
Monochamus clamator nevadensis
Spotted Pine Sawyer
Monochamus clamator nevadensis is a subspecies of the spotted pine sawyer, a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It belongs to a genus of large woodboring beetles that infest coniferous trees, particularly pines. The subspecies was described by Dillon & Dillon in 1941 and is distributed in western North America, including Nevada and surrounding regions. Like other Monochamus species, it develops in dead, dying, or stressed coniferous wood and is attracted to blacklights at night.
Monochamus clamator rubigineus
Spotted Pine Sawyer (for species complex)
Monochamus clamator rubigineus is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Bates in 1880. It belongs to the Spotted Pine Sawyer species complex, which are large woodboring beetles associated with coniferous forests. Adults are active during summer months and are attracted to blacklights. The species breeds in dead, dying, or stressed pine trees.
Moodna ostrinella
Darker Moodna Moth
Moodna ostrinella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, first described by Clemens in 1860. It is one of several species in the genus Moodna, a group of small moths characterized by elongated labial palps that form a snout-like projection. The species is broadly distributed across eastern and central North America, with records extending from Canada to the southern United States.
Motyxia
Sierra luminous millipedes, motyxias
Motyxia is a genus of blind, cyanide-producing millipedes endemic to three mountain ranges in California. All 11 species exhibit bioluminescence, making them one of only three known bioluminescent millipede groups worldwide. Adults range 3–4 cm in length with 20 body segments and prominent lateral keels (paranota). The genus was established by Chamberlin in 1941 and belongs to the tribe Xystocheirini within the family Xystodesmidae.
Myrmecocystus testaceus
Brick Honeypot Ant
Myrmecocystus testaceus is a nocturnal ant species native to the southern United States, commonly known as the Brick Honeypot Ant. As a member of the genus Myrmecocystus, it possesses the distinctive replete caste—specialized workers that store liquid food in their greatly distended abdomens, serving as living food reserves for the colony. The species nests in sandy soils and has been documented as a host for the myrmecophilous beetle Cremastocheilus.
Myrmeleontidae
Antlions, Antlion lacewings, Doodlebugs, Owlflies
Myrmeleontidae is a family of neuropteran insects comprising approximately 2,000 species, commonly known as antlions or antlion lacewings. The family is best known for the distinctive predatory behavior of its larvae, which in many species construct conical pit traps in sandy soil to capture prey. Adults are aerial insects with delicate, often patterned wings, and are frequently mistaken for dragonflies or damselflies. The family includes two traditional subfamilies: Myrmeleontinae (antlions) and Ascalaphinae (owlflies), though the latter is sometimes treated as a separate family. Antlions exhibit remarkable diversity in larval hunting strategies, with pit-digging behavior restricted to certain genera while others employ ambush or roaming predation.
Mythimna unipuncta
true armyworm moth, white-speck moth, common armyworm, rice armyworm
Mythimna unipuncta is a migratory noctuid moth found across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Larvae feed on grasses and cereal crops, causing significant agricultural damage during outbreaks. Adults are nocturnal and nectivorous, feeding on flower nectar and ripe or decaying fruit. The species exhibits seasonal migration, traveling north in spring and south in fall to optimize mating conditions. Larvae display characteristic armyworm behavior, moving en masse between fields when food sources are depleted.
Nabidae
Damsel Bugs
Nabidae is a family of predatory true bugs known as damsel bugs, containing over 500 species in approximately 20 genera. These soft-bodied, elongate insects are terrestrial predators that use raptorial forelegs to capture and hold prey, similar to mantids. They are economically important in agriculture due to their predation on crop pests including aphids, lepidopteran eggs, and other small insects. Many species are attracted to lights at night, and some exhibit wing polymorphism with fully winged, short-winged, or wingless forms.
Nabis
damsel bugs
Nabis is a genus of damsel bugs in the family Nabidae, comprising predatory true bugs found worldwide. Members are small, slender insects typically under 12 mm in length, recognized by their raptorial front legs adapted for capturing prey. They are primarily nocturnal predators that use a combination of ambush and active hunting strategies to subdue insects larger than themselves. The genus is economically significant as a biological control agent in agricultural systems, particularly in cotton and greenhouse crops.
Nabis
damsel bug
Small predatory true bugs in the family Nabidae. Adults typically under 12 mm. Nocturnal hunters that subdue prey larger than themselves using raptorial front legs. Attracted to artificial lights, possibly to exploit other insects drawn there. Economically significant as natural pest control agents in agricultural systems.
Nabis alternatus
Western Damsel Bug
Nabis alternatus, commonly known as the western damsel bug, is a predatory true bug in the family Nabidae. It occurs across western North America and into Central America. As a member of the damsel bug family, it is a small, active predator that feeds on other insects. The species has been documented in agricultural settings where it contributes to biological control of pest populations.
Nabis americoferus
Common Damsel Bug
Nabis americoferus, the common damsel bug, is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae. It occurs across North America and Central America, with well-documented populations in eastern Ontario and agroecosystems of the United States. The species produces two generations per year in temperate regions, overwinters as adults in field margins, and colonizes crop fields in late spring. It is an economically important biological control agent, feeding on agricultural pests including aphids, leafminers, and mirid bugs.
Nabis americolimbatus
damsel bug
Nabis americolimbatus is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae, commonly known as a damsel bug. The species was described by Carayon in 1961 and has a Holarctic distribution, occurring in both North America and Europe. Like other damsel bugs, it is a nocturnal predator that feeds on other insects.
Nabis capsiformis
Pale Damsel Bug
Nabis capsiformis, commonly known as the pale damsel bug, is one of the most widespread species in the genus Nabis. It is a generalist predator found across six continents including Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. The species is particularly abundant in agricultural ecosystems where it serves as a biocontrol agent. Both nymphs and adults are effective predators using raptorial front legs to capture prey.
Nabis flavomarginatus
Broad Damsel Bug
Nabis flavomarginatus is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae, commonly known as the Broad Damsel Bug. It exhibits a Holarctic distribution spanning northern Europe, Siberia, Central Asia, East Asia, and North America including Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. The species inhabits wet, open grassland habitats with high proportions of grasses, sedges, and rushes, and shows a preference for cooler microclimates compared to other Nabinae. It is an effective predator in agricultural and natural systems, with cicadas documented as frequent prey.
Nabis lovettii
Lovett's damsel bug
Nabis lovettii is a species of damsel bug in the family Nabidae, a group of small predatory true bugs. Damsel bugs are nocturnal predators that subdue insects larger than themselves using raptorial forelegs. Members of the genus Nabis are among the most abundant small predators in North American ecosystems and are considered economically important for biological pest control in agricultural systems. Nabis lovettii has been documented in western North America.
Nabis nigrovittatus
Damsel bug
Nabis nigrovittatus is a predatory damsel bug in the family Nabidae. It is a small, nocturnal true bug that hunts other insects. The species has been recorded in Europe, northern Asia, and North America. Like other nabids, it is considered economically important for biological pest control in agricultural systems.
Nabis propinquus
Marsh Damsel Bug
Nabis propinquus, commonly known as the Marsh Damsel Bug, is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae. Like other damsel bugs, it is a nocturnal predator that subdues other insects, including prey larger than itself. The species has been observed in marshy habitats and is attracted to lights at night, presumably to hunt other insects drawn to illumination. As with most nabids, it possesses a muscular, swollen front femur armed with teeth to secure prey, and a short rostrum compared to plant-feeding true bugs.
Nabis roseipennis
sculpted damsel bug, damsel bug
Nabis roseipennis is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae, commonly known as the sculpted damsel bug. It is one of the most abundant damsel bugs in cotton and soybean agroecosystems across the southeastern United States. The species is univoltine, with adults active from mid-July through September, and functions as a generalist predator of various agricultural pests. It has been extensively studied for its role in biological control and its tritrophic interactions with resistant crop plants.
Nabis rufusculus
Short-winged Nabis
Nabis rufusculus is a species of damsel bug in the family Nabidae, commonly known as the Short-winged Nabis. It is a small predatory true bug found in North American agroecosystems, particularly alfalfa and soybean fields. The species has been studied for its phenology and abundance patterns alongside congeners N. americoferus and N. roseipennis. Like other damsel bugs, it is an economically important predator in agricultural systems.
Nabis subcoleoptratus
Black Damsel Bug
Nabis subcoleoptratus, commonly known as the Black Damsel Bug, is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae. Like other damsel bugs, it is a nocturnal predator that feeds on other insects. The species is part of the genus Nabis, which contains numerous species across North America. Damsel bugs are economically important as natural predators in agricultural systems, helping control pest populations.