North-american-fauna
Guides
Calicina galena
armoured harvestman
Calicina galena is a species of armoured harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Phalangodidae. It was described by Ubick and Briggs in 1989 and is known from North America. As a member of the Laniatores suborder, it possesses the characteristic armoured body form typical of this diverse group of arachnids.
Capis
Capis is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae (formerly placed in Noctuidae), established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1882. The genus contains at least two described species: Capis curvata (Grote, 1882), the type species, and Capis archaia Handfield & Handfield, 2006, described from Québec, Canada. Records indicate occurrence in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada.
Capraita subvittata
Belly-banded Flea Beetle
Capraita subvittata, commonly known as the Belly-banded Flea Beetle, is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America, with documented records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick) and the United States. As a member of the flea beetle tribe Alticini, it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping.
Cariblatta minima
Least Yellow Cockroach
Cariblatta minima, commonly known as the least yellow cockroach, is a small species in the family Ectobiidae. It was described by Hebard in 1916 and is distributed across North America and the Caribbean region. The species is one of the smallest members of its genus, as indicated by its specific epithet. Like other Ectobiidae, it is a free-living cockroach rather than a domestic pest species.
Carinisphindus purpuricephalus
Carinisphindus purpuricephalus is a species of cryptic slime mold beetle in the family Sphindidae. It was described by McHugh & Lewis in 2000. The species is found in North America.
Caripeta suffusata
Caripeta suffusata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Guedet in 1939. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group of geometer moths. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available sources.
Catastega triangulana
Catastega triangulana is a species of tortrix moth in the family Tortricidae, described by Brown in 1992. It belongs to the subfamily Olethreutinae and tribe Eucosmini. The species is part of a genus whose larvae are known to feed on Asteraceae plants. Information on this species remains limited, with few documented observations.
Cedius spinosus
Cedius spinosus is a small rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group commonly known as ant-loving beetles. The species is native to North America. Pselaphinae beetles are typically minute, with reduced elytra and compact bodies adapted for life in soil litter and ant colonies.
Cerma cerintha
Tufted Bird-dropping Moth
Cerma cerintha, known as the tufted bird-dropping moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Georg Friedrich Treitschke in 1826. The species is found in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9062. It belongs to the subfamily Acronictinae within the owlet moth family Noctuidae. The common name references its resemblance to bird droppings, a form of protective mimicry.
Cheliferoides longimanus
Cheliferoides longimanus is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae, first described by Gertsch in 1936. It is known from the United States, with 41 observations recorded on iNaturalist. As a salticid, it possesses the characteristic anterior median eyes and jumping locomotion typical of this family. The genus Cheliferoides is distinguished by its elongated pedipalps, which give the group its name—derived from Greek roots meaning 'claw-bearer'.
Chionomus cultus
Chionomus cultus is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1907. It belongs to a genus of small, delicate delphacid planthoppers found in North America. Members of this genus are associated with wetland and grassland habitats. The species is poorly documented in recent literature and has no confirmed observations in major biodiversity databases.
Chordeumatida
Sausage Millipedes, Spinning Millipedes
Chordeumatida is a large order of millipedes containing over 1,100 species, commonly known as sausage millipedes or spinning millipedes. Members of this order are distinguished by their teloanamorphic development—adding segments through molts until reaching a fixed adult number, after which molting ceases. They are notable for possessing spinnerets on their telsons that produce silk used to construct protective chambers for molting and egg-laying. The order exhibits considerable morphological diversity, with species ranging from 3.5 to 42 mm in length and displaying both cylindrical and flat-backed body forms.
Cis levettei
Cis levettei is a species of minute tree-fungus beetle in the family Ciidae. It is found in North America, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba in Canada. As a member of the Ciidae, it is associated with fungal habitats, particularly bracket fungi on trees. The species was described by Casey in 1898.
Clambus vulneratus
Clambus vulneratus is a small beetle species in the family Clambidae, described by LeConte in 1879. It is one of approximately 30 recognized species in the genus Clambus, a group of minute beetles commonly known as fringe-winged beetles. The species has been documented in North America, including records from Québec, Canada. Members of Clambidae are typically found in leaf litter and decaying organic matter, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Clivina rufa
Clivina rufa is a ground beetle species in the subfamily Scaritinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1857. The genus Clivina comprises small, fossorial ground beetles commonly known as ant-loving beetles or seedcorn beetles. Members of this genus are typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats. The species epithet 'rufa' refers to reddish coloration.
Cnemodinus
Cnemodinus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Cockerell in 1906. It is the sole genus in the monotypic tribe Cnemodinini. The genus contains three described species: Cnemodinus angustus, Cnemodinus subhyalinus, and Cnemodinus testaceus. These species were described by Casey (1907) and Horn (1870).
Coccidula lepida
snow lady beetle, black arrow lady beetle
Coccidula lepida is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, known by the common names snow lady beetle and black arrow lady beetle. Adults measure 2.75–3.45 mm in length and are characterized by yellow elytra with black spots, a black head, and yellow body coloration. The species is distributed across northern North America, with records from Quebec to New Jersey, west to Alaska and Colorado, and additional Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
Cochylichroa
Cochylichroa is a genus of tortricid moths in the family Tortricidae. The genus was redefined in 2019 to include nine species based on phylogenetic analysis; most were previously classified under the genus Conchylis. It contains several notable species including the banded sunflower moth (C. hospes) and Arthur's sunflower moth (C. arthuri).
Colaspidea smaragdula
Colaspidea smaragdula is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by J.L. LeConte in 1857. The species is found in North America. It belongs to the genus Colaspidea, which comprises leaf beetles within the diverse chrysomelid family.
Coleocentrus flavipes
Coleocentrus flavipes is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Provancher in 1874. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of wasps. The specific epithet "flavipes" (meaning "yellow-footed") likely refers to yellow coloration on the legs. As with other ichneumonid wasps, this species is presumed to be parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented in available sources.
Collops quadrimaculatus
four-spotted collops
Collops quadrimaculatus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, commonly known as the four-spotted collops. It is recognized as a beneficial predator in agricultural systems, particularly in cotton production. The species occurs across Central and North America, with documented populations in Canada (Ontario, Québec), the United States, and Mexico. Adults are active during the growing season and are frequently recorded in field observations.
Colymbetes exaratus
Colymbetes exaratus is a predaceous diving beetle (family Dytiscidae) described by LeConte in 1862. The species occurs in North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia) and the United States. Like other members of the genus Colymbetes, it is an aquatic predator inhabiting freshwater systems. Two subspecies are recognized: C. e. exaratus and C. e. incognitus.
Cophura tanbarki
Cophura tanbarki is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of relatively small, slender robber flies. Like other members of the genus Cophura, it is likely predatory, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented.
Cordillonotus stellatus
Cordillonotus stellatus is a species of true bug in the family Rhyparochromidae (seed bugs), described by Scudder in 1984. It belongs to the subfamily Rhyparochrominae within the superfamily Lygaeoidea. The species is known from North America, though detailed information about its biology and ecology remains limited.
Cryptocephalus confluentus
Confluent Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus confluentus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. The species occurs in North America and is one of approximately 1,200 species in the genus Cryptocephalus. Two subspecies are recognized: C. c. confluentus and C. c. melanoscelus. Like other members of the genus, adults possess the characteristic hardened case formed by the enlarged elytra and pronotum that protects the head and appendages when disturbed.
Cryptocephalus gibbicollis
Hump-necked Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus gibbicollis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Haldeman in 1849. The species is found in North America and belongs to a genus whose larvae construct protective cases from their own fecal material combined with plant debris. The specific epithet "gibbicollis" refers to a humped or swollen neck (collum), likely describing a distinctive pronotal or cervical feature of this species.
Cryptocephalus notatus
Red-marked Leaf Beetle
Cryptocephalus notatus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the Red-marked Leaf Beetle. The species is native to North America and has been recorded across multiple Canadian provinces and the United States. It belongs to a genus whose larvae construct portable cases from fecal material and shed exoskeletons.
Cryptorhynchus tristis
hidden snout weevil
Cryptorhynchus tristis is a species of hidden snout weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. It was described by Sturm in 1826. The species is found in North America. Like other members of the genus Cryptorhynchus, it likely exhibits the characteristic behavior of drawing its rostrum back into a ventral groove when disturbed.
Cucullia eucaena
Cucullia eucaena is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Cuculliinae. It was described by Harrison G. Dyar in 1919. The species is known from North America and has been assigned the MONA/Hodges number 10201.1. Like other members of the genus Cucullia, it likely exhibits the characteristic hooded or cucullate forewing shape that gives the genus its name.
Curculio orthorhynchus
Curculio orthorhynchus is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by Chittenden in 1908 under the basionym Balaninus orthorhynchus. The species is native to North America and belongs to the genus Curculio, a group of weevils commonly known as acorn or nut weevils due to their association with developing nuts and fruits. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Curimopsis echinata
Prickly Pill Beetle
Curimopsis echinata is a species of pill beetle in the family Byrrhidae, first described by LeConte in 1850. It is known from North America, with records from the United States and Canada including Alberta and British Columbia. As a member of the pill beetles, it exhibits the characteristic ability to conglobate (roll into a ball) when disturbed. The specific epithet 'echinata' (spiny/prickly) suggests a textured or spinose appearance.
Cybocephalus nigritulus
Cybocephalus nigritulus is a minute beetle in the family Cybocephalidae, historically classified among sap, bark, and fungus beetles. The species is native to North America and is among the smallest beetles in its family, with adults measuring 1.0–1.55 mm in length. It was described by LeConte in 1863.
Cylindrarctus crinifer
Cylindrarctus crinifer is a small ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The species is known from scattered records across the eastern and central United States. Like other members of the tribe Tychini, it is associated with ant colonies. Published information on its biology remains limited.
Dasychira obliquata
Streaked Tussock Moth
Dasychira obliquata, the Streaked Tussock Moth, is a North American moth species in the family Erebidae. It belongs to the tussock moth group, characterized by distinctive hair tufts on caterpillars. The species was originally described as Parorgyia obliquata before being transferred to Dasychira. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Decarthron longulum
ant-loving beetle
Decarthron longulum is a small rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1849. It belongs to a genus commonly referred to as 'ant-loving beetles' due to their association with ant colonies. The species has been documented across eastern North America, from southern Ontario and Quebec through the northeastern and midwestern United States.
Dialytes striatulus
Dialytes striatulus is a small aphodiine dung beetle described by Thomas Say in 1825. As a member of the Aphodiinae subfamily, it is associated with dung habitats and contributes to nutrient cycling. The species is documented across eastern and central North America, with records spanning from southeastern Canada to the eastern and central United States.
Dichagyris cataclivis
cataclivis dart moth
Dichagyris cataclivis is a species of dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Harrison Dyar in 1910. It belongs to a genus of moths commonly known as cutworms or darts, characterized by robust bodies and cryptic coloration. The species occurs in North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Dichagyris larga
Dichagyris larga is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1908, originally placed in the genus Noctua. The species is present in North America and has been documented through 17 iNaturalist observations. It belongs to the diverse subfamily Noctuinae, which contains many ground-dwelling moths commonly known as owlet moths.
Dichomeris citrifoliella
orange webworm moth
Dichomeris citrifoliella, commonly known as the orange webworm moth, is a small gelechiid moth native to eastern and central North America. First described by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1880, this species is recognized by its ochreous yellow forewings densely dusted with gray and marked with distinctive dark dots. The larvae are known to feed on the buds of citrus and related plants in the family Rutaceae.
Dichomeris glenni
Glenn's Dichomeris Moth
Dichomeris glenni is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by John Frederick Gates Clarke in 1947. It is known from scattered records across central and eastern North America, from Ontario south to Florida and west to Kansas and Oklahoma. The species is one of many in the large genus Dichomeris, which contains hundreds of small, often poorly known moths.
Discoderus parallelus
Discoderus parallelus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by Haldeman in 1843. It belongs to the suborder Adephaga and is native to North America, with confirmed records from the United States and Canada. The species is placed in the tribe Harpalini within the subfamily Harpalinae.
Discoderus pinguis
Discoderus pinguis is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by Thomas L. Casey in 1884. It belongs to the genus Discoderus, which is part of the tribe Harpalini within the subfamily Harpalinae. The species is known from the United States, with records indicating presence in North America. Very little specific information about its biology, ecology, or behavior has been documented in available sources.
Discoderus robustus
Discoderus robustus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1883. The species is native to North America and comprises two recognized subspecies: the nominate D. r. robustus and D. r. piceus described by Casey in 1914. As a member of the tribe Harpalini, it belongs to one of the most diverse lineages of ground beetles. Published observations of this species remain limited, with only eight documented records on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Disonycha triangularis
Three-spotted Flea Beetle
Disonycha triangularis, commonly known as the three-spotted flea beetle, is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It is recognized by its distinctive triangular markings and jumping ability characteristic of flea beetles. The species is native to North America and has been documented across a broad geographic range including Canada and the United States.
Distigmoptera schwarzi
Distigmoptera schwarzi is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Blake in 1943. It belongs to the tribe Alticini, a large group of leaf beetles characterized by their enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The genus Distigmoptera is part of the diverse subfamily Galerucinae. Information on this specific species is limited in the provided sources.
Dolichopus variabilis
Dolichopus variabilis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. The genus Dolichopus is one of the most species-rich genera within this family, characterized by males having specialized ornamentation on their front tarsi used in courtship displays. Members of this family are predatory on other small insects. The specific epithet "variabilis" suggests morphological variation, though detailed species-level documentation for this particular taxon is limited in available sources.
Drepanoglossa
Drepanoglossa is a genus of tachinid flies established by Townsend in 1891. The genus contains at least three described species, all parasitoid flies that develop within other insects. These bristle flies are part of the diverse Tachinidae family, one of the largest families of Diptera. The genus name derives from Greek roots suggesting a hooked or sickle-shaped tongue or mouthpart structure.
Duospina trichella
Duospina trichella is a small moth species in the family Batrachedridae, first described by August Busck in 1908. It is distributed across eastern North America, with records from the United States and Canada. Adults are active during spring and summer months. The species has a wingspan of approximately 13 mm.
Dyschirius erythrocerus
Dyschirius erythrocerus is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Scaritinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1857. The specific epithet 'erythrocerus' (from Greek 'erythros' meaning red and 'keros' meaning horn) likely refers to reddish coloration on the antennae or other appendages. It belongs to a genus of small, fossorial ground beetles adapted for burrowing in soil.
Dyschirius salivagans
Dyschirius salivagans is a small ground beetle in the subfamily Scaritinae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1875. It belongs to the genus Dyschirius, which comprises numerous small, often soil-dwelling carabid beetles. The species is known from the United States, though detailed natural history information remains limited.