Ontario
Guides
Lyctus opaculus
powder-post beetle
Lyctus opaculus is a powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada (Ontario and Québec) and the United States. The species belongs to a genus whose members are known for infesting seasoned hardwoods.
Macrophya fuliginea
Macrophya fuliginea is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. It is known from eastern Canada, with records from Ontario and Quebec. As a member of the genus Macrophya, it belongs to a group of sawflies characterized by specific morphological features, though detailed species-level biology remains poorly documented in published literature.
Macrophya pulchella
Macrophya pulchella is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Tenthredininae. The genus Macrophya is a diverse group of sawflies found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. Distribution records indicate this species occurs in eastern Canada, specifically Ontario and Quebec. As with other members of the genus, adults are likely associated with flowering vegetation, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Megaxyela tricolor
Megaxyela tricolor is a species of sawfly in the family Xyelidae, the most primitive living family of Hymenoptera. The genus Megaxyela is characterized by its large body size relative to other xyelids. This species is known from Canada, with records from Ontario. Xyelid sawflies are typically associated with coniferous hosts, though specific host records for M. tricolor are not well documented.
Melanotus hyslopi
Melanotus hyslopi is a click beetle species (family Elateridae) described by Van Zwaluwenburg in 1921. The species is recorded from Ontario and Québec, Canada. Like other members of the genus Melanotus, the larvae are wireworms—soil-dwelling pests of agricultural crops. The species is poorly known compared to its congener Melanotus communis, which has been studied extensively as a corn wireworm pest.
Melanotus ignobilis
Melanotus ignobilis is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, first described by Melsheimer in 1844. The species is known from Ontario, Canada, with limited observational records. As a member of the genus Melanotus, it belongs to a group of wireworm beetles whose larvae are soil-dwelling agricultural pests. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in published literature.
Melanotus miscellus
Melanotus miscellus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, described by Quate in 1967. It belongs to a genus containing several agricultural pest species whose larvae are known as wireworms. The species is recorded from Ontario and Québec, Canada. Specific ecological and biological details for M. miscellus remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Melanotus morosus
Melanotus morosus is a species of click beetle (family Elateridae) described by Candèze in 1860. It belongs to a genus containing agricultural pest species, though specific information about this particular species is limited. The genus Melanotus includes several economically important wireworm species whose larvae damage crop roots.
Melanotus pertinax
Melanotus pertinax is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The species was described by Say in 1839. Like other members of the genus Melanotus, it is a soil-dwelling beetle with larvae (wireworms) that feed on plant roots and underground plant parts. The genus includes several agricultural pest species, though specific documentation of M. pertinax as a crop pest appears limited in available sources.
Melanotus prasinus
Melanotus prasinus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, described by Blatchley in 1910. The species belongs to the genus Melanotus, a group of soil-dwelling beetles whose larvae are commonly known as wireworms. As with other members of this genus, the larvae are likely subterranean and feed on plant roots, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded in Ontario, Canada.
Melanotus trapezoideus
Melanotus trapezoideus is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. The genus Melanotus contains several economically important wireworm species whose larval stages damage agricultural crops. Adults are characterized by their elongated bodies and ability to produce an audible clicking sound through a prosternal process that snaps into a mesosternal groove, a mechanism used for righting themselves when overturned. Specific biological details for M. trapezoideus remain poorly documented compared to congeneric pest species.
Microhyus setiger
Microhyus setiger is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by LeConte in 1876. This small beetle belongs to a genus of weevils whose biology and ecology remain poorly documented in scientific literature. Distribution records indicate presence in eastern North America, specifically in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Québec.
Monotoma arida
Monotoma arida is a species of root-eating beetle in the family Monotomidae, described by Casey in 1916. It belongs to a genus of small beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter and fungal environments. The species is documented from North America, with specific records from Ontario, Canada. Like other members of Monotomidae, it is presumed to feed on fungal hyphae and decaying plant material, though specific ecological studies on this species are limited.
Mordellina ancilla
Tumbling Little-maid Flower Beetle
Mordellina ancilla is a species of tumbling flower beetle in the family Mordellidae. It is native to North America and has been documented as a stem-borer of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) in Ontario, Canada, representing the first known host record for this species on this introduced plant. The beetle feeds on stem pith during late stages of the host plant's biennial life cycle and continues feeding on dead plant material.
Mordellistena sexnotata
Mordellistena sexnotata is a species of tumbling flower beetle in the family Mordellidae, described by Dury in 1902. Like other members of the genus, it exhibits the characteristic wedge-shaped body and humpbacked profile typical of the family. The species name "sexnotata" (meaning "six-marked") likely refers to a pattern of six spots or markings on the elytra, though specific details of this pattern are not well documented in available sources. It belongs to a large genus of small beetles commonly found on flowers.
Mychocerinus depressus
Mychocerinus depressus is a small beetle species in the family Murmidiidae, first described by LeConte in 1866. The species is found in North America, with confirmed records from Ontario, Canada. Murmidiidae is a small family of beetles within the order Coleoptera, and members of this family are generally associated with decaying plant material and fungi. Very little is known about the specific biology or ecology of M. depressus beyond its basic taxonomic placement and geographic distribution.
Nemastoma bimaculatum
Gold-spotted Harvestman
Nemastoma bimaculatum is a small harvestman species native to western Europe, recognized by its distinctive coloration. It has been introduced to North America, where established populations occur in Ontario, Canada. The species was first documented in North America by LeSage (1977).
Nematus abbotii
Nematus abbotii is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by William Kirby in 1882. It belongs to the subfamily Nematinae, a diverse group of herbivorous sawflies associated with various woody and herbaceous plants. The species has been documented in Canada, particularly Ontario, with limited observational records available.
Neolema cordata
Neolema cordata is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by White in 1993. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Ontario, Canada. As a member of the leaf beetle family, it likely feeds on plant material, though specific host associations remain undocumented. The genus Neolema is relatively small and understudied compared to related genera.
Neotibicen canicularis
dog-day cicada, dog-day harvestfly, heatbug, Northern Dog-day Cicada
Neotibicen canicularis is an annual cicada species found across much of North America, commonly known as the dog-day cicada or dog-day harvestfly. Unlike periodical cicadas that emerge in synchronized broods every 13 or 17 years, this species appears every summer, though individuals require several years to develop underground. Adults are active during the hot midsummer period traditionally called the "dog days." The species has been documented as a host for multiple flesh fly parasitoids in the family Sarcophagidae, including several first-record associations.
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Nephrotoma altissima is a species of large crane fly in the family Tipulidae. It occurs across northern and western North America, ranging from Alaska and northern Canada south to Oregon, Arizona, and New Mexico. As a member of the genus Nephrotoma, it belongs to a group commonly known as tiger crane flies, which are distinguished by patterned wings and bodies.
Nephus flavifrons
yellow-fronted lady beetle
Nephus flavifrons, commonly known as the yellow-fronted lady beetle, is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It belongs to a genus of dusky lady beetles characterized by their diminutive size and often subtle coloration compared to more conspicuous lady beetles. The species occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the northeastern United States.
Nephus intrusus
Nephus intrusus is a small dusky lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, first described by Horn in 1895. The species was formerly classified under the genus Scymnobius but is currently placed in Nephus. It is known from limited observations in North America, with documented records from Ontario, Canada. Like other members of the subfamily Scymninae, it likely preys on scale insects and mealybugs, though specific ecological studies are sparse.
Onichodon downiei
Onichodon downiei is a species of false click beetle described by Muona in 2000. The species is known from Ontario and Québec in Canada. As a member of the family Eucnemidae, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly associated with decaying wood and forest habitats. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Orconectes propinquus
Northern Clearwater Crayfish
Orconectes propinquus, commonly known as the Northern Clearwater Crayfish, is a freshwater crayfish species in the family Cambaridae. It is native to northern North American clearwater habitats and has been the subject of ecological and physiological research comparing it to other crayfish species. The species shows specific habitat preferences for water depth, velocity, substrate type, and cover availability. It is sensitive to low pH conditions compared to some co-occurring crayfish species.
Osphya varians
Variable False Darkling Beetle
Osphya varians is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae. It is known from eastern Canada, specifically Ontario and Québec. The specific epithet "varians" suggests variable characteristics, though detailed documentation of this variability is limited in available sources. Like other members of Melandryidae, it belongs to a family of beetles commonly associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats.
Philodromus praelustris
Resplendent Running Crab Spider
Philodromus praelustris is a running crab spider in the family Philodromidae, found in the United States and Canada. It has an annual life cycle and is known to occur in orchard habitats in Ontario. Females are capable of producing multiple egg sacs, with laboratory observations recording up to 12 sacs containing over 200 eggs total, though fecundity in natural settings appears lower. The species disperses primarily by bridging—casting air-borne web loops that catch on distant objects—rather than by ballooning.
Philonix fulvicollis
Philonix fulvicollis is a gall wasp species in the family Cynipidae, first described by Fitch in 1859. It has an alternation of sexual and asexual generations, a phenomenon confirmed through molecular analysis of cytb and ITS2 sequences. The species is distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from the United States and Canada. Like other cynipid wasps, it induces gall formation on host plants, though specific host associations require further documentation.
Phloeotribus dentifrons
Phloeotribus dentifrons is a species of crenulate bark beetle described by Wood & Bright in 1992. It belongs to the genus Phloeotribus, a group of small beetles associated with woody plants. The species is recorded from North America, with confirmed presence in Ontario, Canada. Knowledge of this species is limited, with few documented observations.
Photinus sabulosus
Creekside Tree Blinkers
Photinus sabulosus is a species of firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae, first described by Green in 1956. It is known from North America, with records from Ontario, Canada. The species bears the common name "Creekside Tree Blinkers," suggesting an association with riparian or wooded habitats. As a member of the genus Photinus, it likely exhibits the bioluminescent courtship flashes characteristic of this group, though species-specific flash patterns have not been documented in the provided sources.
Phratora hudsonia
birch leaf beetle
Phratora hudsonia is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the birch leaf beetle. It is found in North America, with documented populations in Ontario, Canada, as well as Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The species feeds exclusively on birch leaves and has been the subject of biological study focusing on its seasonal occurrence, habits, and immature stages.
Phyllonorycter olivaeformis
A micro-moth in the family Gracillariidae with a wingspan of approximately 6.5 mm. The species is known from the northeastern and midwestern United States. Larvae are leaf miners that feed on pecan (Carya illinoinensis).
Phyllotrox ferrugineus
Phyllotrox ferrugineus is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876. The species is native to North America, with distribution records including Ontario, Canada. Like other weevils in this family, it possesses the characteristic elongated snout (rostrum) with mouthparts at the tip. The specific epithet "ferrugineus" refers to a rusty or reddish-brown coloration.
Plateros borealis
Plateros borealis is a net-winged beetle (family Lycidae) described by Green in 1953. Records indicate presence in North America, specifically Ontario, Canada. The genus Plateros is part of the diverse Elateriformia infraorder, with adults typically recognized by their soft, flexible elytra and often aposematic coloration. Available information on this species is limited to taxonomic records and sparse distribution data.
Plateumaris diversa
Plateumaris diversa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Donaciinae. The species was described by C. Schaeffer in 1925. It is one of numerous Plateumaris species associated with wetland habitats, particularly those supporting emergent vegetation. Records indicate presence in central and eastern Canada, with observations from Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec.
Platydema elliptica
Orange-banded Darkling Beetle
Platydema elliptica, commonly known as the Orange-banded Darkling Beetle, is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species was described by Fabricius in 1798 and is known from distribution records in Ontario, Canada. As a member of the Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large family of beetles commonly found in decaying organic matter and diverse terrestrial habitats.
Platydema subcostata
Platydema subcostata is a darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) first described by Laporte. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles characterized by flattened bodies. The species is known from a limited number of observations in eastern Canada.
Podabrus dreisbachi
soldier beetle
Podabrus dreisbachi is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America, with records from Ontario, Canada. Like other members of its genus, it is an elongate beetle with soft, flexible wing covers.
Pollaclasis bifaria
Branched Polly
Pollaclasis bifaria is a firefly beetle in the family Lampyridae, distributed across North America including Ontario, Canada. The species is known by the common name "Branched Polly." As a member of Lampyridae, it likely exhibits bioluminescence, though specific details about this species' biology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Polypedilum ontario
Polypedilum ontario is a non-biting midge species in the family Chironomidae, described by Walley in 1926. As a member of the genus Polypedilum, it belongs to one of the most diverse and widespread genera of chironomid midges. The species name reflects its type locality in Ontario, Canada. Like other chironomids, its larvae are aquatic and serve as important indicators of water quality in freshwater ecosystems.
Procambarus acutus
White River Crayfish
Procambarus acutus, commonly known as the white river crayfish, is a freshwater crayfish species in the family Cambaridae native to eastern North America. The species exhibits a disjunct native distribution spanning from the Atlantic Slope to the Gulf of Mexico drainages. It has been introduced to multiple regions outside its native range, including parts of Europe and Africa, where it poses potential ecological and economic risks. Two subspecies are recognized: P. a. acutus and P. a. cuevachicae.
Pseudanthonomus helvolus
Pseudanthonomus helvolus is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Clark in 1987. It is known from North America, with records from Ontario, Canada. Like other members of the genus Pseudanthonomus, it belongs to a group of small weevils, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pseudoloxops coccineus
Pseudoloxops coccineus is a small plant bug in the family Miridae, originally described from Europe in 1843. The species has been introduced to North America, with established populations documented in Ontario, Canada since approximately 1973. Its introduction is believed to have occurred accidentally via nursery stock importations of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior). The species belongs to a genus that has undergone significant taxonomic revision in recent years, with integrative approaches revealing substantial cryptic diversity in Pacific island populations.
Pseudotychius watsoni
Pseudotychius watsoni is a small brentid weevil in the subfamily Nanophyinae, described by Blatchley in 1922. The species has been suggested to associate with Decodon verticillatus (swamp loosestrife), a wetland plant in the family Lythraceae, though this host relationship requires confirmation. It is known from Ontario, Canada, and like other members of its subfamily, likely occupies aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats tied to its host vegetation.
Smicronyx flavicans
Smicronyx flavicans is a species of seed weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by LeConte in 1876. It is native to North America, with records from Ontario, Canada. The genus Smicronyx includes several sunflower-associated seed weevils that are agricultural pests, though specific details about this particular species remain sparse in published literature.
Smicronyx pinguis
Smicronyx pinguis is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. It was described by Blatchley and Leng in 1916 and is known from North America, with records from Ontario, Canada. The genus Smicronyx includes seed weevils, many of which are associated with sunflower and other Asteraceae hosts, though specific biological information for S. pinguis remains sparse.
Smicronyx tychoides
Smicronyx tychoides is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by LeConte in 1876. It is native to North America, with distribution records from Ontario, Canada and the broader North American region. As a member of the genus Smicronyx, it belongs to a group commonly known as seed weevils, many of which are associated with plants in the Asteraceae family. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Somatochlora hineana
Hine's Emerald, Hine's Emerald Dragonfly
Somatochlora hineana is a rare dragonfly species endemic to North America, listed as endangered in Canada since 2011 and of conservation concern in the United States. The species is highly specialized, requiring groundwater discharge areas in wetland habitats to complete its life cycle. It exhibits habitat segregation between sexes and has been documented with biased sex ratios, factors that complicate conservation efforts. The Canadian population is restricted to the Minesing Wetlands in Ontario, while U.S. populations occur in Michigan and other states with suitable calcareous wetland habitats.
Sphenarches ontario
Grape Flower Plume Moth
Sphenarches ontario is a plume moth (family Pterophoridae) described from Ontario, Canada in 1927 by James Halliday McDunnough. It is commonly known as the Grape Flower Plume Moth. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive wing morphology typical of plume moths, with wings divided into feathery plumes. As a member of the Oxyptilini tribe, it is part of a group of small to medium-sized plume moths whose larvae often feed on flowers and fruits.
Sphenophorus incongruus
Sphenophorus incongruus is a weevil species in the family Dryophthoridae, first described by Chittenden in 1905. The species belongs to the genus Sphenophorus, commonly known as billbugs, which contains numerous turfgrass and crop pests. Records indicate presence in North America, specifically in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Québec. Like other Sphenophorus species, it likely possesses the elongated snout typical of weevils and shares the general billbug body plan, though specific distinguishing features from congeners remain poorly documented in available literature.