Prairie
Guides
Carmenta anthracipennis
liatris borer moth, Blazing Star Clearwing
A clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1875. The species is notable for its larval association with Liatris species, where larvae bore through stems. It occurs in the eastern and central United States, with records extending into Canada.
Castianeira alteranda
Prairie Ant-mimic Sac Spider
Castianeira alteranda is a species of ant-mimic spider in the family Corinnidae. It occurs in the northern United States and southern Canada, with records from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. The species was described by Gertsch in 1942. Like other members of the genus Castianeira, it exhibits ant-mimicry as a defensive strategy.
Catastia actualis
Catastia actualis is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886. It is found in western North America, ranging from the Canadian prairies through the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra Nevada. Adults are active in early summer with a relatively narrow flight period.
Ceratina acantha
small carpenter bee
Ceratina acantha is a species of small carpenter bee in the family Apidae, native to Central and North America. It is one of numerous Ceratina species that contribute to wild bee pollination services, though like most small carpenter bees, it is not among the dominant crop-pollinating species. These bees are solitary or weakly social and nest in pre-existing cavities in dead plant material. The species has been documented in studies examining pollinator responses to flower density, showing flexible foraging patterns compared to larger social bees.
Ceratina nanula
Tiny Small carpenter, dwarf ceratina
Ceratina nanula is a species of small carpenter bee in the family Apidae, described by Cockerell in 1897. It is one of the smallest members of the genus Ceratina, commonly known as the "dwarf ceratina" or "tiny small carpenter." The species has been documented in Central America and North America. Like other Ceratina species, it is a solitary bee that nests in pithy or hollow plant stems.
Ceratina strenua
nimble ceratina, nimble small carpenter bee
Ceratina strenua, commonly known as the nimble ceratina, is a species of small carpenter bee in the family Apidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Vermont and other regions. As a member of the genus Ceratina, it belongs to a group of small, solitary bees that nest in hollow plant stems or other pre-existing cavities. The species has been documented as a pollinator of multiple flowering plants, including Penstemon digitalis, Monarda fistulosa, and Eryngium yuccifolium, and exhibits flexible foraging preferences that vary depending on flower identity and competitive context.
Chauliognathus limbicollis
soldier beetle
Chauliognathus limbicollis is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. Adults have been observed feeding on flowers of yellow Asteraceae, particularly Helianthus annuus (annual sunflower) and Heterotheca species, in shortgrass prairie and mesquite chaparral habitats. The species was historically documented from southwestern states including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, but more recent observations extend its range into Oklahoma.
Chlorochroa osborni
Black-winged Chlorochroa
Chlorochroa osborni is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, commonly known as the Black-winged Chlorochroa. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species belongs to a genus of green stink bugs, though specific distinguishing features of this species include its black-winged appearance. It has been documented in field observations in mixed-grass prairie habitats.
Chlosyne gorgone
Gorgone Checkerspot
Chlosyne gorgone is a Nymphalinae butterfly occurring across central North America. Adults have orange wings with black markings and a wingspan of 32–45 mm. Larvae feed on Asteraceae host plants including Helianthus, Ambrosia, Iva, and Viguiera species; adults visit nectar sources, particularly yellow flowers. The species exhibits geographic variation in brood number, with one generation in the north and up to three in the south.
Cicadettana calliope
Southern Grass Cicada
A small North American cicada species known as the Southern Grass Cicada. Adults emerge and lay eggs in late spring. The species has a median total life cycle of approximately four years from egg to natural adult death. Formerly placed in the genus Cicadetta, it was transferred to the revalidated genus Cicadettana. The species is notable for increasing in abundance in prairies managed with spring and fall prescribed burns, unlike prairie cicadas in the genus Tibicen which are negatively impacted by such burns.
Cicadettana calliope floridensis
little green cicada
Cicadettana calliope floridensis is a subspecies of the little green cicada, a small cicada in the family Cicadidae. It belongs to a genus with only two species in the United States. The subspecies was described by Davis in 1920 and is currently considered valid. Like other members of its species, it is associated with grassland habitats and has a biology adapted to fire-prone environments.
Cicadettana kansa
Kansas Grass Cicada
Cicadettana kansa is a small North American cicada species formerly classified in the genus Cicadetta. Adults are lime green in coloration and produce a soft, barely audible buzzing call. The species inhabits mixed shortgrass prairie and is active in late spring and summer. It is distinguished from the similar C. calliope by having 4–5 apical cells in the hind wing rather than 6.
Cicindela longilabris perviridis
Green Long-lipped Tiger Beetle
Cicindela longilabris perviridis, commonly known as the Green Long-lipped Tiger Beetle, is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae. It belongs to the C. longilabris species complex, which is characterized by elongated labial palps. This subspecies is distinguished by its green coloration and is part of a group associated with boreal and prairie habitats. The species complex includes intergrades with C. nebraskana in transitional zones.
Cicindela purpurea
Purple Tiger Beetle, Cow Path Tiger Beetle
Cicindela purpurea is a North American tiger beetle commonly known as the purple tiger beetle or cow path tiger beetle. Adults measure 12-16 millimeters and display remarkable color polymorphism, appearing in matte green, metallic green, bluish, black, or bronze-purple forms. The species exhibits a spring-fall emergence pattern, with adults active in April-May and September, spending summer as subterranean larvae. It is widespread across northern North America but notably absent from the mid-Atlantic states, Texas, and coastal Pacific regions. Five subspecies are recognized, including the distinctive C. p. audubonii with its reduced elytral markings and occasional all-black morphs.
Cicindela purpurea cimarrona
Cimarron Tiger Beetle
Cicindela purpurea cimarrona is a subspecies of the purple tiger beetle complex found in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions of North America. As part of the spring-fall life history group within the true Cicindela, adults emerge in fall as sexually immature individuals, overwinter in burrows, and re-emerge in spring to mate and reproduce. This subspecies is one of several color variants within C. purpurea, which exhibits notable polymorphism including green, blue, black, and bronze-purple morphs. The specific epithet 'cimarrona' references its association with the Cimarron River region and surrounding grassland habitats.
Cicindela purpurea purpurea
Cow Path Tiger Beetle, Purple Tiger Beetle
The nominate subspecies of the Cow Path Tiger Beetle, Cicindela purpurea purpurea is a small (12-16 mm), predatory beetle with highly variable coloration ranging from matte green and metallic green to bluish, black, or bronze-purple. It exhibits a spring-fall life cycle, with adults emerging in autumn as sexually immature individuals, overwintering in burrows, and re-emerging in spring to mate and reproduce. The subspecies is distinguished from other C. purpurea subspecies by its reduced elytral markings and absence of the distinct purple marginal border characteristic of C. p. audubonii. Populations in the eastern United States have declined significantly, with some feared extirpated in parts of their historical range.
Cicindelidia obsoleta
Large Grassland Tiger Beetle, Prairie Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia obsoleta is a large tiger beetle species distributed across grassland habitats in central North America, from Texas through Oklahoma and northward into the Great Plains. The species exhibits notable geographic variation, with the nominate subspecies C. o. obsoleta occurring in the western portion of its range and displaying predominantly black coloration, while the disjunct Missouri/Arkansas population (C. o. vulturina) shows green to olive-green coloration. Adults are active during fall months, with the disjunct population showing a phenologic shift to cooler autumn activity compared to the summer-active main population. The species is among the largest North American tiger beetles, with adults reaching sizes comparable only to Tetracha virginica in its eastern range.
Collops pulchellus
Collops pulchellus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. Records indicate it has been collected on flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed) in shortgrass prairie habitats of Oklahoma and New Mexico. The species appears to be associated with late-season flowering of its host plants, with observations in September and October. Like other members of the genus Collops, adults are likely predatory on small insects visiting the same flowers.
Conocephalus saltans
Prairie Meadow Katydid, Western Prairie Grasshopper, Wingless Prairie Grasshopper
Conocephalus saltans, commonly known as the prairie meadow katydid, is a species of meadow katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. Despite common names suggesting otherwise, it is not a true grasshopper but a katydid (bush-cricket). The species is found in North America, with records from states including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and others. It belongs to the subfamily Conocephalinae, which includes abundant orthopterans of grasslands and prairies.
Cosmopterix callichalca
Cosmopterix callichalca is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae with a forewing length of 3.1–5.7 mm. It is native to the Americas, with records from Argentina, Brazil, and the southern and midwestern United States. The larvae are leaf miners on Schizachyrium scoparium. The species exhibits geographic variation in voltinism: univoltine in Michigan, bivoltine in the southern United States, and likely multivoltine in Brazil.
Crambus trichusalis
Crambus trichusalis is a grass moth in the family Crambidae, described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886. It is restricted to the northern Great Plains of North America, with confirmed records from the Canadian prairies and adjacent U.S. states. The species is strongly associated with native grassland habitats.
Crambus whitmerellus
Whitmer's Grass-veneer
Crambus whitmerellus is a grass-veneer moth in the family Crambidae, described by Alexander Barrett Klots in 1942. It is a North American species associated with grassland habitats. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and C. w. browni from Alberta and northern Montana. The species is part of a large genus of grass-feeding moths commonly known as sod webworms or grass-veneers.
Cremastocheilus wheeleri
Cremastocheilus wheeleri is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the genus Cremastocheilus, commonly known as anteater scarabs. Adults and larvae live within ant colonies as predators, feeding on ant larvae and pupae. The species exhibits specialized morphological adaptations for surviving in hostile ant nests, including dense exoskeletal armor, modified mouthparts for piercing ant brood, and death-feigning behavior to gain entry to nests. It is found in western and central North America, primarily associated with mound-building ants in the genus Formica.
Cryptocephalus quadruplex
Black and Red Sumac Leaf Beetle
Cryptocephalus quadruplex is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species occurs across North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario) and the United States. As a member of the case-bearing leaf beetles, its larvae construct protective cases from fecal matter and sometimes plant debris. The species has been observed on sumac (Rhus) and other vegetation in prairie and open woodland habitats.
Cryptoscatomaseter criddlei
Cryptoscatomaseter criddlei is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Brown in 1928. It belongs to the genus Cryptoscatomaseter, a group of small aphodiine scarabs. The species is known from a limited number of records in the northern Great Plains and adjacent regions of North America.
Cryptoscatomaseter iowensis
Iowa Small Dung Beetle
Cryptoscatomaseter iowensis is a small dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. It is known from the central plains of North America, with records from the northern United States and southern Canada. The species was described by Wickham in 1913 from Iowa. Like other members of Aphodiinae, it is presumed to be associated with dung, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Ctenucha venosa
Veined Ctenucha Moth
Ctenucha venosa, commonly known as the veined ctenucha moth, is a diurnal moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Francis Walker in 1854, it is one of several North American Ctenucha species known for wasp-mimicking coloration. Adults are active from spring through late autumn with multiple generations per year. The species occurs across the southwestern United States and extends south through Mexico to Venezuela.
Cucullia alfarata
Camphorweed Owlet, camphorweed cucullia
Cucullia alfarata is a noctuid moth species found in North America. The common name 'Camphorweed Owlet' references its association with camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris), a known host plant for larvae of this genus. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The species belongs to the subfamily Cuculliinae, a group whose larvae typically feed on the flowers and seeds of Asteraceae.
Cucullia speyeri
Speyer's paint, Speyer's cucullia, Speyer's hooded owlet moth
Cucullia speyeri is a noctuid moth species found in North America, ranging from the Canadian prairies to the Atlantic coast. The species inhabits open, dry grassland and meadow habitats. Adults are active in late spring and summer, with a wingspan of approximately 48 mm. The larvae feed on herbaceous Asteraceae and Conyza species. In Connecticut, the species is listed as a species of special concern and is believed to be extirpated.
Derotmema haydenii
Hayden's grasshopper
Derotmema haydenii is a medium-sized band-winged grasshopper native to western North America. It inhabits disturbed prairie habitats with high percentages of bare ground, including prairie dog towns, roadsides, and vacant lots. The species is notable for its late hatching phenology and distinctive nymphal coloration. Adults are active from late July through September and feed primarily on forbs rather than grasses.
Dialytes ulkei
Dialytes ulkei is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Horn in 1875. The species is distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Quebec) and the United States (Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, South Carolina, Wisconsin). As a member of the Aphodiinae, it is associated with dung and decaying organic matter.
Diapheromera velii
prairie walkingstick
Diapheromera velii, commonly known as the prairie walkingstick, is a species of stick insect in the family Diapheromeridae. It is native to North America and has been documented in prairie and grassland habitats, particularly in sandy areas. The species exhibits two recognized subspecies: D. v. velii and D. v. eucnemis. Like other walkingsticks, it relies on crypsis for predator avoidance.
Dichorda
Dichorda is a genus of emerald moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Geometrinae. The genus was erected by Warren in 1900 and currently contains nine recognized species distributed primarily in North America. Species such as Dichorda iridaria (showy emerald moth) are known for their distinctive green coloration and are attracted to ultraviolet light at night. The genus is part of the diverse Geometridae family, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths.
Diogmites angustipennis
prairie robber fly
Diogmites angustipennis, commonly known as the prairie robber fly, is a widespread species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It was first described by Loew in 1866 and has been subject to taxonomic revision, with three former species now synonymized with it. The species is known to prey on other insects, including adult wasps. It occurs across the south-central and southwestern United States.
Diplocolenus configuratus
Diplocolenus configuratus is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. It belongs to the tribe Paralimnini, which comprises grassland-associated leafhoppers. The species was described by Uhler in 1878 and occurs in central North America. Records indicate presence in prairie and grassland regions of the United States and Canada.
Diplotaxis sordida
Diplotaxis sordida is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1825. It is a small chafer beetle found across eastern and central North America, from Canada through the eastern United States. The species is part of the diverse genus Diplotaxis, which includes numerous similar small scarab species that are often attracted to lights at night. Like other members of its genus, D. sordida is likely nocturnally active and associated with herbaceous vegetation.
Disholcaspis prehensa
clasping twig gall wasp
Disholcaspis prehensa is a gall-inducing cynipid wasp native to California that induces distinctive galls on scrub oak and leather oak. The species exhibits heterogony, alternating between sexual and asexual generations that produce two morphologically different gall types. The asexual generation forms conspicuous mushroom-shaped twig galls with clasping bases, while the sexual generation produces small, hidden bud galls.
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agementstrategic-risk-management-management-managemententerprise-risk-management-management-managementintegrated-risk-management-management-managementholistic-risk-management-management-managementsystemic-risk-management-management-managementcascading-risk-management-management-managementcompound-risk-management-management-managementcomplex-risk-management-management-managementemerging-risk-management-management-managementevolving-risk-management-management-managementtransboundary-risk-management-management-managementplanetary-risk-management-management-managementexistential-risk-management-management-managementglobal-catastrophic-risk-management-management-managementcivilization-risk-management-management-managementhuman-extinction-risk-management-management-managementspecies-extinction-risk-management-management-managementecosystem-collapse-risk-management-management-managementtipping-point-management-management-managementthreshold-management-management-managementregime-shift-management-management-managementalternative-stable-state-management-management-managementhysteresis-management-management-managementpath-dependence-management-management-managementlock-in-management-management-managementcarbon-lock-in-management-management-managementinfrastructure-lock-in-management-management-managementbehavioral-lock-in-management-management-managementinstitutional-lock-in-management-management-managementtechnological-lock-in-management-management-managementregulatory-lock-in-management-management-managementfinancial-lock-in-management-management-managementpolitical-lock-in-management-management-managementcultural-lock-in-management-management-managementsocial-lock-in-management-management-managementeconomic-lock-in-management-management-managementstructural-inertia-management-management-managementresistance-to-change-management-management-managementbarrier-to-change-management-management-managementenabler-of-change-management-management-managementdriver-of-change-management-management-managementaccelerator-of-change-management-management-managementcatalyst-of-change-management-management-managementleverage-point-management-management-managementintervention-point-management-management-managemententry-point-management-management-managementwindow-of-opportunity-management-management-managementpolicy-window-management-management-managementpolitical-opportunity-management-management-managementsocial-opportunity-management-management-managementeconomic-opportunity-management-management-managementtechnological-opportunity-management-management-managementenvironmental-opportunity-management-management-managementcrisis-opportunity-management-management-managementdisaster-opportunity-management-management-managementbuild-back-better-management-management-managementgreen-recovery-management-management-managementjust-recovery-management-management-managementresilient-recovery-management-management-managementsustainable-recovery-management-management-managementtransformational-recovery-management-management-managementdisaster-risk-reduction-management-management-managementprevention-management-management-managementpreparedness-management-management-managementresponse-management-management-managementrecovery-management-management-managementrehabilitation-management-management-managementreconstruction-management-management-managementresilience-building-management-management-managementadaptive-capacity-building-management-management-managementtransformative-capacity-building-management-management-managementDolichoderus mariae
Mary's Odorous Ant
Dolichoderus mariae is a distinctive North American ant species named after naturalist Mary Treat, who discovered it. The species is notable for its reddish-brown and black bicolored appearance, large polydomous colonies with dozens of nests, and its specialized ecology in prairie and glade habitats where it nests among plant roots. Colonies exhibit dramatic seasonal fluctuations in nest numbers and worker populations, and engage in territorial aggression with neighboring colonies.
Dolichoderus pustulatus
Bog Odorous Ant
Dolichoderus pustulatus is a North American ant species in the subfamily Dolichoderinae. Workers exhibit geographic color variation, with southern populations showing orangish-brown heads, antennae, metasoma, and legs with a darker gaster, while northern populations tend toward uniform reddish-brown or dark brown. The species constructs distinctive nests with carton material or under leaf litter in wetland and grassland habitats.
Draeculacephala cf-minerva
Draeculacephala cf-minerva is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, distinguished by its distinctive head shape and association with grassland and prairie habitats. The 'cf.' designation indicates specimen identification based on morphological similarity to D. minerva, pending definitive confirmation. Members of this genus are known for their wedge-shaped bodies and powerful hind legs adapted for jumping.
Eburia
Eburia is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, tribe Eburiini) established by Lacordaire in 1830. Species within this genus are attracted to ethanol and wine-based baits, with E. quadrigeminata being frequently documented in bait trap studies across Missouri and surrounding regions. The genus occurs in both eastern and western North America, with some evidence suggesting regional species replacement patterns.
Eleodes caseyi
desert stink beetle, clown beetle
Eleodes caseyi is a species of desert stink beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It belongs to the genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles, which are characterized by their defensive head-stand posture. The species was described by Blaisdell in 1909. Like other members of its genus, it is adapted to arid environments.
Eleodes hirsuta
Hairy Stink Beetle, Hairy Eleodes
Eleodes hirsuta is a large darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) native to western North America, recognized by its conspicuously hairy body and defensive chemical-secreting behavior. The species belongs to the 'clown beetle' group, known for their characteristic head-stand posture when threatened. Adults are primarily nocturnal and active during warmer months in arid and semi-arid grassland habitats.
Eleodes sponsa
Eleodes sponsa is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as clown beetles. The species was described by LeConte in 1858. Members of the genus Eleodes are characterized by their defensive "head stand" behavior, where they elevate their abdomen when threatened. The species occurs in North American grassland and prairie habitats.
Encoptolophus
dusky grasshoppers, clouded grasshoppers, pale clouded grasshopper, western clouded grasshopper, coast clouded grasshopper, southwestern dusky grasshopper
Encoptolophus is a genus of band-winged grasshoppers comprising approximately eight described species distributed across western North America. Members of this genus are medium-sized grasshoppers characterized by long wings extending beyond the abdomen, banded tegmina, and often blue hind tibiae. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with species formerly assigned to Encoptolophus now placed in the new genus Nebulatettix and in Chimarocephala. Several species serve as important components of grassland ecosystems, with some achieving local dominance in mixedgrass and shortgrass prairie habitats.
Encoptolophus costalis
Dusky Grasshopper, Western Clouded Grasshopper
Encoptolophus costalis is a medium-sized band-winged grasshopper native to western North America. It is primarily a grass-feeding species with a strong preference for western wheatgrass and needleleaf sedge. The species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism in body size and possesses long wings enabling dispersal flight. It is most abundant in the northern mixedgrass prairie, where it can become locally dominant, though typically remains a subdominant member of grasshopper assemblages.
Encoptolophus sordidus
clouded grasshopper, dusky grasshopper, dusky locust
Encoptolophus sordidus is a medium-sized band-winged grasshopper native to North American grasslands. Adults are sexually dimorphic in body size, with females substantially larger than males. The species exhibits strong dietary specialization for native grasses and sedges, with documented ontogenetic shifts in food preferences between nymphal instars and adults. It is primarily a rangeland species, occasionally reaching dominant population status in favorable habitats. The species possesses long wings enabling dispersal flight, and has been observed migrating from depleted rangeland into adjacent crop areas.
Eritettix simplex
velvet-striped grasshopper, velvet-striped locust
Eritettix simplex, the velvet-striped grasshopper, is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is characterized by distinctive velvet-like dark bands along the lateral carinae of the pronotum and three longitudinal carinae on the head. The species has an extensive range across North America, with major population centers in the Great Plains and Appalachian Mountains. It feeds almost exclusively on grasses and sedges, with blue grama being a highly preferred food plant.
Erynnis afranius
Afranius Duskywing, Bald Duskywing
Erynnis afranius, commonly known as the Afranius duskywing or bald duskywing, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs across a broad range from northern Mexico through the central United States to southern Canada. The species is bivoltine, with two generations flying from mid-May to late August. Larvae feed on leguminous host plants including Lupinus, Lotus, and Thermopsis species.
Erynnis baptisiae
wild indigo duskywing
Erynnis baptisiae, commonly known as the wild indigo duskywing, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Ontario and New England west to Nebraska and south to Texas and the Gulf Coast. The species is strongly associated with leguminous host plants, particularly wild indigo (Baptisia) species, from which it derives both its common and scientific names. It has been observed in prairie, open woodland, and grassland habitats.