North-american-fauna
Guides
Dyschirius setosus
Dyschirius setosus is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Scaritinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1857. It belongs to a large genus of small, typically dark-colored ground beetles. The specific epithet 'setosus' suggests the species may be characterized by conspicuous setae (bristles), though detailed morphological descriptions are limited in available sources.
Dysstroma suspectata
Dysstroma suspectata is a geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae. It is native to North America and was first described by Möschler in 1874. The species includes two recognized subspecies: the nominate D. s. suspectata and D. s. mackieata. It belongs to a genus of carpet moths commonly associated with boreal and temperate habitats.
Earinus limitaris
Earinus limitaris is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1835. It belongs to the diverse ichneumonoid lineage of wasps, which are characterized by their parasitoid lifestyle. The species is documented from North America, though detailed biological studies remain limited. As a member of Braconidae, it likely functions as a koinobiont parasitoid, though this has not been explicitly confirmed for this species.
Eleodes grandicollis
desert stink beetle
Eleodes grandicollis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species was described by Mannerheim in 1843. Two subspecies are recognized: E. g. grandicollis and E. g. valida. The species is part of the diverse Eleodes genus, commonly known as desert stink beetles or clown beetles, which are characteristic of arid environments in North America.
Endeitoma granulata
Endeitoma granulata is a species of cylindrical bark beetle in the family Zopheridae. It is native to North America and has been recorded from regions including Québec, Canada. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1826. As a member of Zopheridae, it belongs to a family of beetles commonly associated with dead or decaying wood.
Eriopygini
Eriopygini is a tribe of small-bodied moths within the subfamily Noctuinae (family Noctuidae). The tribe was formally established by Fibiger and Lafontaine in 2005, reclassified from its former placement in Hadeninae. It contains approximately 20 recognized genera distributed primarily in North America.
Eriplatymetra lentifluata
Eriplatymetra lentifluata is a moth species in the family Geometridae, first described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1917. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group of geometrid moths commonly known as inchworms or loopers due to their larval locomotion. The species is native to North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented. Records of this species are sparse, with limited observational data available.
Ersephila indistincta
Ersephila indistincta is a species of geometrid moth in the subfamily Larentiinae. It was described by Hulst in 1898. The species is recorded from North America and is assigned Hodges number 7279. Available information is limited, with only 15 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Eucanthus lazarus
Lazarus's Earth-boring Scarab Beetle
Eucanthus lazarus is a species of earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Bolboceratidae (sometimes historically placed in Geotrupidae). It occurs in North America, where it has been observed in association with animal dung. The species was originally described by Fabricius in 1775. A western subpopulation was once recognized as Eucanthus lazarus subtropicus, though this name is now generally treated as a synonym.
Eucerceris canaliculata
Eucerceris canaliculata is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae (formerly placed in Philanthidae). It belongs to the tribe Cercerini, commonly known as weevil wasps, which specialize in hunting weevils and other beetles to provision their nests. The species is found in North America and is one of multiple Eucerceris species recorded from the region.
Eucoptocnemis rufula
cutworm moth, dart moth
Eucoptocnemis rufula is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Lafontaine in 2004. The species is found in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10696.1. As a member of the genus Eucoptocnemis, it belongs to a group of moths commonly known as cutworms.
Eucosma canusana
Eucosma canusana is a small moth in the family Tortricidae, first described by Wright in 1997. As a member of the Olethreutinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of tortrix moths commonly known as leafroller moths. The species is placed in the genus Eucosma, a large and taxonomically complex group within the tribe Eucosmini. Very little specific biological information has been published for this species.
Eumacrodes yponomeutaria
Eumacrodes yponomeutaria is the sole species in the monotypic genus Eumacrodes, a geometrid moth first described by Achille Guenée in 1858. The species occurs in the Caribbean and North America. As a member of the subfamily Sterrhinae, it belongs to a diverse group of moths commonly known as carpet moths or wave moths. The genus was established by Warren in 1905.
Eupompha schwarzi
Eupompha schwarzi is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Wellman in 1909. It belongs to the tribe Eupomphini, a group of meloid beetles primarily associated with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and other desert vegetation in arid regions of western North America. The genus Eupompha is characterized by aposematic coloration, often with metallic green or blue hues combined with orange or red markings. Like other blister beetles, E. schwarzi possesses cantharidin, a defensive compound that causes skin blistering.
Eurhoptus
hidden snout weevils
Eurhoptus is a genus of hidden snout weevils in the family Curculionidae. The genus was established by LeConte in 1876. A major taxonomic revision in 2018 by Anderson and Caterino resurrected one species and described five new species, bringing the total to at least eight described species. The genus is part of the diverse weevil fauna of North America.
Eusarca falcata
Eusarca falcata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, described by Packard in 1873. It is known to occur in North America, where it has been recorded with moderate frequency in entomological collections and citizen science observations. The species is assigned Hodges number 6927 in the North American moth classification system. As a member of the subfamily Ennominae, it belongs to a diverse group of moths commonly known as inchworms or loopers due to their characteristic larval locomotion.
Eusattus difficilis
Eusattus difficilis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1851. The genus Eusattus belongs to a diverse group of beetles commonly known as darkling beetles, which are primarily found in arid and semi-arid environments. This species is native to Mexico, as indicated by distribution records. The specific epithet "difficilis" (Latin for "difficult") may allude to identification challenges or habitat characteristics. Darkling beetles in this genus are typically ground-dwelling and adapted to dry conditions.
Eutochia
Eutochia is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by LeConte in 1862. The genus contains relatively few described species and is characterized by its placement within the diverse tenebrionid radiation. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized beetles with the general body plan typical of many Tenebrionidae. The genus appears to be sparsely collected and poorly represented in biological collections.
Euxoa silens
silent dart
Euxoa silens, commonly known as the silent dart, is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Alberta and Manitoba in Canada. The species is part of a large genus of dart moths, many of which are significant agricultural pests as larvae.
Exochomus childreni guexi
Exochomus childreni guexi is a subspecies of lady beetle (Coccinellidae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1852. It belongs to the genus Exochomus, a group of lady beetles characterized by their elongated body form and often dark coloration with contrasting markings. The subspecies is recognized as part of the North American fauna, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in the literature.
Falsomordellistena discolor
tumbling flower beetle
Falsomordellistena discolor is a species of tumbling flower beetle in the family Mordellidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario, Québec) and the United States. The species was described by Melsheimer in 1846. As a member of the tumbling flower beetles, it exhibits the characteristic humpbacked body shape and jumping behavior typical of the family.
Fissicrambus haytiellus
Carpet-grass Webworm Moth
Fissicrambus haytiellus, commonly known as the carpet-grass webworm moth, is a species in the family Crambidae. First described by Zincken in 1821, it is currently treated as a synonym of Fissicrambus fissiradiellus in some taxonomic databases. The species occurs in the Caribbean and southeastern United States.
Fitchia spinosula
Fitchia spinosula is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, first described by Carl Stål in 1872. It belongs to the subfamily Harpactorinae, a diverse group of predatory true bugs. The species is known from North America, with records primarily from the western Nearctic region. Like other reduviids, it is presumed to be predatory, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Gabara obscura
Gabara obscura is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae, described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. The species is native to North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 8518. It belongs to the subfamily Calpinae, a group of moths commonly known as underwing or related owlet moths. Available information on this species is limited to basic taxonomic and distributional records.
Gardinia anopla
Gardinia anopla is a moth species in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae, described by Hering in 1925. It is known only from Arizona, where adults are active during summer months. The species belongs to the tribe Lithosiini, a group of lichen moths within the tiger moth lineage. Despite being described nearly a century ago, published information about its biology remains limited.
Geocoris frisoni
big-eyed bug
Geocoris frisoni is a species of big-eyed bug in the family Geocoridae, first described by Barber in 1926. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from the United States. As a member of the genus Geocoris, it belongs to a group of predatory true bugs recognized for their beneficial role in agricultural pest management.
Glaucotes
Glaucotes is a monotypic genus of longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae, tribe Acanthocinini. The genus contains a single species, Glaucotes yuccivorus, described by Fall in 1907. The genus was established by Casey in 1913.
Goes novus
Goes novus is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Fall in 1928. It is known from the United States. The species belongs to the subfamily Lamiinae and tribe Monochamini, placing it among the flat-faced longhorns.
Goniocera io
Goniocera io is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, first described by Aldrich in 1929. The species is known from North America. As a tachinid fly, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented. The genus Goniocera belongs to the tribe Siphonini within the subfamily Tachininae.
Gyrinus lecontei
Gyrinus lecontei is a species of whirligig beetle in the family Gyrinidae, described by Fall in 1922. It occurs in North America, with distribution records from Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario) and presumably the United States. Like other members of the genus Gyrinus, it is expected to inhabit the surface of freshwater bodies. Specific details about its ecology and behavior remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Harpalus compar
Harpalus compar is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalalinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1848. It belongs to the large genus Harpalus, which contains over 400 described species and represents one of the most diverse genera within the family Carabidae. The species is known from North America, with records from both the United States and Canada.
Hellinsia inquinatus
Black-marked Plume Moth
Hellinsia inquinatus is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, described by Zeller in 1873. It is distributed across much of North America and the Caribbean, with a wingspan of 16–18 mm. The species has been recorded feeding on three species of Ambrosia and Parthenium as larvae.
Helophorus nitiduloides
Speckled Water Scavenger
Helophorus nitiduloides is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Helophoridae, a family containing only the genus Helophorus. The species is found in North America, with records across northern and western regions of the continent. It was described by Orchymont in 1945.
Hemeroplanis rectalis
Pale-lined Hemeroplanis
Hemeroplanis rectalis is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Smith in 1907. It is commonly known as the Pale-lined Hemeroplanis. The species is distributed across North America. It is assigned Hodges number 8475.1 in the North American moth numbering system.
Hemicoelus carinatus
Eastern Deathwatch Beetle
Hemicoelus carinatus is a species of deathwatch beetle in the family Ptinidae, subfamily Anobiinae. It is commonly known as the Eastern Deathwatch Beetle. The species occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the Anobiinae, it is associated with wood-boring habits.
Hemieuxoa
Hemieuxoa is a genus of noctuid moths established by James Halliday McDunnough in 1929. The genus contains six recognized species distributed primarily in North America. These moths belong to the subfamily Noctuinae, a diverse group commonly known as owlet moths. The genus name reflects a characteristic wing pattern feature, with 'hemi-' suggesting partial or half markings.
Hemiquedius
Hemiquedius is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) established by Casey in 1915. It belongs to the tribe Staphylinini within the subfamily Staphylininae. The genus is characterized by morphological features that distinguish it from the related genus Quedius, particularly in the structure of the aedeagus and other male genital characters. Species within this genus are found in North America.
Hesperia colorado
American Branded Skipper, Western Branded Skipper
Hesperia colorado is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the American Branded Skipper or Western Branded Skipper. The species was described by Scudder in 1874, originally placed in the genus Pamphila. As a member of the genus Hesperia, it belongs to a group of grass skippers characterized by rapid, darting flight patterns and relatively small, robust bodies compared to other butterflies.
Hesperumia fumosaria
Hesperumia fumosaria is a geometrid moth species described by Comstock in 1937. It is one of two recognized subspecies within the species, the other being H. fumosaria impensa described by Rindge in 1974. The species is found in North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 6432.
Heterachthes quadrimaculatus
Four-spotted Hickory Borer
Heterachthes quadrimaculatus is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Haldeman in 1847. The common name "Four-spotted Hickory Borer" reflects both its distinctive markings and its known association with hickory trees. Its host plant has been documented as Carya glabra (pignut hickory). The species occurs in eastern North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States.
Heterosilpha ramosa
Garden Carrion Beetle
Heterosilpha ramosa, commonly known as the Garden Carrion Beetle, is a species of carrion beetle in the family Silphidae. Despite its common name, this species exhibits unusual dietary habits for a carrion beetle, functioning primarily as a generalist feeder rather than a strict carrion specialist. It is widely distributed across western and central North America, from Canada through Mexico, and occupies diverse habitats including shortgrass prairie and coniferous forest. The species has been documented as active from March through October, with adults overwintering.
Himatolabus pubescens
Pubescent Leaf-rolling Weevil
Himatolabus pubescens is a leaf-rolling weevil in the family Attelabidae, found across North America including Canada and the United States. The species is characterized by pubescent body covering and shares the distinctive leaf-rolling behavior typical of the family, in which females cut and roll leaves to create protective chambers for egg deposition. Despite being a relatively well-documented species with over 100 iNaturalist observations, detailed ecological information remains limited.
Holopogon mingusae
Holopogon mingusae is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1959. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and the genus Holopogon, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. The species was named in honor of Mingus, likely referencing a collector or individual associated with the type specimen. Like other robber flies, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects.
Homaemus
shield-backed bugs
Homaemus is a genus of shield-backed bugs in the family Scutelleridae, containing approximately five described species native to North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their enlarged scutellum that covers most of the abdomen and wings. At least one species, Homaemus proteus, has been documented feeding on ornamental species of Rudbeckia (Asteraceae).
Homorthodes flosca
Homorthodes flosca is a noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1906 from the genus Homorthodes. Originally described as Himella flosca, it belongs to the tribe Eriopygini within the subfamily Noctuinae. The species has been documented in North America, though detailed biological information remains limited. Records from iNaturalist indicate it has been observed in the wild, but it appears to be infrequently encountered or reported.
Homosetia bifasciella
Homosetia bifasciella is a small moth in the family Meessiidae, originally described from North America in 1876. The species is characterized by two pale transverse bands across the forewings, reflected in its specific epithet 'bifasciella' (meaning 'two-banded'). It belongs to a genus of moths associated with dead plant material and detritus.
Horisme
Horisme is a genus of geometrid moths in the subfamily Larentiinae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1825. The genus contains multiple species distributed across Europe and North America. One species, Horisme tersata (Fern moth), has been subject to genome sequencing, revealing a chromosome-level assembly of approximately 558 Mb. Species within this genus are associated with specific host plants and exhibit characteristic wing patterning useful for identification.
Hubbardia pentapeltis
short-tailed whipscorpion
Hubbardia pentapeltis is a species of short-tailed whipscorpion in the family Hubbardiidae, first described by Cook in 1899. It belongs to the order Schizomida, a small group of arachnids characterized by their compact bodies and reduced flagellum. The species is known from North America and has been documented in citizen science observations.
Hyalopsocus floridanus
common barklouse
Hyalopsocus floridanus is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, first described by Banks in 1905. It is a small, winged insect that inhabits bark and foliage surfaces. The species is distributed across North America, with records from both the United States and Canada. As a member of the 'common barklice' group, it contributes to the decomposition of organic material in forest and woodland ecosystems.
Hyalopsocus striatus
common barklouse
Hyalopsocus striatus is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae. It is found in North America, with records from the United States and Canada. As a member of the Psocidae, it is part of a group of small, soft-bodied insects commonly known as barklice or booklice, which are typically associated with tree bark, leaf litter, and other decaying organic matter. The species was described by Francis Walker in 1853.