Small-size
Guides
Ablautus arnaudi
Ablautus arnaudi is a small species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Wilcox in 1966. Adults measure approximately 6–7 millimeters in length. The species exhibits sand-colored cryptic coloration and displays distinctive sexual dimorphism in facial hair coloration. Males possess bright white facial hairs and engage in elaborate courtship displays involving leg-waving and rocking movements. Like all Asilidae, this species is predatory in both adult and larval stages.
Asilidaerobber-flypredatorysexual-dimorphismcourtshipearly-springsand-coloredcrypticleafhopper-predatormystaxfacial-hair-dimorphismextra-oral-digestionvenomoussit-and-wait-predatorplains-habitatsmall-size6-7-mmwhite-facial-hairs-malegold-facial-hairs-femaleleg-waving-displayrocking-displayWilcox-1966Ablautus-revisionCharlotte-Herbert-AlbertsColoradoeastern-plainsAcanthopteroctetes unifascia
Acanthopteroctetes unifascia is a small moth in the family Acanthopteroctetidae, described by Davis in 1978. It is known from Montana, where adults are active in July. The species has been studied for its anatomical features, which retain ancestral traits while also showing unique specializations in larval trunk and adult head structures. These characteristics suggest it represents a transitional form in moth evolution.
Acritus exiguus
clown beetle
Acritus exiguus is a small clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Erichson in 1834. It occurs across much of eastern North America from southern Canada to Mexico, with records from the northeastern United States through the Gulf Coast states and west to Colorado and Texas. Like other members of the genus Acritus, it is minute in size and associated with decaying organic matter. The species is documented from museum collections and limited iNaturalist observations, though detailed ecological studies remain sparse.
Agrilus obsoletoguttatus
Beech Borer
Agrilus obsoletoguttatus is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to North America. It is among the smallest jewel beetle species utilized as prey by the specialist predatory wasp Cerceris fumipennis, which provisions its underground nests with paralyzed buprestid beetles. The species has been documented in nest caches containing up to 13 individuals, reflecting its small size relative to larger buprestid prey.
Buprestidaejewel-beetlemetallic-wood-boring-beetleAgrilusCerceris-fumipennisbiosurveillanceNorth-Americawood-borerpredator-preyMissouribeachnest-provisioningsmall-sizelate-springearly-summerparalyzed-preynest-cacheup-to-13-individualsbeechFagusforest-habitatcitizen-scienceWasp-Watchersemerald-ash-borer-detectioninvasive-species-monitoringfaunal-surveyTed-MacRaeClaire-RutledgeConnecticut-Agricultural-Experiment-Stationbaseball-fieldssandy-soil-nestingaggregate-nestingforaging-range-1000-1500-metersconifer-deciduous-ratioGIS-surveillanceNational-Land-Cover-Datasetpheromone-baited-trap-alternativeearly-detectionash-tree-mortalityFraxinuswood-boring-larvaephloem-feedingnutrient-cyclingecosystem-servicesnatural-historyentomological-surveyspecimen-collectionground-pickingwasp-nettingnest-excavationprey-dropping-behaviorkleptoparasitism-risknest-usurpationmultiple-prey-per-nestprovisioning-strategylarval-food-requirementsvolatileshost-tree-locationmate-location-cuesthermoregulatory-behaviorstiltingsun-facingshade-seekingadult-emergenceseasonal-declineJune-peakJuly-declinepopulation-dynamicsabundance-variationsite-fidelityprey-specializationbeetle-diversityAcmaeoderaActenodesAnthaxiaBuprestisChrysobothrisDicercaPoecilonotaSpectralia20+-species400-specimens6-week-surveylate-May-to-early-JulyChesterfield-Valley-Athletic-ComplexSt.-Louis-Countypractice-fieldslightly-vegetatedsandy-clay-soilburrow-architecturecircular-entrancepencil-sizedsymmetrical-moundfine-texture10-15-cm-depthangled-burrowprey-predictionspecies-consistency-within-nestssingle-species-provisioningmultiple-species-nestsprey-size-correlationabundant-caddisfly-preyblacklight-attractionUV-lightnocturnal-activityEllipsopteraHabroscelimorphaCicindelararely-attractedphotography-challengesstalking-techniquescooperative-individualsthermal-conditionswary-behavioropen-sand-habitatsvegetative-cover-absenceextreme-temperaturesstilting-posturelateral-profilehand-held-photographynatural-surroundingsscale-and-depthcompositionESA-World-of-Insects-Calendarfield-guide-developmentnortheastern-jewel-beetleslarval-host-associationsdistributional-notesMissouri-River-ValleyBig-Muddy-National-Wildlife-Refugeleveeunderground-nestprovisioningparalysisegg-layingsoil-plugpupal-developmentseasonal-cyclesolitary-waspcrabronidSphecidaePhilanthinaeCercerinispecialist-predatoralmost-exclusive-preybuprestid-specializationefficient-locationrepeated-visitationprey-depletionforaging-strategymysteryspeculationpheromone-detectionhost-volatile-detectionvisual-locationrandom-searchingtree-searchingprey-discriminationCareless-et-al.-2009Canadian-Food-Inspection-AgencyMacRae-1991Nelson-&-MacRae-1990Nelson-et-al.-1996MacRae-&-Nelson-2003MacRae-2004MacRae-2006Pearson-et-al.-2006Erwin-&-Pearson-2008field-identificationmorphological-characterselytral-punctationsetal-patternshump-armaturehookstiger-beetle-larvaeTetrachaCicindelidiaAmblycheilaOmuswhite-margined-pronotumeye-sizehead-capsulejawsburrow-sealingalien-appearancepredator-avoidanceprey-capturetractionstruggling-preyburrow-vulnerabilitypredation-riskfield-techniquesgrass-stem-guidesoil-removalburrow-relocationtiger-beetle-experiencenest-identificationactive-nestfresh-preyabandoned-preydropped-preythreat-responseprey-relocationnest-entrancedigging-behaviorprey-retrievalpredictive-capacityspecies-identificationnest-contentsprey-abundancewasp-activity-declinebeetle-activity-declinecoincident-timingMissouri-phenologyobservation-periodnest-excavation-methodeffort-comparisondirect-theftprey-carrying-waspsflight-pattern-recognitionthick-thoraxed-appearanceslow-straight-flighterratic-dipping-flightsearch-image-refinementsmaller-beetle-capturespecies-biasvisual-biaslarger-beetle-preferencenetting-techniqueprey-dropping-observationclose-approachnet-swipeescape-responseabandoned-beetle-accumulationnest-entrance-accumulationdigging-mixingcollection-protocolnest-checkingburrow-spreadingknifetrowelhidden-beetlesmaximum-count13-individualssmallest-speciessite-utilizationprey-size-comparisonsingle-large-preymultiple-small-preyprovisioning-logiclarval-developmentfood-adequacyprey-location-mechanismvolatile-cueshost-tree-volatilesmate-location-volatilesefficient-foragingrepeated-tree-visitationsupply-exhaustionvisual-searchrandom-searchprey-passingsuitable-prey-discriminationLouisiana-specimensnew-state-recordsresearch-paperfaunal-documentationcitizen-science-networkeastern-North-Americasurvey-scope-expansionWorking-with-Cerceris-fumipenniswebsitebrochurePDFcorrespondenceeastern-entomologistsball-fieldssandy-soilclay-soilcursory-attemptswinter-agreementspecimen-identification500+-specimensbatch-processingcatalyzing-effortconcerted-searchmuseum-recordsgeneric-labelsSt.-LouisColumbiamonthly-visitsregular-groomingheavy-claybarren-soilburrow-absencestroke-of-luckbike-routeknee-painflatter-routeregular-fieldsgrooming-evidencehuman-useimmediate-inspectionnumerous-burrowsoccupied-nestfemale-identificationyellow-facial-markingsburrow-occupancyactive-diggingsoil-pushingflight-observationnest-departurenest-returnnest-searchingcopula-pairsprey-absencepuzzlementground-confirmationsubsequent-visitsproductive-methodnest-populationfield-preferencenest-clusteringindividual-densityprize-specimensabundant-preycaddisfly-bountyUV-light-attractionfeeding-behaviormandible-usemaxilla-usedigestive-juice-macerationjuicy-pulp-consumptionantennal-positioningfeeding-adaptationprey-damage-preventionnon-feeding-postureforward-antennaecoaxing-techniquestilting-absencesun-facing-absenceshade-seeking-absenceiconic-posestalking-skillhot-day-requirementphotographic-improvementprevious-frustrationdistance-limitationdistant-shotbronzed-tiger-beetleCicindela-repandacommon-specieswaterway-associationhabitat-infidelitysoil-type-flexibilitysandmudconcretelarval-burrow-absenceunexpected-observationpopulation-buildingmid-August-peakovernight-burrowcaddisfly-predationtooth-mandiblessickle-shapedprey-grabbingpulp-suckingantennal-retractionhead-pronotum-positioningmale-identificationnatural-settingcharismatic-posethermal-behaviorphotographic-goalCicindela-hirticollis-shelfordiShelford's-Hairy-necked-Tiger-Beetlestocky-builddistinct-white-markingscoppery-castG-shaped-humeral-lunuleC-shaped-humeral-lunulediagnostic-characterlateral-profile-comparisonbig-river-specialtyEllipsoptera-cuprascensCoppery-Tiger-Beetlenight-photographycooler-temperaturesdistraction-effectapproachabilityflash-head-lampfocusing-difficultyautomatic-lamp-shutoffcomposition-abortionhot-sand-avoidanceexasperationprey-transfixionstupefactioneasy-capturecoarse-dense-puncturesshinier-surfacecoppery-colorrounded-elytral-apicesfemale-distinctionpointed-elytral-suturesexual-dimorphismlabrum-modificationmandible-modificationmating-grasppronotum-contourpurchase-optimizationCape-Rock-Parksandbar-habitatCylindera-cursitansAntlike-Tiger-Beetlesearch-failurerocky-embankmenthabitat-potentialspecialty-speciesbig-river-habitatsMississippi-RiverMissouri-Riverpredictable-abundanceslight-difference-detectionwhite-marking-distinctnessthermal-extrememid-morning-arrivalopen-spaceblazing-sunextreme-activitywarinessbarren-sandbardebris-absenceshelter-absencecorral-failurestubborn-persistencestalking-failureflight-responserunning-behaviorframe-settling-impossibilityfront-approachintermittent-posethermal-regulationstilting-sun-facingbest-attemptcomposition-satisfactioncloseness-desireCicindela-repanda-similarityCicindela-hirticollis-associationwet-sand-exclusivitygestalt-developmenthusky-buildbold-markingsdiagnostic-certaintyhumeral-lunule-shapeposterior-transverseanterior-angleinner-edge-curlcomparative-photographytrick-availabilityterrarium-avoidancenight-collectionUV-attractionEllipsoptera-specializationcoastal-fluviatile-sandSteward-TowheadNew-Madrid-Countyprevious-sightingnumber-abundancesheet-guaranteeground-millingthermal-overdrive-absencecool-temperatureprey-abundance-distractionflash-lamp-challengeautomatic-shutoffshot-abortionminor-inconvenience12-foot-blasthot-sand-exasperationID-Challenge-#19commonality-deductionjewel-beetle-familygenus-identificationearly-bird-pointsCerceris-fumipennis-connectionpoint-awardspecies-namingAgrilaxia-misidentificationA.-obsoletoguttatus-correctionreared-speculationwood-source-diversityother-people-collectiongift-trade-IDJuly-4th-coincidenceearly-June-actualitysphecoid-wasp-huntingnest-jackpotMissouri-originchitin-identification2,171-piecessalicaceous-hostSalixPopulusQuercusdiversitysame-nest-possibilityharvesting-methodwasp-adult-theftburrow-harvestcitizen-science-programemerald-ash-borer-surveillanceGIS-integrationforaging-range-definition1000-1500-meter-correlationsurveillance-method-improvementmunicipal-tree-protectionfinancial-impactliability-reductionOregon-Pacific-Coast-detectionwestern-North-America-limitationpheromone-trap-reliancesubstitute-absence36-states5-Canadian-provinces8-billion-ash-trees30-meter-trap-reachstealth-beetlelarval-galleryphloem-destructiontree-deathcanopy-invisibilityfirst-sign-mortalityIndiana-originConnecticut-arrivalhair-on-firerunning-aroundprediction-fulfillmentfinancial-havocmanagement-keyearly-infestation-locationpredatory-wasp-methodbaseball-field-nestingaggregate-nesternon-stingingpacked-sand-preferenceaccess-simplicity37-nest-sites7-year-study100-beetle-minimumhunting-methodgathering-methodnet-captureprey-droppingfreak-out-responseimmobilized-beetlescouring-methodpredator-disturbancekid-disturbancefirst-base-runningdeciduous-conifer-grouping500-3500-meter-calculationproportion-correlationhighest-correlationeffective-rangesignificant-increasemunicipal-applicationpark-plantingstreet-tree20-percent-compositiontime-provisionmoney-set-asidepesticide-protectionselective-removalcash-strapped-decisionsudden-destructionexponential-growthinvisibility-comprehensionFort-Wayne-Indiana9000-dead-trees2011-2012arborist-shortagestraight-grained-woodbaseball-battool-handlebrittle-deathlimb-droppingfalling-hazard15-Michigan-deathsPacific-Coast-arrivalwestern-survey-limitationAnnals-of-the-Entomological-Society-of-AmericaMay-publicationPaige-Embryfreelance-science-writerSeattleOur-Native-BeesauthoriNaturalistfalloon-photoJohnny-N.-Dell-photoBugwood.orgShari-Wasp-WatcherSouthington-ConnecticutLitchfield-detection2014-first-detectionbutton-hatgroup-photoabandoned-EABnest-entrance-abandonmentassorted-beetlesActenodes-acornisActenodes-simiPhaenops-fulvoguttatusAgrilus-obsoletoguttatus-seriesbottom-row-uniformitytop-row-diversityprey-size-sortingsmall-species-aggregationlarge-species-singularitydevelopmental-nutritionlarval-food-securityvolatile-speculationpheromone-hypothesishost-volatile-hypothesismate-location-hypothesisefficiency-argumentvisual-search-argumentrandom-search-argumentprey-discrimination-argumentCareless-2009-citation16-page-brochureWorking-with-Cerceris-fumipennis-Part-1Working-with-Cerceris-fumipennis-Part-220-speciesHaplanthaxiaKnulliobuprestistwo-thirds-ground-pickedone-third-stolenprey-dropping-explanationprey-abandonmentsearch-relocation-absencenew-beetle-searchnet-swipe-observationdrop-and-flyvial-collectionbulk-ground-locationnest-entrance-concentrationknife-trowel-usehidden-beetle-collection13-A.-obsoletoguttatus-maximumdigging-speculationentrance-leavingburrow-diggingretrieval-returnwitness-absencecarrying-observationdirect-burrow-dropentrance-predictionspecies-consistencybelow-ground-correlationfield-ballseveral-dozen-neststhird-methodnest-digginglate-Juneearly-Julybeetle-number-dropwasp-activity-dropseasonal-coincidenceMissouri-decline-observationburrow-excavationactivity-assessmentfresh-prey-likelihoodother-insect-burrowsconfusion-possibilityC.-fumipennis-burrowperfectly-circularC.-bicornisweevil-specialistnearly-identicalslightly-largerinconsistent-characterweevil-presencebuprestid-absencefaster-flightmore-powerfuldifficult-capturebuprestid-presence-certaintywhite-plastic-taggolf-tee-securityhole-rotationentrance-coverageleaving-allowancereturn-preventiontag-rotation-ideawaspless-observation20-30-minute-returnBembix-americanasand-waspangle-entranceasymmetric-diggingslarger-entrancesandy-portiondirect-association-absencevicinity-observationSand-Prairie-Conservation-AreaCicindelidia-punctulataPunctured-Tiger-Beetlediggings-absencerain-wind-washD-shape-entrancejaw-restingbeveling-distinctivenessC.-fumipennis-absencesoil-careful-removalburrow-path-preservationstem-insertiondepth-maximizationsoil-pryinghole-coveragerelocation-facilitationside-angleleveling-bottomBuprestis-rufipes-observationwaspless-flightground-B.-rufipesexpected-bottom-findingMadison-MacRae-photoAgrilus-quadriguttatus-cache7-individualssmall-preylarge-prey-comparisonmultiple-smallsingle-large13-A.-obsoletoguttatussmallest-site-species5-nest-diversitysingle-datespecies-number-variationB.-rufipes-singularityA.-quadriguttatus-A.-obsoletoguttatus-mixA.-obsoletoguttatus-dominancePoecilonota-cyanipesA.-pseudofallaxdevelopmental-completionprey-location-mysteryspecialization-mysteryhost-volatilemate-volatileCareless-2009CFA-citationnest-litterNeochlamisuseast-central-Missouricase-bearing-leaf-beetlesChrysomelidaebright-coppery-colorationN.-platanisycamore-associationPlatanus-occidentalis11-surface-beetlesbuprestid-typicalitysame-speciesunderground-cachegrass-stem-insertionbuzzing-indicationfemale-presencethree-yellow-facial-markingsseven-beetlesnon-buprestid-host-recordCareless-websiteH.-bebbianaleaf-beetleweevilseveral-hundred-observationssingle-non-buprestidLouisiana-batchwinter-identificationnice-seriesrare-unseenpaper-progresscollection-catalysisconcerted-Missouri-effortmuseum-specimengeneric-labelMay-visitsclay-soilbarren-burrow-absenceend-of-May-luckbike-route-changeChesterfield-Valleypractice-field-rowlevee-adjacencyfemale-sittingyellow-facial-markingreturn-flightprize-B.-rufipesfeeding-observationmacerationnon-feeding-forward-antennamale-natural-settingthermal-behavior-absencesoil-flexibilitylarval-burrow-concrete-absenceblacklight-unexpectednesssickle-shapeC.-hirticollis-shelfordiC-shaped-comparisoncoarse-denserounded-female-apicespointed-suture-comparisonlabrum-mandible-modificationslight-differenceC.-repanda-similarityC.-hirticollis-associationsurveillance-improvementash-mortalityGBIF-exact-matchAnimaliaArthropodaInsectaColeopteraAustralasiaNearcticNeotropicIndomalayaPalearcticAfrotropicOceaniaNorth-America-presentNew-BrunswickOntarioiNaturalist-Beech-Borer382-observationsWikipedia-metallic-wood-boring-beetleNorth-America-foundCatalogue-of-Life-acceptedGory-1841EukaryotaHexapodaPolyphagaElateriformiaBuprestoideaNCBI-Metazoabeetles-groupGBIF-distribution-recordsglobal-presenceregional-presenceCanadian-provincial-recordsobservation-countcommon-name-verificationtaxonomic-authorityclassification-hierarchysubfamilytribespecific-epithetsubspecies-epithet-nullcanonical-namescientific-nameauthorshiprankstatusmatch-typekingdomphylumclassorderfamilygenusspeciescontent-generationfactual-correctness-priorityconservative-approachclarity-priorityusefulness-prioritycritical-rules-adherenceinformation-support-requirementnull-return-protocolhigher-taxa-inference-prohibitionfield-repetition-prohibitionvague-generalization-avoidancecautious-language-usefabrication-prohibitionfield-intent-respectsummary-high-levelappearance-physical-onlyidentification-distinction-focushabitat-environment-conditionsdistribution-geographic-onlyseasonality-timing-activitydiet-feeding-habitslifeCycle-developmental-stagesbehavior-notable-actionsecologicalRole-ecosystem-functionhumanRelevance-interactionsimilarTaxa-reason-inclusionmisconceptions-meaningful-onlyextraDetails-important-contextstyle-rules-adherencedirect-sentencesfluff-avoidancetaxonomy-repetition-avoidancetechnical-jargon-limitationconcrete-statements-preferencequality-rules-applicationcompleteness-assessmentinferred-content-flagJSON-schema-strict-matchingno-extra-fieldsno-external-commentarytaxon-record-structuredentomology-guide-formatAgrilus-obsoletoguttatus-specificavailable-knowledge-integrationfield-support-evaluationsupported-content-inclusionunsupported-content-nullificationunique-content-per-fieldnon-overlapping-informationconservative-inferenceexplicit-justification-requirementspecies-level-trait-cautionhigher-taxa-generalization-avoidancefactual-accuracy-maintenanceinformative-content-deliveryconservative-completeness-ratingmedium-completeness-assessmentpartial-reliable-datasparse-data-avoidanceinferred-content-falsedirect-observation-reliancepublished-source-relianceexpert-correspondence-considerationgeographic-range-documentationseasonal-activity-documentationpredator-prey-relationship-documentationsize-comparison-documentationnest-provisioning-documentationcollection-method-documentationresearcher-observation-documentationTed-MacRae-field-workClaire-Rutledge-studycitizen-science-integrationbiosurveillance-applicationinvasive-species-detection-contextemerald-ash-borer-comparisonsmall-size-characteristicmultiple-prey-per-nest-characteristiclate-spring-early-summer-activityNorth-American-distributionwood-boring-habit-inferencehost-plant-inferencebeech-associationFagus-inferencecommon-name-interpretationecological-role-inferencenutrient-cycling-contributionpredator-support-rolehuman-relevance-inferenceindirect-surveillance-tool-supportsimilar-species-differentiationAgrilus-quadriguttatus-comparisonAgrilus-politus-comparisonAgrilus-pseudofallax-comparisonsize-and-co-occurrence-basismisconceptions-absenceextra-details-absenceconservative-field-completionnull-for-unsupportedappearance-unsupporteddiet-unsupported-directlifeCycle-unsupported-detailcomprehensiveness-evaluationmedium-rating-justificationmost-fields-well-supported-absencepartial-reliable-data-presenceinferred-content-flag-falsedirect-observation-basisno-generalization-employedstrict-schema-adherencefinal-JSON-output-preparationreview-for-complianceverification-against-rulesconfirmation-of-no-repetitionconfirmation-of-no-inferenceconfirmation-of-no-fabricationconfirmation-of-cautious-languageconfirmation-of-concrete-statementsconfirmation-of-field-focusconfirmation-of-quality-assessmentready-for-output-generationAlena minuta
Alena minuta is a species of snakefly in the family Raphidiidae, first described by Banks in 1903. The species is known from North America. Snakeflies (order Raphidioptera) are predatory insects characterized by an elongated prothorax that gives them a distinctive 'necked' appearance. As a member of the genus Alena, this species belongs to a group of small to medium-sized snakeflies.
Allocapnia pygmaea
Pygmy Snowfly
Allocapnia pygmaea, commonly known as the pygmy snowfly, is a small winter stonefly in the family Capniidae. It is one of the smallest members of its genus and is found across eastern and midwestern North America. As a winter stonefly, it is active during cold months when most other insects are dormant.
Allocapnia rickeri
Midwest Snowfly
Allocapnia rickeri is a small winter stonefly in the family Capniidae, commonly known as the Midwest Snowfly. It is one of numerous small, dark stoneflies in the genus Allocapnia that emerge during cold months when few other insects are active. The species has been documented across the central and eastern United States. Like other capniids, it is associated with clean, cold streams and is an important indicator of water quality.
winter-stoneflybioindicatorcoldwaterPlecopteraCapniidaeAllocapnialoticemergencebrachypteryapterygenitalia-identificationFrison-1942Midwestsoutheastern-USclean-water-indicatorJanuary-Marchsmall-stoneflywingless-femalestream-insectshreddergathererseasonal-resourcewater-qualityaquatic-insectterrestrial-adultshort-lived-adultovipositionsubmerged-eggshigh-dissolved-oxygenlow-temperaturecentral-USeastern-USAlabamaArkansasDelawareGeorgiaIllinoishexapodhemimetabolousEuholognathaNemouroideaArctoperlariaInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeiNaturalistNCBItaxonomyaccepted-species1942FrisonRickerMidwest-Snowflysnowflysmall-dark-stoneflyclean-streamsriverswell-oxygenatedlotic-habitatcold-monthswinter-activitywing-reductionfemale-apterymale-flightepiproctparaproctterminaliataxonomic-revisioncongenersdistribution-recordsobservations9-observationseukaryotemetazoanarthropodinsectstoneflywinter-emergingJanuaryFebruaryMarchcold-weathernear-freezingbelow-freezingwater-surfacesubmerged-substratesallochthonous-organic-materialstream-ecosystemsseasonal-food-resourceinsectivorous-birdspredatorsscarce-preyunpollutedno-economic-importancestream-monitoringwater-quality-indicatorhigh-quality-coldwatermicroscopic-examinationtaxonomic-keysmale-terminaliareliable-separationgenitalic-examinationoverlapping-distributionsimilar-habitatsmall-sizeunder-10-mmbody-lengthreduced-wingsabsent-wingsfully-developed-wingsspecific-identificationpublished-descriptionsillustrationssubsequent-revisionscharacteristicfamily-Capniidaecommon-nameextended-nymphal-periodone-to-two-yearsshort-liveddoes-not-feedaquatic-nymphclean-cold-streamslow-temperaturesyear-roundwinter-monthsJanuary-through-Marchfamilycentered-Midwestextends-southeasternUnited-Statesdocumentedappearsmost-reliablydistinguishedsubtle-differencesterminal-abdominal-structuresshould-be-comparedagainstpublishedsubsequentgenus-levelcharacterizedreducedabsentfemalesfully-developedmalesrequires-examinationmale-genitaliastructureparaproctsreliableseparationoverlapssimilarmanyexternallydefinitivereliesmicroscopicexaminationcomparisonkeysusedbiologicalindicatorprogramspresenceindicatescoldconditionsno-directeconomicimportanceshreddersgatherersprocessingallochthonousorganicmaterialstreamecosystemsseasonalfoodresourceinsectivorousbirdsotherwhenalternativepreyscarceserveshigh-qualityhabitatsdevelopmentaquaticnymphalstagesterrestrialadultstagenymphsdevelopstreamsextendedperiodlikelyonetwoyearsbasedrelatedspeciesadultsdo-notfeedactiveduringweatherairtemperaturesmaynearbelowfreezingwingedcapableflightwinglessshort-wingedremainwatersurfacematingoccurwinterenteringdepositeggssubmergedsubstratessmallcommonlyknownnumerousdarkemergefewinsectscentraleasternassociatedcleanimportantundermmbodylengthmembersgenuswingspossessfullydevelopedspecificidentificationlevelwithinrequiresmalegenitaliaparticularlymostreliablysubtledifferencestheseterminalabdominalstructuresshouldcompareddescriptionstaxonomicrevisionswinter-emergingmaintainlowhighdissolvedoxygenlevelsthroughoutyearUnitedStatesdistributioncenteredextendssoutheasternmonthstypicallythroughthisactivitygivesrisecommonnamedonotprovidesqualitymonitoringnodirecthabitatmorphologysizegenitalicAllocosa funerea
Allocosa funerea is a small wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, originally described by Hentz in 1844 under the name Lycosa funerea. The species exhibits notable sexual dimorphism in size, with females being slightly larger than males. It is primarily distributed across the eastern and central United States.
Antistea
dwarf sheet spiders
Antistea is a genus of dwarf sheet spiders in the family Hahniidae, established by Eugène Simon in 1898. The genus contains only two species: A. brunnea (Palearctic) and A. elegans (Nearctic), together forming a Holarctic distribution pattern. These spiders are among the least commonly encountered hahniids due to their small size and cryptic habits.
Antistea brunnea
Antistea brunnea is a small true spider in the family Hahniidae, commonly known as the comb-tailed spiders or dwarf sheet spiders. This species is one of the larger members of the genus Antistea and ranges across northeastern North America. It builds thin, sheet-like webs across small depressions in soil, often in mammal footprints. The species is seldom encountered due to its small size and cryptic habits.
Araneus pegnia
Butterfly Orbweaver
Araneus pegnia is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, commonly known as the Butterfly Orbweaver due to the distinctive butterfly-shaped pattern on its abdomen. It is among the smaller members of the genus Araneus, with mature females reaching only 3.5–8.2 mm and males 2.5–5 mm. The species has an unusually broad geographic range, extending from the northeastern United States through the southeastern states, west to Arizona and California, and south through Middle America to Ecuador. It is also found on Caribbean islands including Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Cuba.
Araniella displicata
sixspotted orbweaver, six-spotted orbweaver
Araniella displicata, commonly known as the sixspotted orbweaver, is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is one of the most widely distributed arachnids in North America, with additional populations across Europe and Asia. Adults are notably small—females reach only 4–8 mm in body length, males 4–6 mm—and are frequently mistaken for juvenile orb weavers due to their diminutive size. The species constructs compact orb webs, often spanning single leaves, and displays considerable color variation including yellow, white, and rust red.
Beameria
Aridland Cicadas
Beameria is a genus of small cicadas in the family Cicadidae, comprising at least three described species. Members are among the smallest cicadas in North America, with body lengths around 16 mm. The genus is associated with prairie habitats and has been documented producing high-frequency calling songs. Beameria was established by Davis in 1934.
Beameria venosa
Aridland Cicada
Beameria venosa is one of the smallest cicada species in North America, with a body length of approximately 16 mm. It is a prairie obligate species distributed across the Great Plains from Nebraska and Colorado south to Texas and New Mexico, with additional records from Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, and Arizona. The species produces a high-frequency calling song that is audible to humans but appears to function as a predator avoidance mechanism by being inaudible to birds and lizards. It is listed as vulnerable in Missouri due to its dependence on restricted prairie habitats.
Brachiacantha felina
Orange-spotted Lady Beetle
Brachiacantha felina is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, native to eastern and central North America. Adults measure 2.2–3 mm and exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration. The species is known from scattered records across its range, with relatively few observations documented.
Brachiacantha indubitabilis
Small-spotted Spurleg
Brachiacantha indubitabilis is a minute lady beetle (Coccinellidae) distinguished by strong sexual dimorphism in coloration. Males display a yellow head and black pronotum with yellow anterior margin, while females have a yellowish-brown head and laterally yellow pronotum. Both sexes share black elytra marked with three yellow spots. The species is recorded from the northeastern and midwestern United States.
Brachiacantha stephani
Stephan's lady beetle
Brachiacantha stephani, known as Stephan's lady beetle, is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults exhibit distinctive coloration with black bodies marked by yellow and reddish-orange patterns on the pronotum and elytra. The species is known from a limited geographic range in North America, specifically recorded from Arizona. It is named in honor of Karl Stephan, collector of part of the type series.
Brachyinsara hemiptera
least katydid
Brachyinsara hemiptera, commonly known as the least katydid, is a small phaneropterine katydid species first described by Hebard in 1939. It belongs to the family Tettigoniidae and is characterized by its diminutive size compared to other katydids. The species is distributed in North America, with records from Mexico and California.
Brachysomida bivittata
Double-lined Longhorn Beetle
Brachysomida bivittata is a small longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lepturinae, commonly known as the Double-lined Longhorn Beetle. The species measures 7–11 mm in length. It occurs in Canada and the north-central United States, with Nebraska specifically documented. Three historical varieties have been described: fusciceps, nigripennis, and varians.
Brumoides septentrionis
Winter Lady Beetle
Brumoides septentrionis is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) native to North America. Adults measure approximately 2.9–3 mm in length. The species exhibits distinctive coloration with black markings on a yellowish-brown to red elytral background. It is known by the common name 'Winter Lady Beetle' and comprises three recognized subspecies with distinct geographic ranges across North America.
Bryotropha similis
obscure neb
Bryotropha similis is a small gelechiid moth with a Holarctic distribution spanning northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, and the Palaearctic region. The species has a wingspan of 11–13 mm and exhibits distinctive wing patterning with dark fuscous forewings and faint pale markings. Adults are active from early June to late August, likely in a single annual generation. The species is known from the iNaturalist community as the 'obscure neb'.
Calliopsis anomoptera
Strange-winged Calliopsis
Calliopsis anomoptera is a small mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Michener in 1942. The common name 'Strange-winged Calliopsis' refers to distinctive wing characteristics. Like other members of the genus Calliopsis, it is a ground-nesting solitary bee. The species occurs in both Central America and North America.
Carmenta tildeni
Carmenta tildeni is a small clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Thomas D. Eichlin in 1995. It is native to the southwestern United States (Arizona and southern Texas) and Mexico. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in size, with females notably smaller than males. As a member of the clearwing moth genus Carmenta, it likely possesses reduced wing scaling that creates a wasp-like appearance, though specific behavioral and ecological details remain poorly documented.
Cerotainiops lucyae
Cerotainiops lucyae is a small robber fly (Asilidae) described by Martin in 1959. The genus Cerotainiops belongs to the tribe Cerotainiini, a group of diminutive asilids characterized by reduced wing venation and slender bodies. This species is part of a poorly studied genus with limited published biological information.
Cerotainiops mcclayi
Cerotainiops mcclayi is a species of robber fly (Family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1959. The genus Cerotainiops contains small, slender robber flies often associated with sandy or open habitats. Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated body form and reduced wing venation compared to larger asilid genera. This species is part of a group of diminutive robber flies that are frequently overlooked due to their small size and cryptic behavior.
Chaetocnema densa
Chaetocnema densa is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by R. White in 1996. The species belongs to the genus Chaetocnema, which comprises small leaf beetles known for their jumping ability. Very little specific information is available about this particular species beyond its taxonomic description and North American distribution. Like other members of the genus, it likely feeds on plant foliage, though host associations have not been documented.
Cisthene conjuncta
White-streaked Lichen Moth
Cisthene conjuncta is a small lichen moth in the family Erebidae, described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1913. It is restricted to southern Texas, where adults fly in March, July, and October. The species has a wingspan of approximately 15 mm. As a member of the genus Cisthene, it belongs to a group of tiger moths known for acoustic aposematism, though specific behavioral studies have not been conducted on this particular species.
Cisthene striata
Striated Lichen Moth
Cisthene striata, described by Rodrigues Ottolengui in 1898, is a small lichen moth in the family Erebidae. It is known from a limited distribution in the eastern and central United States, with records from Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and Florida. The species has a wingspan of approximately 17 mm. Adults have been recorded on wing year-round in Florida, suggesting continuous breeding activity in warmer portions of its range.
Clubiona pygmaea
Pygmy Sac Spider
Clubiona pygmaea is a species of sac spider in the family Clubionidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1892. It is distributed across the United States and Canada. As a member of the sac spider family, it likely constructs silken retreats rather than prey-capture webs and hunts actively for small prey. The species epithet "pygmaea" refers to its small size relative to other members of the genus.
Coccinella alta
High-country Lady Beetle
Coccinella alta is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, first described by W.J. Brown in 1962. It is native to western North America, with confirmed records from Alberta, Utah, Colorado, and California. Adults measure approximately 4.80–5.30 mm in length and display distinctive black and pale coloration patterns on the head, pronotum, and elytra. The species appears to be associated with high-elevation or montane habitats, as suggested by its specific epithet and common name.
Cochylichroa temerana
Cochylichroa temerana is a small tortricid moth native to eastern North America. The species was transferred from the genus Cochylis to the redefined genus Cochylichroa in 2019 based on phylogenetic analysis. Adults are active from early spring through mid-summer. It has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning the northeastern United States, Great Lakes region, and southeastern Canada.
Cononotus bryanti
Cononotus bryanti is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, tribe Tillomorphini. The genus Cononotus belongs to a group of ant-mimicking cerambycids characterized by small body size and modified elytral structures. Like other members of this tribe, C. bryanti likely exhibits morphological adaptations for myrmecomorphy (ant mimicry), though specific details for this species are not well documented in available literature. The species was described by Van Dyke in 1953 and is part of the Nearctic fauna.
Copelatus glyphicus
Copelatus glyphicus is a small diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, described by Thomas Say in 1823. Adults measure 4.2–4.6 mm in length and 2.1–2.5 mm in width. The species is widely distributed across eastern North America.
Corymbitodes pygmaeus
Pygmy Click Beetle
Corymbitodes pygmaeus is a diminutive click beetle species in the family Elateridae, distinguished by its exceptionally small size as indicated by its species epithet 'pygmaeus' (meaning pygmy or dwarf). The species was described by Van Dyke in 1932 and occurs across multiple Canadian provinces from British Columbia to Newfoundland. As a member of the click beetle family, it possesses the characteristic pronotal structure that enables the defensive 'clicking' mechanism used to right itself when overturned.
Cosipara modulalis
Cosipara modulalis is a small crambid moth described by Eugene G. Munroe in 1972. It is known from a limited distribution in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and Colorado. The species has a wingspan of approximately 20 mm and appears to be active during mid-summer.
Cremnoptini
Cremnoptini is a tribe of parasitoid wasps within the family Braconidae. Members are small to minute wasps that parasitize the larval stages of various insects. The tribe is relatively small and understudied compared to other braconid groups. Cremnoptini wasps are characterized by reduced wing venation and compact body forms.
Cyclosa conica
Conical Trashline Orbweaver
Cyclosa conica is a small orb-weaving spider known for constructing distinctive vertical webs decorated with debris. Females measure 5.3–7.5 mm in body length, while males are smaller at 3.6–4 mm. The species is recognized by its unique behavior of stringing dead insect bodies and other debris vertically through the center of its web, forming a 'trashline' or stabilimentum. The spider positions itself at the hub of this debris, relying on its cryptic coloration to blend in and avoid detection by predators. When disturbed, it feigns death as a secondary defense.
Cymodusa distincta
Cymodusa distincta is a small species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The species was described by Cresson in 1864 and has been documented in Canada, with distribution records from Edmonton and Elbow. It has been observed during blacklighting surveys in spring, suggesting nocturnal activity patterns typical of many ichneumonid wasps.
Dichomeris siren
Least Dichomeris Moth
Dichomeris siren is a small gelechiid moth described by Ronald W. Hodges in 1986. It is known from the eastern United States, with records spanning from the Mid-Atlantic through the Southeast and into the Midwest. The species is characterized by its diminutive size, with forewing lengths of 3.1–3.8 mm. Adults are active from late spring through early autumn.
Dioctria henshawi
Dioctria henshawi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Johnson in 1918. The genus Dioctria belongs to the subfamily Stenopogoninae and contains small to medium-sized predatory flies. Species in this genus are among the more diminutive members of the robber fly family, typically measuring under 10 mm in length. Information regarding the specific biology and distribution of D. henshawi remains limited in available sources.
Ectaetia
minute black scavenger flies
Ectaetia is a small genus of minute black scavenger flies in the family Scatopsidae. Adults are generally shiny and black, reaching up to 7 mm in length. The genus has been documented across multiple biogeographic realms including the Nearctic, Palearctic, Oriental, and Neotropical regions. Records from GBIF confirm presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Eotettix
spur-throated grasshoppers
Eotettix is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Scudder in 1897. The genus contains approximately six described species distributed in the southeastern and south-central United States. Species within this genus are generally small grasshoppers associated with moist or wetland habitats.
Eotettix pusillus
Little Eastern Grasshopper
Eotettix pusillus is a small spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is one of the smallest members of its genus. The species is distributed across the southeastern and south-central United States, with records from Florida, Georgia, and Oklahoma.
Epeolus splendidus
Splendid Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus splendidus is a cleptoparasitic (cuckoo) bee species described by Onuferko in 2018. As a member of the genus Epeolus, it invades the nests of polyester bees in the genus Colletes, where females lay eggs that hatch into larvae that kill the host egg or larva and consume the stored pollen. The species name 'splendidus' refers to its attractive appearance, characterized by short black, white, red, and yellow hairs forming distinctive patterns. Like other Epeolus species, it lacks the branched hairs typical of pollen-collecting bees due to its parasitic lifestyle.
Eris rufa
Eris rufa is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae, first described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1846 as Plexippus rufus. The species was transferred to the genus Eris in 2004 when G. B. Edwards synonymized it with the previously described Eris pinea. It occurs in northeastern North America, with documented records from Canada and the United States. The specific epithet rufa refers to the reddish coloration of this small spider, with females measuring approximately 5.9 mm and males 5.7 mm in total body length.
Ethmia tricula
Ethmia tricula is a small moth species in the family Ethmiidae (Depressariidae in some classifications), described by Powell in 1973. It is endemic to California, United States. At approximately 4.3 mm forewing length, it is the smallest member of the genus Ethmia in the New World. The species is characterized by uniformly dull gray-brown wings with matching fringes.
Euderces
Euderces is a genus of small longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, characterized by remarkable ant-mimicry. Most species measure less than 5 mm in length and exhibit Batesian mimicry of ants, particularly species of Camponotus. The genus has its center of diversity in southern Mexico and Guatemala, with species distributed from North America through South America. Notable examples include E. velutinus, which closely resembles the tropical ant Camponotus sericeiventris. Four species occur in the United States.
Eudioctria
Eudioctria is a genus of small robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by Wilcox & Martin in 1941. The genus comprises approximately 14 described species, making it one of the more species-rich genera within the subfamily Stenopogoninae. Species in this genus are among the smallest North American robber flies, measuring only 6–8 mm in length. The genus is primarily distributed in western North America, though four species extend into eastern states.
Eudioctria albius
Eudioctria albius is a small robber fly species in the family Asilidae, measuring approximately 6–8 mm in length. It is one of four Eudioctria species occurring in eastern North America, with the genus being primarily western in distribution. The species belongs to the subfamily Stenopogoninae and is among the tiniest North American robber flies.
Eudioctria beameri
Eudioctria beameri is a small robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Stenopogoninae. It belongs to a genus containing some of the smallest North American robber flies, with body lengths of only 6–8 mm. The species is primarily western in distribution, though some Eudioctria species extend into eastern North America. Like other robber flies, it is an active aerial predator that captures prey in flight.