North-american
Guides
Spectralia
Spectralia is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) established by Casey in 1909. The genus contains approximately 22 described species distributed primarily in North America. Species within this genus are associated with woody host plants, particularly oaks (Quercus) and persimmons (Diospyros). Larvae develop in dead or dying branches, often in the transition zone between living and dead wood. Adults are active during spring and early summer and have been documented visiting flowers.
Stizus occidentalis
Stizus occidentalis is a species of sand wasp described by J. Parker in 1929. It belongs to the family Crabronidae (sometimes historically referred to as Bembicidae), a group of solitary wasps known for nesting in soil and preying on other insects. The species occurs in North America. Like other members of the genus Stizus, it is presumed to be a predator that provisions its nests with paralyzed prey, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Strobisia
Strobisia is a genus of micro-moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Clemens in 1860. The genus contains seven described species distributed primarily in North America. The best-known species, Strobisia iridipennella, is notable for its striking iridescent wing coloration and diminutive size, with a wingspan of approximately 1 centimeter. Members of this genus are part of the diverse gelechiid fauna but remain poorly studied compared to many larger moth groups.
Synchlora aerata
Wavy-lined Emerald, Camouflaged Looper
Synchlora aerata is a small emerald moth in the family Geometridae, known for its remarkable larval behavior of camouflaging itself with plant material. The caterpillar, called the camouflaged looper, attaches bits of flowers, leaves, or other plant tissue to spines on its back, rendering it nearly invisible among the vegetation it consumes. The adult moth exhibits characteristic wavy white lines across its emerald green wings. The species is widespread across North America and has been documented feeding on numerous composite flowers and other plants.
Tetropium schwarzianum
Tetropium schwarzianum is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Casey in 1891. It belongs to the tribe Tetropiini and is closely related to T. cinnamopterum based on morphological examination of type specimens. The species occurs in eastern North America, with distribution records from Canada (New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario). As with other Tetropium species, adults are likely associated with coniferous hosts, though specific host records for this species remain undocumented in available sources.
Thaumatopsis pexellus
Woolly Grass-veneer, Woolly Grass-veneer Moth
Thaumatopsis pexellus is a grassland moth in the family Crambidae, commonly known as the woolly grass-veneer. It occurs across most of North America and is active during late summer. The species was described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1863. Multiple subspecies have been recognized, including forms restricted to Colorado, California, Alberta, and Mexico.
Thyraylia bunteana
Thyraylia bunteana is a small tortricid moth species described by Robinson in 1869. It was formerly classified in the genus Cochylis but has been reassigned to Thyraylia based on phylogenetic and morphological studies. The species is documented across a broad North American range spanning eastern, central, and western regions.
Xylobiops
horned powder-post beetles, red-shouldered bostrichid (X. basilaris)
Xylobiops is a genus of beetles in the family Bostrichidae, commonly known as horned powder-post beetles. The genus was established by Casey in 1898 and contains approximately six described species distributed primarily in North America. These beetles are wood-boring insects associated with dead or dying hardwoods. The most frequently encountered species is Xylobiops basilaris, commonly called the red-shouldered bostrichid.
Zabrotes bexarensis
Zabrotes bexarensis is a species of seed beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, described by Kingsolver in 1990. The genus Zabrotes contains species associated with legume seeds, though specific biological details for this species remain limited. It is recorded from North America with very few documented observations.
Zelleria retiniella
Brindled zelleria
Zelleria retiniella is a species of moth in the family Yponomeutidae, commonly known as the Brindled zelleria. It was described by Forbes in 1923. The species is part of a genus whose larvae are frequently associated with coniferous hosts. Observations suggest it is active during warmer months in temperate regions.