North-america
Guides
Acronicta insularis
cattail caterpillar, Henry's marsh moth
Acronicta insularis is a noctuid moth native to North America, with larvae known as the cattail caterpillar and adults as Henry's marsh moth. The species was first described in 1868 and was reclassified from Simyra to Acronicta in 2015 based on phylogenetic analysis. It has a transcontinental distribution across the United States and southern Canada, with adults active from spring through late summer and larvae feeding on wetland plants including cattails and various grasses.
Acronicta laetifica
Pleasant Dagger, Pleasant Dagger Moth
Acronicta laetifica, commonly known as the Pleasant Dagger, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae. It is a member of the dagger moth genus Acronicta, characterized by distinctive forewing markings that include a dark dagger-shaped streak. The species occurs across eastern North America, with larvae that feed on various woody plants.
Acronicta lanceolaria
lanceolate dagger moth, pointed dagger
Acronicta lanceolaria is a noctuid moth native to North America, ranging from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1875. Adults fly in early June in a single generation. It is listed as a species of special concern and believed extirpated in Connecticut.
Acronicta lepusculina
Cottonwood Dagger Moth, Cottonwood Dagger
Acronicta lepusculina, commonly known as the cottonwood dagger moth, is a noctuid moth species first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. Adults have a wingspan of 40–50 mm and are active from May to July. The species is notable for its larval association with woody plants in the genera Salix, Populus, and Betula.
Acronicta liturata
Acronicta liturata is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, originally described by Smith in 1897. It is currently treated as a synonym of Acronicta brumosa in taxonomic databases. The species belongs to the dagger moth genus Acronicta, a group known for caterpillars with distinctive tufts or 'daggers' of setae. Like other members of this genus, it is presumed to have a life cycle involving herbivorous larval stages and nocturnal adult moths.
Acronicta longa
long-winged dagger moth
Acronicta longa is a North American noctuid moth commonly known as the long-winged dagger moth. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. Adults have a wingspan of 32–44 mm. Larvae feed on the foliage of several woody plant species including birch, oak, and willow.
Acronicta noctivaga
night-wandering dagger moth
Acronicta noctivaga is a small noctuid moth commonly known as the night-wandering dagger moth. It occurs in north-eastern North America with adults active during late spring through summer. The species has been recorded feeding on poplar as a larva. The common name references both its nocturnal activity and the dagger-like markings typical of the genus.
Acronicta nr-othello
A North American dagger moth currently recognized as a near-relative to Acronicta othello, awaiting formal taxonomic resolution. The 'nr' designation indicates this population or specimen cluster resembles A. othello but may represent an undescribed species or distinct geographic variant. Dagger moths in this genus are characterized by their stout bodies and typically exhibit bold wing patterns with distinctive dark markings.
Acronicta oblinita
Smeared Dagger, Smeared Dagger Moth, Arioch Dagger, Smartweed Caterpillar (larva)
Acronicta oblinita is a noctuid moth native to North America, commonly known as the smeared dagger moth. Adults display cryptic gray forewings with distinctive smeared dark wedge spots and white hindwings. The larva, called the smartweed caterpillar, bears urticating hairs and bright yellow caret-shaped markings. The species was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797.
Acronicta ovata
ovate dagger moth, Epauleted Oak Dagger
Acronicta ovata is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of 28–35 mm. Adults are active from June to September, with two or more generations per year across its broad North American range. The species is known for its larval association with hardwood trees, particularly oaks.
Acronicta parallela
Parallel Dagger, parallel dagger moth
Acronicta parallela, commonly known as the parallel dagger moth, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It was originally described by Grote in 1879 and was treated as a synonym of Acronicta falcula for many years before being reinstated as a valid species in 2011 based on morphological and genetic evidence. The species occurs in North America, with confirmed records from Colorado and Oklahoma.
Acronicta sagittata
Acronicta sagittata is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1940. It is known from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9273. Like other members of the genus Acronicta, it belongs to the dagger moth group, though specific details about its biology and appearance remain poorly documented in available literature.
Acronicta sperata
Hopeful Dagger Moth, Hopeful Dagger
Acronicta sperata, commonly known as the Hopeful Dagger Moth, is a North American noctuid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Adults have a wingspan of 30–35 mm and are active from May to June. The larvae feed on Populus (poplar) and Alnus (alder) species. Two subspecies are recognized: A. s. sperata and A. s. speratina.
Acronicta spinea
Acronicta spinea is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1876. It belongs to the genus Acronicta, commonly known as dagger moths, characterized by distinctive dark markings on the forewings that often resemble a dagger shape. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available literature.
Acronicta superans
Splendid Dagger, Splendid Dagger Moth
A medium-sized noctuid moth with a 40–45 mm wingspan. Adults are active from May to August across much of eastern and central North America. The species has shown recent westward range expansion into Alberta.
Acronicta tota
Acronicta tota is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1879. It belongs to the dagger moth genus Acronicta, a diverse group of noctuid moths whose caterpillars often possess distinctive tufts or projections. The species is documented from Texas and has been recorded in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be nocturnal and attracted to light sources, though specific behavioral details remain poorly documented.
Acronicta vulpina
vulpina dagger moth, miller dagger moth
Acronicta vulpina is a noctuid moth found across northern and western North America. Adults fly from May to July with a wingspan of 40–47 mm. The larvae feed on several deciduous tree species including aspen, birch, balsam poplar, and willow. The species was formerly considered a subspecies of the European Acronicta leporina.
Acrotaphus fuscipennis
Acrotaphus fuscipennis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1865. The genus Acrotaphus comprises parasitoid wasps that attack spiders. A. fuscipennis is one of approximately 8 species in the genus recorded from North America. Like other members of Acrotaphus, this species is presumed to be an ectoparasitoid of orb-weaving spiders (Araneidae), though specific host records for A. fuscipennis itself appear to be lacking in published literature.
Acrotona austiniana
Acrotona austiniana is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Casey in 1910. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Texas. As a member of one of the largest beetle families, it contributes to the documented diversity of Staphylinidae in the region.
Actenodes acornis
Actenodes acornis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America, with records from the United States and Canada (Ontario). The species has been documented as prey of the crabronid wasp Cerceris fumipennis, which collects adult buprestids to provision its nests. It belongs to a genus whose larvae typically develop in dead wood, particularly of leguminous trees.
Actenodes auronotata
Actenodes auronotata is a species of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) in the genus Actenodes. Species in this genus are wood-borers whose larvae develop in dead branches of various host plants, particularly in the family Fabaceae. The genus Actenodes is distributed from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America, with several species exhibiting subtle morphological differences that require careful examination for proper identification. Some Actenodes species display striking sexually dimorphic facial coloration in males.
Actenodes flexicaulis
Actenodes flexicaulis is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1904. It belongs to a genus of jewel beetles distributed across North America. Like other Actenodes species, it is presumed to develop as larvae in dead wood of woody host plants, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Actenodes mendax
Actenodes mendax is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Horn in 1891. Based on field observations, adults have been collected on Prosopis glandulosa (honey mesquite) in clay/gypsum mixed-grass prairie habitats in Oklahoma.
Actenodes mimicus
Actenodes mimicus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1964. It is found in North America, with collection records from the southwestern United States including New Mexico and Texas. Like other members of the genus Actenodes, it is associated with woody vegetation and has been collected by beating mesquite and other host plants.
Actenodes simi
Actenodes simi is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Fisher in 1940. It has been recorded from Tennessee and Missouri in the United States, with specimens collected by the predatory wasp Cerceris fumipennis. The species is part of the diverse jewel beetle fauna of North America, where it occurs as a relatively uncommon member of its genus.
Actenodini
Actenodini is a tribe of metallic wood-boring beetles (family Buprestidae) within the subfamily Chrysochroinae. Members are characterized by their distinctive morphology and association with woody host plants. The tribe contains the genus Actenodes, which includes species found in North America. These beetles are part of the chrysobothrioid lineage within the Buprestidae, sharing evolutionary relationships with other wood-boring buprestid groups. The tribe is of interest to coleopterists studying North American jewel beetle diversity and host associations.
Actia dimorpha
Actia dimorpha is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae, described by O'Hara in 1991 from specimens collected on Sapelo Island, Georgia, United States. Tachinid flies are parasitoids, with larvae typically developing inside other insects. The specific epithet "dimorpha" suggests sexual dimorphism in this species, though details of this dimorphism have not been documented in available sources. The species is known only from its type locality and has received limited study since its original description.
Actiastes
Actiastes is a genus of ant-loving beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by Casey in 1897. The genus contains nine described species distributed across North America. Members belong to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small rove beetles often associated with ant colonies.
Actiastes fundatum
Actiastes fundatum is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Grigarick & Schuster in 1971. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group of small rove beetles known for their myrmecophilous associations. The species is documented from North America. Very few observations exist, with only two records in iNaturalist.
Actiastes globiferum
ant-loving beetle
Actiastes globiferum is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by LeConte in 1849. It belongs to a group commonly referred to as 'ant-loving beetles,' which are known for their associations with ant colonies. The species is documented from North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Actina viridis
green soldier fly
Actina viridis is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. The species is distributed across northern North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other soldier flies, it belongs to a family whose larvae typically develop in decaying organic matter, though specific life history details for this species remain poorly documented.
Actrix
Actrix is a genus of snout moths in the subfamily Phycitinae, described by Carl Heinrich in 1956. The genus contains two species: Actrix nyssaecolella and Actrix dissimulatrix. Both species are classified within the family Pyralidae, a large family of small to medium-sized moths commonly known as snout moths due to their elongated labial palps.
Acuclavella shoshone
Acuclavella shoshone is a species of harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Ischyropsalididae. It was described by Shear in 1986 and is known from North America. The specific epithet "shoshone" likely refers to the Shoshone region or peoples, reflecting its geographic association. As a member of the suborder Dyspnoi, it belongs to a group of harvestmen characterized by particular respiratory and morphological features. Very little detailed biological information has been published for this species.
Aculops rhois
Poison Ivy Gall Mite, Poison Ivy Leaf Mite
Aculops rhois is an eriophyid mite species found in North America that induces distinctive galls on poison ivy and related plants. The species forms small red pouch galls on the upper leaf surfaces of its hosts, which include Toxicodendron species and some Rhus species such as fragrant sumac. The bright coloration of these galls makes the mite more conspicuous than many related Aculops species, contributing to its relatively frequent reporting despite limited formal study.
Acupalpus canadensis
Canada Harp Ground Beetle
Acupalpus canadensis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Casey in 1924. It belongs to the genus Acupalpus, a group of small to medium-sized predatory beetles commonly known as harp ground beetles. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its family, it is predatory and feeds on small insects.
Acupalpus hydropicus
Acupalpus hydropicus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. First described by LeConte in 1863, this beetle belongs to the genus Acupalpus, a group of small to medium-sized carabids. The species has been documented in the United States and is known to be predatory.
Acupalpus pauperculus
Impoverished Harp Ground Beetle
Acupalpus pauperculus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Dejean in 1829. It is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The species belongs to the genus Acupalpus, a group of small to medium-sized ground beetles often associated with moist habitats. Despite its wide geographic range, it remains poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Acupalpus pumilus
Dwarf Harp Ground Beetle
Acupalpus pumilus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Lindroth in 1968. It is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The species belongs to the genus Acupalpus, a group of small ground beetles often referred to as harp ground beetles. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Acusana rota
Acusana rota is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by DeLong in 1942. It belongs to the subfamily Iassinae and tribe Gyponini, a group of small to medium-sized leafhoppers often associated with herbaceous vegetation. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona.
Acutalis
Acutalis is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae, first described by Léon Fairmaire in 1846. The genus contains four species distributed across eastern North America and parts of Central and South America. Like other treehoppers, species in this genus possess an enlarged pronotum that extends over the body. Acutalis tartarea has been photographed in the field on goldenrod (Solidago sp.) in Missouri.
Acutalis tartarea
Acutalis tartarea is a North American treehopper species in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae. The species has been documented in macrophotography contexts, showing it perched on goldenrod (Solidago sp.). It is characterized by black coloration that presents particular challenges for flash photography techniques. The species is part of the diverse Membracidae family, which is known for its bizarre and varied pronotal modifications.
Acylomus
shining flower beetles
Acylomus is a genus of shining flower beetles in the family Phalacridae, established by Sharp in 1888. The genus comprises approximately eight described species distributed primarily in North and Central America. Species within this genus are small, compact beetles characterized by their shiny, often metallic appearance. The genus has been subject to taxonomic study by researchers including Dr. Paul D. N. Hebert, who included Acylomus ergoti in his DNA barcoding work on insects.
Acylomus ergoti
Acylomus ergoti is a species of beetle in the family Phalacridae, first described by Thomas Casey in 1890. The species has been documented in at least 8 observations on iNaturalist. It belongs to a family commonly known as shining flower beetles or oval beetles. Dr. Paul D. N. Hebert, pioneer of DNA barcoding, has worked on this species as part of his broader research on insect taxonomy using molecular methods.
Acylophorus caseyi
Casey's Rove Beetle
Acylophorus caseyi is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) described by Leng in 1920. It belongs to the genus Acylophorus, a group of relatively large rove beetles within the tribe Staphylinini. The species is known from eastern North America, with records spanning from Canada to the southeastern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with forest floor habitats and decaying organic matter.
Acylophorus pratensis
Acylophorus pratensis is a rove beetle species in the family Staphylinidae, first described by LeConte in 1863. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Amacylophorus pratensis. It has been documented in limited observations across parts of Canada and the northeastern and midwestern United States.
Acylophorus pronus
Stooping Rove Beetle
Acylophorus pronus is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, commonly known as the Stooping Rove Beetle. The species was described by Erichson in 1840 and is widely distributed across northern North America. As a member of the large genus Acylophorus, it inhabits moist terrestrial environments where it functions as a generalist predator or scavenger.
Adaina ambrosiae
ragweed plume moth, ambrosia plume moth
Adaina ambrosiae is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, recognized by its distinctive split-wing appearance. The species has a broad distribution across North America and extends into the Caribbean and Central America. Adults are active year-round in southern portions of the range. Larvae feed on multiple host plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly Ambrosia species, from which the specific epithet derives.
Adaina montanus
Mountain Plume Moth
Adaina montanus is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, native to North America. It has a wingspan of approximately 16 mm and is characterized by snow-white coloration with ferruginous-brown scaling on the forewings. The species is associated with specific host plants including cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium canadense) and New York aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii). Adults are active during summer months, with larvae feeding on leaf tissue of their host plants.
Adaleres
broad-nosed weevils
Adaleres is a genus of broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae, containing at least three described species: A. flandersi, A. humeralis, and A. ovipennis. The genus was established by Casey in 1895 and is classified within the tribe Byrsopagini of the subfamily Entiminae. These weevils are distributed in western North America, with records from California and Mexico.
Adaleres ovipennis
Adaleres ovipennis is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Casey in 1895. It belongs to the tribe Byrsopagini within the subfamily Entiminae. The species is recorded from North America, with specific distribution records from California, particularly Sonoma County. As a member of the broad-nosed weevils, it shares the characteristic short, broad rostrum typical of Entiminae.