Prairie-insects
Guides
Chlorochlamys
raspberry looper moth
Chlorochlamys is a genus of emerald moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Geometrinae. The genus contains four described species distributed across eastern and central North America. The most commonly encountered species, Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria, is known as the raspberry looper and has been documented feeding on prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) and Eriogonum alatum.
Dasytinae
soft-wing flower beetles
Dasytinae is a subfamily of soft-wing flower beetles within the family Melyridae, historically treated as the separate family Dasytidae. Members are typically small (<8 mm), parallel-sided beetles with brownish to blackish integument, rarely metallic, and may bear short pubescence. The subfamily is most diverse and abundant in xeric regions of North America and Central Asia, with genera such as Trichochrous and Listrus particularly well-represented in North American arid zones. Dasytinae are commonly found on flowers, where they feed on pollen.
Epacmus
Epacmus is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) characterized by a distinctive case of predator mimicry. Adults possess four prominent, black, polished, hemispherical bumps on the rear of the thorax that strikingly resemble the anterior median eyes of jumping spiders (Salticidae). When viewed from behind, these structures create the illusion of a small salticid spider, potentially deterring predation. The genus is small-bodied, measuring approximately 7–10 mm in length, with a tapered, fuzzy appearance and delicate wings. Taxonomic validity remains debated, with some authorities considering Epacmus a synonym of Aphoebantus.
Exema
warty leaf beetles
Exema is a genus of warty leaf beetles in the tribe Fulcidacini, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. These small beetles (2–3 mm) are renowned for their remarkable fecal mimicry—when disturbed, they retract their head, legs, and antennae into grooves, resembling caterpillar frass. The genus occurs worldwide with at least 9 species in North America. Exema species have been documented on Asteraceae hosts including gray-headed coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) and sweet coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa). Larvae are case-bearing, constructing protective cases from their own feces.
Landryia
Landryia is a genus of tiny moths in the family Scythrididae, described by Kemal & Koçak in 2006. These microlepidopterans are among the smallest moths, with individuals measuring approximately 4–5 mm in total length. The genus is characterized by strikingly asymmetrical genitalia, a feature that distinguishes it from related genera such as Scythris and Neoscythris. Species in this group are poorly known taxonomically, with many undescribed species likely awaiting formal description.
Microstylum
Giant Robber Flies
Microstylum is a genus of large robber flies (family Asilidae) containing at least 130 described species. The genus includes North America's largest robber fly, Microstylum morosum, which reaches 35–50 mm in body length. Species in this genus are characterized by their substantial size relative to other Asilidae and a mystax (facial beard) confined to the oral margin and composed of stout bristles. The genus has a broad distribution with species occurring in North America, the Neotropics, and Madagascar.
Olethreutes carolana
Olethreutes carolana is a species of tortricid moth in the subfamily Olethreutinae, first described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1922. It belongs to a large genus of small moths commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. The species is known from the Canadian prairies, with records from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits the typical Olethreutes morphology with relatively broad, somewhat triangular forewings when at rest.
Taphrocerus
Taphrocerus is a genus of metallic wood-boring beetles (family Buprestidae) comprising over 190 described species, predominantly distributed across North, Central, and South America. One anomalous species has been described from South Africa. Members are commonly referred to as "sedgie wedgies" among coleopterists due to their frequent association with sedges and related wetland plants. The genus exhibits leaf-mining larval biology, with larvae developing within the leaf tissue of host plants.