North-america
Guides
Apamea quinteri
Quinter's Cutworm Moth
Apamea quinteri is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Mikkola and Lafontaine in 2009. It belongs to a genus of moths notorious among lepidopterists for being difficult to identify due to individual variation and overlapping morphological features with congeners. The species is known from North America. Like other Apamea species, it is nocturnal and attracted to artificial light sources.
Apamea relicina
relic dune apamea
Apamea relicina is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, known from North America. The species has two recognized subspecies: A. r. relicina (the nominate form) and A. r. migrata. Like other members of the genus Apamea, it belongs to a group of moths that are notoriously difficult to identify due to individual variation and overlapping morphological features with congeners. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9380.
Apamea scoparia
Faint-spotted Quaker
Apamea scoparia is a noctuid moth species described in 2000 by Mikkola, Mustelin, and Lafontaine. It is one of the most common and widespread members of the genus Apamea in North America. The species is notable for its extensive transcontinental distribution across diverse habitats from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Apamea verbascoides
boreal apamea, mullein apamea
Apamea verbascoides, commonly known as the boreal apamea or mullein apamea, is a noctuid moth native to North America. First described by Achille Guenée in 1852, this species ranges from Saskatchewan to Newfoundland and Labrador, extending south to North Carolina. Adults are active from June to September with a single annual generation.
Apamea vulgaris
Common Apamea Moth, common apamea
Apamea vulgaris, commonly known as the Common Apamea Moth, is a noctuid moth found in eastern and central North America. Adults are active from May to July and have a wingspan of approximately 39 mm. The species belongs to the cutworm moth genus Apamea, a group known for being difficult to identify due to individual variation and overlapping morphological features among closely related species.
Apamea xylodes
Apamea xylodes is a cutworm moth species in the family Noctuidae, described by Mikkola and Lafontaine in 2009. As a member of the genus Apamea, it belongs to a group of noctuid moths that are notoriously difficult to identify due to individual variation and overlapping morphological characteristics with congeners. The species is known from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited.
Apanisagrion lais
Black-and-white Damsel
Apanisagrion lais is a damselfly species in the family Coenagrionidae, commonly known as the Black-and-white Damsel. It is the sole species in its genus and is recognized by its distinctive black-and-white coloration. The species occurs in Middle America and North America, with observations documented across its range.
Apanteles megathymi
Apanteles megathymi is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, first described by Riley in 1881. It belongs to the genus Apanteles, a large and diverse group of microgastrine braconids that are important biological control agents. The species name 'megathymi' suggests a historical association with the genus Megathymus (giant skippers), though current host records require verification. Like other Apanteles species, it is likely a larval parasitoid of Lepidoptera.
Apantesis
tiger moths
Apantesis is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1855. Following phylogenetic research published in 2016, the genera Grammia, Holarctia, and Notarctia were merged into Apantesis, substantially expanding its species diversity. The genus is found in North and Central America, with some species documented in other regions including Iraq. Members are characterized by bold color patterns typical of tiger moths, including striped forewings and often brightly colored abdomens that serve as aposematic signals.
Apantesis arge
Arge Moth, Arge Tiger Moth
Apantesis arge is a medium-sized tiger moth in the family Erebidae, formerly placed in the genus Grammia. The species occurs across much of North America, with adults active from spring through late summer depending on latitude. Larvae are generalist herbivores feeding on a diverse range of plant species including agricultural crops and weeds. The species exhibits geographic variation in voltinism, with two generations annually in southern populations and one or two in northern areas.
Apantesis doris
Doris tiger moth
Apantesis doris, commonly known as the Doris tiger moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It was first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1869. The species exhibits a transcontinental distribution across North America, with populations in the western region (British Columbia, Alberta, northern Idaho, and western Montana) and eastern populations spanning from Atlantic Canada to Florida and west to central Texas. The species was transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis as part of a broader taxonomic reclassification involving multiple genera.
Apantesis figurata
Figured Tiger Moth
Apantesis figurata, commonly known as the figured tiger moth, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Dru Drury in 1773, this species was formerly classified under the genus Grammia before being moved to Apantesis along with related tiger moth genera. It exhibits geographic variation in generation number, with two generations annually in northern Ohio and a single generation further north.
Apantesis nais
Nais tiger moth
Apantesis nais, commonly known as the Nais tiger moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Dru Drury in 1773, this medium-sized moth is distinguished by its striking black-and-cream forewing pattern and variable reddish or yellow hindwings with bold black spotting. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing pattern, with males displaying more extensive pale markings than females. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America.
Apantesis nevadensis superba
Grammia nevadensis superba
Apantesis nevadensis superba is a subspecies of tiger moth in the family Erebidae, originally described as Arctia superba by Stretch in 1874. It belongs to a group of tiger moths formerly placed in the genus Grammia. The subspecies is part of the Apantesis nevadensis species complex, which includes moths with distinctive striped forewing patterns characteristic of tiger moths. Like other members of its genus, it possesses defensive compounds as a chemical defense against predators. The subspecies has been documented through limited observations, with records in iNaturalist indicating it is encountered infrequently.
Apantesis phyllira
Phyllira Tiger Moth
Apantesis phyllira, commonly known as the Phyllira Tiger Moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Dru Drury in 1773, this moth was formerly classified under the genus Grammia but was transferred to Apantesis along with related species. It occurs across a broad range of North America from eastern Canada to the southern United States and west to the Great Plains. The species is listed as endangered in Connecticut, reflecting conservation concerns in parts of its range.
Apantesis virgo
Virgin Tiger Moth
A tiger moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Linnaeus in 1758. The species was transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis in 2009 along with related taxa. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form in the Great Lakes and Atlantic regions, and A. v. gigas in the southeastern United States. The species overwinters as larvae.
Apantesis virguncula
Little Virgin Tiger Moth
Apantesis virguncula, commonly known as the Little Virgin Tiger Moth, is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae. The species was originally described by W. Kirby in 1837 under the name Callimorpha virguncula, and has undergone several taxonomic revisions, most recently being transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis. It is widely distributed across southern Canada and the United States, with adults active primarily from mid-June to late July. The larvae feed on various herbaceous plants, particularly members of the family Asteraceae.
Apantesis vittata
Banded Tiger Moth
Apantesis vittata, commonly known as the banded tiger moth, is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1787. It occurs in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, with adults active from early spring through autumn. The species has a wingspan of 32–42 mm and larvae feed on various herbaceous plants including dandelions.
Apantesis williamsii
Williams' Tiger Moth
A tiger moth of the family Erebidae found across northern North America. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light. The species was transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis during a taxonomic revision that consolidated several related genera. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and A. w. tooele from central Utah.
Apatania incerta
early smoky wing sedge
Apatania incerta is a species of caddisfly in the family Apataniidae, commonly referred to as the early smoky wing sedge. The species was originally described by Nathan Banks in 1897 under the basionym Enoicyla incerta. It is distributed across North America. As a member of the order Trichoptera, it possesses aquatic larval stages and terrestrial adults.
Apatides
horned powder-post beetles
Apatides is a genus of beetles in the family Bostrichidae, commonly referred to as horned powder-post beetles. The genus was established by Casey in 1898 and contains at least four described species, including Apatides fortis, A. pollens, A. puncticeps, and A. robustus. Members of this genus are wood-boring beetles that have been documented in western Texas and neighboring regions, where they are attracted to ultraviolet light sources.
Apatolestes
Apatolestes is a genus of horse flies in the family Tabanidae, subfamily Pangoniinae, established by Williston in 1885. The genus comprises approximately 14 recognized species distributed in North America, with some species exhibiting autogeny—the ability of females to produce an initial egg batch without a blood meal. At least one species, Apatolestes actites, has been documented as autogenous in coastal California habitats.
Apenes angustata
Apenes angustata is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by Schwarz in 1878. The genus Apenes comprises small to medium-sized carabid beetles, many of which are associated with moist or riparian habitats. Records indicate presence in the United States, though detailed biological information remains limited. The species is rarely encountered in collections and field observations, with only three documented observations on iNaturalist.
Apenes coriacea
Apenes coriacea is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Chevrolat in 1863. The species has a documented distribution across the Caribbean region and North America. Records indicate presence in the Cayman Islands, Cuba, the Lesser Antilles, and the United States. As a member of the genus Apenes, it belongs to a group of carabid beetles often associated with coastal and insular habitats.
Apenes lucidula
Apenes lucidula is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. The species was originally described as Cymindis lucidula by Dejean in 1831. It includes three recognized subspecies: A. l. lucidula (the nominate subspecies), A. l. dulculia, and A. l. michelii, the latter two described by Ball & Shpeley in 1992. Like other members of the genus Apenes, it belongs to the diverse tribe Lebiini within the subfamily Lebiinae.
Apenes nebulosa
Apenes nebulosa is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It occurs in Central America and North America, with distribution records from Mexico and the United States. The species was described by LeConte in 1867. Very little is known about its biology, ecology, or specific habitat requirements.
Apenes sinuata
Apenes sinuata is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It occurs in North America, with confirmed records from Canada and the United States. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1823. As a member of the tribe Lebiini, it belongs to a diverse group of carabid beetles often associated with moist habitats.
Aphaenogaster texana
Texas Collared Ant
Aphaenogaster texana is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, commonly known as the Texas Collared Ant. It belongs to the genus Aphaenogaster, a diverse group of ants often referred to as spine-waisted ants due to their distinctive petiole structure. The species was described by Wheeler in 1906 and includes two recognized subspecies: A. t. texana and A. t. carolinensis.
Aphalara persicaria
Aphalara persicaria is a species of psyllid (jumping plant louse) in the family Aphalaridae, first described by Caldwell in 1937. The species epithet "persicaria" suggests a possible association with plants in the genus Persicaria (knotweeds), though specific host relationships remain undocumented. It belongs to a genus of small, sap-feeding insects that are poorly studied in North America. Records indicate presence in Cuba and Ohio, USA.
Aphalaroida inermis
Aphalaroida inermis is a species of jumping plant louse (psyllid) in the family Psyllidae. First described by Crawford in 1914, this small hemipteran insect belongs to a group of sap-feeding insects associated with host plants. The species name 'inermis' (Latin for 'unarmed') likely refers to morphological features lacking spines or projections. Like other psyllids, it undergoes incomplete metamorphosis with distinct nymphal stages.
Aphis cephalanthi
Buttonbush aphid
Aphis cephalanthi is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Thomas in 1878. The common name "Buttonbush aphid" reflects its association with its host plant, buttonbush (Cephalanthus species). Like other aphids in the genus Aphis, it is a sap-feeding insect with a typical aphid life cycle involving parthenogenetic reproduction during favorable conditions. The species is recognized in major taxonomic databases including GBIF, Catalogue of Life, and NCBI, though detailed biological studies appear limited in the available literature.
Aphodius pedellus
Aphodius pedellus is a small dung beetle native to Europe that has been introduced to North America, where it is now widespread and common in cattle pastures. It was long confused with Aphodius fimetarius as part of a species complex, but morphological and DNA barcoding studies have confirmed them as distinct species. In Canada, only A. pedellus is present; A. fimetarius is absent. North American populations show reduced genetic diversity consistent with introduction during European settlement.
Aphoebantus fumosus
Aphoebantus fumosus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Coquillett in 1892. The genus Aphoebantus belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Aphoebantini. Some authorities have suggested that the genus Epacmus may represent a subset of Aphoebantus rather than a distinct genus. The species has been documented in western North America, with observations in juniper woodland habitats in New Mexico.
Aphoebantus interruptus
Aphoebantus interruptus is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Coquillett in 1891. The genus Aphoebantus belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Aphoebantini. Some authorities have suggested that the genus Epacmus may be a synonym of Aphoebantus rather than a distinct genus. As with other bee flies, adults are likely nectar feeders, but detailed biological information for this species remains limited.
Aphoebantus rattus
Aphoebantus rattus is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) in the subfamily Anthracinae, described by Osten Sacken in 1887. The genus Aphoebantus is part of the tribe Aphoebantini, a group of small, often inconspicuous bee flies. Species in this genus are poorly documented in the literature, with limited biological information available. The genus has been subject to taxonomic uncertainty, with at least one authority suggesting that Epacmus may be a synonym of Aphoebantus rather than a distinct genus.
Aphomia fulminalis
Aphomia fulminalis is a snout moth species in the family Pyralidae, first described by Zeller in 1872. It is known from eastern and central North America, with records spanning from Nova Scotia to Texas. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are often associated with stored products and natural habitats containing waxes or oils.
Aphomia terrenella
Terrenella Bee Moth
Aphomia terrenella, commonly known as the terrenella bee moth, is a small moth in the family Pyralidae. It occurs in eastern North America from the Great Lakes region south to Georgia. The species is associated with bee nests, where its larvae have been observed feeding on honeycomb and possibly bee larvae. Adults are active during late spring and summer.
Aphonopelma steindachneri
Steindachner's Ebony Tarantula
Aphonopelma steindachneri, commonly known as Steindachner's Ebony Tarantula, is a New World terrestrial tarantula native to arid regions of California and Baja California, Mexico. The species reaches 12–13 cm in diagonal leg span and exhibits dark velvet black to deep brown coloration. It constructs and occupies burrows in open ground, emerging primarily at night to forage. Males become most visible during summer and fall breeding seasons when they leave burrows to search for mates. The species faces predation from spider wasps, centipedes, scorpions, and solifugids.
Aphonopelma vorhiesi
Tucson Bronze Tarantula, Madrean Red Rump
Aphonopelma vorhiesi is a tarantula species in the family Theraphosidae, commonly known as the Tucson Bronze or Madrean Red Rump. It occurs in Arizona and New Mexico. The species resembles Aphonopelma chalcodes but is considerably rarer in captivity. Like other Aphonopelma species, it is a ground-dwelling spider that constructs and occupies burrows.
Aphonus castaneus
Aphonus castaneus is a species of rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It belongs to the subfamily Dynastinae, a group known for species with prominent horns or tubercles. The species is distributed across eastern North America, from Quebec southward through the eastern United States. Records indicate it has been collected in 18 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
Aphonus variolosus
Aphonus variolosus is a small rhinoceros beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae, described by John LeConte in 1847. It belongs to the tribe Pentodontini, a group characterized by reduced or absent horns in both sexes. The species is recorded from the southeastern United States.
Aphorista laeta
Black-backed Handsome Fungus Beetle
Aphorista laeta is a species of handsome fungus beetle in the family Endomychidae. It is known from North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada. The common name "Black-backed Handsome Fungus Beetle" distinguishes it from other members of this group of beetles associated with fungal habitats.
Aphorista vittata
Aphorista vittata is a species of handsome fungus beetle in the family Endomychidae. It has been documented in North America and Southern Asia. As a member of Endomychidae, it belongs to a family commonly associated with fungal habitats.
Aphrastus griseus
Aphrastus griseus is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Blatchley in 1916. It belongs to the tribe Phyllobiini within the subfamily Entiminae. The species is documented from the southeastern United States, with records from Florida, Georgia, and Indiana. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with woody vegetation, though specific host plant relationships remain poorly documented.
Aphria ocypterata
Aphria ocypterata is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It was described by Townsend in 1891. As a tachinid fly, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host records for this species are not documented. It is found in North America.
Aphrophora gelida
Boreal Spittlebug
Aphrophora gelida, commonly known as the boreal spittlebug, is a species of spittlebug in the family Aphrophoridae. It is native to North America and has been recorded across a broad geographic range including Alabama, Alberta, British Columbia, California, and Connecticut. The species belongs to a genus associated with coniferous habitats.
Aphrophora parallella
Aphrophora parallella is a species of spittlebug in the family Aphrophoridae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. The genus Aphrophora comprises conifer spittlebugs, with adults typically found in association with coniferous trees. The species is part of a taxonomically complex group where family-level placement has varied between Aphrophoridae and Cercopidae depending on classification system used. Specific biological details for A. parallella remain poorly documented in available literature.
Aphrophora quadrinotata
four-spotted spittlebug
Aphrophora quadrinotata, commonly known as the four-spotted spittlebug, is a species of spittlebug in the family Aphrophoridae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1830. Like other spittlebugs, it is associated with coniferous habitats and produces the characteristic frothy spittle as nymphs.
Aphrophora saratogensis
Saratoga spittlebug
Aphrophora saratogensis, commonly known as the Saratoga spittlebug, is a species of spittlebug in the family Aphrophoridae. It is distributed across North America, with records from regions including Alabama, Alberta, British Columbia, California, and Connecticut. The species is associated with coniferous habitats and is attracted to lights at night.
Aphthargelia
Snowberry Aphids
Aphthargelia is a small genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, tribe Macrosiphini, containing two described species. The genus was long considered monotypic until the description of A. rumbleboredomia in 2013. Both species are associated with host plants in the mountains of northwestern North America.