North-america
Guides
Ariotus
Ariotus is a genus of ant-mimicking leaf beetles in the family Aderidae. The genus contains at least four described species, all named in the late 19th century by Thomas Casey and E.A. Schwarz. Members of this genus are small beetles that exhibit morphological convergence with ants, a common defensive strategy within Aderidae. The genus has been documented in North America, with species associated with oak habitats.
Ariotus quercicola
Ariotus quercicola is a species of ant-like leaf beetle in the family Aderidae, described by Schwarz in 1878. It is a small beetle with a distribution in North America. Members of this genus and family are characterized by their compact, ant-like appearance and association with decaying plant matter. The specific epithet "quercicola" suggests an association with oak (Quercus) habitats.
Aristotelia amelanchierella
Aristotelia amelanchierella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Annette Frances Braun in 1925. The species is found in scattered locations across North America, with records from Oklahoma, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. The larva is known to feed on Amelanchier alnifolia (serviceberry), making this a host-specific twirler moth.
Aristotelia arenella
Aristotelia arenella is a recently described species of twirler moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Lee in 2022. The genus Aristotelia comprises small moths commonly known as twirler moths due to their characteristic resting posture with wings wrapped tightly around the body. Members of this genus are typically microlepidoptera, often under 15mm in length, with bold and distinctive color patterns that aid in identification. The specific epithet 'arenella' suggests an association with sandy habitats, though this remains to be confirmed through ecological study.
Aristotelia calens
Aristotelia calens is a small gelechiid moth described by Edward Meyrick in 1923. It is known from California, with a wingspan of approximately 11 mm. The forewings display a distinctive pattern of brown ground color with multiple white fasciae that are irrorated (sprinkled) with grey, along with characteristic black markings including spots on the costa and fold, and a streak on the fold. The hindwings are grey. It belongs to a genus of "twirler moths" whose larvae are known to specialize on particular host plants.
Aristotelia eumeris
Aristotelia eumeris is a small moth in the twirler moth family Gelechiidae, described by Edward Meyrick in 1923. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically California and Arizona. The species has a wingspan of approximately 12 mm and exhibits distinctive wing patterning with white fasciae, blackish markings, and rosy dorsal tinging. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with specific host plants, though these remain undocumented for this particular species.
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 isopelta
Aristotelia isopelta is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Edward Meyrick in 1929. It belongs to a genus of small 'twirler moths' characterized by bold patterning despite their diminutive size. The species has been recorded across a broad North American range spanning from British Columbia and Quebec to Texas and Arizona. Adults have a wingspan of 9–12 mm. Like other Aristotelia species, the larvae likely specialize on a particular host plant, though specific details remain undocumented.
Aristotelia ivae
Aristotelia ivae is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by August Busck in 1900. It is native to the southeastern United States, with confirmed records from Florida and Georgia. The species was introduced to Australia in 1969 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Baccharis halimifolia. Its larvae feed specifically on Iva frutescens in its native range.
Aristotelia monilella
Aristotelia monilella is a micro-moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Barnes and Busck in 1920. It is a small species with a wingspan of 12–13 mm, characterized by distinctive white markings on golden-brown forewings. The species has been recorded from Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Florida.
Aristotelia primipilana
Aristotelia primipilana is a small gelechiid moth described by Edward Meyrick in 1923. It belongs to the twirler moth family Gelechiidae, a diverse group of microlepidoptera whose larvae typically feed on specific host plants. The species has been documented in eastern North America with records from Florida and Ontario. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the bold patterning characteristic of Aristotelia species.
Aristotelia salicifungiella
Aristotelia salicifungiella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1865. The species is characterized by distinctive red forewings with complex whitish and dark fuscous patterning. It occurs in scattered locations across North America including California, Illinois, Ohio, and Ontario. Like other members of its genus, it is a "twirler moth" with larvae that specialize on particular host 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.
Arla tenuicornis
Arla tenuicornis is a small gelechiid moth described by Clarke in 1942. It is known from the Pacific coastal region of the western United States, with records from Washington southward to California. The species is characterized by its relatively modest size, with a wingspan of 17–23 mm, and distinctive wing patterning featuring a yellowish ground color heavily speckled with fuscous.
Armadillidium nasatum
Nosy Pill Woodlouse
Armadillidium nasatum is a large woodlouse species native to Western Europe, particularly Britain, that has been introduced to North America and other regions. It reaches up to 21 mm in length and is distinguished from congeners by a rectangular protrusion ("nose") at the apex of the head and a rounded tail tip with incurved sides. Unlike some relatives, it does not form a complete ball when enrolled. The species exhibits synanthropic tendencies and prefers drier habitats than most woodlice.
Aroga camptogramma
Aroga camptogramma is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae. It is known from limited records in the southwestern United States. The species has a wingspan of 8–9 mm. Published information on its biology and ecology remains sparse.
Aroga websteri
Aroga websteri is a small gelechiid moth described by Clarke in 1942. The species is known from a limited geographic range in western North America, with records from Washington state. Its wingspan measures 14–16 mm. The specific epithet honors Dr. R. L. Webster, former head of the Department of Zoology at Washington State College.
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.
Arogalea cristifasciella
Stripe-backed Moth, White Stripe-backed Moth
Arogalea cristifasciella is a small gelechiid moth known as the stripe-backed moth or white stripe-backed moth. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from over 25 U.S. states and Canadian provinces. The species is characterized by its small size, with forewings approximately 5 mm in length, and adults are active from January through August. It is frequently encountered at light traps and is one of many small moths that contribute to the high diversity of North American Lepidoptera.
Arphia granulata
Southern Yellow-winged Grasshopper, Southern Yellowwinged Grasshopper
Arphia granulata is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the southern yellow-winged grasshopper. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Florida and Georgia. The species belongs to the genus Arphia, which includes several other yellow-winged and red-winged grasshoppers with similar flight displays and habitat preferences.
Arphia simplex
Plains Yellow-winged Grasshopper
Arphia simplex, commonly known as the plains yellow-winged grasshopper, is a species of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distinguished by yellow hindwings that are visible in flight. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from Nebraska, Texas, and Mexico. It belongs to the subfamily Oedipodinae, a group known for producing sounds by snapping their wings in flight.
Arphia sulphurea
Sulphur-winged Grasshopper, Spring Yellow-winged Locust, Spring Yellow-winged Grasshopper
Arphia sulphurea is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the sulphur-winged grasshopper. It is distinguished by its bright yellow hind wings, which are visible during flight. The species is found in North America and is active primarily in spring, earning it the alternative common name "spring yellow-winged grasshopper." It belongs to the genus Arphia, which includes several species with colorful hind wings and crepitating flight displays.
Arta olivalis
Olive Arta Moth
Arta olivalis, commonly known as the olive arta moth, is a small snout moth species described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1878. It belongs to the family Pyralidae and is known from the southern United States. The species is characterized by its relatively small size, with a wingspan of approximately 14 mm.
Arta statalis
posturing arta moth
Arta statalis is a small snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1875. It serves as the type species for the genus Arta. The species is notable for its distinctive resting posture, with hindwings tucked behind forewings and antennae positioned flat behind the head. It occurs across eastern North America in diverse habitats including woodlands and residential areas.
Arthmius
Arthmius is a genus of small rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly referred to as ant-loving beetles. The genus contains nine described species distributed in North America. Members of this genus are associated with ant colonies, a characteristic trait of many Pselaphinae. The genus was established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1849.
Arthmius globicollis
ant-loving beetle
Arthmius globicollis is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is known from North America, with records from the eastern and central United States. The species belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small rove beetles frequently associated with ant colonies.
Arthroceras pollinosum
Arthroceras pollinosum is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, first described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1886. It belongs to the subfamily Arthrocerinae, a group characterized by distinctive antennal modifications. The species is known from very few observations, with only five records documented on iNaturalist as of the available data. Its specific epithet 'pollinosum' likely refers to a pollinose (dusty or pollen-covered) appearance, a common trait in this genus.
Arthromacra
Arthromacra is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Kirby in 1837. The genus is native to North America and has been recorded from the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont. Members of this genus are part of the diverse darkling beetle fauna that inhabits forested and terrestrial environments. The genus is represented by approximately 1,850 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate documentation of its species in the field.
Arthromacra pilosella
A species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Lagriinae. The genus Arthromacra is a small group of lagriine beetles distributed in North America. Very little published information exists regarding the biology, ecology, or even precise distribution of A. pilosella. The species name 'pilosella' (Latin diminutive of 'pilosus', meaning hairy) likely refers to a fine pubescence on the body surface. Based on the few available specimen records, the species appears to be associated with forested or woodland habitats in eastern North America.
Arthroplea bipunctata
flatheaded mayfly
Arthroplea bipunctata is a species of flatheaded mayfly in the family Heptageniidae (sometimes historically placed in Arthropleidae). It is known from North America, with records from the Nearctic region. The species was described by McDunnough in 1924, originally as Cinygma bipunctata. Like other flatheaded mayflies, it belongs to a group adapted to clinging in fast-flowing waters.
Arthrorhabdus pygmaeus
Arthrorhabdus pygmaeus is a species of centipede in the family Scolopendridae, first described by Pocock in 1895. It is a small scolopendrid centipede with a distribution spanning the southern United States and Mexico. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive morphological features, though detailed ecological and behavioral studies remain limited.
Artipus floridanus
little leaf notcher
Artipus floridanus, commonly known as the little leaf notcher, is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae. It is native to North America, with documented occurrence in Florida and association with citrus groves and weed hosts. The species has been studied for its distribution patterns on cultivated and wild host plants, and laboratory rearing methods have been developed for biological study. It serves as a host for the tachinid parasitoid Oestrophasia (Cenosoma) sabroskyi.
Arugisa latiorella
Watson's Arugisa Moth
Arugisa latiorella, known as Watson's Arugisa Moth, is a small erebid moth native to North America. First described by Francis Walker in 1863, it has been recorded across the southeastern and central United States. Adults are active nearly year-round, and the larvae feed on Kentucky bluegrass.
Arugisa lutea
Common Arugisa Moth
Arugisa lutea is a small moth in the family Erebidae, first described by John B. Smith in 1900. It is widely distributed across the eastern and central United States. The species exhibits extended adult activity in southern portions of its range, with year-round flight recorded in Florida.
Arundanus marginellus
Arundanus marginellus is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by DeLong in 1935. It belongs to the genus Arundanus, which is placed within the tribe Deltocephalini. The species has been documented in the southeastern and midwestern United States, with records from Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Arundanus nacreosus
Arundanus nacreosus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. The species was described by Crumb in 1915 and is currently accepted as valid. It belongs to a genus associated with grassland habitats. Records indicate a scattered distribution across the central and southeastern United States.
Asagena americana
Two-spotted Cobweb Spider, Twospotted Cobweb Spider
Asagena americana, commonly known as the two-spotted cobweb spider, is a small theridiid spider native to North America. Males are notably robust with short, muscular legs and possess a stridulating organ used to produce sound during courtship. Females construct cobwebs in concealed microhabitats including under stones, in leaf litter, under bark, and in moss. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in body form and is frequently preyed upon by mud dauber wasps.
Asagena fulva
Red-and-white Asagena
Asagena fulva is a small cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Females range from 3–5.9 mm in body length, males from 2.4–5 mm. The species appears distinctly redder with more white markings than its congener A. americana. It has been observed in association with harvester ant nests, suggesting possible ant specialization.
Asaphocrita aphidiella-complex
Asaphocrita aphidiella-complex is a species complex within the family Blastobasidae, a group of small moths often associated with stored products and plant materials. Species in this complex are morphologically similar and have been historically confused, requiring detailed examination for accurate identification. They are part of a genus known for diverse larval habits including predation, parasitism, and detritivory. The complex designation indicates ongoing taxonomic uncertainty regarding species boundaries.
Asaphocrita busckiella-complex
Asaphocrita busckiella-complex is a species complex within the moth family Blastobasidae. The group comprises morphologically similar species that have been historically treated as a single taxonomic unit. Species in this complex are small, inconspicuous moths. Taxonomic resolution of the constituent species remains incomplete.
Asemoplus
Asemoplus is a genus of short-horned grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Scudder in 1897. The genus comprises at least three described species: Asemoplus hispidus, A. montanus (Montana grasshopper), and A. sierranus. It belongs to the tribe Podismini within the subfamily Melanoplinae. The genus is native to western North America.
Asemoplus montanus
Montana Grasshopper
Asemoplus montanus, commonly known as the Montana grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species was originally described by Bruner in 1885 under the genus Bradynotes. It is currently classified within the genus Asemoplus, which belongs to the tribe Podismini. The species is found in North America, with confirmed distribution records from Washington state.
Asemoplus sierranus
Asemoplus sierranus is a species of short-horned grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Hebard in 1936. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae and tribe Podismini. The species is known from California and broader North America. It is a member of the genus Asemoplus, which comprises small to medium-sized grasshoppers.
Asemum australe
Asemum australe is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1850. It is native to North America, with documented occurrences in the United States and Canada including Québec. The species has a brown, oval-shaped body. As a member of the genus Asemum, it belongs to a group of wood-boring beetles whose larvae develop in coniferous wood.
Asemum caseyi
Asemum caseyi is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Linsley in 1957. The genus Asemum comprises conifer-associated wood-boring beetles with Holarctic distribution. Like congeners, this species likely develops in dead or dying conifer wood, with adults active during warmer months. The species has been recorded from western North America including British Columbia, California, and Mexico.
Asemum nitidum
Asemum nitidum is a species of longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1873. It is native to parts of North America, with distribution records from Canada (British Columbia) and the United States. As a member of the genus Asemum, it belongs to a group of wood-boring beetles that develop in coniferous trees. The species has been documented through 286 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is encountered with some regularity by naturalists, though detailed biological studies appear limited.
Ashmeadiella xenomastax
Square-jawed Angled-Mason
Ashmeadiella xenomastax is a species of mason bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Michener in 1939. It is known from Central and North America. The common name "Square-jawed Angled-Mason" refers to distinctive morphological features of the species. Like other members of the genus Ashmeadiella, it is a solitary bee that constructs nests using collected materials.
Asiocnemis hospitalis
Asiocnemis hospitalis is a species of false click beetle in the family Eucnemidae, originally described from British Columbia in 1904. The genus Asiocnemis is small and poorly known, with limited published information on its biology. Records indicate this species occurs in western North America, though detailed ecological data remain scarce.
Asiocnemis nitens
Asiocnemis nitens is a species of false click beetle in the family Eucnemidae, described by Horn in 1886. It belongs to a genus of beetles characterized by their distinctive morphology within the Eucnemidae family. The species has been recorded from British Columbia, Canada, with very limited observational data available.
Asiopsocus sonorensis
Asiopsocus sonorensis is a species of barklouse in the family Asiopsocidae, described by Mockford and García-Aldrete in 1976. It represents one of the few documented species in this small family of Psocodea. The species has been recorded from both North America and Central America, with the specific epithet 'sonorensis' suggesting a type locality association with the Sonoran region. A 1991 publication in The Southwestern Naturalist provided a new distributional record, augmented morphological description, and notes on its reproductive biology, indicating continued scientific interest in this poorly known taxon.