North-america
Guides
Adanarsa intransitella
Adanarsa intransitella is a snout moth (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) and the sole species in its monotypic genus. It was originally described as Rhodophaea intransitella by Dyar in 1905, then transferred to the new genus Adanarsa by Heinrich in 1956. The species is known from the southwestern United States.
Adela purpurea
Purple Fairy Moth
Adela purpurea is a species of fairy longhorn moth in the family Adelidae, described by Francis Walker in 1863. It is widespread across boreal North America, ranging from the Yukon through the Canadian provinces to Quebec and south to northern New Jersey. Adults are active in spring, with flight periods varying by latitude from April in New England to May-June in northern Canada. The species has been observed visiting willow blossoms.
Adelina pallida
Orange Lacquer Beetle
Adelina pallida, commonly known as the Orange Lacquer Beetle, is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It is distributed in parts of North America and South America, with confirmed records from Mexico and Colombia. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1824. As a member of Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large family of beetles primarily adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.
Adelpha basiloides
spot-celled sister
Adelpha basiloides is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as the spot-celled sister. It belongs to the genus Adelpha, a group of butterflies often called admirals or sisters. The species is found in North and Central America. The specific epithet and common name reference distinctive wing pattern characteristics.
Adelphagrotis
Adelphagrotis is a genus of noctuid moths described by Smith in 1890. The genus contains three recognized species distributed in North America. Members are classified in the subfamily Noctuinae, the largest subfamily of owlet moths. Little is known about the biology of most species.
Adelphagrotis indeterminata
A noctuid moth found along the Pacific coast of North America. Adults have a wingspan of 30–40 mm. The species is recognized as having two subspecies: A. i. indeterminata and A. i. innotabilis. Flight activity has been recorded from May through October, with peak occurrence in late summer and autumn.
Adelphocoris
plant bugs
Adelphocoris is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, tribe Mirini. Multiple species are significant agricultural pests, particularly in Chinese cotton production following widespread Bt cotton adoption. The genus includes at least three economically important species—A. suturalis, A. lineolatus, and A. fasciaticollis—that exhibit distinct geographic distributions, seasonal dynamics, and host plant associations. Species within this genus show complex life histories involving migratory behavior, diapause, and multi-generational development on diverse host plants.
Adetus brousii
Adetus brousii is a species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae. The species was described by Horn in 1880. It occurs in North America and Middle America, with records from the United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Adetus, it is a small to medium-sized cerambycid with typical lamiine morphology. The species has been documented in 26 iNaturalist observations, suggesting it is encountered infrequently by naturalists.
Adicrophleps
Adicrophleps is a monotypic genus of caddisflies in the family Brachycentridae, established by Flint in 1965. The genus contains a single described species, A. hitchcocki. Members are classified as "humpless casemaker" caddisflies, distinguishing them from the "humped" Brachycentrinae subfamily.
Admestina tibialis
Admestina tibialis is a small jumping spider in the family Salticidae, first described by C. L. Koch in 1846. The species is distinguished by sexually dimorphic morphology, particularly the enlarged tibia of the first leg in males that gives the species its name. It occurs in coniferous forests across eastern North America, where it hunts as an active visual predator.
Admestina wheeleri
thick-legged jumping spider
Admestina wheeleri is a jumping spider species in the family Salticidae, commonly known as the thick-legged jumping spider. It was first described in 1888 by George and Elizabeth Peckham. The species is found in the northern United States and southern Canada, with records from Manitoba and Ontario in Canada.
Admetovis oxymorus
cutworm moth, dart moth
Admetovis oxymorus is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1873. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species occurs in North America and has been frequently misidentified with related species in the genus. Its larvae are believed to be climbing cutworms that feed on woody shrubs.
Admetovis similaris
cutworm moth, dart moth
Admetovis similaris is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes in 1904. The species is found in North America. It belongs to the genus Admetovis, which contains three species characterized by distinctive flame-shaped forewing marks. Little is known about its specific biology, though larvae of related species are believed to be climbing cutworms that feed on woody shrubs.
Admontia degeerioides
Admontia degeerioides is a species of tachinid fly described by Coquillett in 1895. It belongs to the tribe Blondeliini within the subfamily Exoristinae. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of Tachinidae, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Admontia nasoni
Admontia nasoni is a species of tachinid fly described by Coquillett in 1895. Tachinid flies in this genus are parasitoids, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented. The species is recorded from Canada and the United States.
Admontia pergandei
Admontia pergandei is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae. The species was described by Coquillett in 1895 and is currently accepted as valid. Tachinid flies are parasitoids whose larvae develop inside or on other insects.
Admontia rufochaeta
Admontia rufochaeta is a tachinid fly described by Curran in 1927. It is currently recognized as a junior synonym of Admontia nasoni. The species was originally described from North American material. As a synonym, it retains no independent taxonomic status.
Adoneta
slug moths
Adoneta is a genus of moths in the family Limacodidae, erected by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. The genus contains at least four described species, including the long-horned slug moth (A. bicaudata) and the purple-crested slug moth (A. spinuloides). All members are slug caterpillar moths, named for the distinctive locomotion of their larvae.
Adoneta bicaudata
Long-horned Slug Moth
Adoneta bicaudata, commonly known as the long-horned slug moth, is a species of moth in the family Limacodidae. It is characterized by its distinctive larval form, which bears elongated posterior projections. The species was described by Dyar in 1904 and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 4684. Like other members of its family, the caterpillar has a reduced, slug-like body form with suckers instead of prolegs.
Adoneta gemina
Adoneta gemina is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae, first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1906 from southern Texas. It belongs to the superfamily Zygaenoidea, a group that includes flannel moths, slug caterpillar moths, and leaf skeletonizer moths. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 4682. As a member of the Limacodidae family, its larvae are expected to have the reduced prolegs and slug-like crawling form characteristic of this group, though specific larval descriptions for this species are not documented in available sources.
Adoneta pygmaea
Pygmy Slug Caterpillar Moth
Adoneta pygmaea is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae, first described by Grote and Robinson in 1868. It is one of the smaller members of the genus Adoneta, which comprises approximately six species of North American limacodid moths. The species is assigned MONA (Moths of North America) number 4683. Like other limacodids, its larvae are characterized by a reduced, slug-like proleg structure and the presence of venomous setae.
Adranes
ant-loving beetles
Adranes is a genus of obligately myrmecophilous beetles in the rove beetle family Staphylinidae. These small beetles are entirely dependent on ants of the genus Lasius, living as inquilines within their nests. The six described species share extreme morphological adaptations for this lifestyle, including complete eyelessness, reduced mouthparts, and highly modified antennae. They are known from North America, with species distributed across the United States and Pacific coast regions.
Aedes epactius
Western Rock Pool mosquito
Aedes epactius is a North American mosquito species in the subgenus Georgecraigius, first described in 1908. It exhibits remarkable altitudinal plasticity, occurring from sea level to over 2,500 meters elevation. The species breeds in both natural rock pools and artificial containers including tires, water tanks, and flower pots. It has been studied for potential arbovirus transmission, with laboratory evidence of competence for St. Louis encephalitis and Jamestown Canyon viruses, and field detection of West Nile and Zika virus RNA. Recent research suggests it may compete with invasive Aedes aegypti, potentially limiting its spread in some habitats.
Aegialia blanchardi
Aegialia blanchardi is a small aphodiine dung beetle described by Horn in 1887. It occurs across North America from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic seaboard, with records spanning Canada and the United States. The species is a member of the subfamily Aegialiinae, a group associated with sandy coastal and riparian habitats.
Aegialia lacustris
Aegialia lacustris is a species of aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, originally described by LeConte in 1850. It is currently treated as a synonym of Psammoporus lacustris in some taxonomic databases, though widely referenced under the name Aegialia lacustris. The species occurs across northern North America, with records from Canada and the northwestern United States.
Aegialia opifex
Aegialia opifex is a species of aphodiine dung beetle described by Horn in 1887. It belongs to the genus Aegialia, a group of small scarab beetles often associated with sandy coastal habitats. The species is documented from eastern North America, with records from both Canada and the United States.
Aegialites debilis
narrow-waisted bark beetle
Aegialites debilis is a species of narrow-waisted bark beetle in the family Salpingidae, described by Mannerheim in 1853. It is found in North America, with records from Alaska and the contiguous United States. The species belongs to a small genus of beetles characterized by their constricted body form. Very little detailed biological information has been published for this species.
Aeletes politus
clown beetle
Aeletes politus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by J.L. LeConte in 1853. The species is found across North America, with records from Canada and the eastern United States. As a member of Histeridae, it belongs to a family of beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter and carrion.
Aenigmaticum californicum
minute hooded beetle
Aenigmaticum californicum is a species of minute hooded beetle in the family Corylophidae, first described by Thomas Casey in 1889. It is found in North America. The species belongs to a genus of very small beetles commonly known as minute hooded beetles or minute fungus beetles.
Aeoloplides elegans
elegant saltbush grasshopper
Aeoloplides elegans, the elegant saltbush grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from New Mexico. Like other members of the genus Aeoloplides, it is associated with saltbush habitats. The species was described by Scudder in 1897.
Aeoloplides rotundipennis
Rio Grande saltbush grasshopper
Aeoloplides rotundipennis, the Rio Grande saltbush grasshopper, is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species was described by Wallace in 1955 and is native to North America. It is closely related to other saltbush-feeding grasshoppers in the genus Aeoloplides, including A. chenopodii, A. tenuipennis, and A. turnbulli.
Aeolus cribratus
Click beetle
Aeolus cribratus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. Click beetles are named for their ability to right themselves using a prosternal process that fits into a mesosternal groove, producing an audible clicking sound. Members of the genus Aeolus are generally small to medium-sized beetles. The specific epithet 'cribratus' refers to a sieve-like or punctured appearance, likely describing surface sculpturing on the elytra or pronotum.
Aeolus mellillus
Sweet Click Beetle
Aeolus mellillus, commonly known as the Sweet Click Beetle, is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1836. It is a relatively small click beetle with documented records from the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont. The common name "Sweet Click Beetle" distinguishes it from other members of the genus.
Aeolus trilineatus
Three-lined Click Beetle
Aeolus trilineatus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The genus name derives from Aeolus, the Greek keeper of the winds, referencing the wind-dispersed nature of many beetle species. The species epithet 'trilineatus' refers to the three longitudinal lines characteristic of this beetle's elytral pattern. Like other elaterids, it possesses a prosternal process that fits into a mesosternal groove, enabling the distinctive clicking mechanism used to right itself when overturned.
Aeshna constricta
Lance-tipped Darner
Aeshna constricta, commonly known as the Lance-tipped Darner, is a large dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It is distributed across North America and holds a conservation status of Least Concern with a stable population. The species is one of approximately 30 species in the diverse genus Aeshna, which are among the largest and most powerful fliers in the dragonfly order.
Aeshna interrupta
Variable Darner
Aeshna interrupta, commonly known as the Variable Darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae native to North America. Its range extends from Alaska and the Northwest Territories through Newfoundland, south to New Hampshire and Michigan in the eastern United States, and to the mountains of New Mexico, Arizona, and California in the west. The species is named for the distinctive broken stripes on the sides of the thorax present in many male specimens. It occupies diverse habitats including northern and mountain peatlands, cattail marshes, and other wetland environments.
Aeshna sitchensis
zigzag darner
Aeshna sitchensis, commonly known as the zigzag darner, is a species of darner dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It is found in North America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. The IUCN status was last reviewed in 2017.
Aeshna umbrosa
Shadow Darner
Aeshna umbrosa, commonly known as the Shadow Darner, is a large dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It is widely distributed across North America, occurring throughout almost all of Canada and most of the United States. The species is typically associated with shaded habitats, including forested wetlands and woodland streams. Adult Shadow Darners are powerful fliers and active predators.
Aeshna verticalis
Green-striped Darner
Aeshna verticalis, the green-striped darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It is distinguished from similar darners by its green lateral thoracic stripes. The species is found in northeastern North America and holds an IUCN conservation status of Least Concern with a stable population.
Aethalura intertexta
Four-barred Gray, Smoky Carpet Moth
Aethalura intertexta, commonly known as the four-barred gray or smoky carpet moth, is a geometrid moth species first described by Francis Walker in 1860. It belongs to the family Geometridae, one of the largest families of moths. The species is native to North America and includes two recognized subspecies: A. i. intertexta and A. i. fumata. Like other carpet moths, adults likely have the characteristic broad, somewhat flattened wings typical of the group.
Aethecerus parvus
Aethecerus parvus is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Provancher in 1875. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of wasps, whose members are primarily parasitoids of other insects. The genus Aethecerus is part of the superfamily Ichneumonoidea. Available records for this species are extremely limited, with only one observation documented in iNaturalist.
Aethes angulatana
Angular Aethes Moth, angular aethes
Aethes angulatana, commonly known as the Angular Aethes Moth, is a small tortricid moth described by Robinson in 1869. Adults are active during summer months, with flight periods varying by latitude. The species is relatively well-documented with over 200 iNaturalist observations.
Aethes angustana
Aethes angustana is a small tortricid moth first described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. It occurs in northeastern North America, with documented records from Massachusetts, Ontario, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. Adults have a wingspan of 15–17 mm. The species belongs to the genus Aethes, a group of small moths within the subfamily Tortricinae.
Aethes argentilimitana
Silver-bordered Aethes
Aethes argentilimitana, commonly known as the silver-bordered aethes, is a small tortricid moth native to North America. The species inhabits dry, open meadows and fields across a broad eastern and central range extending from Ontario south to Mississippi. Adults are active from spring through late summer, with multiple generations likely occurring annually. The species is relatively well-documented, with over 1,400 observations recorded.
Aethes atomosana
Two-spotted Aethes
Aethes atomosana, commonly known as the two-spotted aethes, is a small tortricid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active during summer months, with forewings measuring 6.6–9.8 mm and displaying distinctive ochreous coloration with darker scaling. The species appears to have a single annual generation.
Aethes baloghi
A small tortricid moth of North American prairies. Adults are active from spring through late summer, with forewings measuring 4–6.8 mm. The species was described in 2002 and named for entomologist George J. Balogh.
Aethes biscana
Reddish Aethes
Aethes biscana, commonly known as the reddish aethes, is a small tortricid moth native to North America. It is characterized by light brown forewings with darker markings and shining grey hindwings. The species exhibits broad geographic distribution across eastern and central North America, with adult activity spanning most of the year depending on location.
Aethes floccosana
A small tortricid moth native to the eastern and central United States. First described in 1863, this species is characterized by its compact size and relatively restricted geographic range. Adults are active during late spring and early summer. The species has been documented across seven states but remains poorly studied regarding its biology and ecology.
Aethes louisiana
Aethes louisiana is a small tortricid moth described from the United States in 1907. The species is distinguished by its light straw-colored forewings with golden yellow overlay and two dark golden brown basal fasciae. It has been recorded from Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, with adults active during late spring. The species name reflects its association with the state of Louisiana, though current records suggest a broader midwestern distribution.
Aethes patricia
Aethes patricia is a species of tortricid moth described by Metzler in 2000. It is known from a limited geographic range in the north-central United States, specifically Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. As a member of the genus Aethes, it belongs to a group of small moths commonly known as tortricid moths or leafroller moths. The species appears to be relatively poorly documented, with only 65 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the available data.