Riparian-forest
Guides
Agrilus quadriguttatus
Four-spotted Agrilus
Agrilus quadriguttatus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species is native to North America and is among the smaller buprestid beetles utilized as prey by the specialist hunting wasp Cerceris fumipennis. Subspecific variation exists, with three recognized subspecies including the nominate form.
Atlides halesus
Great Purple Hairstreak, Great Blue Hairstreak
Atlides halesus is a striking gossamer-winged butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, notable for its misnomer of a common name—despite being called the "Great Purple Hairstreak," it displays iridescent blue coloration rather than purple. This Neotropical species ranges from warm-temperate and subtropical North America southward nearly to the Isthmus of Panama. The larvae feed exclusively on mistletoe species (Phoradendron spp.), making this butterfly dependent on the presence of these parasitic plants. Adults are known for hilltopping behavior, where males defend perches on elevated terrain to intercept females.
Catocala semirelicta
Semirelict Underwing Moth
Catocala semirelicta is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it possesses cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, which are exposed when the moth is disturbed. The species occurs across a broad North American range spanning from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific, with particular abundance in western mountainous regions.
Parandra polita
Parandra polita is an unusual longhorned beetle belonging to the archaic subfamily Parandrinae. It exhibits a remarkable convergence with stag beetles (family Lucanidae) in appearance, featuring chestnut-brown coloration and large, forward-projecting mandibles. The species is uncommon and poorly known, with most records coming from blacklight collections in wet bottomland forests. It is one of only four parandrine taxa in North America and can be distinguished from the similar Neandra brunnea by its contiguous triangular mandibles and entire (non-emarginate) eyes.
Scaphinotus angusticollis
Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus angusticollis is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the narrow-collared snail-eating beetle. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), gregarious, and nocturnal. The species exhibits regional color polymorphism, with individuals appearing in dark black or deep red morphs. It has been observed preying on snails, slugs, earthworms, and spiders.