North-american-fauna
Guides
Neoscutopterus hornii
Horn's Predaceous Diving Beetle
Neoscutopterus hornii is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. The species was described by Crotch in 1873. As a member of the predaceous diving beetles, it is an aquatic predator, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Neottiglossa tumidifrons
Neottiglossa tumidifrons is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, described by Downes in 1928. It is known from North America. Like other members of the genus Neottiglossa, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized pentatomids. The specific epithet 'tumidifrons' refers to a swollen or enlarged frons (front of the head).
Nephrogramma
Nephrogramma is a genus of small moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Glaphyriinae. The genus was established by Munroe in 1964 and currently contains two described species: N. reniculalis and N. separata. These moths are part of the diverse pyraloid fauna, with documented observations primarily from North America.
Nitidolimonius
Nitidolimonius is a genus of click beetles (Elateridae) described by Johnson in 2008. The genus is native to North America, with documented records from Vermont and elsewhere in the United States. As a relatively recently described taxon, its species-level diversity and biology remain incompletely documented.
Nomada suavis
Suave Nomad Bee
Nomada suavis is a species of nomad bee in the family Apidae, found in North America. As a member of the genus Nomada, it is a kleptoparasitic cuckoo bee that does not construct its own nest or collect pollen. The species was described by Cresson in 1878. Like other nomad bees, it likely lays its eggs in the nests of host bee species, though specific host relationships for N. suavis have not been documented.
Nomada vegana
nomad bee
Nomada vegana is a species of kleptoparasitic nomad bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1903. As a member of the genus Nomada, it exhibits the characteristic cuckoo bee lifestyle of laying eggs in the nests of host bee species rather than constructing its own nests or collecting pollen. The species is known from Central America and North America, with iNaturalist recording over 1,800 observations. Like other Nomada species, it likely targets nests of Andrena or related ground-nesting bees as hosts.
Nystalea eutalanta
Dyar's tropical prominent moth
Nystalea eutalanta is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1921. It occurs in North America and belongs to the subfamily Nystaleinae. The species is represented by approximately 40 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is encountered infrequently relative to more common moth species.
Olethreutes coruscana
Olethreutes coruscana is a small tortricid moth native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of 14–16 mm and are active primarily from May through July. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning eastern and central North America, from the Canadian prairie provinces to the mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States. As a member of the genus Olethreutes, it belongs to a diverse group of small moths commonly known as tortricids or leafroller moths.
Olibroporus
Olibroporus is a genus of small beetles in the family Phalacridae, established by Casey in 1889. The genus contains multiple species, including the widespread Olibroporus punctatus. Phalacridae beetles are generally associated with fungal environments. Taxonomic revision of the genus has been undertaken to clarify species boundaries and diagnostic characters.
Oligia minuscula
Small Brocade, Bog Oligia
Oligia minuscula, commonly known as the Small Brocade or Bog Oligia, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was first described by Morrison in 1875 under the basionym Orthosia minuscula. The species is found in North America, with two recognized subspecies: O. m. minuscula and O. m. grahami. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9416.
Onychelus obustus
Onychelus obustus is a millipede species in the family Atopetholidae, described by Cook in 1904. It belongs to the order Spirobolida, a group of large, cylindrical millipedes commonly known as giant millipedes or round-backed millipedes. The species has been documented in North America, particularly in the United States.
Onychobaris
Onychobaris is a genus of flower weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876. The genus contains more than 40 described species distributed across North America. Members are associated with flowers and vegetation, though specific ecological details for most species remain poorly documented.
Oomorphidius
Oomorphidius is a genus of flower weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by Thomas Lincoln Casey in 1892. The genus contains two described species: Oomorphidius erasus (LeConte, 1880) and Oomorphidius laevicollis (LeConte, 1876). Both species were originally described in other genera and later transferred to Oomorphidius. The genus is part of the diverse weevil fauna associated with flowers.
Ophraella bilineata
Skeletonizing leaf beetle
Ophraella bilineata is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is characterized by its distinctive striped elytra and is found across North America. As a member of the Galerucinae subfamily, it exhibits the typical leaf beetle morphology with compact body form and herbivorous feeding habits.
Ophraella conferta
Crowded Leaf Beetle
Ophraella conferta is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the Crowded Leaf Beetle. The species is distributed across North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick) and the United States. As a member of the genus Ophraella, it shares the characteristic leaf-feeding habits of this group, though specific host plant associations for this species are not well documented in the available literature.
Oreodytes alaskanus
Oreodytes alaskanus is a small predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, first described by Fall in 1926. It belongs to the subfamily Hydroporinae, one of the most diverse lineages of diving beetles. The species is associated with freshwater habitats in northern North America.
Ormiscus fasciatus
Ormiscus fasciatus is a species of fungus weevil in the family Anthribidae. First described by Leconte in 1884, this beetle is known from North America. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Orthodes detracta
Disparaged Arches Moth, disparaged arches
Orthodes detracta, commonly known as the Disparaged Arches Moth, is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded across Canada and the northern United States. The species is assigned Hodges number 10288 in the North American moth numbering system. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to the diverse noctuid moth fauna of temperate regions.
Orthofidonia tinctaria
Marbled Wave, Marbled Wave Moth
Orthofidonia tinctaria, commonly known as the marbled wave or marbled wave moth, is a geometrid moth species described by Walker in 1860. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae within the family Geometridae. The species is recorded from North America, with confirmed presence in the northeastern United States including Vermont. Its MONA (Moths of North America) Hodges number is 6428.
Orthonops
Orthonops is a genus of North American araneomorph spiders in the family Caponiidae, established by R. V. Chamberlin in 1924. The genus contains 10 described species distributed in the southwestern United States and Mexico. These spiders belong to a family characterized by reduced eye numbers and elongated chelicerae.
Orthosia erythrolita
Orthosia erythrolita is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It occurs in North America. The species was described by Grote in 1879. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10477. Like other members of the genus Orthosia, it likely exhibits spring flight activity typical of the group.
Ostracophyto flavicaudalis
Ostracophyto flavicaudalis is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, described by O'Hara in 2002. It is native to North America and is one of approximately 1,500 species of tachinid flies in the United States. The specific epithet 'flavicaudalis' refers to a yellowish tail or abdomen, though detailed morphological descriptions remain limited in published literature.
Oxacis laevicollis
Oxacis laevicollis is a species of false blister beetle in the family Oedemeridae, described by George Henry Horn in 1896. The specific epithet "laevicollis" (Latin: "smooth neck") refers to a diagnostic morphological feature of the pronotum. The genus Oxacis comprises small to medium-sized oedemerids distributed primarily in North America. As with other members of Oedemeridae, adults may possess chemical defenses.
Pachybrachis marginatus
Pachybrachis marginatus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Bowditch in 1909. It belongs to the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, a group known for larvae that construct and carry protective cases from fecal material and shed exoskeletons. The species is native to North America.
Paectes nubifera
Clouded Paectes Moth
Paectes nubifera is a species of moth in the family Euteliidae, first described by Hampson in 1912. It is found in North America and is known by the common name Clouded Paectes Moth. The species has a Hodges number of 8965. It belongs to a genus that has been the subject of recent taxonomic revision, with several cryptic species complexes identified through detailed morphological study of genitalia.
Paectes oculatrix
Eyed Paectes Moth
Paectes oculatrix, commonly known as the eyed paectes or eyed paectes moth, is a species of moth in the family Euteliidae. First described by Achille Guenée in 1852, it is found throughout North America. The species is assigned MONA (Moth Photographers Group) or Hodges number 8957. It belongs to a genus that has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, with cryptic species complexes identified through genital dissection studies.
Paectes pygmaea
Pygmy Paectes Moth, pygmy paectes
Paectes pygmaea is a small moth in the family Euteliidae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1818. It is distributed across North America and is commonly known as the pygmy paectes. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 8959 for North American moth classification. Like other members of its genus, it is a nocturnal species attracted to light.
Pandeleteius hilaris
Eastern Diamond-necked Weevil
Pandeleteius hilaris is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, first described by Herbst in 1797. It is native to and distributed across eastern and southeastern North America. The species is commonly known as the Eastern Diamond-necked Weevil. As a member of the broad-nosed weevil group, it possesses the characteristic short, broad rostrum typical of this subfamily. Based on iNaturalist observations, it appears to be relatively well-documented in its native range.
Panorpa ferruginea
Panorpa ferruginea is a scorpionfly species in the family Panorpidae, described by George Byers in 1993. Scorpionflies in this genus are characterized by their distinctive elongated rostrum and, in males, a genital capsule that curves upward resembling a scorpion's stinger. The specific epithet "ferruginea" refers to a rusty or reddish-brown coloration. Like other Panorpa species, it is likely associated with moist woodland habitats where adults feed on opportunistic food sources.
Paradonus
Paradonus is a genus of click beetles in the family Elateridae, established by Stibick in 1971. The genus contains approximately six described species distributed in North America. These beetles possess the characteristic clicking mechanism of Elateridae, though specific ecological and behavioral details remain poorly documented.
Parajulidae
Parajulid Millipedes
Parajulidae is a family of millipedes in the order Julida, distinguished by male genital morphology: males possess greatly enlarged first pairs of legs and externally exposed gonopods. The family occurs predominantly in North America with extensions into Central America and East Asia, representing one of the most widely distributed millipede families in the Western Hemisphere. The genus Oriulus venustus alone covers three-fourths of the continental United States and adjacent southern Canada, making it the most broadly distributed North American diplopod known.
Paria quadrinotata
Four-marked Oval Leaf Beetle
Paria quadrinotata is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. It is native to North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States (Vermont). The common name "Four-marked Oval Leaf Beetle" refers to its characteristic color pattern. As a member of the genus Paria, it belongs to a group of small, oval leaf beetles associated with foliage feeding.
Parorectis callosa
Parorectis callosa is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. First described by Boheman in 1854, this beetle is known from North America. Tortoise beetles in this genus are characterized by their distinctive domed, tortoise-like body shape and association with host plants.
Pelochrista argentifurcatana
Pelochrista argentifurcatana is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, first described by Grote in 1876. It belongs to the large genus Pelochrista, which contains numerous small moth species. The species is part of the subfamily Olethreutinae and tribe Eucosmini. Limited observational data exists for this species, with 31 records documented on iNaturalist.
Pelochrista aurilineana
Pelochrista aurilineana is a species of tortricid moth described by Ferris in 2005. It belongs to the diverse genus Pelochrista, which contains numerous small moth species primarily found in North America. As a member of the subfamily Olethreutinae and tribe Eucosmini, it shares characteristics with other Eucosmini moths that often have distinctive wing patterns and are frequently attracted to ultraviolet light. The species is relatively recently described, indicating ongoing taxonomic work within this genus.
Pelochrista milleri
Pelochrista milleri is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, described by Wright in 2007. It belongs to the large genus Pelochrista, which contains numerous species of small moths commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. The species is part of the subfamily Olethreutinae and tribe Eucosmini. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a small moth with characteristic tortricid wing patterns, though specific details about its biology and distribution remain limited in published sources.
Peltodytes callosus
Peltodytes callosus is a species of crawling water beetle in the family Haliplidae, first described by LeConte in 1852. It belongs to a genus of small aquatic beetles adapted to life in shallow water environments. The species is documented from North America, with distribution records extending into Middle America.
Peracalles
hidden snout weevils
Peracalles is a genus of hidden snout weevils established by D.G. Kissinger in 1964. The genus belongs to the family Curculionidae and contains at least two described species: Peracalles pectoralis (LeConte, 1876) and Peracalles ventrosus (LeConte, 1878). The common name "hidden snout weevils" refers to a morphological characteristic of this group, though specific details of this trait are not documented in available sources. The genus is rarely encountered, with few observations recorded.
Perdita punctosignata
Perdita punctosignata is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Cockerell in 1895. It is one of approximately 800 described species in the genus Perdita, which comprises small, solitary bees native to North America. The species is known to occur in both Central America and North America, with three recognized subspecies distinguished primarily by coloration. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a specialist pollinator, though specific host plant associations remain undocumented.
Perdita rivalis
Perdita rivalis is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1958. As a member of the genus Perdita, it belongs to a diverse group of small, solitary bees commonly known as mining bees or fairy bees. The species is recorded from North America. Like other Perdita species, it likely exhibits the typical traits of the genus: small size, solitary nesting behavior in soil, and specialized floral associations, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Perigaster
minute seed weevils
Perigaster is a genus of minute seed weevils in the beetle family Curculionidae, established by Dietz in 1896. The genus contains approximately seven described species distributed in North America. These small weevils are associated with seeds, though specific host relationships remain poorly documented for most species. The immature stages of at least one species, P. cretura, have been described.
Peritapnia
Peritapnia is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the tribe Acanthoderini. The genus was established by Horn in 1894 and contains four described species distributed in western North America. Members are small to medium-sized cerambycids with affinities to other Acanthoderini genera.
Pero catalina
Pero catalina is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It was described by Poole in 1987. The species is found in North America. As a member of the genus Pero, it belongs to a group of moths commonly known as geometrid moths, which are characterized by their slender bodies and broad wings.
Petalium alaseriatum
Petalium alaseriatum is a species of small beetle in the family Ptinidae (formerly Anobiidae), described by Ford in 1973. It belongs to a genus of deathwatch beetles and spider beetles known for wood-boring or stored-product associations. The species is recorded from North America with very few documented observations.
Phlepsanus n-sp-ut
Phlepsanus n-sp-ut is an undescribed species in the leafhopper genus Phlepsanus (family Cicadellidae, tribe Chiasmini). The 'n-sp-ut' designation indicates it is a new species from Utah, currently known from specimen records but not yet formally described in scientific literature. Species in this genus are typically associated with grassland and sagebrush habitats.
Phobocampe geometrae
Phobocampe geometrae is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The species was described by Ashmead in 1898. Like other members of the genus Phobocampe, it is presumed to be a parasitoid wasp, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented. The specific epithet "geometrae" suggests a possible association with geometrid moths, a pattern seen in related species, but this has not been confirmed.
Pholcophora
cellar spiders
Pholcophora is a genus of cellar spiders in the family Pholcidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1896. The genus contains eight species distributed in North America, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas. These spiders are small-bodied with characteristically long, slender legs typical of the Pholcidae family. The genus has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, with three new species described in 2023.
Placopterus thoracicus
Black and Red Checkered Beetle
Placopterus thoracicus is a checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, commonly known as the Black and Red Checkered Beetle. It is distributed across Central America and North America, with records extending as far north as Manitoba, Canada. As a member of Cleridae, it belongs to a family of beetles often associated with predatory habits on other insects.
Plateumaris robusta
Robust reed beetle
Plateumaris robusta is a species of aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Donaciinae. It is found in North America, with records from western Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the reed beetle genus Plateumaris, it is associated with freshwater wetland habitats.
Platycerus oregonensis
Oregon Stag Beetle
Platycerus oregonensis is a species of stag beetle in the family Lucanidae, first described by John O. Westwood in 1844. It is commonly known as the Oregon Stag Beetle. The species belongs to the subfamily Lucaninae and is part of the genus Platycerus, which contains small to medium-sized stag beetles with distinctive mandible morphology.