North-american-fauna
Guides
Platynus cincticollis
Platynus cincticollis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species is distinguished by two reddish spots on the head. It is native to North America, with documented records from both Canada and the United States.
Plemyria georgii
George's carpet moth
Plemyria georgii, commonly known as George's carpet moth, is a geometrid moth species described by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. It belongs to the subfamily Larentiinae, a diverse group of carpet moths. The species is documented across northern North America with over 1,000 citizen science observations recorded. Its Hodges number 7216 provides a standardized reference for North American Lepidoptera.
Plocetes
leguminous seed weevils
Plocetes is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae comprising over 60 described species. The genus was established by J.L. LeConte in 1876. Members are commonly known as leguminous seed weevils, indicating an association with legume plants. The genus is taxonomically stable and accepted across major biodiversity databases.
Podabrus punctulatus
Podabrus punctulatus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is native to North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba, Ontario, Québec) and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to a group of soft-bodied beetles commonly known as leatherwings due to their flexible elytra. The species is part of a diverse North American fauna of approximately 160 soldier beetle species in 11 genera.
Polia propodea
Scarce Boreal Arches
Polia propodea is a noctuid moth species described by McCabe in 1980. It is known from North America, where it has been recorded in boreal regions. The species is referred to by the common name 'Scarce Boreal Arches' and belongs to the tribe Hadenini within the subfamily Noctuinae.
Polia purpurissata
Purple Arches Moth, Purple Arches
Polia purpurissata, commonly known as the purple arches moth, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It was first described by Grote in 1864 and is found in North America. The species is assigned Hodges number 10280 in the North American moth classification system. It belongs to the genus Polia, which comprises numerous noctuid moth species.
Priocnessus nuperus
Priocnessus nuperus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Cresson in 1867. Members of this genus are known as spider wasps that hunt spiders to provision their nests. The species is part of the diverse North American spider wasp fauna, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Pronoctua
Pronoctua is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1894. The genus is placed within the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest subfamilies of owlet moths. Very few observations of this genus exist in public databases, suggesting it may be rare, geographically restricted, or understudied.
Properigea
Properigea is a genus of noctuid moths erected by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1926. The genus comprises ten described species distributed primarily in North America. Members of this genus are classified within the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest and most diverse groups within the Noctuidae family.
Protenor belfragei
broad-headed bug
Protenor belfragei is a species of broad-headed bug in the family Alydidae, first described by Haglund in 1868. It is native to North America and has been documented in scattered locations across the eastern and central United States. As a member of the Alydidae family, it belongs to a group of true bugs commonly known as broad-headed bugs due to their widened head shape relative to other heteropterans.
Protogygia polingi
Protogygia polingi is a noctuid moth species described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1922. It is placed in the subfamily Noctuinae, a group commonly known as cutworms or dart moths. The species is native to North America and has been documented through 42 iNaturalist observations. Its basionym, Rhizagrotis polingi, reflects a previous generic placement that was later revised to Protogygia.
Protoperigea anotha
kaslo rustic
Protoperigea anotha, known as the kaslo rustic, is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Dyar in 1904 and is native to North America. The species is assigned Hodges number 9642 in the North American moth numbering system. It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, a diverse group of ground-dwelling moths commonly referred to as owlet moths.
Protoproutia laredoata
Protoproutia laredoata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Cassino in 1931. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7093. The species is documented across North America with substantial observational records.
Rhabdopterus praetextus
Rhabdopterus praetextus is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. It is distributed across North America, with confirmed records in Canada (Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Québec) and the United States. As a member of the leaf beetle family, it is presumed to be herbivorous, though specific host plants have not been documented in available sources.
Rhantus binotatus
Double-marked Swimming Beetle
Rhantus binotatus is a predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. The species occurs in North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia) and the United States. As a member of the genus Rhantus, it inhabits aquatic environments where it functions as an active predator. The common name 'Double-marked Swimming Beetle' refers to distinctive markings used in identification.
Rhinoscepsis
Rhinoscepsis is a genus of minute rove beetles in the subfamily Pselaphinae, established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1878. Members of this genus belong to the tribe Metopiasini within the diverse ant-loving beetle group. The genus name derives from Greek roots suggesting a 'snout-like' or 'nose-bearing' appearance, likely referring to distinctive cephalic structures. As with many Pselaphinae, these beetles are small, cryptic, and poorly documented in public sources.
Rhizagrotis modesta
Rhizagrotis modesta is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1911. The species was originally described under the genus Prochloridea before being transferred to Rhizagrotis. It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest and most diverse groups within Noctuidae. The genus Rhizagrotis contains relatively few described species, and R. modesta remains poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Sabulodes spoliata
Sabulodes spoliata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Grossbeck in 1908. It is found in North America and has been recorded in 119 iNaturalist observations. The species is recognized by the MONA or Hodges number 7003. Three subspecies have been described: Sabulodes spoliata berkleyata, Sabulodes spoliata lagunata, and the nominate subspecies Sabulodes spoliata spoliata.
Salebriaria
snout moths
Salebriaria is a genus of small snout moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. The genus was established by Carl Heinrich in 1956 and contains approximately 24 described species, most of which were described by Neunzig in 1988 and 2003. Species are distributed primarily in North America, with records from the United States including Vermont and other regions. The genus belongs to a diverse group of pyralid moths characterized by elongated labial palps forming a snout-like projection.
Schizogenius sulcifrons
Schizogenius sulcifrons is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by Putzeys in 1846. It belongs to the genus Schizogenius, a group of small to medium-sized carabid beetles. The species is known from North America, with records from both the United States and Canada.
Sciodrepoides terminans
Sciodrepoides terminans is a small carrion beetle in the family Leiodidae, first described by J.L. LeConte in 1850. The species occurs across much of North America, with documented records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the subfamily Cholevinae, it belongs to a group commonly associated with decomposing organic matter.
Scopula inductata
Soft-lined Wave, soft-lined wave moth
Scopula inductata, commonly known as the soft-lined wave, is a moth in the family Geometridae described by Achille Guenée in 1857. It occurs across North America east of the Rocky Mountains, with adults active from July to September. The species has a wingspan of 20–25 mm and exhibits the characteristic 'wave' pattern typical of its genus.
Scotogramma gatei
Scotogramma gatei is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, originally described as Mamestra gatei by Smith in 1910. It belongs to the genus Scotogramma, a group of noctuid moths primarily distributed in North America. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases but appears to be poorly documented in biological literature and natural history collections.
Scrobipalpula sacculicola
A small moth in the family Gelechiidae described by Annette Frances Braun in 1925. The species name 'sacculicola' suggests an association with sac-like structures, possibly indicating a host or habitat relationship. Records remain sparse, with confirmed observations from three U.S. states.
Scytonotus granulatus
granulated millipede
Scytonotus granulatus, commonly known as the granulated millipede, is a species of flat-backed millipede in the family Polydesmidae. It is native to North America and was first described by Thomas Say in 1821 under the basionym Polydesmus granulatus. As a member of the Polydesmida order, it exhibits the characteristic flattened body form typical of flat-backed millipedes.
Semioscopis packardella
Packard's Concealer Moth, Packard's Flatbody Moth
A small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1863. Known from scattered localities across North America. The common name references the flattened body shape characteristic of many Depressariidae.
Sideridis congermana
German Cousin Moth, German cousin
Sideridis congermana is a noctuid moth commonly known as the German Cousin Moth. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species was first described by Morrison in 1874 and is native to North America. It is assigned Hodges number 10266 in the North American moth numbering system.
Sigmoria latior
Red-sided Flat Millipede
Sigmoria latior is a flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, commonly known as the Red-sided Flat Millipede. The species was described by Brölemann in 1900 and is native to North America. Four subspecies are recognized, including the nominate subspecies S. l. latior and S. l. hoffmani, S. l. mariona, and S. l. munda. As a member of the tribe Apheloriini, it belongs to a group of xystodesmid millipedes known for their often striking coloration.
Silvanoprus angusticollis
Silvanoprus angusticollis is a silvanid flat bark beetle (family Silvanidae) first described by Reitter in 1876. The species occurs in North America, including the Canadian province of Québec. Like other members of Silvanidae, it inhabits environments associated with dead or decaying wood and stored plant products. The genus Silvanoprus is distinguished from related genera by specific morphological features of the antennae and pronotum.
Solieria flava
Solieria flava is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae, described by Townsend in 1908. It belongs to the tribe Leskiini within the subfamily Tachininae. The species is recorded as present in North America based on distribution data. As a tachinid fly, it is likely a parasitoid, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Spaelotis quadricava
Spaelotis quadricava is a species of noctuid moth described by J. Donald Lafontaine in 1998. It belongs to the genus Spaelotis, a group of ground-dwelling owlet moths within the subfamily Noctuinae. The species is known from North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and associated with terrestrial habitats.
Spilopteron occiputale
Spilopteron occiputale is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1869. It belongs to the genus Spilopteron, a group of parasitoid wasps. The species has been documented through 159 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is encountered with some regularity by naturalists. As with other ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host relationships for this species are not well documented.
Stamnodes deceptiva
Stamnodes deceptiva is a species of geometrid moth first described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1918. It belongs to the subfamily Larentiinae, a group of carpet moths. The species is known from North America and has been assigned Hodges number 7355. Despite the specific epithet suggesting deceptive appearance, detailed documentation of its distinguishing characteristics remains limited in available sources.
Stenoporpia anastomosaria
Stenoporpia anastomosaria is a geometrid moth described by Grossbeck in 1908. It belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths. The species is recorded from North America and is assigned Hodges number 6462 in the North American Moth Photographers Group (MPG) and Moth Photographers Group (MONA) numbering system.
Stibaera thyatiroides
whaleback moth
Stibaera thyatiroides, commonly known as the whaleback moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Barnes and Benjamin in 1924. It belongs to the family Noctuidae (owlet moths) and is found in North America. The species has been assigned Hodges number 9716 in the North American moth numbering system.
Stictobaris
flower weevils
Stictobaris is a genus of flower weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by Casey in 1892. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed in North America. Members are associated with flowering plants, though specific host relationships remain poorly documented for most species.
Stiria sulphurea
Stiria sulphurea is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. The species is characterized by its sulfur-yellow coloration, as suggested by its specific epithet. It is native to North America and has been documented in limited observations. The genus Stiria belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae, a group of noctuid moths with distinctive morphological features.
Stiriini
owlet moths (tribe)
Stiriini is a tribe of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, containing approximately 16 genera and over 90 described species. The tribe underwent significant taxonomic revision in 2019 when phylogenetic research revealed it was polyphyletic, resulting in the elevation of former subtribes Grotellinae and Stiriinae to subfamily rank. Stiriini is now placed within the subfamily Stiriinae and comprises primarily the former subtribe Stiriina plus additional genera. Members of this tribe occur in North America, with some representation in Central America and the Caribbean.
Styloxus
Styloxus is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) established by LeConte in 1873. The genus contains seven described species distributed in North America. At least one species, Styloxus bicolor, has been documented as a phloem and cambium feeder on one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma) in northern Arizona. The genus belongs to the tribe Methiini within the subfamily Cerambycinae.
Suphisellus bicolor
Suphisellus bicolor is a species of burrowing water beetle in the family Noteridae, subfamily Noterinae. It was described by Thomas Say in 1830 and is known from the United States. As a member of the Noteridae, it belongs to a family of small aquatic beetles adapted to burrowing in muddy substrates of freshwater habitats.
Svastra atripes
long-horned bee
Svastra atripes is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, native to North America. The species was originally described as Melissodes atripes by Cresson in 1872. It includes three recognized subspecies: S. a. atrimitra, S. a. atripes, and S. a. georgica. As a member of the tribe Eucerini, it belongs to a group of solitary, ground-nesting bees characterized by elongated antennae in males.
Symphylus caribbeanus
Symphylus caribbeanus is a seldom-collected shield-backed bug (family Scutelleridae) described by Kirkaldy in 1909. It belongs to a family characterized by an enlarged scutellum that covers most or all of the abdomen and wings. The species has been documented in the Caribbean and North America, though detailed biological information remains limited due to its rarity in collections.
Sympistis intruda
Sympistis intruda is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1910. It belongs to a large genus of noctuid moths distributed primarily in North America. The species is poorly documented in public databases, with limited observational records available.
Synuchus dubius
Synuchus dubius is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1854. It belongs to the subfamily Platyninae and tribe Sphodrini. The species is known from the United States and North America. Like other members of the genus Synuchus, it is a ground-dwelling beetle, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Syzeton pallidus
Syzeton pallidus is a species of ant-like leaf beetle in the family Aderidae. The species was originally described as Zonantes pallidus by Werner in 1990 and was transferred to the genus Syzeton in 2022 based on phylogenetic research. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario) and the United States.
Taedia scrupea
Taedia scrupea is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Thomas Say in 1832. It is a true bug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) with a broad distribution across eastern and central North America, extending into Mexico. The species has been documented in 887 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is moderately well-recorded in citizen science datasets.
Tehama
western lawn moth (for sole species Tehama bonifatella)
Tehama is a monotypic genus of moths in the family Crambidae, established by George D. Hulst in 1888. The genus contains a single species, Tehama bonifatella, commonly known as the western lawn moth. This small moth is distributed across northern North America, including Greenland, Canada, and the western United States, where it inhabits grassland ecosystems. The larvae feed on grasses, making it one of the few crambid moths associated with lawn and turf habitats.
Tenuiphantes zebra
Zebra Thin Sheetweaver
Tenuiphantes zebra is a species of sheetweb spider in the family Linyphiidae, a group known for constructing flat, horizontal webs. First described by Emerton in 1882, this small spider is found in North America, with records from the United States and Canada. As a member of the dwarf spider family Linyphiidae, it contributes to terrestrial arthropod diversity in its range, though detailed ecological studies remain limited.
Tesagrotis atrifrons
cutworm moth, dart moth
Tesagrotis atrifrons is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. It is native to North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10977. Little specific ecological information has been published for this species.
Thelaira americana
Thelaira americana is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It was described by Brooks in 1945. The species belongs to the tribe Thelairini within the subfamily Dexiinae. As a tachinid fly, it is likely a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this species are not well documented.