Seasonal-migrant
Guides
Diaphania hyalinata
melonworm moth, melonworm
Diaphania hyalinata, commonly known as the melonworm moth, is a crambid moth species and a significant agricultural pest of cucurbit crops. Native to the Neotropics, it has established permanent populations in the southern United States and disperses northward annually during warmer months. The species exhibits behavioral plasticity in feeding habits: in Florida and tropical regions, larvae primarily feed on leaves, while in more northern latitudes such as Virginia, they frequently burrow directly into fruits. Laboratory studies indicate a complete life cycle of approximately 20–23 days under warm conditions.
Doxocopa laure
Silver Emperor
Doxocopa laure, commonly known as the silver emperor, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. Males display striking sexual dimorphism with orange forewings and blue iridescence, while females are more subdued in coloration. The species is notable for the silver iridescence on the underside of the hindwing that gives it its common name. It occurs across a broad geographic range from the southern United States through Mexico to Brazil, with multiple described subspecies reflecting this wide distribution.
Drosophila immigrans
Drosophila immigrans is a vinegar fly in the family Drosophilidae, belonging to the Immigrans-tripunctata radiation within the subgenus Drosophila. It has been used in evolutionary studies to understand virus-host coevolution. The species exhibits seasonal migration patterns in response to temperature extremes and shows altitudinal variation in body melanization correlated with fitness traits. It has a close ecological association with Penicillium moulds on citrus fruit.
Euxoa auxiliaris
Army Cutworm Moth, Miller Moth
Euxoa auxiliaris, the army cutworm moth, is a seasonal migrant and agricultural pest in the Great Plains of North America. The larval stage damages field crops by cutting stems and feeding on foliage, while adults undertake remarkable long-distance migrations to alpine talus slopes in the Rocky Mountains to escape summer heat. These aggregations serve as a critical, high-calorie food source for grizzly bears during their pre-hibernation hyperphagia. Adults are commonly called 'miller moths' due to the fine, easily-shed wing scales that resemble flour dust.
Pontia protodice
Checkered White, Southern Cabbage Butterfly
Pontia protodice, commonly known as the Checkered White or Southern Cabbage Butterfly, is a North American pierid butterfly widespread in the southern United States and northern Mexico. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in wing patterning, with females displaying more extensive black and gray markings than males. Adults are highly vagile and have been documented making significant seasonal incursions northward beyond their core range. The green larva, known as the Southern Cabbageworm, feeds on a diverse array of Brassicaceous host plants.