North-american-native

Guides

Acalymma vittatum
striped cucumber beetle
Acalymma vittatum, the striped cucumber beetle, is a chrysomelid beetle native to eastern North America and a serious agricultural pest of cucurbit crops. Adults and larvae both feed on host plants, with adults damaging foliage, flowers, and fruit while larvae feed on roots. The species is a vector of Erwinia tracheiphila, the causal agent of bacterial wilt, which can destroy susceptible crops. Males produce an aggregation pheromone, vittatalactone, that attracts both sexes to host plants and facilitates mate finding. The species is replaced west of the Rocky Mountains by the western striped cucumber beetle, Acalymma trivittatum.
agricultural-pest cucurbit-specialist disease-vector pheromone-communication North-American-native Chrysomelidae root-feeder foliage-feeder
Acanalonia conica
Green Cone-headed Planthopper
Acanalonia conica is a planthopper species native to North America that has established invasive populations across Europe since its first detection in Italy in 2003. Adults are bright green with a distinctive conical head and red eyes, while nymphs are brown with white waxy filaments. The species is univoltine, highly polyphagous, and produces abundant honeydew. In Europe, it has been observed forming denser populations than in its native range and is considered a potential agricultural pest.
invasive-species planthopper polyphagous univoltine honeydew-producer agricultural-pest North-American-native European-introduction Hemiptera Acanaloniidae
Anasa tristis
Squash Bug
Anasa tristis is a significant agricultural pest native to North America, specializing in cucurbit crops including squash, pumpkins, and zucchini. Adults are greyish-brown, flattened insects approximately 1.5 cm long with distinctive alternating brown and gold spots along the abdominal margin. The species is a phloem-feeding sap sucker that physically damages plant xylem and leaves, causing wilting, darkening, and death. It also vectors the bacterial pathogen Serratia marcescens, which causes cucurbit yellow vine disease—a condition particularly prevalent in Oklahoma and Texas but spreading to other regions. When disturbed, adults emit an unpleasant odor.
agricultural-pest cucurbit-specialist disease-vector phloem-feeder biological-control-target antimicrobial-peptide-source North-American-native overwintering-adult integrated-pest-management symbiont-dependent-development
Andrena andrenoides
Colourful Willow Miner Bee
The Colourful Willow Miner Bee (Andrena andrenoides) is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America and belongs to the large genus Andrena, which comprises over 1,500 species of ground-nesting bees. As a member of this genus, it is a fossorial species that excavates tunnels in soil to create nesting chambers for its offspring. The species was originally described as Panurgus andrenoides by Cresson in 1878 before being transferred to the genus Andrena.
solitary-bee mining-bee ground-nesting-bee Andrenidae North-American-native
Andrena astragali
Death Camas Mining Bee, Death Camas Bee, Death Camas Andrena
Andrena astragali is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. It is remarkable for its specialized association with highly toxic plants in the genus Toxicoscordion (death camas), whose alkaloid zygacine is lethal to most other bees. The species was first described in 1914 from a specimen collected on Astragalus in Nebraska, though its primary host plants were later discovered to be Toxicoscordion species. It is considered the only bee species known to tolerate death camas toxins, making it a unique example of pollinator-plant coevolution involving chemical defense.
mining-bee solitary-bee oligolectic specialist-pollinator toxic-plant-association zygacine-tolerance North-American-native
Andrena cressonii
Cresson's Mining Bee, Cresson's Andrena, Dotted Miner Bee
Andrena cressonii, commonly known as Cresson's Mining Bee or the Dotted Miner Bee, is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from the United States including Vermont. The species was first described by Robertson in 1891 and includes three recognized subspecies. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it shares the characteristic ground-nesting behavior typical of mining bees, though specific ecological details for this particular species remain limited in available literature.
solitary-bee mining-bee ground-nesting North-American-native Andrenidae
Andrena distans
Distant Miner Bee, Cranesbill Miner
Andrena distans is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America, with records from Vermont and broader North American distribution. The species is commonly associated with Geranium maculatum (wild geranium) flowers, which has earned it the common name 'Cranesbill Miner.' As a ground-nesting solitary bee, it excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and nectar for its larvae.
solitary-bee mining-bee ground-nesting spring-pollinator forest-associated Geranium-specialist North-American-native Andrenidae pollinator wild-bee
Andrena erigeniae
Spring Beauty Miner Bee, Spring Beauty Andrena
Andrena erigeniae is a solitary mining bee native to North America, commonly known as the Spring Beauty Miner Bee. The species is univoltine, with adults active in spring. Females excavate underground burrows in clay soil, constructing nests with multiple cells provisioned with pollen and nectar. The species exhibits specialized foraging behavior associated with spring-blooming plants.
solitary-bee mining-bee ground-nesting univoltine spring-active North-American-native
Andrena haynesi
Haynes' Mining Bee, Haynes's Miner Bee, Haynes' Andrena
Andrena haynesi is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as Haynes' Mining Bee. First described by Viereck and Cockerell in 1914, this species is known from 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 lay eggs.
solitary-bee mining-bee ground-nesting-bee North-American-native Andrenidae spring-bee
Andrena mariae
Maria Miner Bee
Andrena mariae, the Maria Miner Bee, is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America and belongs to the large genus Andrena, which comprises over 1,400 species of ground-nesting bees. Like other Andrena species, it is a solitary bee that excavates tunnels in soil to create nests for its offspring. The species was described by Robertson in 1891.
solitary-bee mining-bee ground-nesting North-American-native
Andrena nigripes
big-headed andrena, Black-legged Miner
Andrena nigripes is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the big-headed andrena or Black-legged Miner. The species is characterized by its relatively large head compared to body size, a trait reflected in its common name. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the typical ground-nesting behavior of mining bees, excavating tunnels in soil to provision individual brood cells. It is native to North America.
solitary-bee mining-bee ground-nesting North-American-native
Andrena nuda
Nude Mining Bee, Naked Miner Bee, Nude Andrena
Andrena nuda is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the fossorial nesting behavior typical of mining bees, constructing underground burrows for reproduction.
solitary-bee mining-bee ground-nesting-bee North-American-native Andrenidae pollinator
Andrena pertristis
Mournful Mining Bee, Sad Miner Bee, Black Mournful Miner
Andrena pertristis is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Mournful Mining Bee or Sad Miner Bee. It is native to North America. The species was described by Cockerell in 1905 and includes two recognized subspecies: Andrena pertristis pertristis and Andrena pertristis carliniformis.
solitary-bee mining-bee ground-nesting North-American-native
Andrena rudbeckiae
Coneflower Mining Bee
Andrena rudbeckiae is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Coneflower Mining Bee. It is native to North America and is named for its association with Rudbeckia (coneflower) species, suggesting a likely host plant relationship. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the typical ground-nesting behavior characteristic of mining bees, excavating tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and nectar for its larvae.
solitary-bee mining-bee ground-nesting North-American-native
Blissus leucopterus
true chinch bug, chinch bug
Blissus leucopterus, commonly known as the true chinch bug, is a small hemipteran native to North America and the most frequently encountered species in the genus Blissus. Adults measure approximately 4 mm in length with distinctive black bodies, white wings bearing black triangular spots, and reddish legs. The species is a significant agricultural pest of turfgrass and grain crops, particularly corn, wheat, and sorghum, causing damage by sucking sap from stems and leaves. Populations thrive under hot, dry, sunny conditions, while heavy rainfall and high humidity promote fungal pathogens that suppress infestations.
agricultural-pest turfgrass-pest grain-crop-pest phloem-feeder North-American-native invasive-potential quarantine-pest
Buprestis adjecta
Buprestis adjecta is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded from western Canada, specifically Alberta and British Columbia. As a member of the genus Buprestis, it shares the characteristic brilliant metallic coloration typical of jewel beetles. The species was originally described as Ancylochira adjecta by LeConte in 1854.
jewel-beetle metallic-wood-boring-beetle North-American-native
Calliopsis fracta
Calliopsis fracta is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, originally described as Nomadopsis fracta by Rozen in 1952. It belongs to the tribe Calliopsini within the subfamily Panurginae. The species is native to North America and is part of a diverse genus of solitary bees that nest in the ground.
solitary-bee ground-nesting mining-bee North-American-native Andrenidae Calliopsini Hymenoptera
Cenopis directana
Chokecherry Leafroller Moth
Cenopis directana, commonly known as the Chokecherry Leafroller Moth, is a tortricid moth species found across eastern and central North America. The species is associated with chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) and related host plants, with larvae that roll or tie leaves for shelter. Adults are active during the warmer months and are attracted to light. The species has been subject to taxonomic revision, previously placed in the genus Sparganothis.
leafroller tortricid Prunus-feeder North-American-native
Cerococcus quercus
Oak Wax Scale
Cerococcus quercus is a scale insect in the family Cerococcidae, commonly known as the Oak Wax Scale. This species is associated with oak trees (Quercus spp.), as indicated by its specific epithet. Like other cerococcids, it produces a waxy covering for protection. The species was first described by Comstock in 1882 and is native to North America, with records from the United States.
scale-insect oak-associated wax-scale North-American-native Sternorrhyncha Coccoidea
Choristoneura fractivittana
broken-banded leafroller, dark-banded fireworm
Choristoneura fractivittana is a small tortricid moth native to North America. The species name derives from Latin frangere ('to break') and vitta ('band'), referring to the broken brown band on the forewing. Adults are active primarily in late spring and early summer, with larval development tied to deciduous tree hosts. The species has been observed across Canada and the eastern United States.
leafroller tortricid deciduous-forest North-American-native
Clepsis virescana
Greenish Apple Moth, Light Brown Apple Moth
Clepsis virescana is a small tortricid moth native to North America. It inhabits shrubby open areas and aspen parkland across southern Canada and much of the United States. Adults fly from spring through late summer, with larvae feeding on leaves of Prunus and Rosa species.
leafroller tortricid nocturnal North-American-native
Coleophora pruniella
cherry casebearer moth, cherry casebearer
Coleophora pruniella is a small casebearer moth in the family Coleophoridae, commonly known as the cherry casebearer moth. The species is native to North America and is recognized by its larval habit of constructing portable cases from silk and plant material. Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on leaves of numerous woody plant genera. The species serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Microbracon pygmaeus.
casebearer polyphagous parasitoid-host North-American-native
Condica albigera
boneset groundling
Condica albigera, commonly known as the boneset groundling, is a noctuid moth native to North America. The species is associated with boneset plants (Eupatorium species), which serve as host plants for its larvae. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The specific epithet 'albigera' refers to white markings on the wings.
nocturnal herbivorous monophagous-or-oligophagous North-American-native
Coptodisca saliciella
Coptodisca saliciella is a small moth in the family Heliozelidae, described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1861. The species is native to North America, with confirmed records from California and Ohio. Larvae are leaf miners that feed on willow species (Salix), specifically documented on Salix lasiolepis.
leaf-miner willow-associate North-American-native
Crabro tumidus
Crabro tumidus is a species of square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is native to North America. As a member of the genus Crabro, it belongs to a group of solitary wasps that provision nests with prey for their developing larvae. The species was described by Packard in 1867.
solitary-wasp square-headed-wasp North-American-native Crabronidae
Crematogaster missouriensis
Missouri Acrobat Ant
Crematogaster missouriensis is a species of acrobat ant in the family Formicidae, native to North America. Like other members of the genus Crematogaster, it possesses a distinctive heart-shaped gaster that can be raised over the thorax when disturbed—a behavior that gives acrobat ants their common name. The species was described by Emery in 1895 and is known from scattered observations across its range.
aculeata myrmicinae acrobatic-posture north-america formicidae crematogaster emery-1895 missouri-acrobat-ant hymenoptera insecta arthropoda animalia ant acrobatic-ant heart-shaped-gaster defensive-behavior social-insect eusocial myrmecophilous-associations clavigeritae-host north-american-native scattered-distribution limited-data specialist-identification-required petiole-morphology postpetiole-structure gaster-elevation alarm-response type-locality-missouri 1895-description emery-description rarely-encountered cryptic-species-complex taxonomic-uncertainty morphological-variability distribution-gaps observation-bias citizen-science-potential gbif-accepted inaturalist-documented 64-observations ecosystem-engineer soil-inhabitant arboreal-nesting-potential generalist-ecology-inferred colony-structure-unknown queen-morphology-undescribed male-morphology-unknown larval-development-unknown brood-care-presumed foraging-behavior-unstudied trophic-position-unclear competitive-interactions-unknown mutualistic-relationships-undocumented parasite-load-unknown disease-susceptibility-unknown climate-sensitivity-unstudied habitat-specificity-unknown microhabitat-preferences-unclear altitudinal-range-unknown seasonal-activity-patterns-undocumented nuptial-flight-timing-unknown colony-founding-behavior-unknown polygyny-potential-unclear worker-polymorphism-unknown caste-differentiation-unknown reproductive-strategy-unknown genetic-diversity-unstudied population-structure-unknown dispersal-ability-unclear colonization-potential-unknown invasive-risk-unevaluated conservation-status-unevaluated threat-assessment-incomplete management-considerations-absent research-priority-high taxonomic-revision-needed molecular-phylogeny-needed natural-history-study-needed ecological-study-needed behavioral-study-needed life-history-study-needed distribution-survey-needed abundance-monitoring-needed habitat-assessment-needed phenology-documentation-needed 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Eucera rosae
Eucera rosae is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, described by Robertson in 1900. It is found in North America. Like other members of the genus Eucera, it is a solitary ground-nesting bee. The specific epithet 'rosae' suggests an association with roses, though this relationship requires confirmation from primary sources.
solitary-bee ground-nesting long-horned-bee North-American-native
Feltia jaculifera
Dingy Cutworm Moth, Bent-line Dart, Dingy Cutworm
Feltia jaculifera, commonly known as the dingy cutworm moth or bent-line dart, is a widespread noctuid moth found throughout North America. Adults are nocturnal and active from July to November, often attracted to lights. The larvae are generalist feeders known as cutworms, feeding on over forty plant species including agricultural crops and garden vegetables. The species is frequently confused with three congeners: F. herilis, F. subgothica, and F. tricosa.
cutworm agricultural-pest noctuid generalist-herbivore North-American-native
Geocoris bullatus
Large Big-eyed Bug
Geocoris bullatus, commonly known as the large big-eyed bug, is a species of predatory true bug in the family Geocoridae. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus recognized for its value as a biological control agent in agricultural systems. The species is one of three recognized subspecies within the G. bullatus complex, alongside G. bullatus borealis and G. bullatus obscuratus.
predator biological-control agricultural-beneficial North-American-native
Geocoris paulus
big-eyed bug
Geocoris paulus is a predatory true bug in the family Geocoridae, commonly known as big-eyed bugs. This species is native to North America and shares the general characteristics of the genus Geocoris, including prominent eyes and predatory feeding habits. Like other Geocoris species, it is considered a beneficial insect in agricultural systems due to its role as a predator of various pest insects.
predatory-bug beneficial-insect North-American-native agricultural-pest-control Geocoridae Hemiptera
Glossonotus crataegi
Quince Treehopper
Glossonotus crataegi is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, commonly known as the Quince Treehopper. The species was described by Fitch in 1851 and is native to eastern and midwestern North America. Treehoppers in this genus are characterized by their enlarged pronotum that forms distinctive helmet-like or keeled structures. G. crataegi is associated with host plants in the Rosaceae family, particularly Crataegus (hawthorn) and Cydonia (quince), which is reflected in its specific epithet. The species is part of the diverse North American treehopper fauna and has been documented in multiple states including Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, and Maine.
treehopper Membracidae phloem-feeder Rosaceae-associate North-American-native
Harrisimemna trisignata
Harris's three spot, Harris' Three-Spot
Harrisimemna trisignata is a noctuid moth native to North America, ranging from Canada to the southwestern United States. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of 30–36 mm and are active primarily from late spring through summer. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1856. Larvae are known to feed on a variety of woody plants.
noctuid-moth North-American-native polyphagous-larvae woody-plant-feeder
Hellula rogatalis
Cabbage Webworm, Cabbage Webworm Moth
Hellula rogatalis, commonly known as the cabbage webworm, is a small crambid moth native to North America. The species is a significant agricultural pest whose larvae feed on Brassicaceae crops and related plants. Adults are active from spring through fall, with multiple generations occurring annually in southern regions. The species was first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886.
agricultural-pest Brassicaceae-feeder web-forming-larva North-American-native
Hylurgopinus
native elm bark beetles
Hylurgopinus is a monotypic genus of bark beetles in the tribe Hylesinini. The sole species, Hylurgopinus rufipes, is native to North America and serves as a principal vector of Dutch elm disease. Adults are small, brownish-red beetles that bore into elm bark to construct galleries for reproduction and overwintering.
bark-beetle Dutch-elm-disease-vector monotypic-genus forest-pest Scolytinae North-American-native
Hypena scabra
Green Cloverworm Moth, Black Snout, Green Cloverworm
Hypena scabra, commonly known as the green cloverworm moth or black snout, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is an abundant species across much of North America east of the Rocky Mountains, with multiple generations per year. The larvae are significant agricultural pests, particularly of soybeans and other legumes, though they feed on a wide variety of plants. Adults are active from early spring through late fall, or year-round in warmer regions.
agricultural-pest soybean-pest generalist-herbivore multiple-generations nocturnal North-American-native introduced-to-Europe
Hyphantria cunea
Fall Webworm, Fall Webworm Moth, American White Moth
The fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) is a moth native to North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico. It is best known for its larval stage, in which caterpillars construct large silken webs on the terminal branches of host trees during late summer and fall. The species exhibits two color races that vary geographically: white moths with black-headed caterpillars predominate in northern populations, while spotted moths with red-headed caterpillars are more common in the south. Accidentally introduced to Hungary in the 1940s, it has become a destructive invasive pest across Europe and Asia, particularly in China where it is known as the 'North American White Moth.'
defoliator web-forming-caterpillar invasive-species native-pest polyphagous freeze-avoider thermoregulation biological-control-target hazelnut-pest mulberry-pest urban-pest ornamental-pest forest-pest agricultural-pest gregarious-larvae silken-web North-American-native European-invasive Asian-invasive viral-biocontrol parasitoid-host hyperparasitism
Illinoia liriodendri
tuliptree aphid, tulip tree aphid
Illinoia liriodendri is a sap-feeding aphid native to eastern North America that specializes on tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera). It has become an invasive pest in Europe, where it was first recorded in the early 2000s and has since spread to multiple countries. The species exhibits a monoecic-holocyclic life cycle, with peak populations occurring in late spring. It is considered the most significant insect pest of tuliptree in urban landscapes, capable of reaching high densities that produce substantial honeydew and impact young trees.
aphid pest invasive-species urban-forestry tuliptree honeydew-producer biological-control North-American-native European-invasion
Kaltenbachiella ulmifusa
Slippery Elm Gall Aphid
Kaltenbachiella ulmifusa, commonly known as the Slippery Elm Gall Aphid, is a gall-forming aphid species in the family Aphididae. It induces distinctive galls on elm trees (Ulmus spp.), particularly on slippery elm (Ulmus rubra). The species is native to North America and has been documented primarily in the eastern and central United States. Like other members of the subfamily Eriosomatinae, it exhibits a complex life cycle involving host alternation.
gall-aphid elm-pest plant-gall heteroecy North-American-native
Larra analis
square-headed wasp
Larra analis is a square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae, first described by Fabricius in 1804. It is native to North America and has been documented preying upon northern mole crickets. The species is part of the diverse Crabronidae family, which includes many solitary hunting wasps.
square-headed-wasp mole-cricket-predator solitary-wasp North-American-native
Megachile pugnata
Pugnacious Leafcutter Bee, Sunflower Leafcutting Bee
Megachile pugnata is a solitary, cavity-nesting leafcutter bee native to North America. Females construct nests in preexisting hollow cavities using cut leaves to line brood cells, which are partitioned by plugs of mud, sand, or vegetation. Adults feed exclusively on flowers in the Asteraceae family, making them particularly effective pollinators of sunflowers. The species exhibits strong instinctive aggregation behavior, with females preferentially nesting near conspecifics even when cavities are abundant. Males emerge before females in spring, mate quickly, and die, while females live approximately two months and produce 35-40 eggs across multiple nests.
leafcutter-bee solitary-bee cavity-nester sunflower-pollinator aggregation-behavior xylophile agricultural-pollinator North-American-native
Melissodes bimaculatus
Two-spotted Longhorn Bee, two-spotted longhorn
Melissodes bimaculatus, commonly known as the two-spotted longhorn bee, is a solitary bee species in the family Apidae. It is a member of the long-horned bee tribe Eucerini, characterized by males having exceptionally long antennae. The species is native to North America and has been documented as an early-season pollinator in agricultural settings, particularly in pumpkin patches. It is one of the bee species used in mark-recapture studies to evaluate wild bee sampling protocols.
bee pollinator solitary-bee long-horned-bee agricultural-pollinator North-American-native early-season ground-nesting research-subject
Micralictoides ruficaudus
Red-tailed Micro-Shortface
Micralictoides ruficaudus is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, first described by Michener in 1937. It is a member of the subfamily Rophitinae, a group of solitary bees often associated with specialized pollen-collecting behaviors. The species is known from North America, with observations documented across multiple regions. As with many halictid bees, it likely plays a role in pollination of native flora.
sweat-bee Halictidae solitary-bee North-American-native
Nysius raphanus
False Chinch Bug
Nysius raphanus, commonly known as the false chinch bug, is a small North American seed bug in the family Lygaeidae. Adults measure no more than 1/8 inch (approximately 3 mm) in length. The species undergoes hemimetabolous development with multiple nymphal stages rather than a larval stage; nymphs resemble wingless adults. While recognized as the most serious pest among Nysius species, reports of heavy infestations causing significant crop damage are uncommon. Populations can reach outbreak levels under dry conditions.
agricultural-pest seed-bug canola-pest hemimetabolous North-American-native
Orgyia leucostigma
White-marked Tussock Moth
A tussock moth species native to North America, distinguished by sexually dimorphic adults: females are flightless with reduced wings, while males are winged and active. The caterpillar is conspicuously colored with defensive hair tufts and can cause allergic reactions in humans. Multiple generations occur annually in eastern North America, with outbreaks occasionally reported on urban trees.
defoliator urticating-hairs sexual-dimorphism flightless-female generalist-herbivore urban-pest North-American-native
Osmia chalybea
Osmia chalybea is a solitary mason bee (Megachilidae) native to North America. It nests in pre-existing cavities and has been studied as a potential pollinator for orchard crops, particularly blueberries. The species serves as a host for the cleptoparasitic bee Stelis ater. It is one of several Osmia species evaluated for commercial management in agricultural pollination systems.
mason-bee solitary-bee cavity-nesting-bee pollinator orchard-bee North-American-native cleptoparasite-host agricultural-pollination-candidate
Panurginus occidentalis
Panurginus occidentalis is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Crawford in 1916. The species belongs to the subfamily Panurginae, a group of solitary bees that typically nest in soil. It is native to North America.
solitary-bee mining-bee Andrenidae North-American-native
Parapoynx obscuralis
obscure pondweed moth, American china-mark, vallisneria leafcutter
Parapoynx obscuralis is an aquatic moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1881. The species is native to North America, with a range extending from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Texas, Wisconsin, and Ontario. It has been introduced to Great Britain, where it is naturalised in aquatic nurseries. The larvae are aquatic and feed on submerged aquatic plants.
aquatic aquatic-larvae introduced-species North-American-native subfamily-Acentropinae
Pedilus impressus
spring fire-coloured beetle
Pedilus impressus, commonly known as the spring fire-coloured beetle, is a species of fire-colored beetle in the family Pyrochroidae. It is native to eastern North America and has been documented in the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario. The species belongs to a family characterized by soft-bodied beetles, many of which exhibit aposematic coloration.
Pyrochroidae fire-colored-beetle North-American-native Canadian-fauna Thomas-Say
Penestragania
Penestragania is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Iassinae, tribe Hyalojassini. The genus was established by Beamer & Lawson in 1945 and is native to North America. The species Penestragania apicalis has been recorded as invasive in Eastern Europe, where it was first detected in Donetsk, Ukraine in July 2020. Members of this genus are specialized phytophages associated with woody host plants.
leafhopper Cicadellidae Iassinae invasive-species phytophagous honey-locust North-American-native Eastern-Europe
Perdita calochorti
Perdita calochorti is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1956. The specific epithet 'calochorti' suggests an association with Calochortus, a genus of flowering plants commonly known as mariposa lilies or cat's ears. Like other members of the genus Perdita, it is a solitary bee native to North America. The species is represented by minimal observation records, with only one documented iNaturalist observation.
mining-bee solitary-bee specialist-pollinator North-American-native data-deficient
Perdita fieldi
Perdita fieldi is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1956. It belongs to the large genus Perdita, which contains over 800 species of small, often specialist bees native to North America. Like other Perdita species, it is a solitary ground-nesting bee. The specific epithet honors an individual with the surname Field, though the namesake's identity is not documented in available sources.
solitary-bee mining-bee ground-nesting North-American-native
Phasgonophora californica
Phasgonophora californica is a species of chalcidid wasp in the family Chalcididae. It belongs to a group of parasitoid wasps that attack woodboring beetle larvae. The species was described by Rohwer in 1917 and is native to western North America.
parasitoid chalcidid woodborer-parasitoid Hymenoptera Chalcididae Phasgonophorinae California-fauna North-American-native
Philanthus lepidus
Pleasant Beewolf
Philanthus lepidus is a species of beewolf wasp in the family Crabronidae, native to North America. Like other members of the genus Philanthus, females are solitary hunters that provision underground nests with paralyzed bees as food for their larvae. The species has been the subject of limited behavioral study, with at least one published account of its nesting behavior. It is one of approximately 30 Philanthus species occurring in North America.
beewolf solitary-wasp bee-predator ground-nesting North-American-native
Philanthus sanbornii
Sanborn's Beewolf
Philanthus sanbornii is a species of beewolf wasp in the family Crabronidae, native to North America. Unlike many congeners that specialize on bees, this species has been documented as a predator of flies (Diptera), particularly small muscoid flies. Females construct simple burrows in sandy soil, capture and paralyze prey, and provision nests for their larval offspring. A five-year study in eastern Massachusetts documented over 3,000 prey items from 108 species of bees and wasps, though subsequent research in Florida identified flies as the primary prey. The species exhibits selective prey capture based on temporal availability, spatial distribution, sex ratio, and body size of available prey.
beewolf solitary-wasp predatory-wasp sand-nesting-wasp Diptera-predator North-American-native Crabronidae Philanthinae
Phloeosinus pini
Phloeosinus pini is a species of crenulate bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, described by J.M. Swaine in 1915. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia) and the United States. As a bark beetle, it is associated with coniferous trees, though specific host associations and ecological details remain poorly documented in the accessible literature.
bark-beetle crenulate-bark-beetle conifer-associated North-American-native
Phyllonorycter fitchella
A small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae with a wingspan of 7.5–8 mm. Larvae create mines in leaves of Quercus (oak) species. Adults are active from March to October in at least some portions of the range.
leaf-miner oak-associated micro-moth Gracillariidae North-American-native
Polistes dorsalis
Hunter's Little Paper Wasp
Polistes dorsalis is a small social paper wasp native to North America, distinguished by V-shaped yellow markings on the head and, in males, a prominent median tubercle on sternum 7. The species constructs small, open-faced paper nests in sheltered locations close to the ground, such as rock piles, hollow logs, and building eaves. Colonies are founded by one or several females in spring, with a dominance hierarchy establishing a single reproductive queen. The species is known for moderately painful stings and has attracted pharmacological interest due to antimicrobial peptides in its venom.
social-wasp paper-wasp eusocial predator antimicrobial-venom North-American-native
Pulvinaria innumerabilis
Cottony Maple Scale
A soft scale insect (family Coccidae) commonly known as the cottony maple scale. Adult females are small, flattened, and brown, approximately 3 mm in length. Mature females produce conspicuous white, cottony ovisacs containing up to 1,500 eggs. The species is frequently found on maple trees, particularly silver maple (Acer saccharinum), but has been recorded on numerous other woody plants. Heavy infestations can cause aesthetic damage and minor physiological stress to host plants, though established trees typically tolerate infestations well.
soft-scale maple-pest ornamental-pest phloem-feeder honeydew-producer univoltine temperate North-American-native
Pyrausta orphisalis
orange mint moth, orange-spotted pyrausta
Pyrausta orphisalis is a small crambid moth native to North America, commonly known as the orange mint moth or orange-spotted pyrausta. Adults have a wingspan of 15–17 mm and are active during summer months. The larvae are specialized herbivores that feed on various mint species, particularly Monarda.
crambid-moth snout-moth mint-feeder Monarda-pest North-American-native multiple-generations flower-bud-feeder organic-control-options
Saucrobotys futilalis
dogbane saucrobotys moth, dogbane webworm
Saucrobotys futilalis, commonly known as the dogbane saucrobotys moth or dogbane webworm, is a crambid moth native to North America. The species is notable for its specialized relationship with dogbane (Apocynum) and milkweed (Asclepias) plants, which serve as exclusive larval hosts. Larvae construct silken nests on host plants and exhibit a striking ontogenetic color change from cryptic green to aposematic orange with black spots as they mature. Both larval and adult stages sequester cardiac glycosides from their host plants for chemical defense against predators. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range from northeastern North America to British Columbia and south to Texas and California.
crambid-moth dogbane-specialist chemical-defense aposematism web-building-caterpillar cardiac-glycoside-sequestration North-American-native
Smicronyx amoenus
Smicronyx amoenus is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1832. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States. Like other members of the genus Smicronyx, this species is associated with sunflower plants (Helianthus spp.), where adults feed on pollen and developing seeds. The larvae develop within sunflower seeds, making this and related species economically significant as pests of commercial sunflower cultivation.
sunflower-pest agricultural-pest seed-weevil North-American-native
Stenolophus comma
Common Stenolophus Beetle, seedcorn beetle
Stenolophus comma is a small ground beetle commonly known as the Common Stenolophus Beetle or seedcorn beetle. Native to North America, it is primarily associated with agricultural habitats where adults feed on germinating seeds and seedlings of row crops. The species has been extensively studied in Iowa, where it completes two generations annually and overwinters as adults in soil and crop residues.
agricultural-pest ground-beetle seedcorn-beetle row-crop-pest North-American-native
Stigmus americanus
aphid wasp
Stigmus americanus is a small aphid wasp in the family Crabronidae (formerly Pemphredonidae). It is native to North America and is known for nesting in twigs of various trees and shrubs. The species provisions its nests with paralyzed aphids as food for its larvae, and is subject to parasitism by cuckoo wasps in the genus Omalus.
aphid-wasp twig-nester aphid-predator North-American-native
Stilbosis tesquella
Hog-peanut Leaf-sewer
Stilbosis tesquella is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. It is distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from 17 U.S. states and Quebec. The species is notable for its specialized larval diet on leguminous plants.
leaf-miner legume-specialist small-moth cosmopterigidae north-american-native
Sumitrosis rosea
leafminer beetle
Sumitrosis rosea is a small leaf-mining beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the leafminer beetle. Adults measure 3.3–4.5 mm and exhibit highly variable coloration, with elytra ranging from pale yellow with faint black markings to black with faint yellow spots. The species is native to North America and has been documented feeding on a range of host plants, particularly in the family Fabaceae.
leaf-miner agricultural-pest Fabaceae-feeder North-American-native variable-coloration Chrysomelidae
Tachytes validus
square-headed wasp
Tachytes validus is a solitary square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae, described by Cresson in 1873. As a member of the genus Tachytes, it shares the tribe Larrini's characteristic reduced ocelli appearing as 'scars' with golf club-shaped tails. The species is native to North America, with confirmed records from Canada including Manitoba. Like other Tachytes, it likely exhibits the genus's distinctive green eyes in larger individuals and ground-nesting behavior, though specific biological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
solitary-wasp ground-nesting North-American-native Crabronidae Larrini
Temnothorax longispinosus
Long-spined Acorn Ant
Temnothorax longispinosus is a small North American ant species, measuring 2–2.5 mm in length, commonly known as the Long-spined Acorn Ant. It inhabits forest environments and nests primarily in preformed cavities within leaf litter, including hollow nuts and acorns. The species exhibits remarkable queen polymorphism with three distinct morphs associated with alternative nest-founding strategies: small queens with reduced flight capacity that practice dependent colony founding by returning to natal nests; large queens with low fat reserves that found colonies via pleometrosis (cooperative founding with multiple queens); and large queens with high fat reserves that practice haplometrosis (solitary founding). This species serves as a host for the slave-making ant Protomognathus americanus and has been extensively studied for its genomic adaptations to climate variation and parasite pressure.
acorn-ant queen-polymorphism social-parasite-host forest-ant cavity-nester model-organism slave-making-ant-host North-American-native
Thorybes pylades
northern cloudywing
Thorybes pylades, commonly known as the northern cloudywing, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is recognized by its uniformly dark brown wings with small triangular clear spots. The species has a broad distribution across North America, with adults flying in spring and summer. Larvae feed on various legumes in the family Fabaceae.
skipper butterfly legume-feeder North-American-native
Tinocallis ulmifolii
Elm Leaf Aphid
Tinocallis ulmifolii is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, originally described by Monell in 1879. It is one of eight recognized species in the genus Tinocallis, a small group of aphids primarily associated with the Ulmaceae (elm family). The species is commonly known as the Elm Leaf Aphid.
aphid Sternorrhyncha Ulmaceae-associated Monell-1879 North-American-native
Trichiotinus piger
Bee-like Flower Scarab, Hairy Flower Chafer
Trichiotinus piger is a flower scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the bee-like flower scarab or hairy flower chafer. Adults are active during summer months and feed on pollen and nectar from flowers of various deciduous trees and shrubs. The species is distributed across eastern and central North America, from southern Canada through the eastern United States. Larvae develop in soil, feeding on plant roots over a multi-year period before pupating.
flower-scarab pollinator root-feeder soil-dwelling-larvae bee-mimicry North-American-native occasional-pest
Xestoleptura octonotata
Long-winged Longhorn Beetle
Xestoleptura octonotata is a species of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. First described by Thomas Say in 1824, this beetle is native to North America and has been recorded in both the United States and Canada. It belongs to a group of longhorn beetles commonly associated with flowers, where adults frequently feed on pollen and nectar.
flower-longhorn pollinator glade-associate North-American-native