Subspecies-complex
Guides
Bembidion petrosum
A ground beetle species with a broad Eurosiberian distribution spanning North America, Europe, and temperate Asia. Breeds during summer and hibernates as an overwintering strategy. Frequently aggregates beneath stones in riparian habitats. Four subspecies are recognized, including the nominate form and three regional variants.
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.
Callophrys gryneus muiri
Muir's Hairstreak, Muir Juniper Hairstreak
A western North American subspecies of Juniper Hairstreak, historically treated as a distinct species (Callophrys muiri) based on phenotypic differences and geographic isolation. DNA barcoding studies indicate it is genetically divergent from other C. gryneus populations, though its taxonomic status remains debated. Associated with coniferous habitats in California.
Coleothorpa axillaris
A case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae with eight recognized subspecies. The species exhibits notable geographic variation across its range in Central and North America. Subspecies were described primarily by Moldenke in 1970, with additional earlier descriptions by LeConte and Dahl.
Colias hecla
Hecla Sulphur, Northern Clouded Yellow
A small to medium-sized sulphur butterfly of the Pieridae family, restricted to high-latitude and high-altitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The species shows pronounced sexual dimorphism in wing pattern, with females displaying distinctive yellow 'windows' interrupting the black marginal band. First described from Greenland, where it occurs without congeners. Multiple subspecies are recognized across its fragmented Holarctic range.
Crossidius coralinus
Red and Black Long-horned Beetle
Crossidius coralinus is a strikingly colored longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by LeConte in 1862. Adults emerge in late August and September to feed and mate on yellow flowers of their larval host plant, gray rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa). The species exhibits extensive geographic variation in coloration and size, with numerous described subspecies and locally distinct populations across western North America. Some populations display bright red and black coloration, while others are orange and black.
Crossidius coralinus ascendens
Crossidius coralinus ascendens is a subspecies of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) in the genus Crossidius, a strictly North American group. This subspecies occurs in California and exhibits the characteristic red-and-black coloration of C. coralinus, with males showing variable development of black elytral markings (thin to moderately expanded sutural stripes) while females typically display more consistently expanded black areas. Adults emerge in late August and September to feed on yellow flowers of Ericameria nauseosa (gray rabbitbrush), their larval host plant. The subspecies was described by Linsley in 1957 and is one of several geographically segregated populations within the highly polytopic C. coralinus species complex.
Crossidius coralinus coralinus
Crossidius coralinus coralinus is the nominate subspecies of a striking longhorned beetle endemic to western North America. Adults are active during late August and September, when they congregate on yellow flowers of their larval host plant, Ericameria nauseosa (gray rabbitbrush). The nominate subspecies is characterized by relatively large body size and extensive black markings on the elytra, particularly in females. It occurs in the southwestern Colorado region near Cortez, where some individuals exceed 20 mm in length.
Crossidius coralinus ferruginosus
Crossidius coralinus ferruginosus is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It occurs in the San Joaquin Valley of California, where it is associated with the host plant Isocoma acradenia var. bracteosa. Adults exhibit considerable color variation, ranging from tan with coral-pink along the sides to dark red, with more red present in northern populations. The subspecies is part of a complex of geographically variable populations within C. coralinus that have been subject to taxonomic debate regarding subspecies validity versus potential species-level distinctions.
Culicoides variipennis
biting midge, no-see-um
Culicoides variipennis is a biting midge in the subgenus Monoculicoides, less than 1 mm in length. The species complex includes multiple subspecies with varying vector competence for livestock viruses. It is a significant vector of Bluetongue virus, African horse sickness virus, Akabane virus, and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus in North America. Subspecies show distinct geographic distributions and morphological differences, particularly in male genitalia and female palpal segments.
Eunota togata togata
White-cloaked Tiger Beetle
Eunota togata togata is the nominate subspecies of the White-cloaked Tiger Beetle, occurring in salt marshes and tidal flats along the Gulf Coast of the United States and Mexico. Unlike the inland subspecies E. t. globicollis (Alkali Tiger Beetle) and E. t. fascinans (Salt Flat Tiger Beetle), this form shows the least expansion of the characteristic white elytral band that gives the species its name. The species epithet 'togata' derives from Latin 'toga,' referring to this cloaking white margin.
Euxoa comosa
hairy euxoa moth
Euxoa comosa is a noctuid moth native to northern North America, commonly known as the hairy euxoa moth. The species exhibits considerable geographic variation, with five recognized subspecies distributed across western North America eastward through the northern Great Plains to the Atlantic Ocean. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 32 mm. Larvae are cutworms that have been recorded feeding on Secale cereale (rye) and are likely generalist feeders on various plants.
Evergestis funalis
Frosted Evergestis
Evergestis funalis is a small crambid moth native to western North America, ranging from Alaska to the southwestern United States. The species was described by Grote in 1878 and includes five recognized subspecies distributed across specific geographic regions. Adults have a wingspan of 23–27 mm and are active from May through October. The common name 'Frosted Evergestis' refers to the pale, somewhat frosted appearance of the forewings.
Glaucopsyche lygdamus
silvery blue
Glaucopsyche lygdamus, the silvery blue, is a small butterfly native to North America. It exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing coloration, with males displaying light blue uppersides and females showing dull grayish blue. The species occupies diverse habitats across western North America and Canada, and has demonstrated significant range expansion in some regions. Multiple subspecies have been described, reflecting geographic variation in morphology and ecology.
Ligidium elrodii
Eastern Rockslater, rock slater
Ligidium elrodii is a terrestrial isopod species in the family Ligiidae, commonly known as the Eastern Rockslater. It is native to North America, with documented presence in both the United States and Canada. The species includes five recognized subspecies, described by Schultz in 1970 from various geographic locations. It belongs to a family of rock-dwelling woodlice adapted to moist, rocky microhabitats.
Nebria gebleri
Gebler's gazelle beetle
Nebria gebleri is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Dejean in 1831. It is found in North America, with a distribution spanning Alaska, Canada, and the western United States. The species comprises six recognized subspecies, each associated with specific mountain ranges. Adults are nocturnal and carnivorous.
Omus californicus
California night-stalking tiger beetle
Omus californicus is a nocturnal tiger beetle species endemic to western North America, recognized for its distinctive night-stalking predatory behavior. The species exhibits notable taxonomic complexity with six recognized subspecies distributed across California, Oregon, and adjacent regions. Adults are elusive, active primarily during nighttime hours, and are associated with forested and montane habitats. The species has been subject to taxonomic confusion with related taxa, particularly regarding subspecies boundaries.
Plenoculus davisi
square-headed wasp
Plenoculus davisi is a species of square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae, first described by W. Fox in 1893. The species is native to North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Five subspecies have been recognized: P. d. atlanticus, P. d. davisi, P. d. gracilis, P. d. mojavensis, and P. d. transversus. As a member of the Miscophini tribe, it belongs to a group of solitary wasps that are typically predatory on other insects.
Speyeria zerene
Zerene fritillary, silverspot
Speyeria zerene is a medium-sized fritillary butterfly native to western North America, characterized by orange-brown upperside wings with black markings and distinctive silver metallic spots on the undersides. The species comprises approximately 15 recognized subspecies, several of which are of conservation concern, including the federally threatened Oregon silverspot (S. z. hippolyta) and Behren's silverspot (S. z. behrensii). Larvae are obligate specialists on Viola species, particularly Viola adunca, while adults feed on nectar from diverse flowering plants. Multiple subspecies have experienced significant range reductions due to habitat loss and degradation.
Udea itysalis
Udea itysalis is a small crambid moth described by Francis Walker in 1859. It is widely distributed across North America from British Columbia to Quebec, with southern records extending to Colorado, California, Nevada, and Arizona. A single extralimital record exists from the Sayan Mountains in Russia. The species exhibits considerable geographic variation, with nine described subspecies recognized primarily by Munroe in 1966.