Riparian
Guides
Xanthochlorus
Xanthochlorus is a genus of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae) established by Loew in 1857. Species in this genus are small to medium-sized predatory flies with characteristic yellow-green coloration. The genus occurs in the Holarctic region, with records from Scandinavia and North America. Like other dolichopodids, members are likely associated with moist habitats near water bodies.
Xylophanes falco
Falcon Sphinx
Xylophanes falco is a medium-sized sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae, commonly known as the Falcon Sphinx. It occurs from Central America through Mexico into the southwestern United States. Adults are distinguished from similar species by their pale brown-beige coloration, more falcate forewings, and sharply defined wing pattern lines. The species inhabits oak woodlands and riparian corridors.
Zerene eurydice
California dogface butterfly, flying pansy, dog head butterfly
Zerene eurydice, commonly known as the California dogface butterfly, is a pierid butterfly endemic to California and designated as the state's official insect since 1972. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males display distinctive black and yellow-orange wing patterns resembling a dog's head silhouette, while females are predominantly yellow with black forewing markings. The butterfly is closely associated with its larval host plants, false indigo species (Amorpha californica and A. fruticosa), and is most abundant at the Shutamul Bear River Preserve near Auburn. Despite its cultural prominence, the species remains rarely encountered in the wild due to its fast, high-flying behavior and specific habitat requirements.
Zootermopsis laticeps
Arizona dampwood termite, wide-headed rottenwood termite, southwestern rottenwood termite
Zootermopsis laticeps is a dampwood termite native to arid regions of southwestern North America. It inhabits rotting wood in standing trees near water sources, particularly in riparian areas. Colonies are founded by winged reproductives after nuptial flights and persist as long as dead wood resources remain available. The species is difficult to distinguish from congeners without specialized techniques such as near-infrared spectroscopy or cuticular hydrocarbon analysis.
Zorochros
Zorochros is a genus of click beetles (Elateridae: Negastriinae) comprising approximately 40 described species. Members are primarily distributed across Eurasia, with records from Scandinavia, Iran, and East Asia. The genus is chiefly associated with sandy riparian habitats, particularly river and stream banks.
Zotheca
elder moth
Zotheca is a monotypic genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, containing a single species, Zotheca tranquilla (the elder moth). The genus is restricted to western North America, where adults are active during summer months. The common name derives from the larval host plant, elderberry (Sambucus).