North-american-fauna
Guides
Abagrotis belfragei
Belfrage's cutworm
Abagrotis belfragei is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1890. The species belongs to the genus Abagrotis, a group of cutworm moths within the family Noctuidae. It is native to North America. Limited information is available regarding its biology and ecology.
Abagrotis trigona
Luteous Dart
Abagrotis trigona, commonly known as the luteous dart, is a noctuid moth species first described by Smith in 1893. It occurs across western North America from the northern Great Plains to the Pacific coast, with an isolated disjunct population in Ohio. Adults are active in August and have a wingspan of 28–30 mm. The species belongs to the diverse genus Abagrotis within the subfamily Noctuinae.
Acanthocinus obsoletus
Obsolete Longhorned Beetle
Acanthocinus obsoletus is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Guillaume-Antoine Olivier in 1795. It is known from eastern North America, Cuba, and the Bahamas. The species is associated with pine habitats and has been documented at blacklight stations.
Acronicta innotata
Unmarked Dagger, birch dagger, unmarked dagger moth
Acronicta innotata, commonly known as the unmarked dagger moth or birch dagger, is a noctuid moth species first described by Guenée in 1852. It is widely distributed across northern North America, from Newfoundland to British Columbia, with southern extensions along the eastern United States. The species is named for its relatively plain wing pattern compared to other dagger moths, and its larvae feed on the leaves of several deciduous tree species.
Acronicta tristis
Sad Dagger
Acronicta tristis, commonly known as the Sad Dagger, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acronictinae. It was described by Smith in 1911. The species occurs in eastern North America, with adults active during early summer. It is a relatively small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 34 mm.
Acuticauda solidaginifoliae
Goldenrod Leaf-fold Aphid
Acuticauda solidaginifoliae is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, first described by Williams in 1911. It is commonly known as the Goldenrod Leaf-fold Aphid, indicating an association with goldenrod plants (Solidago species). The specific epithet 'solidaginifoliae' directly references this host relationship. Like other aphids in the genus Acuticauda, it likely possesses the characteristic elongated cauda that gives the genus its name.
Agabus bicolor
Agabus bicolor is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It was originally described by Kirby in 1837 under the basionym Colymbetes bicolor. The species is found in North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. As a member of Dytiscidae, it is an aquatic predator.
Agabus cordatus
Agabus cordatus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, originally described by LeConte in 1853. It is currently treated as a synonym of Ilybiosoma cordatum, a genus distinguished from Agabus by subtle morphological features of the male genitalia and body proportions. Like other members of the subfamily Agabinae, it is an aquatic beetle inhabiting freshwater systems. Records indicate presence in North America.
Agabus griseipennis
Agabus griseipennis is a predaceous diving beetle described by LeConte in 1859. It belongs to the genus Agabus, a large group of aquatic beetles in the family Dytiscidae. The species is recorded from North America, with specific distribution records from western Canada including Alberta and British Columbia.
Agabus obliteratus
Agabus obliteratus is a predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, described by LeConte in 1859. The species occurs in North America. A subspecies, A. obliteratus nectris Leech, 1942, has been recognized. Like other members of the genus, it is aquatic and likely occupies freshwater habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published sources.
Agathidium fawcettae
Agathidium fawcettae is a species of round fungus beetle in the family Leiodidae, described by Miller and Wheeler in 2005. The species epithet honors actress Farrah Fawcett, following the Latin convention of using "-ae" endings for names based on women. It occurs across eastern and central North America, with records from Canada and the United States.
Agonum brevicolle
Agonum brevicolle is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae. It is distributed across North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The species belongs to the genus Agonum, a diverse group of small to medium-sized predatory beetles commonly found in moist habitats. Limited specific information is available regarding its ecology and behavior.
Agrilus atricornis
Agrilus atricornis is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Fisher in 1928. It belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which contains nearly 4,000 described species and is considered one of the largest genera in the animal kingdom. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States. Like most members of its genus, it is presumed to develop as a larva in woody plant tissue, though specific host plants and detailed biology remain undocumented.
Alaephus
Alaephus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by G.H. Horn in 1870. It belongs to the subfamily Pimeliinae and tribe Vacronini. The genus is poorly documented in the literature, with limited information available on its species diversity, biology, and ecology.
Alarodia slossoniae
Packard's White Slug Moth
Alarodia slossoniae, known as Packard's White Slug Moth, is a North American moth in the family Limacodidae. The common name refers to the slug-like appearance of its caterpillar, a trait characteristic of this family. Adults are small moths with white or pale coloration. The species was originally described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1893 under the genus Eupoeya before being transferred to Alarodia.
Alastria chico
Alastria chico is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Lafontaine and Troubridge in 2004. It belongs to the genus Alastria, which is part of the diverse and species-rich subfamily Noctuinae. As a relatively recently described species with limited published information, specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain sparse.
Alysson oppositus
Alysson oppositus is a species of digger wasp in the family Crabronidae (formerly Bembicidae). It is native to North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1837. Like other members of the genus Alysson, it is a solitary wasp that provisions nests with prey for its larvae.
Amphicerus simplex
horned powder-post beetle
Amphicerus simplex is a species of horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae. The species is known from North America. As a member of the Bostrichidae family, it is associated with wood-boring habits typical of the group. It was described by Horn in 1885.
Amphidorini
Amphidorini is a tribe of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) comprising six genera, all native to North America. The tribe was reclassified in 2021 from Tenebrioninae to the resurrected subfamily Blaptinae based on phylogenetic research. The genus Eleodes (desert stink beetles) is the most diverse and widely distributed member, extending into the Neotropics. In 2022, the South American genus Nycterinus was removed from Amphidorini and placed in incertae sedis within Tenebrioninae.
Amplioluperus
Amplioluperus is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus comprises three described species: A. cyanellus, A. histrio, and A. maculicollis. The name refers to the relatively large body size of the type species compared to related genera.
Ancylis muricana
Red-headed Ancylis Moth
Ancylis muricana is a small tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, commonly known as the Red-headed Ancylis Moth. The species was described by Walsingham in 1879 from specimens collected in North America. It is a member of the diverse genus Ancylis, which contains many species of leaf-roller moths. The common name refers to the distinctive reddish coloration of the head in adult specimens.
Andrena aliciae
Yellow-faced Miner Bee
Andrena aliciae, known as the Yellow-faced Miner Bee, is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America and belongs to a large genus of ground-nesting bees that are important spring pollinators. Like other Andrena species, it excavates tunnels in soil to create nests provisioned with pollen for its larvae.
Andrena biscutellata
Andrena biscutellata is a mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Viereck in 1917. It is a solitary, ground-nesting bee found in North America. Like other Andrena species, it excavates tunnels in soil to create nest cells provisioned with pollen for its larvae. The species belongs to a large genus of early-spring to summer-active bees that are important pollinators of wildflowers and crops.
Andrena frigida
Frigid Mining Bee, Cold Miner Bee, Frigid Miner
Andrena frigida is a solitary mining bee native to North America, first described by Frederick Smith in 1853. As a member of the family Andrenidae, it is a ground-nesting species that excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and nectar for its larvae. The species epithet 'frigida' (Latin for 'cold') suggests association with cooler conditions or early-season activity, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Andrena helianthi
Sunflower Mining Bee, Sunflower Andrena
Andrena helianthi is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Sunflower Mining Bee or Sunflower Andrena. It is native to North America and belongs to the large genus Andrena, which contains over 1,500 species of ground-nesting bees. As a member of this genus, it likely exhibits typical Andrena biology including fossorial nesting in soil and provisioning of nest cells with pollen. The specific epithet 'helianthi' suggests a possible association with sunflowers (Helianthus), though this host relationship requires confirmation.
Andrena perarmata
Large-toothed Miner, Armed Miner Bee, Well-armed Andrena
Andrena perarmata is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It is known by multiple common names including Large-toothed Miner, Armed Miner Bee, and Well-armed Andrena. The species occurs in North America. As a member of the genus Andrena, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and nectar for its larvae.
Andrena prima
Black-and-red Miner
Andrena prima is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It is found in North America. The species has been recorded in iNaturalist with 58 observations.
Anelaphus inermis
Anelaphus inermis is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Newman in 1840. It belongs to the tribe Elaphidiini, a group commonly known as flat-faced longhorns. The species is distributed across North America, Middle America, and the Caribbean.
Anepsiini
Anepsiini is a tribe of darkling beetles within the subfamily Pimeliinae of the family Tenebrionidae. It was established by J.L. LeConte in 1862. The tribe contains at least four genera distributed in North America. Members of this tribe are part of a diverse group of beetles commonly known as darkling beetles, which are primarily associated with arid and semi-arid environments.
Anisodactylus opaculus
Anisodactylus opaculus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by LeConte in 1863. It is native to North America and occurs in the United States. The species belongs to a genus containing several granivorous ground beetles, though specific feeding habits for this species have not been documented.
Anorostoma alternans
Anorostoma alternans is a species of fly in the family Heleomyzidae, described by C.B.D. Garrett in 1925. It belongs to a genus of small flies associated with decomposing organic matter. The species has been documented through limited observations, with nine records on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Anthonomus disjunctus
Anthonomus disjunctus is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876. The species is known to occur in North America. Beyond these basic taxonomic and distributional facts, detailed information about its biology, ecology, and specific habitat preferences remains poorly documented in the available literature.
Aphrastus
Aphrastus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils (Entiminae) established by Thomas Say in 1831. The genus contains five described species distributed across North America and Mexico. These weevils are placed in the tribe Phyllobiini within the family Curculionidae. The genus is represented by 589 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate documentation of its occurrence in the field.
Apteromechus longus
Apteromechus longus is a species of hidden snout weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, described by David G. Kissinger in 1964. It belongs to a genus of flightless weevils characterized by reduced or absent wings. The species is found in North America.
Aradus antennalis
Aradus antennalis is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, first described by Parshley in 1921. It is native to North America. Flat bugs in this family are characterized by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies and association with dead wood habitats.
Archiearis infans
Infant Moth, The Infant
Archiearis infans, commonly known as the Infant Moth, is a species of geometrid moth described by Heinrich Benno Möschler in 1862. It belongs to the subfamily Archiearinae, a group of early-emerging spring moths. The species exhibits a transcontinental distribution across northern North America, with two recognized subspecies: the nominate form in the eastern and central range, and A. i. oregonensis in the Pacific region.
Archips eleagnana
Archips eleagnana is a species of leafroller moth in the family Tortricidae, first described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1923. It is native to North America, with records from the Canadian prairie provinces (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the western United States (Wyoming, New Mexico). The species inhabits prairies and montane areas. As a member of the genus Archips, its larvae are leafrollers that feed within sheltering leaf structures. The basionym Cacoecia eleagnana reflects its historical placement in a different genus before reclassification to Archips.
Aristotelia elegantella
Elegant Aristotelia
Aristotelia elegantella is a tiny moth in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as the Elegant Aristotelia. It was described by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1874 and is found across much of North America, from southern Canada through the western and central United States. The species is notable for its striking wing pattern featuring bands of white, ochreous-yellow, and iridescent brown. It has been recorded at blacklight setups and appears to be attracted to artificial light sources.
Astylidius
Astylidius is a monotypic genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) established by Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr. in 1913. The genus contains a single species, Astylidius parvus, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1873. It belongs to the subfamily Lamiinae and tribe Acanthocinini. The genus has been documented in 160 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate contemporary recording activity.
Backomyia anomala
Backomyia anomala is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox & Martin in 1957. The genus Backomyia is a small group within the diverse robber fly family, which contains over 7,000 species worldwide. Robber flies are predatory insects known for their aggressive hunting behavior and stout, piercing mouthparts. Specific information about the biology, habitat preferences, and distribution of B. anomala remains limited in the available literature.
Backomyia limpidipennis
Clear-winged Bandit
Backomyia limpidipennis is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1936. It is known by the common name "Clear-winged Bandit." As a member of the Asilidae family, it belongs to a group of predatory flies characterized by aggressive hunting behavior, though species-specific details for this taxon remain poorly documented in available literature.
Batulius
Batulius is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Pimeliinae, and tribe Anepsiini. Established by J.L. LeConte in 1851, this genus belongs to the diverse group of tenebrionid beetles commonly associated with arid and semi-arid environments. The genus is part of the Anepsiini tribe, which contains species adapted to dry habitats. Information on species diversity and biology within Batulius remains limited in available literature.
Bendisodes
Bendisodes is a monotypic moth genus in the family Erebidae, established by George Hampson in 1924. It contains a single species, Bendisodes aeolia, originally described by Druce in 1890. The genus is native to North America and is classified within the subfamily Calpinae. Its sole species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 8656.
Besma sesquilinearia
Besma sesquilinearia is a geometrid moth species first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae within the family Geometridae. The species is documented in North America and has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 6887.
Bitoma ornata
Bitoma ornata is a species of cylindrical bark beetle in the family Zopheridae. The species was described by LeConte in 1858. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with dead wood and bark habitats. The specific epithet "ornata" suggests some form of decorative or patterned appearance, though detailed descriptions of its morphology are not widely documented in available sources.
Bleptina minimalis
small owlet moth
Bleptina minimalis, commonly known as the small owlet moth, is a species of litter moth in the family Erebidae. First described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1912 (not 1812 as sometimes misstated), it occurs in North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 8374. As a member of subfamily Herminiinae, it belongs to a group commonly referred to as litter moths, which are typically associated with dead plant material.
Bolbocerosoma elongatum
Bolbocerosoma elongatum is an earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Geotrupidae, described by Howden in 1955. It is a member of the subfamily Bolboceratinae, a group characterized by fossorial (burrowing) habits. The species is known from North America, with records from Texas. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the typical earth-boring beetle morphology adapted for digging in soil.
Brachycybe rosea
Brachycybe rosea is a species of millipede in the family Andrognathidae, first described by Murray in 1877. It belongs to the order Platydesmida, a group of small, often pinkish or pale millipedes commonly known as "feather millipedes" or "colobognathans." The species has been documented in North America, with specific records from California. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the reduced body plan and specialized morphology characteristic of colobognathan millipedes.
Brachyta lanhami
Brachyta lanhami is a species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Lewis in 1976. The species has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some authorities placing it in the genus Evodinus. It belongs to the subfamily Lepturinae, a group commonly known as flower longhorns due to their frequent association with flowers. The species is known from North America, though published biological details remain limited.
Cactopinus rhois
Cactopinus rhois is a bark beetle species in the weevil family Curculionidae, described by Blackman in 1938. It belongs to the genus Cactopinus, a group of small wood-boring beetles associated with cacti and other plants. The species is recorded from North America. As with other members of its genus, it likely develops in plant stems or trunks, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.