North-america
Guides
Asphondylia antennariae
Asphondylia antennariae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The larvae induce galls on the buds of Antennaria plantaginifolia, a plantain-leaved pussytoes. First described by William Morton Wheeler in 1889, this species has been documented in Wisconsin and Maine, though its host plant ranges widely across eastern North America.
Asphondylia florea
Creosote Flower Gall Midge
Asphondylia monacha
nun midge
Asphondylia monacha is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, commonly known as the nun midge. Like other members of its genus, this tiny fly induces distinctive galls on host plants through a poorly understood process involving chemical manipulation of plant tissue. The species was described in 1869 and has been recorded in the northeastern United States.
Asphondylia rudbeckiaeconspicua
Asphondylia rudbeckiaeconspicua is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Carl Robert Osten-Sacken in 1878. The larvae induce galls in the flower heads of cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), developing within distinct zones of the capitulum tissue. This species serves as host to a diverse guild of parasitoid wasps that exhibit stratified distribution patterns within the gall structure, with different parasitoid species occupying different depth zones.
Aspilanta
Aspilanta is a genus of minute leaf-mining moths in the family Heliozelidae, erected in 2020 to accommodate North American species previously assigned to Antispila. Adults are distinguished by reduced wing venation and small size (wingspan 4.0–6.2 mm). Larvae feed internally in leaves of woody plants, primarily Vitaceae (grape family), with two species known from Hydrangeaceae and Myricaceae. The genus name is a partial anagram of Antispila.
Aspilanta oinophylla
Aspilanta oinophylla is a minute leafmining moth in the family Heliozelidae, native to eastern North America and introduced to Italy where it has become a pest of commercial vineyards. It is the type species of the genus Aspilanta, erected in 2020 for Nearctic heliozelids with reduced wing venation previously placed in Antispila. The larvae feed as leaf miners on Vitaceae, particularly grapevines, and cut characteristic shield-shaped pupal cases from their host leaves.
Aspitates forbesi
Aspitates forbesi is a geometrid moth described by Munroe in 1963. It is recorded from North America and is assigned Hodges number 6716 in the North American Moth Photographers Group numbering system. The species belongs to the genus Aspitates, which is placed in the subfamily Ennominae of the family Geometridae.
Astacidae
Astacid Crayfishes, Freshwater Crayfish
Astacidae is a family of freshwater crayfish comprising four extant genera: Astacus, Austropotamobius, Pontastacus, and Pacifastacus. Members are native to Europe, western Asia, and western North America. The family is distinguished by a gonopore positioned on the coxa of the third pair of walking legs in males (fifth pair in females), a trait shared with all Astacoidea. Several species, particularly Pacifastacus leniusculus (signal crayfish), have become invasive outside their native ranges, carrying crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci) that threatens native European populations.
Astala confederata
Confederate Microbagworm
Astala confederata is a species of bagworm moth in the family Psychidae, commonly known as the Confederate Microbagworm. The species was described by Grote and Robinson in 1868. As a member of the Psychidae, males are winged and free-living as adults, while females remain in their larval cases and are flightless. The specific epithet 'confederata' likely references the Confederate States of America, reflecting the 1868 description date during the Reconstruction era following the American Civil War.
Astalotesia
Astalotesia is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae, containing a single species, Astalotesia bucurvata. The genus was established by Ferguson in 1983 based on specimens collected in Texas. As a member of the subfamily Ennominae, it belongs to a diverse group of geometrid moths commonly known as inchworms or loopers.
Astata occidentalis
Astata occidentalis is a predatory wasp in the family Crabronidae, first described by Cresson in 1881. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Astata, it hunts stink bugs (family Pentatomidae) to provision nests for its offspring. Research indicates that female wasps are attracted to kairomones produced by stink bugs, including pheromones of Thyanta pallidovirens, suggesting a specialized predator-prey relationship.
Astenus americanus
Astenus americanus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae. It is a small, poorly known species with limited published information on its biology. The species has been recorded from northeastern North America, with scattered records from Canada and the eastern United States. Like other members of the genus Astenus, it likely inhabits leaf litter and soil environments, though specific ecological details remain undocumented.
Astenus brevipennis
Astenus brevipennis is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) described by Austin in 1877. It belongs to the subfamily Paederinae, a group characterized by relatively slender bodies and predatory habits. The species name "brevipennis" refers to short wings, a trait common among rove beetles where the hardened forewings (elytra) are reduced and leave most of the abdomen exposed. This species has been recorded from scattered localities across eastern North America.
Astenus cinctus
Astenus cinctus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1831. As a member of the subfamily Paederinae, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory beetles characterized by their elongated bodies and short elytra. The genus Astenus contains numerous species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with A. cinctus documented from parts of Canada and the United States.
Astenus discopunctatus
Black-tailed Tomcat Rove Beetle
Astenus discopunctatus is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, commonly known as the Black-tailed Tomcat Rove Beetle. The species was originally described as Paederus discopunctatus by Thomas Say in 1831. It belongs to the subfamily Paederinae, a diverse group of rove beetles often associated with leaf litter and soil habitats. The species has been documented across eastern and central North America.
Asterocampa celtis
Hackberry Emperor
Asterocampa celtis, the Hackberry Emperor, is a North American brush-footed butterfly (Nymphalidae) whose life cycle is entirely dependent on hackberry trees (Celtis spp.). Adults are known for their rapid, erratic flight and frequent habit of landing on humans to feed on sweat. The species ranges across much of the eastern and central United States, with larvae feeding exclusively on hackberry foliage.
Asteromyia clarkei
Asteromyia clarkei is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Felt in 1909. The genus Asteromyia comprises gall-inducing midges that form characteristic star-shaped or rosette galls on asteraceous host plants. As a member of this genus, A. clarkei is associated with inducing galls on goldenrod (Solidago) species. The species is known from North America with documented observations primarily from the United States.
Asteromyia euthamiae
Euthamia leaf gall midge
Asteromyia euthamiae is a gall midge species described by Raymond Gagné in 1968. It is widely distributed across northern North America, where it induces leaf galls on Euthamia plants. The species is notable for producing distinctively colored galls with dark bodies and contrasting marginal bands.
Asthenolabus canadensis
Asthenolabus canadensis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1877. The genus Asthenolabus is poorly documented in the literature, with minimal published information on its biology, host associations, or distribution. The species epithet 'canadensis' suggests a North American distribution. Available records are sparse, with limited observational data from Canada.
Astrotischeria helianthi
Astrotischeria helianthi is a small moth in the family Tischeriidae, described by Frey and Boll in 1878. The species is native to North America and has been recorded in Missouri and Ohio. Tischeriid moths are leaf-miners, and the specific epithet 'helianthi' suggests a potential association with plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae).
Astrotischeria heliopsisella
A small moth in the family Tischeriidae, described by V.T. Chambers in 1875. The species is known from the central United States, where its larvae create leaf mines on two specific host plants.
Astrotischeria occidentalis
Astrotischeria occidentalis is a small moth in the family Tischeriidae, described by entomologist Annette Frances Braun in 1972. The species is known from North America. Members of this family are commonly called trumpet leaf miner moths due to the distinctive feeding patterns of their larvae.
Astylopsis
Astylopsis is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae, tribe Acanthocinini. It was established by Thomas L. Casey in 1913. The genus contains at least five North American species, including A. sexguttata, which has been observed developing in dead pine stems. Members are associated with dead or dying coniferous and deciduous wood.
Astylopsis collaris
Astylopsis collaris is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Haldeman in 1847. It belongs to the tribe Acanthocinini, which includes many pine-associated species. The species is known from eastern North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with coniferous hosts, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Astylopsis fascipennis
Astylopsis fascipennis is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Schiefer in 2001. It belongs to the tribe Acanthocinini, a group of cerambycids commonly associated with coniferous and hardwood trees. The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published literature.
Astylopsis macula
Spotted Long-horned Beetle
Astylopsis macula is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Thomas Say in 1826. Commonly known as the Spotted Long-horned Beetle, it belongs to the tribe Acanthocinini within the family Cerambycidae. The species has been documented across eastern North America with over 500 observations recorded.
Astylopsis sexguttata
Six-speckled Long-horned Beetle
Astylopsis sexguttata is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, first described by Thomas Say in 1827. It is commonly known as the Six-speckled Long-horned Beetle. The species is associated with coniferous trees, particularly pines, where larvae bore into dead or dying wood. Adults are active during warmer months and can be found in forested habitats across eastern North America.
Asyndetus harbeckii
Asyndetus harbeckii is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1914. The genus Asyndetus comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies characterized by their elongated legs and streamlined bodies. Records of this species are sparse, and its biology remains poorly documented.
Ataeniopsis figurator
Ataeniopsis figurator is an aphodiine dung beetle described by Harold in 1874. As a member of the tribe Eupariini within the subfamily Aphodiinae, it belongs to a group of scarab beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter. The species has been documented across a broad North American range with additional records from Central America.
Ataenius abditus
Ataenius abditus is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is found across eastern and central North America, with records extending from Canada through the United States to Mexico. The species belongs to a genus of primarily dung-associated scarabs, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Ataenius cognatus
slender dung beetle
Ataenius cognatus, commonly known as the slender dung beetle, is a species of aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. First described by LeConte in 1858, this small scarab beetle has a broad geographic distribution spanning North America, Central America, and Oceania. It belongs to the tribe Eupariini within the subfamily Aphodiinae, a group often associated with dung and decaying organic matter.
Ataenius confertus
Ataenius confertus is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. The species was described by Fall in 1909 and is known from arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Like other members of the genus Ataenius, it is likely associated with decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Ataenius hirsutus
Ataenius hirsutus is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Horn in 1871. It occurs across the southwestern United States and Mexico, with records from Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas, and multiple Mexican states including Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, and Veracruz. As a member of the tribe Eupariini, it belongs to a group of beetles typically associated with decomposing organic matter and soil habitats.
Ataenius inquisitus
Ataenius inquisitus is a species of aphodiine dung beetle described by Horn in 1887. It belongs to a genus whose members are generally associated with decomposing organic matter and soil habitats. The species has been recorded from the southwestern United States and several Mexican states.
Ataenius ovatulus
Ataenius ovatulus is a small aphodiine dung beetle described by Horn in 1871. It is native to the eastern and central United States, where it inhabits grassland and turfgrass environments. The species is part of a genus whose members are frequently associated with soil and thatch layers in managed grass systems.
Ataenius robustus
saline prairie scarab beetle
Ataenius robustus, commonly known as the saline prairie scarab beetle, is a species of aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is native to North America, with recorded occurrences across the central United States. The species belongs to a diverse genus of small scarab beetles, many of which are associated with dung and decomposing organic matter.
Ataenius setiger
Ataenius setiger is a species of aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It occurs in Central America and North America, with records from Mexico and the southwestern United States. As a member of the genus Ataenius, it belongs to a group of small scarab beetles commonly associated with dung and decomposing organic matter.
Ataenius stephani
Ataenius stephani is a small dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Cartwright in 1974. It belongs to the aphodiine subfamily, a group commonly associated with decomposing organic matter. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States and western Mexico.
Atalantycha
Soldier beetles
Atalantycha is a genus of soldier beetles (family Cantharidae) established by Kazantsev in 2005. The genus contains at least four described species, including Atalantycha bilineata, commonly known as the two-lined cantharid. Atalantycha bilineata has been documented visiting apple flowers, contributing to nocturnal pollination services in agricultural settings.
Atalantycha bilineata
Two-lined Leatherwing, two-lined cantharid, two-lined leather-wing
Atalantycha bilineata, commonly known as the Two-lined Leatherwing or two-lined cantharid, is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America and has been documented visiting apple flowers as a nocturnal pollinator. The species is recognizable by its distinctive color pattern and is frequently observed during citizen science events such as the City Nature Challenge.
Atalantycha neglecta
Neglected Soldier Beetle
Atalantycha neglecta is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It occurs in North America, with records from the United States and southern Canada (Ontario, Quebec, Vermont). The species has been documented visiting apple flowers in pollination studies, where it was observed as a nocturnal visitor. Adults are active during spring and early summer. Like other soldier beetles, it likely has soft, flexible elytra compared to many beetles.
Atarba
Atarba is a genus of crane flies (Diptera: Limoniidae) established by Osten Sacken in 1869. The genus contains three recognized subgenera: Atarba, Atarbodes, and Ischnothrix. Species within this genus are slender, delicate flies characteristic of the Limoniidae family. The genus has been documented in North America, with records from the northeastern United States including Vermont.
Ataxia arizonica
Ataxia arizonica is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Warren Samuel Fisher in 1920. The species is known from Mexico and the United States. As a member of the genus Ataxia, it belongs to a group of beetles whose larvae typically bore into plant stems and roots.
Ataxia brunnea
Ataxia brunnea is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Champlain and Knull in 1926. The species is known from the United States and Canada. Like other members of the genus Ataxia, it belongs to the subfamily Lamiinae (flat-faced longhorns) and tribe Pteropliini. Available information on this species is limited, with only two observations recorded in iNaturalist and minimal published biological data.
Ataxia crypta
Ataxia crypta is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) described by Thomas Say in 1831, originally placed in the genus Lamia. It is distributed across the United States and Mexico. The species belongs to the subfamily Lamiinae and tribe Pteropliini. Like other members of its genus, it likely develops in living or recently dead herbaceous plants, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented.
Ateloglossa
Ateloglossa is a genus of tachinid flies in the tribe Dexiini, subfamily Dexiinae. The genus was established by Coquillett in 1899 and contains 14 described species distributed primarily in North America. Species are distinguished by morphological features typical of the Dexiini, including characteristics of the head and thorax. The genus has received limited study, with most species described in the early 20th century.
Ateloplus luteus
Yellow Shieldback
Ateloplus luteus, commonly known as the yellow shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed distribution records from Arizona. The species was described by Caudell in 1907. As a member of the shield-backed katydid group, it possesses the characteristic enlarged pronotum that extends backward over the abdomen, giving these insects their common name.
Ateloplus schwarzi
Schwarz's Shieldback
Ateloplus schwarzi is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Arizona. The species was described by Caudell in 1907. As a member of the shield-backed katydid group, it possesses the characteristic enlarged pronotum that extends backward over the abdomen.
Ateuchus histeroides Weber, 1801
Ateuchus histeroides is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae. Laboratory studies have examined its feeding behavior, though specific dietary habits remain incompletely documented. The species occurs widely across the eastern and central United States. It is a member of the genus Ateuchus, a diverse group of scarab beetles often associated with dung and detritus.
Atheas austroriparius
Atheas austroriparius is a lace bug species in the family Tingidae. The immature stages have been described in detail, with five nymphal instars exhibiting distinctive areolate structures and setal patterns that serve as diagnostic characters. It is a member of the relatively small genus Atheas, which is part of the diverse lace bug fauna of North America.