North-america
Guides
Acanthocaudus caudacanthus
Acanthocaudus caudacanthus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, first described by Smith in 1944. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive morphological features related to the ovipositor. The species is known from North America. Like other braconid wasps, it likely functions as a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this species are not well documented.
Acanthocephala declivis
Giant leaf-footed bug
Acanthocephala declivis is the largest species in its genus across its North American range, reaching 28–34 mm in length. Males possess dramatically enlarged, leaf-like hind tibiae used in aggressive combat with rival males and courtship displays toward females. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in hind leg morphology, with females retaining slender, unmodified legs. It occurs from the southern United States through Central America to El Salvador and Guatemala, with a subspecies A. d. guatemalana described from Guatemala.
Acanthocinus angulosus
Acanthocinus angulosus is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, first described by Thomas Casey in 1913. It is known from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published literature. The species belongs to a genus of wood-boring beetles whose larvae typically develop beneath bark of coniferous trees.
Acanthocinus leechi
Acanthocinus leechi is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Lawrence S. Dillon in 1956. It belongs to the tribe Acanthocinini, which includes numerous wood-boring beetles associated with coniferous and hardwood trees. Like other members of its genus, this species likely exhibits cryptic coloration adapted to bark-dwelling habits. The species epithet honors an individual named Leech, though the specific honoree is not documented in available sources.
Acanthocinus obliquus
Acanthocinus obliquus is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1862. It belongs to the tribe Acanthocinini, a group characterized by somber coloration and wood-boring larvae. The species is distributed across North America, with records from western Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with coniferous forests and likely exhibits cryptic coloration adapted to pine bark.
Acanthocinus princeps
Ponderosa Pine Bark Borer
Acanthocinus princeps, commonly known as the ponderosa pine bark borer, is a longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae. First described by Francis Walker in 1866, this species is associated with coniferous forests, particularly those containing ponderosa pine. Adults are active during spring and early summer, with larvae developing beneath bark. The species has been documented in western North America including British Columbia and the western United States.
Acanthocinus pusillus
Little Flatface Longhorn Beetle
Acanthocinus pusillus is a small longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by William Kirby in 1837. The species is known from northern North America, with records from western and central Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. It belongs to a genus of bark-boring beetles whose larvae typically develop in coniferous wood.
Acantholespesia comstocki
Acantholespesia comstocki is a tachinid fly species described by Williston in 1889. As a member of the bristle fly family Tachinidae, it functions as a parasitoid of lepidopteran larvae. Its known hosts include butterflies from three families: Hesperiidae (skippers), Megathymidae (giant skippers), and Pyralidae (snout moths). The species occurs in the United States.
Acanthopteroctetes unifascia
Acanthopteroctetes unifascia is a small moth in the family Acanthopteroctetidae, described by Davis in 1978. It is known from Montana, where adults are active in July. The species has been studied for its anatomical features, which retain ancestral traits while also showing unique specializations in larval trunk and adult head structures. These characteristics suggest it represents a transitional form in moth evolution.
Acanthoscelides aureolus
Licorice Seed Beetle
Acanthoscelides aureolus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the Licorice Seed Beetle. It is distributed across Central America and North America, with records extending as far north as Alberta, Canada. The genus Acanthoscelides is known for seed-feeding beetles, many of which are associated with leguminous plants.
Acanthoscelides calvus
Acanthoscelides calvus is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Horn in 1873. The species is distributed across North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Larvae have been documented feeding specifically on seeds of Crocanthemum, a genus in the rockrose family (Cistaceae).
Acanthoscelides fumatus
Acanthoscelides fumatus is a species of seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1907 and is native to North and Middle America. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with leguminous plants. The specific epithet 'fumatus' refers to the smoky or dusky coloration typical of this species.
Acanthoscelides margaretae
a. margaretae or near
Acanthoscelides margaretae is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Johnson in 1970. It belongs to a genus of seed beetles commonly associated with leguminous plants. The species is known from North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Acanthoscelides pectoralis
Acanthoscelides pectoralis is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, specifically placed in the subfamily Bruchinae (seed beetles). The species was described by Horn in 1873 and has a documented distribution spanning Central America and North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with leguminous host plants, though specific host records for this species remain limited in the available literature. The genus Acanthoscelides contains numerous species that are economically significant as pests of stored legumes and agricultural crops.
Acanthoscelides seminulum
Acanthoscelides seminulum is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Horn in 1873. The species is found in North America, with records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. As a member of the genus Acanthoscelides, it belongs to a group commonly known as bean weevils or seed beetles, many of which are associated with leguminous plants.
Acanthoscelides tenuis
Acanthoscelides tenuis is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Bottimer in 1935. The species belongs to a genus whose members are commonly known as bean weevils or seed beetles, with larvae typically developing inside legume seeds. It is known to occur in North America, with records from the United States and Canada.
Acanthoscelidius curtus
minute seed weevil
Acanthoscelidius curtus is a small weevil species in the family Curculionidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1832. As a member of the minute seed weevils, it belongs to a group specialized for feeding on seeds. The species has been documented in North America, with confirmed records from Québec, Canada.
Acanthoscelidius guttatus
minute seed weevil
Acanthoscelidius guttatus is a species of minute seed weevil described by Dietz in 1896. It belongs to the family Curculionidae, the largest family of beetles. The species is recorded from North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with seeds as a food source, though specific host plants remain undocumented.
Acasis viridata
Olive-and-black Carpet, Olive-and-black Carpet Moth
Acasis viridata, the olive-and-black carpet moth, is a small geometrid moth native to North America. It was described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1873. The species has a single generation per year and is active in spring and early summer. Larvae are specialized feeders on flower heads of Viburnum cassinoides.
Aceria dina
Tupelo leaf edge gall mite
Aceria dina is a gall-forming mite in the family Eriophyidae, commonly known as the tupelo leaf edge gall mite. This species induces distinctive gall structures on the leaf edges of its host plant, Nyssa sylvatica (black tupelo or sour gum). Like other eriophyid mites, it has a worm-like, elongated body with four legs and measures approximately 0.2 mm in length. The mite is an obligate plant parasite with a highly specialized relationship to its host.
Aceria fraxini
Ash Bead Gall Mite
Aceria fraxini, commonly known as the ash bead gall mite, is an eriophyid mite that induces distinctive capsule galls on ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). This species exhibits a complex life cycle involving alternation of generations, with an overwintering generation consisting solely of parthenogenetic females (deutogynes) and a summer generation containing both sexes (protogynes and males). The mite is distributed across North America, where it is considered a minor pest of ornamental and native ash species.
Aceria negundi
box elder pouch gall mite
Aceria negundi, commonly known as the box elder pouch gall mite, is an eriophyid mite that specializes on box elder (Acer negundo). This microscopic arachnid induces characteristic pouch galls on its host plant. Like other members of the Eriophyidae, it has a worm-like body with four legs and is among the smallest plant-parasitic mites, measuring less than 0.2 mm in length. The species has been observed across a broad geographic range with over 4,700 documented observations.
Acerpenna macdunnoughi
small minnow mayfly
Acerpenna macdunnoughi is a species of small minnow mayfly in the family Baetidae. Originally described as Baetis macdunnoughi by Ide in 1937, it was later transferred to the genus Acerpenna. The species is found in North America.
Achatia distincta
Distinct Quaker
Achatia distincta, commonly known as the Distinct Quaker, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active in early spring, with a single annual generation flying from late March to early May. The species is notable for its relatively broad host plant range, with larvae feeding on leaves of multiple deciduous tree genera including ash, birch, maple, oak, and grape.
Achatodes
Achatodes is a genus of noctuid moths containing at least two described species. The genus includes Achatodes zeae, commonly known as the elder shoot borer moth, whose larvae bore into elder shoots. The genus was established by Guenée in 1852.
Achenomorphus corticinus
Achenomorphus corticinus is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Paederinae. It is broadly distributed across eastern North America, with records spanning from southeastern Canada through the eastern and midwestern United States. The species inhabits forested environments and has been collected in association with bark and decaying wood. It is one of the more frequently encountered species in its genus, with over 450 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Acherdoa ferraria
Chocolate Moth
Acherdoa ferraria, commonly known as the Chocolate Moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Walker in 1865. The species belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae and is recorded from North America. It is represented by 183 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is moderately well-documented among naturalists. The specific epithet 'ferraria' refers to iron or iron-colored, likely alluding to the adult's coloration.
Acholla
Autumn Assassins
Acholla is a genus of assassin bugs (Reduviidae) in the tribe Harpactorini. Adults are most conspicuous in autumn, though they can be found from July onward in some regions. The genus contains three recognized species: A. multispinosa (widespread in eastern and central North America), A. ampliata (western North America), and A. tabida (California and Mexico). These predatory true bugs are primarily arboreal and associated with woodlands and orchards.
Acholla multispinosa
Acholla multispinosa is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. It is the most widespread species in its genus, occurring across eastern North America from New England south through the Appalachians to Tennessee and North Carolina, and west through the Great Lakes region to Kansas, Nebraska, and southeast Iowa. Adults are most conspicuous in autumn, though they can be found beginning in July. The species is arboreal, primarily inhabiting woodlands and orchards.
Achorotile acuta
Achorotile acuta is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Scudder in 1963. It belongs to the subgenus Criochora within the genus Achorotile. The species has been recorded from western Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Québec) and the western United States (Utah). As a delphacid planthopper, it likely inhabits grassland and prairie ecosystems, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Achorotile angulata
Achorotile angulata is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Beamer in 1954. The genus Achorotile belongs to the subfamily Delphacinae, a group of small, typically grass-feeding planthoppers. Records indicate this species occurs in Colorado, North America. Delphacid planthoppers are characterized by their distinctive facial carinae and reduced wing venation compared to other fulgoroid families.
Achorotile curvata
Achorotile curvata is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by R.H. Beamer in 1954. It is placed in the subgenus Achorotile (Criochora). The species is known from Arizona, representing a geographically restricted North American distribution. As with other delphacid planthoppers, it likely inhabits grassland or marsh vegetation where host grasses occur.
Achorotile distincta
Achorotile distincta is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Scudder in 1963. It belongs to a genus of small, delicate delphacid planthoppers characterized by reduced wing venation and distinctive genitalia structures. The species is known from western and northern regions of North America, with records from Canada extending into Alaska. Like other delphacids, it likely inhabits moist grassland and marsh habitats where host grasses occur.
Achradocera arcuata
Achradocera arcuata is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1924. The species belongs to a New World genus revised in 2024, with confirmed records from western North America and the Hawaiian Islands. Like other dolichopodids, it possesses characteristically elongated legs and a streamlined body. The species was included in a comprehensive taxonomic revision that documented diagnostic morphological features and clarified its systematic position within the genus.
Achradocera barbata
Achradocera barbata is a species of long-legged fly (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) native to eastern North America. It is one of twelve valid species recognized in the taxonomic revision of the New World genus Achradocera. The species was originally described by Loew in 1861. Like other members of Dolichopodidae, it belongs to a family known for predatory habits and distinctive elongated legs.
Achrastenus
Achrastenus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils established by Horn in 1876. The genus contains at least one described species, Achrastenus griseus. It belongs to the tribe Eustylini within the subfamily Entiminae of the weevil family Curculionidae. The genus is known from Texas.
Achurum
toothpick grasshoppers
Achurum is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, commonly known as toothpick grasshoppers. The genus contains at least three described species distributed across the southern United States and Mexico. These grasshoppers are noted for their slender, elongate bodies and cryptic coloration that provides camouflage against vegetation and substrates.
Achurum minimipenne
Tamaulipan Toothpick Grasshopper
A slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, characterized by its slender, elongated body form typical of toothpick grasshoppers. The species occurs in the southern United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Achurum, it exhibits cryptic coloration adapted to its environment.
Achyra rantalis
garden webworm, Garden Webworm Moth
Achyra rantalis is a crambid moth commonly known as the garden webworm. The species occurs across much of North America and has been recorded at blacklighting displays during moth surveys. Larvae feed on foliage of various low-growing plants and are occasionally reported as pests in agricultural settings. Adults have a wingspan of 17–23 mm.
Acilius athabascae
Athabascan Predaceous Diving Beetle
Acilius athabascae is a species of predaceous diving beetle described by Larson in 1975. It belongs to the genus Acilius, a group of large diving beetles known for their streamlined bodies and predatory habits in aquatic environments. The species is found in North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada.
Acilius confusus
Acilius confusus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, described by Bergsten in 2006. It is found in North America. As a member of the genus Acilius, it is an aquatic predator. The species was separated from related taxa based on morphological and molecular evidence.
Acilius semisulcatus
Woods Predaceous Diving Beetle
Acilius semisulcatus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia) and the United States. The species is known by the common name Woods Predaceous Diving Beetle.
Acilius sylvanus
Woodland Predaceous Diving Beetle
Acilius sylvanus is a predaceous diving beetle described by Hilsenhoff in 1975. It belongs to the family Dytiscidae, a group of aquatic beetles adapted for underwater predation. The species is known from forested wetland habitats in North America.
Acinopterus acuminatus
Acinopterus acuminatus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1892. It belongs to the tribe Acinopterini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. The species is recorded from multiple U.S. states including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, and Colorado. As a member of the leafhopper family, it is a small, plant-feeding insect with piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Acleris caliginosana
Acleris caliginosana is a tortricid moth species native to North America. It has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning Canada and the United States. The species is associated with deciduous trees in the genera Alnus and Betula.
Acleris celiana
Celiana's Acleris
Acleris celiana, commonly known as Celiana's Acleris, is a small tortricid moth native to North America. Adults are active across a broad seasonal range from March through November. The species exhibits polyphagous larval feeding on woody plants in three genera: Prunus, Betula, and Salix.
Acleris comandrana
A small tortricid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active in spring, summer, and late autumn. The species is named for its larval association with Comandra plants.
Acleris curvalana
Blueberry Leaftier Moth
Acleris curvalana, commonly known as the blueberry leaftier moth, is a small tortricid moth native to North America. The species is named for its larval habit of tying together blueberry leaves with silk. Adults are active from spring through mid-summer, with a wingspan of approximately 14 mm and distinctive yellow and ochreous-red forewings. The larvae are oligophagous, feeding primarily on Vaccinium and related Ericaceae species, with records from additional host plants including oak and rose.
Acleris flavivittana
multiform leafroller moth
Acleris flavivittana, commonly known as the multiform leafroller moth, is a small tortricid moth native to eastern North America. The species exhibits year-round adult activity, an unusual trait among temperate moths. Larvae are documented to feed on apple (Malus pumila) and wild black cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), suggesting potential economic significance in orchards.
Acleris forbesana
Forbes' Acleris Moth
Acleris forbesana is a small tortricid moth native to North America. Adults are active in spring and again in summer through fall, producing two or more generations annually. The species is associated with dogwood species (Cornus), on which larvae feed.