North-american
Guides
Lygidea rosacea
Lygidea rosacea is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Reuter in 1909. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Illinois and Colorado in the United States. As a member of the Miridae, it belongs to one of the largest families of true bugs, commonly known as plant bugs or leaf bugs. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal information available regarding its biology, ecology, or host associations.
Megalodacne heros
pleasing fungus beetle
Megalodacne heros is a species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae, found in North America. The species exhibits nocturnal activity patterns and is associated with fungal habitats. Commonly known as the pleasing fungus beetle, it is one of the more frequently observed members of its genus, with over 3,700 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Melanoplus celatus
Sylvan Short-wing Grasshopper, Secretive Short-wing Grasshopper
Melanoplus celatus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Morse in 1904. It is known by two common names: Sylvan short-wing grasshopper and secretive short-wing grasshopper. The species is found in North America, with confirmed records from Virginia.
Menkokia
Menkokia is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, established by Heinrich in 1934. The genus contains four described species: M. blandii, M. major, M. minor, and M. minorisimilis. As members of Ichneumonidae, these wasps are parasitoids, though specific host associations for Menkokia remain undocumented. The genus appears to be rarely collected, with minimal observational records available.
Mexitlia
Mexitlia is a genus of cribellate araneomorph spiders in the family Dictynidae, first described by Pekka T. Lehtinen in 1967. The genus is endemic to North America and currently contains three recognized species: M. altima, M. grandis, and M. trivittata. Members of this genus possess a cribellum, a silk-producing organ characteristic of certain spider lineages.
Microchaetina petiolata
Microchaetina petiolata is a species of tachinid fly described by Townsend in 1919. Tachinid flies are parasitoids whose larvae develop inside other insects. The species is known from North America.
Microdon craigheadii
Large Metallic Ant Fly
Microdon craigheadii is a species of syrphid fly described by Walton in 1912. As a member of the genus Microdon, it belongs to a group known for their unusual life history: the larvae are inquilines in ant nests, living within ant colonies rather than being free-living predators like most hover fly larvae. The species has been documented in North America, with records contributing to understanding of hover fly diversity and distribution patterns. It is one of approximately 6,200 described species of syrphid flies worldwide.
Miscophus slossonae
Miscophus slossonae is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, tribe Miscophini. It belongs to a genus of thread-waisted wasps known for provisioning nests with spiders. The species was described in 1897 and is recorded from North America. Like other Miscophus species, it is presumed to be a spider-hunting wasp, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Mochloribatula texana
Mochloribatula texana is a species of oribatid mite in the family Mochlozetidae. First described by Ewing in 1909, this species belongs to a group of soil-dwelling mites commonly known as beetle mites or box mites. Oribatid mites play important roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The specific epithet "texana" suggests a connection to Texas, though the full geographic range remains incompletely documented.
Monarthrum fasciatum
Yellow-vested Timber Beetle
Monarthrum fasciatum is a small bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the Yellow-vested Timber Beetle. It develops in dying and dead oak trees and produces three generations annually in Missouri. The species has been studied for its life history and gallery construction, with females outnumbering males approximately 2:1. No association has been found between this beetle and oak wilt disease.
Moniaecera
Moniaecera is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, established by William Harris Ashmead in 1899. It belongs to the tribe Crabronini within the subfamily Crabroninae, a group commonly known as sand wasps or digger wasps. The genus is poorly known, with extremely limited biological documentation and only three observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the available data. Members of Crabronidae are generally predatory, provisioning nests with paralyzed insects for their larvae.
Mordellistena comata
Mordellistena comata is a species of tumbling flower beetle (family Mordellidae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. It belongs to a genus of small, elongate beetles commonly found on flowers. The species is documented from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published sources.
Neogrotella
Neogrotella is a genus of noctuid moths erected by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1922. The genus contains three described species: N. confusa, N. macdunnoughi, and N. spaldingi. It is placed in the subfamily Grotellinae. The genus appears to be restricted to North America based on species authorship patterns.
Nites betulella
Black-dotted Birch Leaftier Moth
Nites betulella, commonly known as the black-dotted birch leaftier moth, is a small moth species in the family Depressariidae. First described by August Busck in 1902, it is distributed across North America from the northeastern United States and Canada westward to British Columbia. The species is notable for its association with birch and other deciduous trees as larval hosts.
Nymphocixia
Nymphocixia is a genus of planthoppers in the family Cixiidae, tribe Oecleini. The genus was established by Van Duzee in 1923 and contains multiple described species. Cixiid planthoppers are generally small, cryptic insects associated with woody or herbaceous plants. Members of this genus are found in North America.
Orthosia hibisci
Speckled Green Fruitworm Moth
Orthosia hibisci, commonly known as the speckled green fruitworm moth, is a Noctuidae moth species found across most of North America outside desert regions. Adults are active in early spring, with a single generation per year from late March through April. The species exhibits highly variable forewing coloration and pattern, ranging from pale buff-grey to dark red-brown. Larvae are generalist feeders on hardwood trees and shrubs.
Panscopus
broad-nosed weevils
Panscopus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae, containing more than 30 described species distributed across North America. Phylogenetic studies indicate that sister species and ancestral lineages exhibit disjunct geographic distributions that correlate with geological and paleoecological events. Divergence events are estimated to have occurred between the late Eocene and Miocene, suggesting the genus originated by or before the Eocene with most cladogenesis in the middle to late Tertiary.
Panthea acronyctoides
Black Zigzag, Tufted Spruce Caterpillar, Black Zigzag Moth
A medium-sized noctuid moth found across northern North America, with two recognized subspecies. Adults fly from May to August and are attracted to light. Larvae feed on coniferous trees, particularly spruces and firs, and are known as the 'tufted spruce caterpillar' due to their distinctive appearance.
Papaipema pterisii
Bracken Borer Moth
Papaipema pterisii, commonly known as the bracken borer moth, is a noctuid moth native to North America. The species is named for its association with bracken fern, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. Like other members of the genus Papaipema, it is presumed to have a borer lifestyle, with larvae tunneling into plant stems or rhizomes. The species was described by Bird in 1907 and has been recorded across a broad North American range.
Paradidyma singularis
Paradidyma singularis is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It was originally described by Townsend in 1891 under the basionym Atrophopoda singularis. The species is known from North America. As a member of the Tachinidae family, it is a parasitoid fly, though specific host associations for this species have not been documented.
Parahypenodes
masked parahypenodes moth
Parahypenodes is a monotypic moth genus in the family Erebidae, containing the single species Parahypenodes quadralis. The genus was established by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1918. Taxonomic placement has varied, with the genus previously classified in Hypeninae within either Erebidae or Noctuidae. Some modern sources treat Parahypenodes as a synonym of Paradelta.
Paranoplium gracile
Paranoplium gracile is a longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) and the sole species in its genus. It was described by LeConte in 1881 and is native to North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Cerambycinae and tribe Oemini. It is represented by 238 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is documented but not particularly abundant in collections.
Parchicola
Parchicola is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae) containing at least four described species. These small beetles are distributed across North America and the Neotropical region. The genus was established by Bechyné and Springlová de Bechyné in 1975.
Paria opacicollis
oak parium
Paria opacicollis, commonly known as the oak parium, is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1859. The species occurs in North America and includes two recognized subspecies: P. o. opacicollis and P. o. wenzeli. As a member of the genus Paria, it belongs to a group of small leaf beetles often associated with woody vegetation.
Peritelinus
Peritelinus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by Casey in 1888. The genus contains at least two described species, both described by Van Dyke in 1936: Peritelinus erinaceus and Peritelinus oregonus. These weevils belong to the subfamily Entiminae, a diverse group of root-feeding weevils characterized by their broad, short rostrums. Records indicate limited observation data, with few documented occurrences.
Phloeosinus scopulorum
Juniper Bark Weevil
Phloeosinus scopulorum is a bark beetle species in the family Curculionidae, first described by J.M. Swaine in 1924. The species is known from North America. Members of the genus Phloeosinus are commonly referred to as bark weevils and are associated with coniferous trees, particularly junipers.
Phoberia
Phoberia is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus contains at least two recognized species, including Phoberia atomaris (common oak moth) and Phoberia ingenua. Species in this genus are associated with oak-dominated habitats. The genus is native to North America, with documented observations from the United States including Vermont.
Phyllobaenus verticalis
Vertical-lined Phyllobaenus
Phyllobaenus verticalis is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario) and the United States. Larvae develop within dead hardwood, where they prey upon wood-boring beetles. The species is part of a diverse genus of predatory beetles commonly associated with woody habitats.
Phytoliriomyza clara
Phytoliriomyza clara is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, first described by Melander in 1913. It is known to feed on bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), making it a specialist herbivore of this widespread fern genus. The species occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its family, it likely produces characteristic serpentine or blotch mines in host plant foliage during its larval stage.
Pionenta
Pionenta is a genus of geometrid moths erected by Clifford D. Ferris in 2010. The genus was established during a revision of the related genus Antepione. It contains a single described species, Pionenta ochreata, originally described by Hulst in 1898. The genus belongs to the subfamily Ennominae within the family Geometridae.
Platylyra
Platylyra is a monotypic genus of katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, subfamily Phaneropterinae. It contains a single described species, Platylyra californica, found in California. The genus was established by Scudder in 1898.
Podium luctuosum
Podium luctuosum is a species of thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, first described by Frederick Smith in 1856. It has been documented provisioning its nests with Parcoblatta cockroaches as prey for its developing larvae. The species occurs in Middle and North America, with 614 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the characteristic elongated petiole (thread-waisted morphology) typical of sphecid wasps.
Pogonocherus parvulus
Pogonocherus parvulus is a small longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1852. The species occurs across northern North America, with records from multiple Canadian provinces and the United States. Like other members of the genus Pogonocherus, it is associated with coniferous hosts, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in the literature.
Povolnya quercinigrella
Povolnya quercinigrella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Ely in 1915. The species was formerly placed in the genus Caloptilia, which explains older literature references. It is primarily known from eastern and central North America, with records spanning from Florida to Maine and west to Illinois and Texas.
Psaphida
Psaphida is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Francis Walker in 1865. Species in this genus are primarily North American, with most distributed across the eastern and central United States and southern Canada. One species, P. palaearctica, occurs in Shaanxi, China. The genus includes early spring-emerging species such as Roland's Sallow (P. rolandi), which has been documented to exhibit extended pupal diapause lasting up to seven years.
Pselaphus bellax
Pselaphus bellax is a small rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group commonly known as ant-loving beetles. The species was described by Thomas Casey in 1893 and is distributed across much of Canada and the northern United States. Like other pselaphines, it is believed to be associated with ant colonies, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. Records are sparse, with few observations in citizen science databases.
Psiloscelis
Psiloscelis is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, established by Marseul in 1854. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed in North America. Species in this genus are characterized by their association with carrion and decaying organic matter. The genus is taxonomically stable with no synonymy reported.
Psylla carpinicola
Psylla carpinicola is a plant-parasitic hemipteran in the family Psyllidae, first described by Crawford in 1914. The species is associated with hornbeam (Carpinus) host plants, as indicated by its specific epithet 'carpinicola' meaning 'dwelling on hornbeam'. It is one of numerous psyllid species that feed on phloem sap and may induce gall formation on host plants. Like other psyllids, it has piercing-sucking mouthparts and undergoes incomplete metamorphosis with distinct egg, nymph, and adult stages.
Purenleon inscriptus
Purenleon inscriptus is an antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Hagen in 1861. The genus Purenleon was established to accommodate species previously placed in Myrmeleon and related genera, distinguished by specific wing venation patterns. Adults are found in North and Middle America, though detailed biological studies remain limited. The species epithet 'inscriptus' refers to markings on the wings.
Pycnoplectus
Pycnoplectus is a genus of myrmecophilous (ant-loving) rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae. The genus comprises approximately 11 described species, first established by Casey in 1897. These beetles are classified within the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small, often cryptic beetles frequently associated with ant colonies. Most species were described in the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, with several originally placed in other genera before transfer to Pycnoplectus.
Pyrgotella chagnoni
Pyrgotella chagnoni is a species of fly in the family Pyrgotidae, a group commonly known as pyrgotid flies. The family is characterized by parasitoid larvae that develop inside scarab beetles. This species was described by Johnson in 1900. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits the distinctive head morphology and wing venation typical of Pyrgotidae.
Raphiptera
diminutive grass-veneer
Raphiptera is a monotypic genus of crambid moths containing a single species, Raphiptera argillaceellus, commonly known as the diminutive grass-veneer. The genus is characterized by its small size and restricted bog-dwelling habitat. It was described by Hampson in 1896.
Rhexidius
ant-loving beetles
Rhexidius is a genus of small rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) containing approximately 10 described species. These beetles belong to the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly known as ant-loving beetles due to their frequent association with ant colonies. The genus was established by Casey in 1887, with most species described by Schuster & Grigarick in 1962. Species in this genus are characterized by various surface sculpturing patterns, including granulate, crenate, and hispid textures.
Rhodobaenus tredecimpunctatus
Ironweed Curculio, Cocklebur Weevil
Rhodobaenus tredecimpunctatus is a weevil species in the family Dryophthoridae, commonly known as the ironweed curculio or cocklebur weevil. It occurs throughout North America and is associated with plants in the Asteraceae family. The species name 'tredecimpunctatus' refers to thirteen spots, likely describing the adult color pattern. It belongs to a genus whose members are often associated with herbaceous plants and are sometimes considered minor agricultural pests.
Salda provancheri
Salda provancheri is a true bug in the family Saldidae (shore bugs), described by Kelton & Lattin in 1968. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Salda coriacea. The species belongs to the leptopodomorphan infraorder within Heteroptera. Very few observations of this taxon exist in public databases.
Scelolyperus smaragdinus
Emerald Skeletonizing Leaf Beetle
Scelolyperus smaragdinus is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is found in North America and belongs to a genus of leaf-feeding beetles that characteristically skeletonize plant foliage by feeding on the tissue between leaf veins. The specific epithet "smaragdinus" refers to its emerald green coloration.
Selenophorus hylacis
Selenophorus hylacis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species occurs in North America, with records from both the United States and Canada. Like other members of its genus, it is a nocturnal ground-dwelling beetle.
Semioscopis megamicrella
Pale Semioscopis
Semioscopis megamicrella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1902. It is known from the northern United States and southern Canada. The species has a wingspan of 15–25 mm and is active as an adult in spring.
Sibinia ruidula
Sibinia ruidula is a species of leguminous seed weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Clark in 1978. It belongs to the tribe Tychiini, a group of weevils specialized on legume seeds. The species is known from North America. Very few observations exist in public databases.
Solva pallipes
Solva pallipes is a species of soldier fly in the family Xylomyidae, distributed across most of North America. Adults are associated with wooded habitats and are attracted to light. Larvae develop under the bark of various deciduous trees, where they feed on decaying wood and associated microorganisms.