Riparian
Guides
Acneus quadrimaculatus
water penny beetle
Acneus quadrimaculatus is a species of water penny beetle in the family Psephenidae. It is endemic to the United States with confirmed records from California and Oregon. Adults are found in riparian vegetation near aquatic habitats. The species was described by Horn in 1880.
Acronicta impressa
Impressive Dagger, Impressive Dagger Moth, Willow Dagger Moth
Acronicta impressa is a noctuid moth commonly known as the impressive dagger moth or willow dagger moth. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1856. It ranges across western North America from Canada to northwestern Mexico. Adults are active in early to midsummer and are attracted to light. The caterpillars feed on a variety of woody plants including willow, poplar, and rose.
Aegialia blanchardi
Aegialia blanchardi is a small aphodiine dung beetle described by Horn in 1887. It occurs across North America from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic seaboard, with records spanning Canada and the United States. The species is a member of the subfamily Aegialiinae, a group associated with sandy coastal and riparian habitats.
Agonum decorum
Agonum decorum is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Platyninae, characterized by its association with riparian habitats near water bodies. It has a broad geographic distribution spanning North America and the Caribbean. The species is documented in ecological research as a representative of predatory beetles in turfgrass systems, though specific biological details remain limited in published literature.
Agrilus granulatus granulatus
Eastern Cottonwood Borer
Agrilus granulatus granulatus is a jewel beetle subspecies restricted to eastern North America east of the Rocky Mountains. Adults are commonly associated with cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica'), where they can be found on branches of host plants. The species is frequently confused with A. quadriguttatus, which breeds on willow rather than poplar. This subspecies represents the nominate form of A. granulatus, with other populations assigned to separate subspecies.
Agrilus granulatus populi
Poplar jewel beetle, Poplar buprestid
Agrilus granulatus populi is a subspecies of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, associated with cottonwood and poplar trees (Populus spp.) across North America. It is one of several subspecies assigned to A. granulatus, with the nominate form A. g. granulatus restricted to the eastern United States east of the Rocky Mountains. This wood-boring beetle develops in dead or dying branches of its host plants and is commonly collected by beating branches onto a sheet.
Aleodorus bilobatus
Two-lobed Minute Rove Beetle
Aleodorus bilobatus is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae) native to eastern North America. Adults measure 2.8–4.1 mm and exhibit variable coloration from light brown to black. The species is associated with wet riparian habitats, particularly vegetation along rivers and ditches. It is classified in the tribe Falagriini within the subfamily Aleocharinae.
Altica bimarginata
willow flea beetle
Altica bimarginata is a small, shiny blue flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the willow flea beetle. It measures 5–6 mm in length and 2–3 mm in width. The species is distributed across North America and Central America and is frequently associated with willow plants (Salix genus). Three subspecies are recognized: A. b. bimarginata, A. b. labradorensis, and A. b. plicipennis. A neotype was designated for this species due to the loss of the original type specimen.
Americerura scitiscripta
black-etched prominent, Black-etched Prominent Moth
Americerura scitiscripta, commonly known as the black-etched prominent moth, is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae. It was originally described in the genera Cerura and Tecmessa before being placed in Americerura, a genus now restricted to the New World. The species is broadly distributed across North America, with adults active from early spring through autumn depending on latitude.
Amerizus wingatei
Wingate's riverbank ground beetle
Amerizus wingatei is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Wingate's riverbank ground beetle. The species was originally described as Bembidion wingatei by Bland in 1864 and later transferred to the genus Amerizus. It is primarily associated with riparian habitats in eastern North America. Reports of its presence in Europe and northern Asia are disputed and not supported by recent taxonomic reviews.
Amorpha
false indigo, false indigos, leadplant, desert false indigo, indigo bush
Amorpha is a genus of flowering plants in the pea family (Fabaceae) native to North America, ranging from southern Canada through most of the United States to northern Mexico. The genus is distinguished by its unique floral morphology: unlike typical pea-family flowers with the standard wing and keel petal structure, Amorpha flowers possess only a single petal, giving the genus its Greek name meaning "deformed" or "without form." The approximately 15 species include shrubs and subshrubs occupying diverse habitats from prairies to riparian corridors, with some species serving as important larval host plants for specialized insects and others showing invasive tendencies outside their native ranges.
Annaphila arvalis
Annaphila arvalis is a small owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Henry Edwards in 1875. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 20 mm and are active from early March to mid-April. The species is distributed across western North America from south-eastern British Columbia to southern California. Larvae feed on Montia perfoliata. The species is assigned Hodges number 9854.
Anopliomorpha rinconia
Anopliomorpha rinconia is a small cerambycid beetle in the tribe Elaphidiini, recorded from the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species has been documented from Arizona, where it was collected by sweeping low vegetation in canyon habitats. It is one of several small, inconspicuous elaphidiine species that are often encountered in low numbers during general collecting.
Antepione imitata
Antepione imitata is a geometrid moth of the subfamily Ennominae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1884. It occurs in the southwestern United States and likely extends into northern Mexico. The species is closely tied to riparian canyon habitats at elevations up to 1,830 meters. Adults exhibit a complex multi-voltine phenology with three distinct flight periods correlated with regional rainfall patterns.
Anthaxia viridicornis
Anthaxia viridicornis is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, placed in the subgenus Haplanthaxia. It is native to North America and has been reared from dead willow (Salix caroliniana). The species exhibits variation that has been discussed in taxonomic literature, particularly in relation to its distinction from the similar A. viridifrons.
Anurida granaria
granary short-legged springtail
Anurida granaria is a springtail species in the family Neanuridae, first described by Hercule Nicolet in 1847. It has been observed in a documented mycophagy association with the cup fungus Peziza arvernensis in southern Brazil, where a colony of over 500 individuals used a single fungal apothecium as both food source and living space. The species exhibits complete life cycle activities including molting, courtship behavior, and oviposition within fungal structures.
Apaturinae
emperors
Apaturinae is a subfamily of brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) comprising approximately 20 genera and roughly 100 species commonly called 'emperors.' Members are distinguished by a green proboscis, strikingly colored upperwings, and cryptic underwings. The subfamily exhibits a disjunct global distribution, with most genera occurring in South and East Asia and Africa, while the genera Doxocopa and Asterocampa are primarily Neotropical and Nearctic. Larvae of at least some species possess a unique defensive mechanism: oral emission of volatile halitosis (alcohols and aldehydes/ketones with 4–5 carbon chains) when disturbed by predators.
Apocellus
Apocellus is a genus of spiny-legged rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, containing approximately 11 described species. These beetles are characterized by their elongated bodies and relatively short elytra typical of rove beetles. The genus was established by Erichson in 1839 and occurs primarily in the Americas, with records from North and South America.
Arctia parthenos
St. Lawrence tiger moth
Arctia parthenos, commonly known as the St. Lawrence tiger moth, is a medium-sized moth in the family Erebidae. It was first described by Thaddeus William Harris in 1850. The species inhabits boreal North America across a broad latitudinal range from Alaska to Labrador, with southern extensions into the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains. Adults are active from late May to early August with one generation per year. The larvae feed on woody plants including willow, alder, and birch.
Asterocampa celtis celtis
Eastern Hackberry Butterfly
Asterocampa celtis celtis is the nominate subspecies of the Hackberry Butterfly, a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is strongly associated with hackberry trees (Celtis spp.) throughout its life cycle, with larvae feeding exclusively on these host plants. The subspecies ranges across eastern North America, where it is a common and widespread resident of woodland edges and riparian corridors.
Atrytonopsis
Atrytonopsis is a genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. The genus contains approximately 14 described species, including the dusted skipper, moon-marked skipper, and white-barred skipper. One notable population occurs in an isolated insular sand dune habitat off the North Carolina coast, representing a significant disjunct distribution from the main range. Species within this genus are generally associated with open habitats and riparian corridors.
Atrytonopsis pittacus
White-barred Skipper
Atrytonopsis pittacus, the white-barred skipper, is a grass skipper in the family Hesperiidae described by William Henry Edwards in 1882. It occurs in Central and North America. Males have been observed puddling at stream margins to obtain minerals. The species has a MONA/Hodges number of 4085.
Atrytonopsis python
Python Skipper, Annual Sea-blite
Atrytonopsis python, commonly known as the Python Skipper or Annual Sea-blite, is a species of grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is found in North America. The species was first described by Edwards in 1882. Two subspecies are recognized: A. p. margarita and the nominate A. p. python. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 4086.
Battus philenor hirsuta
California pipevine swallowtail, hairy pipevine swallowtail
A California endemic subspecies of pipevine swallowtail distinguished by smaller size, denser body hair, and larger egg clutches than the nominate subspecies. Adults display iridescent green-blue hindwings with red ventral spots, while larvae are black with fleshy protrusions and orange markings. The subspecies maintains a tightly coupled relationship with its sole host plant, Aristolochia californica, sequestering toxic aristolochic acids for chemical defense. Unlike other Battus philenor populations, this subspecies has no known Batesian mimics.
Bembidiini
Bembidiini is a large tribe of ground beetles (Carabidae) comprising over 120 genera and approximately 3,100 described species. Members are predominantly small to minute beetles, often found in riparian, intertidal, subterranean, and arboreal habitats. The tribe includes notable subtribes such as Xystosomina (arboreal tropical beetles) and Anillina (small litter-dwelling forms), as well as the subtribe Lovriciina containing highly specialized cave-dwelling species. Many species exhibit narrow habitat specificity, including intertidal gravel beaches and tropical forest canopy systems.
Bembidion
Bembidion is the largest genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae by number of species. All species are small, measuring less than 7.5 mm, and are characterized by rapid movement. The genus exhibits a biantitropical distribution pattern, occurring in temperate regions of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres but absent from tropical zones. Taxonomic subdivision of the genus remains unresolved, with multiple attempts to split it into smaller genera failing to achieve general acceptance.
Bembidion actuosum
Energetic Riverbank Ground Beetle
Bembidion actuosum is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Casey in 1918. It is commonly known as the Energetic Riverbank Ground Beetle. The species is distributed across North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other Bembidion species, it is presumed to be a predatory beetle inhabiting riparian environments.
Bembidion alaskense
Bembidion alaskense is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by Carl Lindroth in 1962. The species has a Holarctic distribution, with records from Alaska and Russia. It belongs to the large genus Bembidion, which comprises numerous small, often riparian-associated beetles. The species name reflects its Alaskan type locality.
Bembidion cheyennense
Cheyenne Riverbank Ground Beetle
Bembidion cheyennense is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Casey in 1918. It is distributed across North America, with records from Canada, Mexico, and the United States. As a member of the genus Bembidion, it belongs to a large group of small, often metallic ground beetles commonly associated with riparian and moist habitats. The species is one of many understudied carabid beetles in North America, with limited detailed ecological information available.
Bembidion coloradense
Colorado Bembidion Beetle
Bembidion coloradense is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Hayward in 1897. It is native to western North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the large genus Bembidion, it inhabits riparian and moist ground habitats typical of the group. The species is documented in museum collections but appears to be rarely encountered in recent field surveys.
Bembidion confusum
Confused Riverbank Ground Beetle
A small ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, found in North America. It inhabits stream-margin environments and has been studied for its reproductive adaptations to this specialized habitat. The species is part of the large genus Bembidion, which contains many riparian-associated beetles.
Bembidion corgenoma
Bembidion corgenoma is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by David Maddison in 2020. The species was named in honor of former California Governor Jerry Brown and his wife Anne Brown, following its rediscovery on their Colusa County ranch after a 55-year absence from scientific observation. The beetle was previously known only from 21 historical specimens collected between the 1920s and 1966, suggesting a significant population decline likely driven by habitat loss from urbanization and agricultural development in California's Central Valley and Los Angeles Basin.
Bembidion indistinctum
Indistinct Riverbank Ground Beetle
Bembidion indistinctum is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Indistinct Riverbank Ground Beetle. The species occurs across North America including Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States. Like many Bembidion species, it is associated with riparian habitats near water bodies.
Bembidion interventor
Bembidion interventor is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Lindroth in 1963. It is known from North America, with records from Alaska, Canada, and the United States. The species is among the many Bembidion beetles that inhabit riparian and wetland-edge environments. Available information on this species is limited, with few documented observations.
Bembidion iridescens
Iridescent Riverbank Ground Beetle
Bembidion iridescens is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Iridescent Riverbank Ground Beetle. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The species is part of the large genus Bembidion, which contains numerous small predatory beetles often associated with riparian and moist habitats.
Bembidion patruele
Clay-beach Bembidion Beetle
A small ground beetle in the genus Bembidion, widely distributed across North America. The species has been documented in both Canada and the United States. It is one of many Bembidion species adapted to riparian and moist shoreline habitats. Historical specimens indicate long-term presence in North American entomological collections.
Bembidion petrosum
A ground beetle species with a broad Eurosiberian distribution spanning North America, Europe, and temperate Asia. Breeds during summer and hibernates as an overwintering strategy. Frequently aggregates beneath stones in riparian habitats. Four subspecies are recognized, including the nominate form and three regional variants.
Bembidion tetracolum
Seine Riverbank Ground Beetle
Bembidion tetracolum is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. It is native to Europe and has been introduced to other regions including Australia. The species is commonly known as the Seine Riverbank Ground Beetle, reflecting its association with riparian habitats. It belongs to the large genus Bembidion, which contains numerous small, often metallic ground beetles.
Bidigitus platani
western sycamore sawfly
Bidigitus platani is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as the western sycamore sawfly. The species name indicates an association with sycamore trees (Platanus species), particularly western sycamore (Platanus racemosa). As a member of the sawfly suborder Symphyta, adults are wasp-like in appearance but lack the constricted waist characteristic of many other Hymenoptera. Larvae are herbivorous and feed on host plant foliage.
Bittacus occidentis
Western Hangingfly
Bittacus occidentis is a species of hangingfly in the family Bittacidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1853. Hangingflies are predatory insects characterized by their distinctive habit of hanging from vegetation using their elongated forelegs. This species occurs in North America. Members of the genus Bittacus are recognized for their elongated bodies and two pairs of membranous wings.
Brachinus fumans
American bombardier beetle
Brachinus fumans, commonly known as the American bombardier beetle, is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae and subfamily Brachininae. This species belongs to the subgenus Neobrachinus and was originally placed in Erwin's fumans species group based on morphological characters, though molecular phylogenetic studies have redefined this group. The species is endemic to the Nearctic region and is found across North America. Like other bombardier beetles, it possesses remarkable explosive defensive chemistry.
Brachinus tenuicollis
Narrow-necked Little Bombardier Beetle
Brachinus tenuicollis is a Nearctic bombardier beetle in the subgenus Neobrachinus, characterized by explosive defensive chemistry producing hot benzoquinone clouds. Molecular phylogenetic analysis placed this species in the newly erected tenuicollis species group, separated from Erwin's historically polyphyletic fumans group. The species shares with other Neobrachinus members a parasitoid larval strategy targeting aquatic beetle pupae and tendency toward multispecies aggregations.
Brachylomia populi
Brachylomia populi is a noctuid moth species first described by Strecker in 1898. It inhabits the inland mountain regions of western North America, with larvae that feed specifically on cottonwood, aspen (Populus), and oak (Quercus) leaves. The species has a wingspan of approximately 30 mm and is known from 133 iNaturalist observations.
Brechmorhoga mendax
Pale-faced Clubskimmer
Brechmorhoga mendax is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as the Pale-faced Clubskimmer. It is a medium-sized dragonfly with a total length of 52–64 mm. Despite being a skimmer, it resembles clubtails (Gomphidae) in appearance, though its eyes meet at the top of the head—a definitive skimmer characteristic. The species has been documented in riverine habitats in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Buprestis confluenta
Yellow-spotted Jewel Beetle
Buprestis confluenta is a striking metallic wood-boring beetle distinguished by its emerald green to coppery-brown coloration with dense, more or less confluent yellow flecks across the elytra. The species is primarily associated with dead cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) in central and western North America. Despite the abundance of suitable host trees in some regions, it remains uncommonly encountered and is considered elusive by collectors. Adults are typically found on large, dead, barkless cottonwood trunks.
Calligrapha alni
Russet Alder Leaf Beetle
Calligrapha alni, the russet alder leaf beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae found in North America. The common name indicates an association with alder (Alnus spp.), though specific host plant details are limited in available sources. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it likely exhibits high host specificity, a trait characteristic of this northeastern North American genus.
Calopteryx
Jewelwings
Calopteryx is a genus of large damselflies in the family Calopterygidae, commonly known as jewelwings. Males typically display brightly colored wings while females usually have clear wings, though some females develop male-like (androchrome) wing characteristics. The genus lacks a pterostigma, a wing cell found in most other odonates. Species occupy distinct zones within running water systems, with differential thermal adaptations driving habitat segregation.
Carabus finitimus
Haldeman's worm and slug hunter
Carabus finitimus is a bluish-colored ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It inhabits bottomland forests along rivers in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal. The common name "Haldeman's worm and slug hunter" reflects its predatory habits.
Catocala amatrix
Sweetheart Underwing
Catocala amatrix, commonly known as the Sweetheart Underwing, is a large moth in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 75–95 mm. The forewings are cryptically colored in gray-brown tones that provide camouflage against tree bark when the moth is at rest. When disturbed, the moth reveals strikingly colorful hindwings—typically orange-red with black bands—that serve as a startle defense against predators. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, with adults active from August to October. Larvae feed on several species of Populus (poplars and cottonwoods) and Salix (willows).
Catocala faustina
Faustina Underwing
Catocala faustina is a western North American underwing moth in the family Erebidae. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of approximately 58 mm. The species exhibits the characteristic underwing morphology: cryptic, bark-patterned forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings when at rest. Adults are active in late summer and autumn, with flight records from September to October. The larvae feed exclusively on willow species (Salix).