Nocturnal
Guides
Brachycistidinae
Brachycistidinae is a subfamily of flower wasps (Tiphiidae) containing 10 genera and 85 species endemic to the Nearctic region. These wasps exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism: females are wingless and ant-like, living primarily underground, while males are winged and nocturnal. The subfamily has historically suffered from "dual taxonomy," where sexes were described as separate species due to their dissimilar appearance. Taxonomic resolution remains challenging due to structural similarities among species and lack of distinctive coloration.
Brachynemurini
Long-tailed Antlions
Brachynemurini is a tribe of antlions within the family Myrmeleontidae, containing 28 genera and approximately 117 described species. Members are commonly known as long-tailed antlions. The tribe shows considerable diversity in the Americas, with genera distributed across North, Central, and South America, including the Galápagos Islands. Notable genera include Brachynemurus and Scotoleon, each containing 22 species. The tribe was established to accommodate antlions with distinctive morphological features separating them from other Myrmeleontinae.
Brachynemurus hubbardii
Brachynemurus hubbardii is an antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, distributed across Central America and North America. The genus Brachynemurus belongs to a diverse group of antlions whose larvae typically do not construct the characteristic funnel-shaped pits associated with the more familiar genus Myrmeleon. Instead, Brachynemurus larvae bury themselves just below the soil surface and wait for prey to pass by. Adults are delicate, lacy-winged insects that resemble damselflies but possess short, clubbed antennae.
Brachynemurus ramburi
Brachynemurus ramburi is a species of antlion (family Myrmeleontidae) described by Nathan Banks in 1907. Like other antlions, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with a predatory larval stage and a delicate, aerial adult stage. The genus Brachynemurus is one of 18 genera of antlions recorded north of Mexico. Adults of this genus are typically nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Brachynemurus sackeni
Sacken's Antlion
Brachynemurus sackeni is a widespread, arid-adapted antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae. Phylogeographic studies using mitochondrial COI sequences have revealed it comprises a cryptic species-complex with two distinct lineages that diverged approximately 3.8–4.7 million years ago, potentially associated with Neogene mountain-building events. This represents the first documented cryptic species-complex in Myrmeleontidae. The species is attracted to mercury-vapor lights and has been documented in juniper chaparral habitats.
Brachypsectra fulva
Texas beetle
Brachypsectra fulva, commonly known as the Texas beetle, is a species in the family Brachypsectridae. Adults are rarely observed but are attracted to light and active from May to August. The larvae are predatory, living under bark, in leaf litter, and rock crevices, where they ambush small arthropod prey. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Bradycinetulus
Bradycinetulus is a genus of earth-boring scarab beetles in the family Bolboceratidae, established by Cockerell in 1906. The genus contains at least three described species distributed in the Nearctic region. These beetles are robust, fossorial insects adapted for burrowing in soil. Field observations indicate adults are attracted to lights at night and have been collected from sand dune habitats and pack rat runs.
Bradycinetulus fossatus
fossate bolboceratine, fossate earth-boring dung beetle
Bradycinetulus fossatus is a large, robust bolboceratine geotrupid beetle found in sand dune and sandy grassland habitats of the south-central United States. The species is characterized by its chunky body form and fossorial (burrowing) adaptations typical of the subfamily. It is attracted to lights at night and has been documented in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. The species is part of a small genus of North American bolboceratines that are poorly studied relative to their ecological role in sandy ecosystems.
Broscus cephalotes
coastal ground beetle
Broscus cephalotes is a nocturnal, flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is native to coastal regions of temperate Europe and western Siberia, and was introduced to eastern Canada around 1975, subsequently spreading into the United States. The species is recognized as beneficial in agricultural contexts due to its predatory habits.
Brunneria borealis
Northern Grass Mantis, Brunner's Mantis, Brunner's Stick Mantis
Brunneria borealis is a slender green mantis native to the southern United States, notable as the only mantis species known to reproduce exclusively through parthenogenesis. All individuals are female; no males have been documented. Adults reach approximately 77 mm in length and possess reduced wings that likely preclude flight. The species inhabits grassland habitats and exhibits stick-like camouflage behavior.
Bucculatrix cuneigera
ribbed cocoon-maker moth
Bucculatrix cuneigera is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Bucculatricidae, described by Edward Meyrick in 1919. It occurs in eastern North America from Quebec and Ontario south to North Carolina. Adults have a wingspan of 9-10.5 mm and are active from May to July. The larvae are specialist feeders on Aster species, mining the leaves of their host plants.
Bucculatrix trifasciella
Three-banded ribbed cocoon-maker moth
Bucculatrix trifasciella is a small moth in the family Bucculatricidae, first described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1866. The larvae are leaf miners on oak (Quercus) species, creating distinctive feeding patterns within leaf tissue. The species is found in eastern North America, with records from the northeastern United States and Ontario, Canada.
Bulia deducta
Deduced Graphic
Bulia deducta is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae, first described by Herbert Knowles Morrison in 1875. It is distributed across western and central North America from central Mexico northward to the Great Plains and western United States. The species is notable for its association with Prosopis (mesquite) as a larval host plant and its extended adult flight season in arid regions.
Buthidae
fat-tailed scorpions, bark scorpions, arrowbreasted scorpions
Buthidae is the largest family of scorpions, containing approximately 100 genera and 1300 species as of 2025. Members are typically mid-sized to small, with weak, slender pedipalps and characteristically thickened tails. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution throughout tropical and subtropical environments worldwide. Buthidae includes nearly all medically significant scorpion species, with venoms containing potent neurotoxins that affect ion channels.
Cabera quadrifasciaria
Four-lined Cream Moth, Four-lined Cabera Moth
Cabera quadrifasciaria, commonly called the Four-lined Cream Moth, is a North American geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. The species was described by Packard in 1873. It is assigned Hodges number 6680 in the MONA (Moths of North America) numbering system. The common names reference the four pale lines that characterize the wing pattern of this cream-colored moth.
Cacoecimorpha pronubana
Carnation Tortrix, Carnation Leaf-roller
Cacoecimorpha pronubana is a highly polyphagous tortricid moth of Mediterranean origin, now widespread across Europe, North Africa, and introduced to North America and South Africa. The sole species in its genus, it is a significant pest of ornamental plants and horticultural crops. Larvae feed on foliage, flowers, and fruits, rolling leaves with silken webbing to create concealed feeding shelters. The species exhibits complex transgenerational responses to host plant changes, with parental diet affecting offspring development and reproduction.
Cadra
Cadra is a genus of small moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. The genus is characterized by reduced forewing venation with veins 4, 7, and 9 absent, resulting in nine forewing veins total. Several species are significant stored product pests, particularly of dry plant materials including seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. The genus is closely related to Ephestia, and species are sometimes assigned interchangeably between the two genera in non-entomological literature.
Cadra figulilella
raisin moth
Cadra figulilella, the raisin moth, is a globally distributed pest of dried and ripening fruits in the family Pyralidae. First identified as a pest of Muscat raisins in California in 1928, it has since spread to tropical and Mediterranean climates worldwide. The species is economically significant due to larval damage to dates, raisins, figs, and other fruits both on the tree and in storage. Adults are short-lived and nocturnal, with females laying an average of 160 eggs that hatch into larvae capable of causing up to 90% fruit infestation in severe cases.
Caenochrysis deversor
Caenochrysis deversor is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. The genus Caenochrysis comprises small, brilliantly metallic wasps that are parasitoids of other insects. Members of this genus are known to parasitize larvae of various hymenopteran hosts, particularly other wasps. The species was documented in the southwestern United States during field observations in ponderosa pine forests.
Caenurgina
grass moths, loopers
Caenurgina is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, containing several species commonly known as grass moths or loopers. The genus includes widespread North American species such as the forage looper (C. erechtea), clover looper (C. crassiuscula), and cerulean looper moth (C. caerulea). These moths are associated with open habitats including lawns, meadows, and agricultural fields.
Caenurgina annexa
Banded Grass Moth
Caenurgina annexa, commonly known as the banded grass moth, is a species of moth in the family Erebidae. It was described by Henry Edwards in 1890. The species is endemic to western North America, with adults active during spring months. The wingspan measures 28–30 mm.
Calamotropha paludella
Bulrush Veneer
Calamotropha paludella is a crambid moth with broad distribution across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, and a recent accidental introduction to the eastern United States. It is commonly known as the Bulrush Veneer due to its larval association with Typha plants. The species is notable for its wetland habitat specialization and transcontinental range.
Calathus ruficollis
Red-collared Harp Ground Beetle
Calathus ruficollis is a flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae, distributed across western North America from the California Floristic Province to the Pacific Northwest, with introduced populations in Hawaii. The species is nocturnal and predaceous, with four recognized subspecies showing distinct geographic ranges. Phylogeographic studies indicate limited genetic structure across its range despite flightlessness, suggesting recent range expansion or dispersal by walking.
Callima
Callima is a genus of concealer moths in the family Oecophoridae, established by Clemens in 1860. The genus includes species such as Callima argenticinctella, commonly known as the orange-headed epicallima. These are small moths that are frequently encountered at blacklight setups during nocturnal surveys. The genus has been documented from multiple continents including North America and Europe.
Callima argenticinctella
Orange-headed Callima Moth, Orange-headed Epicallima Moth
A small concealer moth in the family Oecophoridae, with a wingspan of 10–13 mm. The forewings display distinctive yellowish-orange coloration with silvery black-margined lines and a deep reddish-orange basal area. The species is found in deciduous forests across eastern North America, from Nova Scotia to Texas. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light and are active from spring through autumn.
Callirhipidae
Callirhipid Cedar Beetles, Cedar Beetles
Callirhipidae is a family of elateriform beetles containing approximately 175 valid species in 10 genera. The family is distributed throughout low-latitude regions worldwide, with notable absence from tropical Africa and Madagascar. The only North American representative is Zenoa picea, found across the eastern and central United States. Larvae develop in decaying hardwood, particularly oak and hickory, with a two-year life cycle. Adults are generally nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Callobius
tangled nest spiders
Callobius is a genus of cribellate spiders in the family Amaurobiidae, commonly known as tangled nest spiders. The genus was established by R.V. Chamberlin in 1947 and contains 35 species with a Holarctic distribution spanning North America and Eurasia. Members of this genus construct characteristic tangled, lacy webs that issue from a retreat, often in crevices or holes. They are frequently confused with other cribellate spiders such as Kukulcania (Filistatidae) due to similar web architecture.
Callobius bennetti
Bennett's Laceweaver, Hackled Mesh Weaver, hacklemesh weaver, night spider, tangled nest spider
Callobius bennetti is a cribellate spider in the family Amaurobiidae, known by multiple common names including Bennett's Laceweaver, Hackled Mesh Weaver, night spider, and tangled nest spider. The species is native to North America, with documented occurrences in Canada and the United States. It is sometimes mistaken for hobo spiders due to superficial similarities in appearance and habitat preferences. Like other amaurobiids, it constructs tangled, mesh-like webs and exhibits the characteristic cribellate silk production method using a calamistrum to comb silk from the cribellum.
Callosamia angulifera
Tuliptree Silkmoth, Giant Silkmoth
Callosamia angulifera is a large saturniid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are nocturnal, with flight activity occurring from June through August in northern populations and March through August in southern populations where two generations occur annually. The species exhibits strong host plant specificity, with larvae feeding exclusively on tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera). Adults lack functional mouthparts and do not feed. The species is closely related to Callosamia promethea and C. securifera, with which it shares morphological similarities but differs in host plant use and diel activity patterns.
Callosamia promethea
Promethea Silkmoth, Spicebush Silkmoth
Callosamia promethea is a North American silk moth in the family Saturniidae, notable for being the only member of its family with sexually dimorphic activity patterns: males are diurnal while females are nocturnal. Adults do not feed. Larvae feed on a broad range of host plants across multiple families, including Rosaceae, Oleaceae, and Lauraceae. The species produces silk for cocoon construction and exhibits distinctive defensive behaviors including thanatosis and chemical secretion.
Caloptilia acerifoliella
Caloptilia acerifoliella is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. It is known from limited records in Colorado and Utah in the United States. The larvae feed on Acer species, creating blotch mines in leaves. The species was described by Chambers in 1875.
Caloptilia anthobaphes
A leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, found in eastern North America. The larvae feed on Vaccinium species, creating mines in leaves. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light sources. The species was described by Edward Meyrick in 1921.
Caloptilia belfragella
Dogwood Caloptilia Moth
Caloptilia belfragella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the Dogwood Caloptilia Moth. Its larvae are leaf miners that feed on several host plants including dogwoods (Cornus), staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), and blueberries (Vaccinium). The species occurs in eastern North America from Quebec south to Texas.
Caloptilia coroniella
Caloptilia coroniella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, known from eastern Canada and the northeastern and midwestern United States. The larvae are leaf miners that feed on birch species (Betula), creating distinctive blotch mines on the leaves. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light and have been documented during summer moth surveys.
Caloptilia sassafrasella
Sassafras Caloptilia Moth
Caloptilia sassafrasella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species is a specialist herbivore whose larvae mine leaves of sassafras trees (Sassafras spp.). Native to eastern North America, it has been documented from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The species was first described by Chambers in 1876.
Caloptilia suberinella
Caloptilia suberinella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Tengström in 1848. The species has a Palearctic distribution across northern and central Europe, extending eastward through Russia to China, with a recent confirmed record from British Columbia in North America. Like other members of its genus, it likely has leaf-mining larvae, though specific host plant associations for this species remain undocumented. Adults are nocturnal and have been observed at ultraviolet light sources.
Caloptilia umbratella
Caloptilia umbratella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, known from eastern North America. The larvae are leaf miners on maple species, specifically Acer rubrum and Acer saccharum. There are probably two generations per year. The species is attracted to ultraviolet light, a trait common among nocturnal moths in this family.
Caloptilia undescribed-nr-umbratella
An undescribed species in the genus Caloptilia, closely related to C. umbratella. Like other Caloptilia species, it is a leaf blotch miner moth whose larvae create distinctive feeding patterns on host plant leaves. The species remains taxonomically unresolved pending formal description.
Caloptilia vacciniella
Caloptilia vacciniella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species is known from eastern North America, with records from Quebec, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Maine, Michigan, and Massachusetts. Larvae are specialized feeders on Vaccinium species, including lowbush blueberry, highbush blueberry, and hillside blueberry.
Caloptilia violacella
Tick-Trefoil Caloptilia Moth
Caloptilia violacella is a small gracillariid moth with a wingspan of approximately 10 mm. The species is distributed across the eastern and central United States, with records from Illinois, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, New York, and Texas. Larvae are leaf miners that feed on leguminous host plants including pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), tick-trefoils (Desmodium species), and Meibomia dillenii. The common name "Tick-Trefoil Caloptilia Moth" reflects its association with Desmodium host plants.
Calosoma frigidum
Cold-country Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma frigidum is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the cold-country caterpillar hunter. First described by William Kirby in 1837, this species occurs throughout southern Canada and the northern United States. Adults are nocturnal predators that climb trees to hunt caterpillars, hiding under debris during daylight hours. The species shows sensitivity to soil temperature changes, with elevated temperatures causing adults to abandon their burrows.
Calosoma sayi
Black Caterpillar Hunter, Say's Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma sayi is a large ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, commonly known as the Black Caterpillar Hunter or Say's Caterpillar Hunter. It is one of the largest carabid beetles in North America, measuring 25–28 mm in length. Unlike many congeners, it lacks metallic coloration, instead appearing uniformly lustrous black. Both adults and larvae are active predators that specialize in hunting caterpillars and other soft-bodied insect larvae.
Calosoma scrutator
Fiery Searcher, Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma scrutator is a large, predatory ground beetle native to North America, commonly known as the Fiery Searcher or Caterpillar Hunter. Adults reach 25–35 mm in length and display striking metallic coloration. The species is primarily nocturnal and climbs vegetation to hunt caterpillars, earning its common name. When disturbed, it excretes a foul-smelling defensive oil from pygidial glands. It serves as an important biological control agent for defoliating insect pests.
Calosoma tepidum
lukewarm beautiful black searcher
Calosoma tepidum is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Carabinae, first described by LeConte in 1851. It belongs to the 'caterpillar hunter' group within the genus Calosoma, characterized by large size and predatory habits. The species is flightless despite possessing fully developed wings, a condition attributed to thoracic muscle reduction. It has been the subject of recent genomic research as part of a model system for studying wing evolution in insects.
Calosoma wilkesii
Wilkes's beautiful black searcher
Calosoma wilkesii is a flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Wilkes's beautiful black searcher. It is one of approximately 120 species in the genus Calosoma, a group known as "caterpillar hunters" for their predatory habits on lepidopteran larvae. The species has been the subject of genomic research due to its brachypterous (short-winged) condition, which represents an evolutionary transition to flightlessness. It occurs in western North America from British Columbia to California.
Calpinae
Fruit-piercing Moths, Vampire Moths
Calpinae is a subfamily of nocturnal moths in the family Erebidae, distinguished by a highly modified proboscis adapted for piercing. Most species feed on fruit juices by piercing fruit skins, while males of several Calyptra species can pierce mammalian skin to feed on blood. The subfamily was historically classified within Noctuidae but was reclassified to Erebidae based on phylogenetic studies. It contains three monophyletic tribes: Calpini, Ophiderini, and Phyllodini. Some species reach wingspans exceeding 5 cm.
Calymmaria
basket-web weavers
Calymmaria is a genus of small North American spiders known for their distinctive inverted cone-shaped webs. These araneomorph spiders were first described in 1937 and contain 31 species, with most distributed along the Pacific coast of the United States and Canada. They are primarily nocturnal and construct unique 'basket' webs under bark, rocks, and other sheltered substrates.
Calymmaria emertoni
Calymmaria emertoni is a small true spider in the family Cybaeidae (formerly Hahniidae). It is one of approximately 31 Calymmaria species found north of Mexico, with most species restricted to the Pacific coast region. This species is notable for its distinctive basket-shaped web and nocturnal habits.
Calymmaria persica
Calymmaria persica is a species of true spider in the family Cybaeidae, found in the United States. It belongs to the marronoid clade, a diverse group of small to medium-sized spiders united by genetic rather than obvious morphological characteristics. The species constructs distinctive basket-shaped webs and is primarily nocturnal.
Calyptis
Calyptis is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae. The genus was established by Guenée in 1852 and contains three recognized species distributed across tropical regions. Members are nocturnal and belong to the diverse assemblage of underwing and related moths within the superfamily Noctuoidea.