Southeastern-us
Guides
Achurum carinatum
long-headed toothpick grasshopper
Achurum carinatum is a small, cryptic grasshopper native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the slant-faced grasshopper subfamily Gomphocerinae and exhibits strong morphological adaptations for camouflage in grassy habitats. The species is flightless with reduced wings and possesses an elongated, slender body form that closely resembles the grasses it inhabits. Coloration varies, with some individuals displaying green or black spots.
Acritus acaroides
Acritus acaroides is a minute clown beetle (family Histeridae) in the tribe Acritini. It is one of the smallest members of its family, measuring 0.9–1.1 mm in length, with exceptional individuals rarely reaching 2 mm. The species is known from a restricted range in the southeastern United States. Like other histerid beetles, it likely occupies microhabitats associated with decaying organic matter.
Acrolophus forbesi
Forbes' Grass Tubeworm Moth
Acrolophus forbesi is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae, commonly known as grass tubeworm moths. It was described by Hasbrouck in 1964 and occurs in the southeastern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 17 mm. Like other members of its genus, the caterpillars likely construct silken tubes at the base of grasses or grass roots for concealment while feeding.
Acrolophus mycetophagus
Frilly Grass Tubeworm Moth
A small moth in the family Acrolophidae, described by Donald R. Davis in 1990. The common name "Frilly Grass Tubeworm Moth" reflects its membership in a genus whose larvae construct silken tubes at grass bases or roots. The species occurs in the southeastern United States and has a wingspan of 16–17 mm.
Agnetina annulipes
southern stone
Agnetina annulipes, commonly known as the southern stone, is a species of stonefly in the family Perlidae. It is one of the larger stonefly species in eastern North America. The species was originally described as Perla annulipes by Hagen in 1861 before being transferred to the genus Agnetina. It is primarily found in the southeastern United States.
Alloblackburneus troglodytes
Little Gopher Tortoise Scarab Beetle
Alloblackburneus troglodytes is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. Commonly known as the Little Gopher Tortoise Scarab Beetle, this species is associated with gopher tortoise burrows in the southeastern United States. The specific epithet "troglodytes" (meaning "cave-dweller") reflects its habit of living in the subterranean burrow systems of its reptilian host.
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-emergingmaintainlowhighdissolvedoxygenlevelsthroughoutyearUnitedStatesdistributioncenteredextendssoutheasternmonthstypicallythroughthisactivitygivesrisecommonnamedonotprovidesqualitymonitoringnodirecthabitatmorphologysizegenitalicAmblycorypha longinicta
Common Virtuoso Katydid
Amblycorypha longinicta, commonly known as the Common Virtuoso Katydid, is a species of bush-cricket in the family Tettigoniidae. Described by Walker in 2004, this species belongs to the round-headed katydid genus Amblycorypha, which is distributed across North America and tropical Central America. Like other members of this genus, it exhibits remarkable leaf-mimicry through wing venation patterns that match leaf veins, providing effective camouflage against predators. The species is known to inhabit forested environments where its cryptic appearance allows it to blend seamlessly with vegetation.
Amblyscirtes aesculapius
Lace-winged Roadside-Skipper
A small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, found in the southeastern and south-central United States. Adults have a wingspan of 30–38 mm and are active from March through September, with two generations per year. The common name refers to the lacy pattern on the wings.
Anasaitis canosa
Twin-flagged Jumping Spider
Anasaitis canosa is a small jumping spider in the family Salticidae, commonly known as the twin-flagged jumping spider. It is recognized by the paired white or pale flag-like markings on its dorsal abdomen, which give the species its common name. The species is native to the southeastern United States and has been introduced to Cuba. Like other salticids, it is an active visual hunter that does not build webs to capture prey.
Anthrax striatipennis
Anthrax striatipennis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Marston in 1970. It is recorded from the southeastern United States. As a member of the genus Anthrax, it likely shares the parasitoid life history typical of the genus, where larvae develop as ectoparasites on other insects.
Apantesis placentia
placentia tiger moth
Apantesis placentia, commonly known as the placentia tiger moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. First described by James Edward Smith in 1797, this species occurs in the southeastern United States. It was formerly classified in the genus Grammia but was transferred to Apantesis along with related genera. The species produces at least two generations annually and is associated with sandy, open woodland habitats.
Archodontes melanopus
Live-oak Root Borer
Archodontes melanopus is a large root-boring beetle in the family Cerambycidae, and the sole species in the genus Archodontes. Native to the southeastern United States and Central America, it bores into the roots of oaks and other hardwood trees. The species was originally described by Linnaeus in 1767 as Cerambyx melanopus. Adults are active during warmer months and are attracted to lights.
Argyrostrotis sylvarum
Woodland Chocolate Moth, Brown Wavy Line Argyrostrotis
A small nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It occurs in woodland habitats of the southeastern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 28 mm. It is known by two common names reflecting its coloration and habitat association.
Argyrotaenia hodgesi
Hodges' Leafroller Moth
Argyrotaenia hodgesi is a small tortricid moth species described by Heppner in 1989. It occurs in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. The species is named in honor of lepidopterist Ronald B. Hodges. Adults are active in mid-summer, with forewing lengths showing moderate sexual dimorphism.
Argyrotaenia kimballi
Kimball's Leafroller Moth
Argyrotaenia kimballi is a small tortricid moth native to the southeastern and south-central United States. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 16–20 mm and have been recorded in flight throughout the year. The species was described by Obraztsov in 1961 and is named in honor of an individual with the surname Kimball.
Arphia granulata
Southern Yellow-winged Grasshopper, Southern Yellowwinged Grasshopper
Arphia granulata is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the southern yellow-winged grasshopper. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Florida and Georgia. The species belongs to the genus Arphia, which includes several other yellow-winged and red-winged grasshoppers with similar flight displays and habitat preferences.
Arundanus rubralineus
Arundanus rubralineus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1935. It belongs to the subfamily Deltocephalinae, a large and diverse group of leafhoppers. The species is known from limited records in the southeastern United States. Available documentation suggests it is a rarely collected species with few published observations.
Asaphocrita nr-aphidiella-southeastern-species
Asaphocrita nr-aphidiella-southeastern-species is an undescribed species in the family Blastobasidae, a group of small moths commonly known as scavenger moths. The "nr" designation indicates it is near Asaphocrita aphidiella but distinct, with records limited to the southeastern United States. Blastobasidae larvae are generally scavengers or predators in plant material, though specific biology for this taxon remains undocumented. The species awaits formal description and study.
Ataenius alternatus
Ataenius alternatus is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Melsheimer in 1845. The species occurs across the southeastern United States and into Mexico. Like other members of the genus Ataenius, it is associated with decomposing organic matter and soil habitats. It is one of numerous Ataenius species found in North American turfgrass and agricultural systems.
Bruchomorpha minima
Bruchomorpha minima is a small planthopper species in the family Caliscelidae, first described by Metcalf in 1923. It belongs to a genus of diminutive fulgoroid insects characterized by their compact body form. The species epithet 'minima' reflects its notably small size relative to congeners. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only three records in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Brunneria borealis
Northern Grass Mantis, Brunner's Mantis, Brunner's Stick Mantis
Brunneria borealis is a slender green mantis native to the southern United States, notable as the only mantis species known to reproduce exclusively through parthenogenesis. All individuals are female; no males have been documented. Adults reach approximately 77 mm in length and possess reduced wings that likely preclude flight. The species inhabits grassland habitats and exhibits stick-like camouflage behavior.
Bucrates malivolans
Cattail Conehead
Bucrates malivolans, commonly known as the Cattail Conehead, is a katydid species in the family Tettigoniidae. It occurs in the southeastern United States, with records from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. The species is associated with wetland habitats, particularly those supporting cattail vegetation. It belongs to the conehead tribe Copiphorini, characterized by elongated cone-shaped heads.
Callirhytis quercusbatatoides
Southern Live Oak Stem Gall Wasp
Callirhytis quercusbatatoides is a cynipid gall wasp that induces stem galls on Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) and related oak species. The species exhibits the complex life cycle typical of many oak gall wasps, with alternating sexual and asexual generations that produce morphologically distinct galls. The specific epithet 'quercusbatatoides' references the gall's resemblance to a sweet potato (batata). The species is well-documented in the southeastern United States where its host oaks are native.
Camponotus socius
Sandhill Carpenter Ant
A large carpenter ant native to the southeastern United States, well-adapted to sandy soils of xeric woodlands. Exhibits polymorphic worker castes with distinctive coloration including variegated gaster banding. Notable for ground-nesting behavior unusual among Camponotus species, constructing deep nests with satellite colonies. Activity is primarily crepuscular, with midday retreat during hot periods.
Catocala carissima
carissima underwing
Catocala carissima, the carissima underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of Catocala cara but is now recognized as a distinct species. The species is distributed across the southeastern United States.
Catocala ulalume
Ulalume Underwing
Catocala ulalume, the Ulalume Underwing, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Herman Strecker in 1878. It is one of approximately 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths for their habit of concealing brightly patterned hindwings beneath cryptic forewings when at rest. The species is distributed across the southeastern and south-central United States, with adults active during summer months and larvae specializing on hickory host plants.
Ceratagallia robusta whitcombi
Ceratagallia robusta whitcombi is a subspecies of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, originally described by Hamilton in 1998. The taxon is currently treated as a synonym of Aceratagallia robusta, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revisions within the Agalliini tribe. It is recorded from several southeastern and southwestern U.S. states.
Cercyon floridanus
Cercyon floridanus is a small water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1890. The species belongs to the diverse genus Cercyon, which contains numerous small hydrophilid beetles associated with moist or aquatic habitats. It is recorded from the southeastern United States and the Caribbean.
Chalcodermus aeneus
Cowpea Curculio
Chalcodermus aeneus, commonly known as the cowpea curculio, is a true weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) that is a significant agricultural pest of legume crops in the southeastern United States. The species is particularly damaging to cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and southern peas. Adults and larvae cause economic damage to developing seeds and pods. Management of this pest remains challenging due to its life history characteristics and the limited effectiveness of available control methods.
Chalcophora georgiana
Southern Sculptured Pine Borer
Chalcophora georgiana, the southern sculptured pine borer, is a large metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is one of five North American species in the genus Chalcophora, all commonly known as "sculptured pine borers" due to their heavily sculptured exoskeletons and strict association with pine trees. This species occurs in the southeastern United States, with Florida representing a core part of its range.
Chalcosyrphus metallicus
Yellow-legged Leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus metallicus is an uncommon species of syrphid fly found in the southeastern United States. Unlike many hoverflies that visit flowers for nectar and pollen, adults of this species are associated with dead and decaying wood. The species exhibits distinctive enlarged and spinose metafemora on the hind legs, a trait shared with related species in the genus. Larvae develop as saprophages in rotting wood rather than as aphid predators like many other syrphids.
Chalybion zimmermanni
Zimmerman's Mud-dauber Wasp, Zimmermann's Mud Wasp
Chalybion zimmermanni is a solitary thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae. It is one of two Chalybion species found north of Mexico, distinguished from the widespread C. californicum by its more restricted southeastern and southwestern U.S. distribution, white thoracic hairs, and smoky rather than violaceous wing coloration. Like its congener, it is a spider-hunting wasp that repurposes existing mud nests rather than constructing its own.
Chionodes rectifex
Chionodes rectifex is a species of gelechiid moth described by Hodges in 1999. It is known from the southeastern United States, with records from North Carolina to Florida. The species is represented by few observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or underrecorded.
Chloropteryx tepperaria
Angle-winged Emerald, angle-winged emerald moth
Chloropteryx tepperaria is a small emerald moth in the family Geometridae, native to the southeastern United States. The species is distinguished by its green coloration and the angular, pointed outer margin of the hindwings. Adults are active across an extended season, with flight periods varying by latitude. The species was first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886.
Chlorotettix rugicollis
Chlorotettix rugicollis is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Ball in 1903. It belongs to the subfamily Deltocephalinae and tribe Pendarini. The species is recorded from multiple states in the southeastern and eastern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Choristoneura argentifasciata
Choristoneura argentifasciata is a small tortricid moth described by Heppner in 1989. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in forewing length, with males measuring 6–7 mm and females 7.4–8.2 mm. Adults are active from March through August. The species name refers to the silver banding pattern on the wings.
Cisthene subjecta
Subject Lichen Moth
Cisthene subjecta, commonly known as the subject lichen moth, is a small tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It was first described by Francis Walker in 1854. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States and is active year-round as an adult. With a wingspan of approximately 12 mm, it belongs to a genus whose members have been documented to produce acoustic warning signals to deter bat predators.
Colaspis floridana
Colaspis floridana is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Charles Schaeffer in 1934 as a variety of Colaspis brunnea and elevated to full species rank by Doris Blake in 1974. It occurs in the southeastern United States, with records from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The species feeds on leaves of various plants including crop species and ornamentals, though it has not been reported as an economically damaging pest.
Coleotechnites australis
Coleotechnites australis is a gelechiid moth described by Freeman in 1963. It occurs in the southeastern United States, with records from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Adults are active from March and again from May through September. The species is associated with eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), which serves as the larval host plant.
Copris howdeni
Howden's copri
Copris howdeni is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is native to the southeastern United States, with records from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. Like other members of the genus Copris, it is likely associated with mammal dung for feeding and larval development. The species was described by Matthews and Halffter in 1959.
Cuterebra tenebriformis
Cydia ingens
Longleaf Pine Seedworm Moth
A small tortricid moth native to the southeastern United States, specialized on pine seeds. Adults are grayish-brown with distinctive metallic bars on the forewings. The species is of minor economic concern due to seed damage in pine plantations.
Dendrotettix
Dendrotettix is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, containing at least three described species distributed in the southeastern United States. Species include the scrub pine grasshopper (D. australis), post oak grasshopper (D. quercus), and Carolina oak grasshopper (D. zimmermanni). Cytogenetic studies have identified chromosome numbers of 2n=23 (male) and 2n=24 (female) with an XO sex determination system, distinguishing this genus from related taxa such as Boonacris and Appalachia.
Diacme phyllisalis
Rusty Diacme
Diacme phyllisalis is a small crambid moth first described by Francis Walker in 1859. It occurs across the Caribbean and into the southeastern United States, with records from Jamaica, Cuba, Mexico, Florida, and Georgia. The species is known in English as the Rusty Diacme, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Diatraea lisetta
Dotted Diatraea
Diatraea lisetta is a moth in the family Crambidae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1909. It belongs to the genus Diatraea, which includes several stalk-boring pest species of grasses. The species has been recorded from Panama, Mexico, and multiple southeastern and mid-Atlantic states in the United States. As a member of the Diatraea genus, it likely shares the general biology of related stalk borers, though specific ecological details for this species are poorly documented.
Dioryctria pygmaeella
baldcypress coneworm moth, cypress coneworm moth
Dioryctria pygmaeella is a snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described by Émile Louis Ragonot in 1887. The species is restricted to the coastal plains of the eastern United States and eastern Texas. Larvae feed within the cones of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) and pondcypress (Taxodium ascendens). The species completes up to three generations annually.
Dolania
American sand-burrowing mayfly
Dolania is a monotypic genus of mayflies containing a single species, Dolania americana. Adults exhibit the shortest known adult lifespan of any insect, completing mating and dying within approximately 30 minutes of emergence. Females die within 5 minutes after depositing eggs. The genus is notable for its highly specialized reproductive strategy involving large eggs and abbreviated adult life.
Dolania americana
American Sand-burrowing Mayfly
Dolania americana is a predacious, sand-burrowing mayfly and the sole species in the genus Dolania. Adults exhibit an exceptionally brief lifespan, emerging before dawn, mating, and dying within approximately thirty minutes. Females deposit eggs in water and die within five minutes of emergence, representing the shortest known adult lifespan among mayflies. The species has a two-year life cycle with synchronous mass emergence and specialized reproductive adaptations including large, energy-rich eggs that produce unusually large first-instar larvae.
Dolomedes albineus
white-banded fishing spider, whitebanded fishing spider
Dolomedes albineus is a large nursery web spider native to the southeastern and central United States. Mature females reach approximately 23 mm in body length, males about 18 mm. The species is named for the distinctive white band immediately below the eyes and above the chelicerae, though coloration is highly variable—ranging from mottled gray to mossy green with darker markings. Unlike some fishing spiders, D. albineus is strongly associated with aquatic habitats, particularly cypress swamps and river edges, where it hunts from perches on vegetation or pilings. Females carry egg sacs in their jaws before constructing nursery webs and guarding the emerging spiderlings.