Spring-active
Guides
Ablautus basini
Great Basin Prospector
Ablautus basini is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. It belongs to a genus of small, sand-colored predatory flies that are active in early spring. Members of the genus Ablautus are known for elaborate courtship rituals and prey on insects smaller than themselves, including leafhoppers. The species is associated with the Great Basin region of North America.
Ablautus linsleyi
Linsley Prospector
Ablautus linsleyi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. The genus Ablautus comprises small, sand-colored predatory flies that are often difficult to observe due to their cryptic coloration. Members of this genus are active in spring and are known for elaborate courtship behaviors. The specific epithet honors E. Gorton Linsley, a prominent American coleopterist.
Acmaeodera
Acmaeodera is a large genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) with over 150 species in North America, reaching greatest diversity in the desert southwest and Mexico. Adults are metallic, often with distinctive color patterns, and are frequently observed visiting flowers to feed on pollen. The genus is distinguished by unique flight morphology: elytra are fused along the midline and remain closed during flight, functioning as a protective shield over the abdomen while only the hindwings provide propulsion. This trait, combined with abdominal banding in many species, creates a wasp-like appearance in flight and has led to recognition of several species as hymenopteran mimics. Larvae are wood-borers in twigs and branches of various woody plants.
Buprestidaejewel-beetlesmetallic-wood-boring-beetlesflower-visitorspollen-feederselytra-fusionflight-morphologyhymenopteran-mimicrywood-borersNorth-AmericaMexicoArizonaTexasCaliforniaNew-MexicoOklahomaAlbertaAsteraceaeCercocarpusspring-activemonsoon-activefall-activetaxonomically-difficultcollector's-itemdiurnalCerceris-preyAcmaeodera neglecta
Acmaeodera neglecta is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, measuring 4–6 mm in length. It occurs primarily in the south-central United States, with records from Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri. Adults are flower visitors, particularly on yellow composites such as Coreopsis and Thelesperma. The species was described by Fall in 1899 and remained unreported from Missouri until 1987 due to its close resemblance to the more common A. tubulus.
Anaxipha vernalis
Spring Trig
Anaxipha vernalis is a small cricket in the family Trigonidiidae, commonly known as the Spring Trig. The species was formally described in 2014, distinguishing it from closely related congeners. It belongs to a genus of winged crickets distributed across the Americas, with this species occurring in eastern North America. The specific epithet 'vernalis' refers to its springtime activity period.
Andrena erigeniae
Spring Beauty Miner Bee, Spring Beauty Andrena
Andrena erigeniae is a solitary mining bee native to North America, commonly known as the Spring Beauty Miner Bee. The species is univoltine, with adults active in spring. Females excavate underground burrows in clay soil, constructing nests with multiple cells provisioned with pollen and nectar. The species exhibits specialized foraging behavior associated with spring-blooming plants.
Anthrax argyropygus
Anthrax argyropygus is a bee fly species in the family Bombyliidae, characterized by its parasitoid lifestyle. The genus Anthrax contains species known to attack the larvae of ground-nesting insects, including tiger beetles and solitary bees. Adults are typically observed visiting flowers for nectar, where their hairy bodies inadvertently collect and transfer pollen. The species name 'argyropygus' refers to the silvery appearance of the abdomen. Like other bee flies, this species exhibits Batesian mimicry of bees, possessing a single pair of wings and a long proboscis adapted for nectar feeding.
Anthrax georgicus
Tiger Bee Fly
Anthrax georgicus is a bee fly species in the family Bombyliidae, distributed across eastern and central North America. Adults are active in spring and are known for their parasitoid relationship with tiger beetle larvae (Cicindelidae), specifically attaching externally to host larvae and consuming them as they develop. The species was previously known as Anthrax analis but is now recognized as A. georgicus based on taxonomic revision.
Arphia ramona
California orange-winged grasshopper
Arphia ramona, the California orange-winged grasshopper, is a band-winged grasshopper species in the family Acrididae. It is characterized by orange hind wings that are concealed at rest but visible in flight. The species occurs in western North America, with a strong association with California habitats ranging from Coast Ranges to interior locations. Males produce a crackling sound during flight through wing crepitation, a trait associated with mating behavior.
Arphia sulphurea
Sulphur-winged Grasshopper, Spring Yellow-winged Locust, Spring Yellow-winged Grasshopper
Arphia sulphurea is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the sulphur-winged grasshopper. It is distinguished by its bright yellow hind wings, which are visible during flight. The species is found in North America and is active primarily in spring, earning it the alternative common name "spring yellow-winged grasshopper." It belongs to the genus Arphia, which includes several species with colorful hind wings and crepitating flight displays.
Balaustium
Sidewalk Mites
Balaustium is a genus of large, bright red mites in the family Erythraeidae, commonly known as sidewalk mites. These conspicuous arachnids are frequently observed in spring cruising pavement and stone surfaces for windblown pollen. Molecular evidence suggests well over 100 species occur in the U.S. and Canada alone, challenging earlier assumptions that most were introduced from Europe. The genus exhibits complex life cycles typical of Parasitengona mites, with distinct larval, nymphal, and adult stages showing different ecological habits.
Bombylius albicapillus
White-headed Bee Fly
Bombylius albicapillus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, occurring in western North America. As a member of the tribe Bombyliini, it shares the characteristic bee-mimicking appearance common to this group. The species name "albicapillus" (white-headed) refers to a distinctive pale coloration on the head. Like other Bombylius species, adults are likely active in spring and associated with flowers, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Bombylius atriceps
Bombylius atriceps is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Loew in 1863. The genus Bombylius is characterized by adults that are typically active in spring, with members of this tribe exhibiting hovering behavior and elongated mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding. Larval stages of Bombylius species are known to be parasitoids of solitary bees, with females depositing eggs near or into host burrows.
Bombylius breviabdominalis
Bombylius breviabdominalis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Evenhuis in 1977. As a member of the genus Bombylius, it belongs to a group of flies known for their bee-like appearance and parasitic larval life history. The species epithet "breviabdominalis" refers to its relatively short abdomen. Information specific to this species is limited, though it shares general characteristics with other Bombylius species including a furry body, long proboscis for nectar feeding, and parasitic larvae that develop in the nests of solitary bees.
Bombylius curtirhynchus
Bombylius curtirhynchus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Evenhuis in 1978. The genus Bombylius comprises approximately 350 species distributed across the Holarctic region, with many species exhibiting the characteristic fuzzy appearance and hovering flight behavior typical of bee flies. Species in this genus are generally spring-active and possess elongated mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding.
Bombylius fraudulentus
Bombylius fraudulentus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Johnson in 1907. The species belongs to the genus Bombylius, a group of bee flies known for their bee-like appearance and parasitic larval life histories. As with most members of this genus, adults are likely active in spring and are associated with flowers where they feed on nectar. The larval biology of this specific species remains undocumented, though related Bombylius species are known to parasitize solitary bees.
Bombylius helvus
Bombylius helvus is a North American bee fly species first described by Christian Rudolph Wilhelm Wiedemann in 1821. As a member of the family Bombyliidae, it shares the characteristic bee-mimicking appearance and parasitic larval life history typical of this diverse group of flies. The species belongs to the genus Bombylius, which is distinguished from related genera such as Systoechus by wing venation characters including the position of the r-m vein.
Bombylius incanus
bee fly
Bombylius incanus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Johnson in 1907. The genus Bombylius is one of the most recognizable bee fly genera, with adults typically active in spring and characterized by their fuzzy, bee-like appearance and hovering flight behavior. Like other members of the genus, B. incanus likely exhibits the "bombing" egg-laying behavior where females flick eggs into host burrows. The species has been recorded from the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont.
Bombylius iphiculus
Bombylius iphiculus is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Hall and Evenhuis in 1981. Like other members of the genus Bombylius, it belongs to a group of flies that are bee mimics with notably long proboscises for nectar feeding. The species is part of the tribe Bombyliini, which contains species typically active as adults in spring. Very little specific information is available for this particular species, and most knowledge must be inferred from the broader genus and family characteristics.
Bombylius lancifer
Bombylius lancifer is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) found in western North America. Bee flies in this genus are typically active in spring and are known for their bee-like appearance, hovering flight behavior, and parasitic larval life history. Adults visit flowers for nectar, while larvae develop as parasites in the nests of solitary bees.
Bombylius mexicanus
bee fly
Bombylius mexicanus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, characterized by its bee-like appearance and long proboscis. The species is widespread across North America, from Canada through the United States to Mexico, despite its specific epithet suggesting a Mexican origin. Adults are active in spring and are known to be skittish and difficult to approach. Like other bee flies, they likely parasitize the larvae of solitary bees.
Bombylius mohavensis
Bombylius mohavensis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Evenhuis in 1975. The genus Bombylius includes species known for their bee-like appearance, hovering flight behavior, and parasitic larval biology. Members of this genus typically have elongated proboscises adapted for nectar feeding and exhibit spring activity patterns. The specific epithet 'mohavensis' suggests an association with the Mojave Desert region.
Bombylius texanus
Bombylius texanus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Painter in 1933. As a member of the genus Bombylius, it shares the characteristic fuzzy appearance and long proboscis typical of bee flies, which serve as adaptations for nectar feeding and mimicry of bees. The species is placed within the tribe Bombyliini, whose members are generally active as adults during spring. Like other Bombylius species, B. texanus likely exhibits hovering flight behavior and parasitic larval development, though specific life history details for this species remain poorly documented.
Brachys aeruginosus
Brachys aeruginosus is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Gory in 1841. It belongs to the tribe Trachyini, a group characterized by flattened, compact, wedge-shaped adults whose larvae mine within leaves rather than boring through wood. The species is uncommonly encountered compared to congeners and is most often associated with oaks. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba, Ontario, Québec) and the United States.
Centris caesalpiniae
Caesalpinia Oil-Digger
Centris caesalpiniae is a species of oil-collecting bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1897. It belongs to the tribe Centridini, a group of bees specialized in collecting floral oils rather than nectar. The species is active in spring and has been documented visiting flowers of Krameria and Acacia in desert habitats. It occurs in the warm deserts of North America, including the Chihuahuan Desert, where it contributes to the region's exceptional bee biodiversity.
Chauliodes rastricornis
Spring Fishfly
Chauliodes rastricornis, commonly known as the spring fishfly, is a species of fishfly in the family Corydalidae. It is one of the most frequently observed fishflies in North America, with over 13,000 records on iNaturalist. Adults are active in spring, distinguishing them from summer-active relatives. The species belongs to the order Megaloptera, an ancient lineage of aquatic insects.
Chionodes formosella
spring oak leafroller
Chionodes formosella, commonly known as the spring oak leafroller, is a small gelechiid moth found in eastern North America. The species is named for its larval habit of rolling or tying oak leaves. It is associated primarily with oak species, particularly those in the red oak group. The moth has a wingspan of approximately 16 mm.
Cyrtophorus verrucosus
Ant-like Longhorn Beetle, Ant-mimic Longhorn Beetle
Cyrtophorus verrucosus is a small longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) remarkable for its specialized ant mimicry, including ant-like movement patterns. The species exhibits color polymorphism with red and black morphs, each thought to mimic different Camponotus ant species. Adults feed on pollen and nectar from spring flowers, while larvae develop in dead wood of various hardwood trees. Native to eastern North America and southern Canada, this beetle is most active in early spring and serves as a useful indicator species for forest habitat quality.
Daihinibaenetes arizonensis
Arizona giant sand treader cricket
Daihinibaenetes arizonensis is a wingless orthopteran in the family Rhaphidophoridae, endemic to sand dune habitats near Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. It is among the largest members of its genus, with collected specimens exceeding 2 cm in length. The species exhibits nocturnal activity and specialized fossorial behavior, digging burrows up to 18 inches deep in sand. It is active primarily in spring and is presumed to perish during summer heat.
Dasysyrphus venustus
Dasysyrphus venustus is a Holarctic hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) distributed across the Palaearctic region from Fennoscandia to the Pacific coast. It is the most frequent and widely distributed species in its genus, though studies indicate it may represent a complex of cryptic species due to high morphological and genetic variability. Adults are active primarily in spring, with a flight period from April to June.
Dichelonyx fulgida
Dichelonyx fulgida is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Melolonthinae, tribe Dichelonychini. Described by LeConte in 1856, this species belongs to a genus of North American May beetles. The genus Dichelonyx comprises approximately 20 species distributed primarily in western and central North America. Like other members of the tribe Dichelonychini, adults are typically active in spring and are attracted to lights. Larvae develop in soil, feeding on roots of various plants.
Dielis tolteca
Toltec scoliid wasp
Dielis tolteca is a species of scoliid wasp native to western North America and Mesoamerica. The species is known to parasitize scarab beetle grubs, with females hunting underground hosts to provision their offspring. Adults have been observed feeding on flowering plants, particularly mustards (Brassicaceae) and goldenrods (Solidago). The species has been documented in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area in western Colorado, where it is active as a spring-emerging species.
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Ebaeina is a subtribe of soft-bodied plant beetles within the family Melyridae (order Coleoptera). Members of this subtribe are characterized by their soft, flexible elytra and generally small to medium body size. The subtribe is primarily distributed in the Holarctic region, with greatest diversity in western North America. Ebaeina beetles are often found in association with flowers and vegetation where they feed on pollen and small arthropods.
Epalpus signifer
Early Tachinid Fly
Epalpus signifer is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, commonly known as the Early Tachinid Fly. It is distributed across North America and is one of the earliest tachinid flies to appear in spring. The species is well-documented through citizen science observations, with over 4,000 records on iNaturalist. As a tachinid, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this species are not well established.
Euderces reichei
Euderces reichei is a species of ant-mimicking longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1873. Adults are small, typically under 10 mm in length, and exhibit Batesian mimicry of ants through their compact body form, constricted waist-like appearance, and coloration. The species has been recorded across the eastern and central United States, with adults frequently encountered on flowers of flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) during spring.
Eupithecia mystiata
Eupithecia mystiata is a small moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Samuel E. Cassino in 1925. It belongs to the large genus Eupithecia, commonly known as 'pug' moths due to their distinctive narrow wings and resting posture. The species has been documented as a nocturnal visitor to apple flowers, contributing to nighttime pollination services. Adults are active in early spring.
Eutrichota lipsia
root maggot fly
Eutrichota lipsia is a species of root-maggot flies in the family Anthomyiidae. It is a small, inconspicuous dipteran with a documented presence in North America, including observations in the Kansas City region during citizen science events. The species is associated with moist habitats and has been observed near mud puddles.
Hemipenthes pullata
Hemipenthes pullata is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Coquillett in 1894. The genus Hemipenthes is distinguished by its unique larval ecology: larvae are hyper-parasitoids that develop as parasites of other parasitic insects, specifically targeting ichneumon wasps, tachinid flies, and similar parasitoids of lepidopteran caterpillars. Adult bee flies in this genus visit flowers for nectar, though they are considered flower visitors rather than effective pollinators. The species is part of the diverse North American bee fly fauna, which includes over 800 described species north of Mexico.
Hoplia callipyge
Grapevine Hoplia
Hoplia callipyge is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the Grapevine Hoplia. Adults are active in spring and are recognized as minor agricultural and garden pests due to their feeding on rose petals and other flowers. The species occurs in western North America from British Columbia to Baja California. Larvae develop in soil, feeding on roots and decaying organic matter.
Ischnomera
false blister beetles
Ischnomera is a genus of false blister beetles (family Oedemeridae) containing over 40 described species. These beetles are typically found on flowers, where they feed on pollen. The genus is characterized by relatively soft-bodied adults and is part of the tribe Asclerini within the subfamily Oedemerinae.
Ischnomera puncticollis
Spot-necked Oedemerid
Ischnomera puncticollis is a species of false blister beetle in the family Oedemeridae, commonly known as the spot-necked oedemerid. The species is distinguished from congeners by punctation patterns on the pronotum. Adults are frequently observed on flowers, where they feed on pollen and nectar. The genus Ischnomera contains multiple North American species that are similar in general appearance, requiring careful examination for accurate identification.
Isomira ruficollis
red-necked false blister beetle
Isomira ruficollis is a species of false blister beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species has been documented visiting flowers of Prunus mexicana (Mexican plum) and Amelanchier arborea (downy serviceberry) in Missouri during early spring. It belongs to a genus whose members are typically associated with flowers and fungal substrates. The specific epithet "ruficollis" refers to the reddish coloration of the pronotum.
Lasioglossum sisymbrii
Tansy Mustard Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum sisymbrii is a small sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the Tansy Mustard Sweat Bee. It belongs to one of the largest bee genera, with over 1,700 species. The species is frequently captured in bowl traps used for bee monitoring, often in large numbers relative to other bee species. It occurs in western North America and has been documented visiting flowers of tansy-mustard (Descurainia spp.) and related plants in the mustard family.
Lytta reticulata
blister beetle
Lytta reticulata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. It is found in North America. The species belongs to the genus Lytta, which includes numerous blister beetles known for producing the defensive compound cantharidin. Field observations indicate adults are active during spring and early summer, with records from May through June in southwestern U.S. habitats.
Megacyllene caryae
painted hickory borer, hickory borer
Megacyllene caryae, known as the painted hickory borer or hickory borer, is a longhorned beetle species in the family Cerambycidae. It occurs in the eastern United States and has been introduced to the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. Adults are active exclusively in spring, emerging from dead hickory wood as temperatures warm. The species is frequently misidentified as the closely related locust borer (M. robiniae) due to their nearly identical appearance, though they differ in seasonality, host plants, and subtle morphological characters.
Molorchus bimaculatus
Bimaculate Longhorn Beetle
Molorchus bimaculatus is a small longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. Adults exhibit Batesian ant mimicry, with a convex body profile and markings that create the illusion of a constricted waist. The species is commonly found on flowering trees during early spring, particularly in eastern North America. Larvae develop within the woody tissues of hardwood trees and lianas.
Molorchus bimaculatus corni
A small ant-mimicking longhorned beetle subspecies found in early spring on flowering trees. Adults are frequently observed on Cornus florida blossoms in Missouri and surrounding regions. The subspecies is part of the Molorchus bimaculatus complex, distinguished by host associations and geographic distribution. Its ant-like appearance represents Batesian mimicry, providing protection from predators.
Moneilema annulatum
cactus beetle, ambulated cactus beetle
Moneilema annulatum is a flightless cactus beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. Adults are found almost exclusively on opuntioid cacti (prickly pears and chollas), where they feed on plant tissues and flowers. Larvae tunnel within cactus stems, often causing visible damage in the form of hardened black exudate. The species occurs across western North America from the Great Plains to the Pacific coast.
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purpureus
Pachyschelus purpureus is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, tribe Trachyini. Adults are active in early spring and are associated with wild geranium (Geranium maculatum). The species is part of a distinctive group of leaf-mining buprestids with flattened, compact body forms adapted for larval development in leaf tissue rather than wood.
Pachyschelus purpureus uvaldei
Pachyschelus purpureus uvaldei is a subspecies of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) described by Knull in 1941. Originally described as a distinct species (Pachyschelus uvaldei), it is now treated as a subspecies of the widespread P. purpureus. Adults are active in early spring and have been recorded feeding on wild geranium (Geranium maculatum). Like other members of the tribe Trachyini, larvae are leaf miners. The subspecies occurs in North America, with the type locality at Uvalde, Texas.
Pacificanthia consors (LeConte, 1851)
brown leatherwing beetle
Pacificanthia consors, commonly known as the brown leatherwing beetle, is a soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) native to western North America. Adults are active in spring, particularly April and May, and are associated with plant litter habitats. The species exhibits predatory habits in both adult and larval stages.
Paracotalpa
little bears
Paracotalpa is a genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Rutelinae, commonly known as "little bears" due to the fuzzy, hairy appearance of adults. The genus contains four recognized species distributed west of the Rocky Mountains in western North America. Adults are active primarily in spring and are associated with various plant communities in arid and semi-arid regions.
Paracotalpa puncticollis
Punctate Little Bear, Punctate Little Bear Scarab Beetle
Paracotalpa puncticollis is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the punctate little bear. It inhabits piñon-juniper ecosystems in the southwestern United States, where it feeds on juniper foliage. The species is poorly studied, with limited published research since 1972. Adults are active primarily in spring, with peak activity in April.
Paraulacizes irrorata
speckled sharpshooter
A large and distinctive North American sharpshooter leafhopper, readily recognizable by its size and speckled pattern. Adults feed on phloem of grasses and are active from early spring through summer. Eggs are laid in woody twigs, stems, or petioles, where they are vulnerable to parasitism by the egg parasitoid *Gonatocerus fasciatus*.
Priocnemis
spider wasp
Priocnemis is a genus of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, subfamily Pepsinae, containing approximately 30 species. These solitary aculeate wasps are specialized predators of spiders, with females hunting and paralyzing prey to provision nest cells for their larvae. The genus has a wide geographic distribution including North America, Europe, and Asia, with species varying in size from small to relatively large among pompilids.
Psenocerus supernotatus
Currant-tip Borer
Psenocerus supernotatus, commonly known as the Currant-tip Borer, is a small longhorned beetle (family Cerambycidae) notable for its remarkable ant-mimicry. At only 4 millimeters in length, it is the sole species in the genus Psenocerus. The beetle exhibits Batesian mimicry, with white markings on its elytra creating the illusion of a constricted "waist" that resembles ant body segmentation. Despite its common name suggesting currant as a host, it has been reared from multiple hardwood species including Green Hawthorn, Tulip Tree, and Black Willow.
Pyractomena borealis
Spring Treetop Flasher, Spring tree-top flasher
Pyractomena borealis is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, commonly known as the Spring Treetop Flasher. It exhibits one of the widest distributions of any North American firefly, ranging from Alberta across Canada to the Maritime Provinces and southward to all U.S. states east of the Mississippi River. The species is active in spring and is associated with wooded habitats. Like other fireflies, it produces bioluminescence, though specific flash pattern details for this species are not well documented in available sources.
Rhamphomyia nasoni
dance fly
Rhamphomyia nasoni is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, first described by Coquillett in 1895. The species has been documented in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area during spring citizen science events. Like other dance flies, it is likely associated with aerial mating swarms and nuptial gift-giving behaviors characteristic of the genus, though specific behavioral details for this species remain poorly documented.
Schizocosa avida
lance wolf spider
Schizocosa avida is a species of wolf spider (family Lycosidae) native to North America. It is one of the most frequently observed Schizocosa species, with substantial iNaturalist documentation. The species is known to serve as a host for the parasitic mantidfly Climaciella brunnea, whose larvae board female spiders and consume their egg sac contents. Like other wolf spiders, it is a ground-dwelling active hunter.
Spilodiscus gloveri
clown beetle
Spilodiscus gloveri is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Horn in 1870. It is characterized by a black body with two distinctive red maculations (spots) on the elytra, a color pattern that inspired the genus name 'Spilodiscus' (spotted disc). The species occurs in North America, with documented records from the south-central and south-western United States.
Stenolophus lecontei
LeConte's Seedcorn Beetle
Stenolophus lecontei is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as LeConte's Seedcorn Beetle. It is distributed across North America, with records from both the United States and Canada. The species is closely related to Stenolophus comma, with which it shares the common name "seedcorn beetle" and similar ecological associations. Adults have been observed at blacklight in early spring, suggesting nocturnal activity patterns.
Tachysphex terminatus
Tachysphex terminatus is a small solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, part of a species group characterized by specific nesting behaviors in sandy substrates. Females construct individual burrows with multiple cells, provisioned with paralyzed prey for larval development. The species occurs in North America and shares the genus-wide trait of provisioning nests with orthopteran prey, primarily grasshopper nymphs.
Taphrocerus chevrolati
Taphrocerus chevrolati is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America, with records from New Mexico, Arizona, and Alberta, Canada. Adults are associated with sedges and grasses, though larval host relationships remain unclear. The species was described by Obenberger in 1924.
Thanatus
false crab spiders, running crab spiders
A genus of running crab spiders (family Philodromidae) described by C.L. Koch in 1837. Adults reach 5–6 mm in body length and are primarily ground-dwelling hunters found on low vegetation and open surfaces. The genus is distinguished from similar Philodromus by eye arrangement differences and is characterized by a prominent leaf-like cardiac mark on the anterior dorsal abdomen. Thanatus species overwinter as adults and are among the most abundant active spiders in early spring in temperate regions.
Thanatus formicinus
Running Crab Spider, Ant-mimic Crab Spider
Thanatus formicinus is a running crab spider in the family Philodromidae with a Holarctic distribution spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. It is a ground-dwelling hunter active during spring and early summer, often observed basking on warm surfaces like concrete paths. The species exhibits ant-mimicry in both appearance and behavior, a distinctive trait among crab spiders.
Thanatus striatus
Striped Running Crab Spider
Thanatus striatus is a running crab spider in the family Philodromidae, characterized by its striped cephalothorax and ground-dwelling hunting behavior. The species has a broad distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Turkey, Russia, and Central Asia. It is active primarily in spring and early summer, with adults capable of overwintering. The species is distinguished from similar slender crab spiders by its more robust body form and preference for ground-level habitats.
Trigonopeltastes floridanus
Trigonopeltastes floridanus is a flower chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is endemic to Florida and associated with the flowers of Opuntia australis, the Florida pricklypear cactus. The species has been observed mating on cactus flowers, suggesting a close ecological relationship with this endemic host plant. Like other members of the genus, it likely feeds on pollen and floral tissues.
Xyelinae
xyeline sawflies
Xyelinae is a subfamily of primitive sawflies within the family Xyelidae, representing one of the earliest-diverging lineages of Hymenoptera. Members are small to medium-sized insects with distinctive morphological features including broad heads and relatively short antennae. The subfamily includes extant genera such as Xyela and Pleroneura, with larvae that develop in plant tissues. Xyelinae sawflies are primarily associated with conifers, particularly pines, where they exhibit specialized host relationships.