Nocturnal
Guides
Clubiona riparia
Riparian Sac Spider
Clubiona riparia is a sac spider species in the family Clubionidae. It is known from a broad geographic range spanning northern Eurasia and North America. The specific epithet 'riparia' refers to its association with riparian habitats. Like other Clubiona species, it constructs silken retreats rather than prey-capture webs and hunts actively.
Clubiona saltitans
Clubiona saltitans is a sac spider in the family Clubionidae, described by Emerton in 1919. The species name "saltitans" (Latin for "jumping" or "dancing") may allude to its active movement. Sac spiders in this genus are wandering hunters that construct silken retreats rather than prey-capture webs. They are primarily nocturnal predators of small insects and other arthropods. The genus Clubiona is distinguished from similar sac spiders by the presence of a distinct groove in the center of the carapace and a tuft of curved setae on the front edge of the abdomen.
Cnemotettix spinulus
Cnemotettix spinulus is a species of camel cricket in the family Anostostomatidae, described by Rentz and Weissman in 1973. It belongs to a genus of small, wingless orthopterans found in western North America. The species is known from very few observations, reflecting either genuine rarity or cryptic habits. Like other members of Anostostomatidae, it is likely nocturnal and ground-dwelling.
Coelocnemis
darkling beetles, broad-necked darkling beetles
Coelocnemis is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, containing approximately seven described species distributed across western North America. These large, flightless beetles are primarily associated with coniferous forest habitats, particularly pine and oak-conifer woodlands, where they are active nocturnally. The genus is distinguished from superficially similar darkling beetles by distinctive morphological features, including parallel lines of yellow pubescence on the inner tibial surfaces.
Coelocnemis punctata
Coelocnemis punctata is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, one of seven species in the genus Coelocnemis found in western North America and adjacent southern Canada. The genus is characterized by distinct parallel lines of yellow pubescence on the inner surface of the tibiae, a feature used to distinguish it from the superficially similar genus Eleodes. Adults are flightless, with fused elytra that reduce water loss, and are typically associated with pine forests and oak-conifer woodlands rather than desert ecosystems.
Coelocnemis rugulosa
Coelocnemis rugulosa is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Doyen in 1973. It belongs to a genus of seven species found in western North America and adjacent southern Canada. Like other Coelocnemis species, it is a flightless, nocturnal beetle adapted to xeric forest habitats. The genus is distinguished from the superficially similar Eleodes by having distinct parallel lines of yellow pubescence on the inner surface of the tibiae.
Coelocnemis sulcata
Coelocnemis sulcata is a nocturnal tenebrionid beetle found in coniferous woodlands of the southwestern United States. The species has been documented on the trunks of Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) at night, where it has been observed in mating pairs. It occurs at moderate to high elevations in southwestern Utah, with records from approximately 6000 feet. Activity peaks in late summer, with observations in September.
Coelostoma
Coelostoma is a diverse genus of water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, first described by Brullé in 1835. The genus comprises approximately 111 described species and is considered one of the most species-rich genera within Hydrophilidae. Members are found across the Old World, primarily in the Oriental, Afrotropical, and Palearctic regions, with limited representation in the Australian region. The genus is absent from the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, where related genera occupy similar ecological niches.
Coenopoeus
Coenopoeus is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae, tribe Acanthocinini. The genus contains two described species: Coenopoeus niger and Coenopoeus palmeri. These beetles are associated with cactus habitats, with C. palmeri specifically documented as feeding on staghorn cacti (Cylindropuntia species). Adults are nocturnal and feed externally on cactus tissues, while larvae are internal miners within cactus stems.
Coenopoeus palmeri
Coenopoeus palmeri is a cactus-associated longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) and the sole member of its genus. Described by LeConte in 1873, it is specialized on staghorn cacti (Cylindropuntia spp.), with larvae mining internally within cactus stems and adults feeding externally at night. The species is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, with adults active primarily in spring and summer.
Colobochyla interpuncta
Yellow-lined Owlet, Swamp Belle
Colobochyla interpuncta, known as the yellow-lined owlet or swamp belle, is a small erebid moth found in North American wetlands. Adults have a wingspan of 20–24 mm and are active from April through September, with multiple generations per year in southern portions of its range. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. Larvae are known to feed on willow (Salix).
Colomychus talis
distinguished colymychus moth
Colomychus talis is a crambid moth occurring in the southeastern United States and Mexico. Adults are active from May through August. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1878 and is recorded from ten U.S. states.
Coloradia velda
Velda Pine Moth
Coloradia velda is a species of giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae, described by Johnson and Walter in 1981. It belongs to the genus Coloradia, which comprises pine-feeding moths distributed across western North America. The species is known from limited records and appears to be associated with pine forests. Adults are nocturnal and do not feed; larvae feed on pine needles. The sex pheromone has been characterized chemically, with (E4,Z9)-tetradecadienal identified as a key component.
Colpotrochia trifasciata
A small ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Metopiinae, averaging 6-10 millimeters in body length. Females possess a very short ovipositor used to lay eggs in caterpillars, particularly leafrollers in the family Tortricidae. The wasp larva develops inside the host, consuming it without disrupting the caterpillar's life cycle until after it pupates; an adult wasp emerges from the host pupa rather than a moth. One of two Colpotrochia species recorded in Massachusetts, with a range extending from the Atlantic coast to barely west of the Mississippi River.
Comadia dolli
Comadia dolli is a small moth in the family Cossidae (carpenter or goat moths), first described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1923. It is known from the southwestern United States, with records from Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico. Adults are active during the summer months from May through August. The species is one of several in the genus Comadia, which are generally associated with desert and aridland habitats.
Comadia redtenbacheri
agave red worm, chinicuil, gusano rojo del maguey
Comadia redtenbacheri is a moth in the family Cossidae, commonly known as the agave red worm or chinicuil. It is a specialist phytophagous species whose larvae bore into Agave plants, particularly the rhizomes. The species has significant cultural and economic importance in Mexico as a traditional food source. Adults are small moths with forewings 12–14 mm in males and 13–16 mm in females. The species has a long, non-uniform life cycle that can exceed one year.
Conchylodes concinnalis
Double-ringed Conchylodes
Conchylodes concinnalis is a small crambid moth found in Mexico and the south-eastern United States, with western extensions to Arizona and southern California. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 23–24 mm and display distinctive white wings marked with black bands and spots. The species is active from March through September, with adults attracted to light. The specific epithet 'concinnalis' and common name 'Double-ringed Conchylodes' reference the prominent paired dark markings on the forewings.
Conchylodes ovulalis
Zebra Conchylodes Moth
Conchylodes ovulalis, commonly known as the Zebra Conchylodes Moth, is a small crambid moth notable for its striking black-and-white striped wing pattern. The species was described by Guenée in 1854 and occurs across a broad range from the eastern United States through Mexico and Central America to northern South America. Adults are frequently attracted to artificial light sources and are most commonly encountered during summer months. The distinctive zebra-striped coloration is presumed to function in camouflage, though experimental evidence for this is lacking.
Condica
Condica is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae. The designation "n-sp" indicates an undescribed or unidentified species within this genus. Species in Condica are generally medium-sized noctuid moths with cryptic coloration. The genus is part of the diverse owlet moth fauna of North America.
Condica albigera
boneset groundling
Condica albigera, commonly known as the boneset groundling, is a noctuid moth native to North America. The species is associated with boneset plants (Eupatorium species), which serve as host plants for its larvae. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The specific epithet 'albigera' refers to white markings on the wings.
Condica n-sp-three
Condica n-sp-three is an undescribed species within the genus Condica, a group of moths in the family Noctuidae. As a provisional designation ("n-sp-three"), this taxon has not received formal scientific description and lacks published morphological or ecological documentation. The genus Condica comprises small to medium-sized owlet moths primarily distributed in the New World. Species in this genus are generally nocturnal and exhibit cryptic coloration.
Coniontis
Coniontis is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) in the tribe Coniontini. The genus was established by Eschscholtz in 1829 and contains multiple species distributed primarily in western North America. These beetles are generally associated with arid and semi-arid habitats. The genus is well-represented in entomological collections and citizen science observations.
Coniontis lata
Coniontis lata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. The genus Coniontis comprises elongate, somewhat flattened beetles found in western North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their parallel-sided body form and relatively smooth elytra. Like other tenebrionids, they are primarily nocturnal and associated with arid or semi-arid environments.
Conservula anodonta
Sharp Angle Shades
Conservula anodonta, known as the sharp angle shades, is a noctuid moth species native to North America. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive wing markings and are active during summer months. The species is associated with forested habitats and exhibits typical nocturnal behavior of its family, including attraction to light sources.
Coprini
Coprini is a tribe of dung beetles within the scarab subfamily Scarabaeinae, comprising over 900 species across 21 genera. Members are characterized as tunnelers that bury dung in shallow tunnels for nest construction. The tribe exhibits a cosmopolitan distribution with particular diversity in tropical regions. Taxonomic boundaries of Coprini remain provisional, with phylogenetic relationships and generic placements subject to ongoing revision.
Corethrellidae
frog-biting midges
Corethrellidae are a family of tiny hematophagous flies in the order Diptera. The family contains a single genus, Corethrella, with approximately 105 extant and seven fossil species worldwide. Females are obligate external parasites of frogs, locating hosts by eavesdropping on male anuran mating calls using their Johnston's organ. The family has a fossil record extending to the Lower Cretaceous, approximately 110 million years ago.
Corydalus texanus
Western Dobsonfly
Corydalus texanus is a large megaloopteran insect commonly known as the Western Dobsonfly. Adults are among the largest winged insects in their range, with males distinguished by elongated sickle-shaped mandibles used in combat with rivals. Females possess shorter but powerful jaws capable of delivering a painful bite. The aquatic larval stage, known as hellgrammites, are predaceous and serve as important indicators of stream health. Adults are attracted to lights and may be observed near water bodies at night.
Cossidae
carpenter millers, cossid millers, goat moths, carpenter moths
Cossidae, commonly known as carpenter millers or goat moths, is a family of large moths in the order Lepidoptera. The family contains over 110 genera with nearly 700 described species, with many more awaiting description. Members are found worldwide and are predominantly nocturnal, with the exception of the Southeast Asian subfamily Ratardinae. The family includes some of the largest moths by mass, such as Endoxyla cinereus, which can weigh up to 30 grams with a wingspan reaching 23 centimeters. Many species are economically significant as wood-boring pests, while others have cultural importance as food sources.
Cotalpa lanigera
Goldsmith beetle
Cotalpa lanigera, known as the Goldsmith beetle, is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Rutelinae. Adults measure 19–26 mm and are active nocturnally during late spring and early summer. The species is distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from Canada and the northeastern United States.
Coxina
Coxina is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae, established by Guenée in 1852. The genus contains eight described species distributed from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, and South America to Argentina. Species in this genus are nocturnal and belong to the diverse owlet moth group.
Crambidia xanthocorpa
Yellow-bodied Lichen Moth
Crambidia xanthocorpa, commonly known as the Yellow-bodied Lichen Moth, is a species of lichen moth in the family Erebidae. Described by Lewis in 2014, it is a relatively recently recognized species within the genus Crambidia. The species is characterized by its distinctive yellow coloration, which is reflected in both its specific epithet (xanthocorpa, meaning 'yellow body') and its common name. It belongs to a genus of moths whose larvae are known to feed on lichens.
Crambus laqueatellus
Eastern Grass-veneer
Crambus laqueatellus, commonly known as the Eastern Grass-veneer, is a moth species in the family Crambidae. It was described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. The species is widespread across eastern and central North America, with adults active from spring through late summer. Larvae are grass-feeders, making this species a typical member of the grass-veneer group within Crambus.
Crangon septemspinosa
sand shrimp, seven-spined bay shrimp
Crangon septemspinosa is a small caridean shrimp distributed along the Atlantic coast of North America from Newfoundland to eastern Florida. Adults reach 7–7.5 cm in length and exhibit sand-colored camouflage. The species is nocturnal, with activity levels and respiration rates increasing at higher temperatures. It occupies diverse marine habitats from intertidal zones to depths of 450 m, including eelgrass beds, salt marshes, and estuaries. Reproductive timing varies geographically: northern populations show bimodal spawning in spring and late autumn, while southern Gulf of St. Lawrence populations reproduce more continuously through spring and summer with reduced autumn activity.
Creontiades
green mirids, verde plant bugs
Creontiades is a genus of plant bugs (family Miridae) comprising over 50 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of cotton, where they damage developing reproductive structures. The genus exhibits broad host plant associations, with some species showing high mobility between natural vegetation and crop systems.
Crocidosema aporema
bean shoot moth
Crocidosema aporema is a Neotropical tortricid moth and significant agricultural pest of legumes, particularly soybean, in the southern cone of South America. The species originated in Central America and has spread throughout South America, where it causes economic damage by larval feeding on vegetative plant parts, flowers, and developing seeds. Adults are nocturnal, with females exhibiting characteristic calling behavior during the scotophase to attract mates. The species is monoandrous and has been subject to increasing study due to its pest status and the need for integrated pest management strategies.
Cryphoeca
Cryphoeca is a genus of small araneomorph spiders first described by Tamerlan Thorell in 1870. The genus name derives from Greek meaning "hidden," reflecting its reclusive habits beneath loose bark and within stone walls. The genus contains twelve described species with a Holarctic distribution spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. Cryphoeca species are nocturnal and among the larger members of their subfamily, reaching nearly eight millimeters in body length.
Cryphoeca montana
Cryphoeca montana is a species of true spider in the family Cybaeidae, originally described by Emerton in 1909. It is a nocturnal spider belonging to the subfamily Cryphoecinae, which was historically classified within the family Hahniidae. The species occurs in forested habitats of the United States and Canada, where it has been documented from under bark on dead trees, in leaf litter, moss, and beneath stones.
Cryptoglossa variolosa
Black Death-feigning Beetle
Cryptoglossa variolosa is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the Black Death-feigning Beetle. It occurs in arid regions of Mexico and the southwestern United States. The species is notable for its ability to feign death (thanatosis) when disturbed. It is one of several Cryptoglossa species adapted to desert environments.
Ctenolepisma
Ctenolepisma is a genus of primitive wingless insects in the order Zygentoma, family Lepismatidae. The genus comprises approximately 75 extant species distributed nearly worldwide in warm regions, with some species occurring both indoors and outdoors while others are found exclusively in natural habitats. Unlike the closely related silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) and firebrat (Thermobia domestica), many Ctenolepisma species are less dependent on human habitation. Australia lacks native species but hosts introduced populations. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with ICZN Opinion 2427 (2018) establishing the neuter gender of Lepisma and related genera, resulting in species epithet changes such as Ctenolepisma longicaudatum (formerly longicaudata).
Ctenolepisma longicaudatum
gray silverfish, long-tailed silverfish, paper silverfish
Ctenolepisma longicaudatum is a synanthropic silverfish species first described from South Africa in 1905, now distributed worldwide in human dwellings. It has become a significant indoor pest in Europe since the early 2000s, particularly in newly constructed buildings with stable climates. The species damages cellulose-based materials including books, documents, and textiles, and can survive extended periods without food.
Cucullia alfarata
Camphorweed Owlet, camphorweed cucullia
Cucullia alfarata is a noctuid moth species found in North America. The common name 'Camphorweed Owlet' references its association with camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris), a known host plant for larvae of this genus. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The species belongs to the subfamily Cuculliinae, a group whose larvae typically feed on the flowers and seeds of Asteraceae.
Cucullia umbratica
shark moth
Cucullia umbratica, commonly known as the shark moth, is a noctuid moth first described by Linnaeus in 1758. The species is widely distributed across Europe and has been recorded in North America. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The common name derives from the larval form, which has a distinctive shark-like profile.
Culex quinquefasciatus
Southern House Mosquito
Culex quinquefasciatus, the southern house mosquito, is a medium-sized brown mosquito distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is a significant disease vector, transmitting pathogens including West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, lymphatic filariasis (Wuchereria bancrofti), and potentially Zika virus. The species is taxonomically part of the Culex pipiens species complex and is one of the most abundant peridomestic mosquitoes globally. Its genome was sequenced in 2010, revealing 18,883 protein-coding genes.
Cutina distincta
Distinguished Cypress Owlet, Distinct Cutina Moth
Cutina distincta is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae, native to North America. The species is assigned Hodges number 8729 in the North American moth numbering system. Commonly known as the distinguished cypress owlet or distinct cutina moth, it belongs to a genus of relatively small, nocturnal moths. The specific epithet 'distincta' refers to its distinguishing characteristics, though detailed morphological descriptions are not well documented in available sources.
Cybaeus signifer
Night-hunting Woodland Spider
Cybaeus signifer is a species of true spider in the family Cybaeidae, described by Eugène Simon in 1886. It is distributed across the United States and Canada. The species belongs to the marronoid group of spiders, a diverse clade that has been subject to recent phylogenetic revision using genetic data from museum specimens.
Cychrus tuberculatus
tuberculate rare snail-eating beetle
Cychrus tuberculatus is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, commonly known as the tuberculate rare snail-eating beetle. First described by T.W. Harris in 1839, this species is notable for its specialized diet of snails and its brachypterous (short-winged), nocturnal adults. It inhabits coniferous forests, forest clearings, and moraines in western North America, with documented populations in British Columbia, Quebec, California, Oregon, and Washington. The species is considered rare and has specific habitat requirements tied to forested environments.
Cyclocephala parallela
Cyclocephala parallela is a species of rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Casey in 1915. It belongs to the genus Cyclocephala, commonly known as masked chafers, whose larvae are significant turfgrass pests. The species occurs in parts of Florida and adjacent southeastern states, where its white grub larvae feed on grass roots.
Cyclocephala robusta
Cyclocephala robusta is a species of masked chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863. It belongs to the subfamily Dynastinae, though unlike many members of this group it lacks the large horns characteristic of the subfamily. The species is native to the south-central and southeastern United States. Like other Cyclocephala species, it likely has a life cycle involving root-feeding larval stages and adult beetles that do not feed on plants.
Cyclocephalini
Masked Chafers and Rice Beetles
Cyclocephalini is a tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Dynastinae, comprising 14 genera and over 500 species. The tribe includes the most speciose genus of dynastines, Cyclocephala, with more than 350 species. Members are primarily Neotropical in distribution and are commonly known as masked chafers and rice beetles. These beetles are strongly associated with flowers, serving as pollinators and florivores, with many species exhibiting specialized relationships with palm inflorescences and other flowering plants.
Cyclophora dataria
A small geometrid moth found in western North American oak woodlands. Adults have a wingspan of 23–25 mm and are active in late spring and summer. The larvae feed exclusively on Quercus species and can be found in July and August. As a member of Geometridae, larvae possess reduced prolegs (two or three pairs), producing the characteristic looping locomotion of inchworms.