Nocturnal
Guides
Arhopalus asperatus
Arhopalus asperatus is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1859. Adults range from 18 to 33 mm in length, with antennae measuring approximately 50-75% of body length. The species occurs across western North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba) through the western United States. Like other members of the genus, it is associated with coniferous wood, particularly pines.
Arhopalus productus
New House Borer
Arhopalus productus is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, commonly known as the New House Borer. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1850. The species is attracted to fire and has been observed at night near campfires and on recently dead coniferous trees. It is distributed across western North America, including the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba, and extends into the southwestern United States.
Arhopalus rusticus
rust pine borer
Arhopalus rusticus is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae: Spondylinae) native to coniferous forests of the Northern Hemisphere. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light, hiding under bark during daylight. The species has been introduced to Australia, New Zealand, and South America through global trade and is considered a significant forestry pest. It is a suspected vector of the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, though research indicates its oviposition behavior does not facilitate nematode transmission. Males produce an aggregation-sex pheromone, (S)-fuscumol, which has potential applications for detection and monitoring.
Aristotelia
twirler moths
Aristotelia is a genus of micro-moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. These small, boldly marked moths are primarily nocturnal and attracted to artificial light sources. The genus contains approximately 35 named species in North America, with additional undescribed species awaiting scientific description. Larvae are specialized feeders on particular host plants, with diverse plant families including Salicaceae, Solanaceae, Rosaceae, Fagaceae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae documented as hosts across different species.
Aristotelia
twirler moths
Aristotelia is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. These microlepidoptera are characterized by their tiny size yet bold, exotic-looking markings. The genus contains approximately 35 named species in North America north of Mexico, with many additional species awaiting formal description. Aristotelia moths are attracted to blacklights and are frequently encountered during nocturnal insect surveys. Each species specializes on a particular host plant, though collectively the genus utilizes many plant families.
Aristotelia bifasciella
Aristotelia bifasciella is a small moth in the twirler moth family Gelechiidae, described by August Busck in 1903. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically California, Arizona, and Utah. The species is distinguished by its distinctive wing pattern featuring two dark brown transverse bands on a pale yellowish-white background. Like other members of the genus Aristotelia, it is attracted to ultraviolet light sources at night.
Aristotelia devexella
Aristotelia devexella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. The species was described by Annette Frances Braun in 1925. It is known from a limited number of locations in western North America, specifically Alberta, Arizona, and Oklahoma. As with many microlepidoptera in this genus, detailed natural history information remains sparse.
Aristotelia hexacopa
Aristotelia hexacopa is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Edward Meyrick in 1929. It belongs to the genus Aristotelia, commonly known as twirler moths. The species is documented from the southwestern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is small and boldly patterned.
Aristotelia intermediella-group
The Aristotelia intermediella-group comprises tiny twirler moths in the family Gelechiidae. These microlepidoptera are characterized by bold, exotic-looking markings despite their small size. The group contains multiple closely related species that are difficult to distinguish without detailed examination. Members are attracted to ultraviolet light sources at night and have been documented in Colorado and New Mexico.
Aristotelia lespedezae
Aristotelia lespedezae is a small moth in the twirler moth family Gelechiidae, described by Annette Frances Braun in 1930. It occurs in the eastern United States, with records from Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. Adults have been documented from late May through October in Kentucky. The species name references its presumed larval association with Lespedeza plants.
Aristotelia sp.
twirler moth
Aristotelia is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. Multiple undescribed species are known to occur in North America, particularly in the southwestern United States. These moths are characterized by bold, distinctive markings despite their small size. The genus contains approximately 35 named species north of Mexico, with many more awaiting formal scientific description.
Armadillidium
pill woodlice, leg pebbles, pill bugs, roly-poly, potato bugs
Armadillidium is a genus of terrestrial crustaceans commonly known as pill bugs or roly-polies, distinguished by their ability to roll into a ball when disturbed (conglobation). The genus contains approximately 189 recognized species, most endemic to Mediterranean regions. These detritivores inhabit moist environments and play important roles in decomposition. The most widespread species, A. vulgare, has been introduced globally and serves as a soil bioindicator.
Armadillidium vulgare
common pill-bug, common pill woodlouse, roly-poly, potato bug, doodle bug, carpenter
Armadillidium vulgare is a terrestrial isopod native to Mediterranean Europe that has become one of the most widespread woodlouse species globally through human-mediated dispersal. It is the most extensively studied terrestrial isopod and serves as a model organism for research on mitochondrial genome evolution, desiccation resistance, and conglobation behavior. The species exhibits remarkable morphological plasticity, including numerous color morphs maintained through selective breeding in the pet trade.
Aroga
Twirler moths, Stripe-backed moths
Aroga is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. Species in this genus are typically nocturnal and attracted to light. The genus includes Arogalea cristifasciella, known as the Stripe-backed Moth, which has been documented in suburban settings in Kansas. Aroga species are part of the diverse microlepidoptera fauna that are often overlooked due to their small size.
Aroga compositella
Six-spotted Aroga Moth, six-spotted aroga
Aroga compositella is a small gelechiid moth with distinctive white markings on dark forewings. The species occurs across much of the eastern and central United States. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Aroga epigaeella
Aroga epigaeella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae. The species is named for its larval host plant, Epigaea repens (trailing arbutus). Adults are active from spring through early autumn across a broad range of the eastern and south-central United States. The species exhibits distinctive forewing patterning with contrasting white spots against a dark ground color.
Arogalea
Arogalea is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Walsingham in 1910. The genus contains seven recognized species distributed primarily in North America. These moths are typically encountered at light traps during nocturnal surveys. Arogalea cristifasciella, one of the better-known species, has been documented from Vermont and Kansas.
Ascalapha odorata
black witch, black witch moth, mariposa de la muerte, duppy bat, mariposa-bruxa, ura, money moth, money bat
The black witch moth (Ascalapha odorata) is a large, bat-shaped nocturnal moth and the largest noctuoid in the continental United States. Females reach wingspans up to 24 cm, while males are smaller at approximately 12 cm. The species ranges from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to Brazil and Argentina, with migratory populations reaching as far north as Canada. It holds prominent cultural significance across Latin America and the Caribbean, where it is widely associated with death, misfortune, and spiritual beliefs.
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Lesser Appleworm Moth
Aspila prunivora, commonly known as the Lesser Appleworm Moth, is a small tortricid moth. It is primarily known as a pest of apple and related fruit trees, with larvae feeding internally on developing fruits. The species has been documented at blacklighting events in California, indicating nocturnal adult activity.
Astacidae
Astacid Crayfishes, Freshwater Crayfish
Astacidae is a family of freshwater crayfish comprising four extant genera: Astacus, Austropotamobius, Pontastacus, and Pacifastacus. Members are native to Europe, western Asia, and western North America. The family is distinguished by a gonopore positioned on the coxa of the third pair of walking legs in males (fifth pair in females), a trait shared with all Astacoidea. Several species, particularly Pacifastacus leniusculus (signal crayfish), have become invasive outside their native ranges, carrying crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci) that threatens native European populations.
Atalantycha bilineata
Two-lined Leatherwing, two-lined cantharid, two-lined leather-wing
Atalantycha bilineata, commonly known as the Two-lined Leatherwing or two-lined cantharid, is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America and has been documented visiting apple flowers as a nocturnal pollinator. The species is recognizable by its distinctive color pattern and is frequently observed during citizen science events such as the City Nature Challenge.
Athetis tarda
Slowpoke Moth
Athetis tarda, commonly known as the slowpoke moth, is a small noctuid moth native to eastern North America. It is strongly associated with oak-dominated habitats. Adults are active during two distinct periods in spring and late summer, while larvae feed on decomposing oak leaf litter.
Athyrma ganglio
Athyrma ganglio is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae, distributed across North and South America. The species was described by Jacob Hübner in 1825. It is assigned to the subfamily Eulepidotinae, a group of generally medium-sized nocturnal moths. The MONA (Moths of North America) or Hodges number for this species is 8583.1.
Atta texana
Texas Leafcutter Ant, Town Ant, Parasol Ant, Fungus Ant, Cut Ant, Night Ant
Atta texana is a fungus-farming leafcutter ant and the northernmost species in the genus Atta, distributed across Texas, Louisiana, and northeastern Mexico. Colonies are large and polygynous, containing several queens and up to several million workers. Foragers harvest leaf material from over 200 plant species to cultivate symbiotic fungus gardens, making this species a significant agricultural and ornamental pest capable of defoliating a citrus tree within 24 hours.
Autographa californica
Alfalfa Looper
Autographa californica, the alfalfa looper, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae. It is a widespread agricultural pest in western North America, recognized by its looping larval locomotion and broad polyphagy. The species was first described by Adolph Speyer in 1875. Adults are medium-sized nocturnal moths with wingspans of 36–42 mm, flying from July to October. Larvae are notable for having prolegs on abdominal segments 5 and 6 but lacking them on segments 3 and 4, producing the characteristic looping gait.
Automeris io
Io moth, peacock moth
Automeris io is a colorful North American saturniid moth with sexual dimorphism in adult coloration: males are bright yellow, females reddish-brown to purple. Both sexes possess distinctive eyespots on the hindwings used in anti-predator displays. The caterpillars are gregarious, bright green with red and white lateral stripes, and possess venomous urticating spines that cause painful stings. Adults are nocturnal, lack functional mouthparts, and live 1–2 weeks. Populations have declined in parts of their range, particularly in New England, due to habitat loss and parasitism by introduced biological control agents.
Automeris zephyria
Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth
Automeris zephyria, the zephyr eyed silkmoth, is a species of giant silkmoth in the family Saturniidae. It belongs to the eyed silkmoth genus Automeris, characterized by prominent eyespot markings on the hindwings used for predator defense. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1882. Like other members of its genus, adults lack functional mouthparts and do not feed during their brief adult stage.
Badumna
House Spiders, Black House Spider, Grey House Spider
Badumna is a genus of medium to large cribellate spiders in the family Desidae, first described by Tamerlan Thorell in 1890. The genus is native to the Indo-Australian region, with most species endemic to Australasia. Several species, particularly B. longinqua and B. insignis, have become synanthropic and have been introduced to multiple continents, establishing populations in urban environments. The most well-known species, B. insignis, is commonly called the 'black house spider' and has been documented in Japan as an introduced species.
Badumna longinqua
Grey House Spider
Badumna longinqua, the grey house spider, is a medium-sized spider native to eastern Australia that has become a widespread invasive species. It is highly synanthropic, thriving in urban environments and artificial structures rather than natural habitats. The species constructs distinctive messy, ladder-like webs from retreats in cracks and crevices. Females may remain in the same web for their entire lives, while males disperse to seek mates during warmer months.
Balboa ampliata
dirt-colored seed bug
Balboa ampliata is a species of dirt-colored seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae. It is a relatively large member of this family, with adults reaching conspicuous size. The species has been documented feeding on plant seeds and is attracted to lights at night. It occurs in prairie and foothill habitats in western North America, with records from Colorado and surrounding regions.
Banisia
Banisia is a genus of moths in the family Thyrididae, established by Walker in 1863. The genus is classified within the subfamily Striglininae and contains approximately 12 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Species within this genus exhibit the characteristic wing patterns and morphology typical of thyridid moths, including intricate reticulate or banded forewing markings. The genus has been documented from Africa, Asia, and Indian Ocean islands including the Seychelles.
Barynotus
Barynotus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils (Curculionidae: Entiminae) comprising 25 species distributed primarily in the Palaearctic region. These are relatively large weevils with predominantly nocturnal activity patterns. The genus exhibits diverse reproductive strategies, with some species being amphigonic and others parthenogenetic.
Batia lunaris
Lesser Tawny Crescent
Batia lunaris, commonly known as the Lesser Tawny Crescent, is a small gelechioid moth in the family Oecophoridae. It is the type species of genus Batia. Adults are nocturnal and fly in mid-summer, with a wingspan of 7–10 mm. The species is widespread across European woodlands.
Bellura
Bellura is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Walker in 1865. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed in North America. Caterpillars of at least some species are aquatic or semi-aquatic, feeding on aquatic plants such as water lilies. The genus is notable among Noctuidae for this aquatic larval ecology, which is relatively uncommon in the family.
Bellura brehmei
Narrow-leaved Cattail Diver Moth
Bellura brehmei is a North American moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the Narrow-leaved Cattail Diver Moth. It is one of approximately 800 species of Lepidoptera with aquatic or semi-aquatic larvae. Like other members of its genus, the caterpillar likely inhabits wetland environments and feeds on aquatic vegetation, though specific details for this species remain poorly documented.
Bellura gortynoides
White-tailed Diver Moth, white-tailed diver
Bellura gortynoides, commonly known as the white-tailed diver moth, is a North American noctuid moth whose aquatic caterpillars live submerged in freshwater habitats. The larvae feed on aquatic plants, including water lilies, and breathe by periodically surfacing to capture air through specialized spiracles. Adults are strictly nocturnal. The species belongs to the poorly studied group of aquatic moths, which have received limited scientific attention despite their unusual ecology.
Bellura vulnifica
Black-tailed Diver Moth, Black-tailed Diver
Bellura vulnifica, commonly known as the black-tailed diver moth, is a North American species in the family Noctuidae. The species is part of the aquatic moth genus Bellura, whose larvae are known to inhabit freshwater environments and feed on aquatic vegetation. Adults are nocturnal. The species is assigned Hodges number 9523.1.
Belostomatidae
giant water bugs, toe-biters, Indian toe-biters, electric-light bugs, alligator ticks, alligator fleas
Belostomatidae is a family of large freshwater hemipteran insects comprising approximately 170 species worldwide. Members are the largest insects in the order Hemiptera, with some species exceeding 12 cm in length. They are aggressive predators found in ponds, marshes, and slow-flowing streams, feeding on aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and even small vertebrates. The family exhibits remarkable paternal care, with males of many species carrying eggs on their backs until hatching. Several species are consumed as food in Southeast Asia.
Besciva
Besciva is a genus of sheetweb weavers in the family Linyphiidae. The genus is known from at least one undescribed species ('n-sp') encountered in the northern reaches of Door County, Wisconsin, USA. Sheetweb weavers in this genus construct flat, convex, or concave webs depending on the species, with spiders hanging upside down to capture prey. Mature males cease web-spinning to seek mates.
Biston betularia
Peppered Moth
Biston betularia, the peppered moth, is a temperate night-flying geometrid moth native to Europe and northern Asia. The species is renowned as a textbook example of industrial melanism, with two principal color morphs: the pale, speckled 'typica' form and the dark 'carbonaria' form. Population frequencies of these morphs have shifted historically in response to environmental changes, particularly industrial pollution affecting substrate coloration. The species has been introduced to North America.
Blaps mucronata
Churchyard Beetle
Blaps mucronata is a tenebrionid beetle known as a pest of stored products. The species exhibits nocturnal activity patterns synchronized with human or animal activity cycles, particularly in enclosed environments like stables. It has been documented in Europe, with specific biological studies conducted in Germany. The beetle possesses defensive secretions and shows distinct habitat preferences for humid, dark environments.
Blattella
Blattella is a genus of small cockroaches in the family Ectobiidae, distributed worldwide. The genus includes both domestic pest species, notably the German cockroach (Blattella germanica), and wild species such as the Asian cockroach (Blattella asahinai) and Japanese field roach (Blattella nipponica). Species within this genus exhibit diverse ecological preferences, ranging from human dwellings to outdoor habitats including mountainous regions and field environments.
Blepharomastix pseudoranalis
Blepharomastix pseudoranalis is a small crambid moth described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1914. It is known from limited records in Arizona, with adults active during mid-summer. The species is characterized by pale ochreous wings with brown scaling and dark forewing lines.
Bolbelasmus
Bolbelasmus is a genus of earth-borer beetles in the family Bolboceratidae, comprising at least 29 described species and 2 subspecies. It represents the most widely distributed genus among bolboceratine beetles, occurring across the Holarctic and Oriental regions. Species are predominantly soil-dwelling, with limited natural history documentation available for most taxa. The genus includes the endangered European species B. unicornis, which is listed under EU Habitat Directive Annexes II and IV.
Bolbocerosoma pusillum
Bolbocerosoma pusillum is a species of earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Bolboceratidae, described by Dawson and McColloch in 1924. The species is distributed across North America and comprises two recognized subspecies: the nominate form B. p. pusillum and B. p. townesi described by Howden in 1955. Like other members of the genus, this species is associated with burrowing behavior in soil and is attracted to light sources at night.
Bombycoidea
Hawk, Sphinx, Silk, Emperor, and Allied Moths
Bombycoidea is a superfamily of large-bodied moths comprising 10 families, including the silk moths (Bombycidae), giant silk moths (Saturniidae), sphinx or hawk moths (Sphingidae), and emperor moths (Saturniidae). Members are among the largest moths in the world, with adults typically possessing robust bodies and broad wings. Larvae frequently exhibit distinctive morphological features such as thoracic horns or tubercles. The superfamily is distinguished from close relatives in Lasiocampoidea by a combination of adult and larval characteristics.
Boridae
Conifer Bark Beetles
Boridae is a small family of tenebrionoid beetles comprising three genera: Boros (North America and northern Eurasia), Lecontia (endemic to North America), and Synercticus (Australia and New Guinea). These saproxylic beetles are strongly associated with coniferous trees, particularly standing dead pines. The family was previously classified within Salpingidae before being recognized as distinct. Despite their common name, they are not destructive forest pests but rather occupy specialized niches in dead wood decomposition.
Bostaera nasuta
Bostaera nasuta is a species of delphacid planthopper described by Ball in 1902. It belongs to the family Delphacidae, a group of small, sap-feeding insects characterized by a distinctive movable spur on the hind tibia. The species is known to occur in North America and has been documented at ultraviolet light traps, indicating nocturnal activity. It is one of relatively few species in the genus Bostaera.
Bothrideridae
cocoon-forming beetles, dry bark beetles
Bothrideridae is a family of small to medium-sized beetles in the superfamily Coccinelloidea, commonly known as cocoon-forming beetles or dry bark beetles. Members are characterized by elongated, cylindrical to somewhat flattened bodies and are primarily found under tree bark in woodland habitats. The family has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with former subfamilies Teredinae, Xylariophilinae, and Anommatinae now placed in the separate family Teredidae. Bothrideridae has a worldwide distribution with greatest diversity in the Old World tropics. The family is notable for its ectoparasitoid larvae, which attack other wood-boring insects including cerambycid beetles, wood wasps, and carpenter bees. Several species, particularly in the genus Dastarcus, are important biocontrol agents used commercially to manage forest pests such as the Japanese pine sawyer (Monochamus alternatus), a vector of pine wilt disease.
Bothrotes plumbeus
Bothrotes plumbeus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. Records indicate it has been collected in the southwestern United States, with observations from locations in New Mexico and surrounding regions. The species is associated with arid and semi-arid habitats, including grasslands and open woodlands. Like other tenebrionids, it is likely nocturnal and ground-dwelling, though specific behavioral details remain limited.