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Acmaeodera pulchella
Flat-headed Bald Cypress Sapwood Borer, Flat-headed Baldcypress Sapwood Beetle
Acmaeodera pulchella is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as the flat-headed bald cypress sapwood borer. The species is widely distributed across North America, with records from the United States and Canada including Manitoba and Ontario. It is associated with bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) based on its common name, though specific ecological relationships require further documentation. Adults are active during summer months and have been observed on flowers of herbaceous vegetation in prairie and open woodland habitats.
Acmaeodera solitaria
Acmaeodera solitaria is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it has been collected from flowers of yellow-flowered composites and prickly poppy. Adults are active during summer months, particularly July and August. The species was described by Kerremans in 1897.
Acmaeoderopsis
Acmaeoderopsis is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) containing approximately 12 described species distributed in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The genus was established by Barr in 1974 and includes species associated with mesquite (Prosopis) and other woody legumes. Adults are small, typically vittate (striped) buprestids that are active during hot summer months and can be collected by beating host vegetation.
Agaeocera gentilis
Agaeocera gentilis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species occurs in southwestern North America and Central America, with two recognized subspecies: A. g. gentilis and A. g. peninsularis. Field observations indicate adults are active during summer months and have been collected from Sphaeralcea (globemallow) vegetation.
Amblycheila cylindriformis
Great Plains Giant Tiger Beetle
Amblycheila cylindriformis is a flightless tiger beetle native to the Great Plains of North America. It is the largest tiger beetle species in North America, with adults reaching 25–38 mm in length. The species is strictly nocturnal and inhabits grassland environments, where adults walk on bare ground and larvae construct deep burrows in specific soil types.
Argyresthia oreasella
Cherry Shoot Borer Moth
A small micro-moth in the family Argyresthiidae, commonly known as the Cherry Shoot Borer Moth. Adults are active from late June through mid-August. The species has been recorded across North America from New York to California and from Quebec to Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Axinopalpus fusciceps
black-headed pale carabid
Axinopalpus fusciceps is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It occurs from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Guatemala. Activity peaks during summer months, particularly June and July. The species is commonly known as the black-headed pale carabid.
Balsa tristrigella
Three-lined Balsa Moth
Balsa tristrigella, commonly known as the Three-lined Balsa Moth, is a small noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active from May through August and are characterized by their modest wingspan of 25–30 mm. The species was originally described by Francis Walker in 1866 under the name Garzana tristrigella before being transferred to the genus Balsa. The larval stage feeds specifically on hawthorns (Crataegus species), establishing a clear host-plant relationship with this genus of shrubs and small trees.
Calopteron terminale
End Band Net-wing, End Band Net-winged Beetle
Calopteron terminale is a net-winged beetle in the family Lycidae, distinguished from congeners by a transverse depression across the elytra. It is found in eastern North American deciduous woodlands, where adults are active from July through September. The species participates in a Müllerian mimicry complex with similarly colored toxic beetles and moths. Larvae develop under bark of dead and dying trees, preying on small arthropods.
Catocala herodias herodias
Herodias Underwing
Catocala herodias herodias is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae. The genus Catocala, meaning "beautiful below," comprises over 250 species known for their cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. When at rest, the forewings provide camouflage against tree bark; when disturbed, the moth reveals vivid hindwing patterns of orange, red, black, white, or blue that startle predators. This subspecies is part of the North American underwing fauna, with adults typically active during summer months. Like other Catocala, they are primarily nocturnal and often associated with wooded habitats.
Catocala mira
Wonderful Underwing
Catocala mira, known as the Wonderful Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1876. The species name derives from Latin mira, meaning "wonderful." It is a medium-sized underwing moth with distinctive gray forewings featuring a lighter diagonal band and orange hindwings with irregular black banding. The species occurs across eastern and central North America and has been recorded feeding on hawthorns (Crataegus) in the larval stage.
Chalcolepidius apacheanus
Apache click beetle
Chalcolepidius apacheanus is a large click beetle (family Elateridae) native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species belongs to a genus characterized by metallic coloration and substantial body size among click beetles. Field observations indicate adults are associated with dead or dying coniferous trees, particularly ponderosa pine, where they have been observed at the base of trunks and in association with wood-boring beetle galleries. The species is active during summer months in montane pine-oak woodlands.
Chalcolepidius smaragdinus
A large click beetle species in the family Elateridae, notable for its striking metallic green coloration. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona, where it has been observed on desert vegetation including Baccharis sarothroides and Prosopis glandulosa. Adults are active during the summer months and are sometimes attracted to blacklights.
Cicindelidia obsoleta obsoleta
Large Grassland Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia obsoleta obsoleta, the Large Grassland Tiger Beetle, is a subspecies of large tiger beetle found in dry grassland habitats of the southwestern United States. Adults are active during summer months and are among the largest tiger beetles in their range. The nominate subspecies occurs from western Texas and eastern New Mexico northward into eastern Colorado, overlapping with related subspecies in some areas. It is distinguished from the disjunct Missouri/Arkansas population (subspecies vulturina) by its summer adult phenology and generally darker coloration with reduced elytral maculations.
Cicindelidia rufiventris
Eastern Red-bellied Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia rufiventris is a tiger beetle species found in the eastern and central United States, characterized by its distinctive red-orange abdomen visible during flight. Formerly classified in the genus Cicindela, it was moved to Cicindelidia based on phylogenetic studies. The species shows clinal variation in coloration and maculation across its range, with southern populations exhibiting blue coloration and reduced maculations. It is primarily active during summer months and is associated with rocky, open habitats in the Ozark Highlands and similar regions.
Cicindelidia rufiventris rufiventris
Eastern Red-bellied Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia rufiventris rufiventris, the Eastern Red-bellied Tiger Beetle, is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the subgenus Cicindelidia. It is immediately recognizable by its red-orange abdomen, which is fully exposed during flight. Populations in southern Missouri represent an intergrade zone between the nominate subspecies to the east and subspecies cumatilis to the southwest. The species is summer-active and has been observed in abundance along rocky trails and 2-tracks through open pine forests on sandstone and dolomite substrates.
Colletes aestivalis
Alumroot Cellophane Bee, Summer Cellophane Bee
Colletes aestivalis is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae, commonly known as the Alumroot Cellophane Bee. It is one of approximately 99 Colletes species in North America. Like other members of its genus, females construct individual burrows in sandy soils and line brood cells with a distinctive cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland. The specific epithet 'aestivalis' (Latin for 'of summer') reflects its summer flight period, distinguishing it from many congeners that are active in spring or fall.
Colomychus talis
distinguished colymychus moth
Colomychus talis is a crambid moth occurring in the southeastern United States and Mexico. Adults are active from May through August. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1878 and is recorded from ten U.S. states.
Conchylodes ovulalis
Zebra Conchylodes Moth
Conchylodes ovulalis, commonly known as the Zebra Conchylodes Moth, is a small crambid moth notable for its striking black-and-white striped wing pattern. The species was described by Guenée in 1854 and occurs across a broad range from the eastern United States through Mexico and Central America to northern South America. Adults are frequently attracted to artificial light sources and are most commonly encountered during summer months. The distinctive zebra-striped coloration is presumed to function in camouflage, though experimental evidence for this is lacking.
Conservula anodonta
Sharp Angle Shades
Conservula anodonta, known as the sharp angle shades, is a noctuid moth species native to North America. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive wing markings and are active during summer months. The species is associated with forested habitats and exhibits typical nocturnal behavior of its family, including attraction to light sources.
Dejongia lobidactylus
Lobed Plume Moth
Dejongia lobidactylus, commonly known as the Lobed Plume Moth, is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae. It is characterized by its deeply divided wings with distinctive pale yellow or white oblique stripes against a dark cinnamon-brown background. The species occurs in northeastern North America and has been recorded feeding on Solidago (goldenrod) species as larvae.
Depressaria alienella
Yarrow Webworm
Depressaria alienella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by August Busck in 1904. It occurs across northern and western North America, from Yukon to Nova Scotia and south to Arizona and California. The larvae feed on flowers of Artemisia and Achillea species. Adults are active from July through September.
Digrammia muscariata
Oak Angles and Allies
Digrammia muscariata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It has been recorded at blacklighting displays in California, where it is attracted to ultraviolet light sources. The species was originally described as Tephrina muscariata by Guenée in 1858. Three subspecies are recognized: D. m. muscariata, D. m. respersata, and D. m. teucaria.
Dufourea monardae
Beebalm Shortface Bee, monarda dufourea
A small sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the Beebalm Shortface Bee. Females measure approximately 7 mm, males 6–7 mm. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in head shape, with females having a strongly protuberant face and males possessing a longer head. It is an oligolectic specialist, collecting pollen exclusively from bee balm plants (Monarda spp.). Active primarily during July and August across its North American range.
Euscirrhopterus gloveri
Purslane Moth
Euscirrhopterus gloveri, commonly known as the purslane moth, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. First described by Grote and Robinson in 1868, it is native to North America. The species is notable for its distinctive wing patterning and association with portulacaceous host plants. Larvae have been documented in outbreak numbers on purslane relatives.
Gyascutus caelatus
Gyascutus caelatus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Field observations from Arizona indicate adults are active during summer months and are associated with Acacia species, particularly sweet acacia (Acacia rigidula).
Hadoa inaudita
Dappled Sun-Singer
Hadoa inaudita, commonly known as the Dappled Sun-Singer, is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae. It is native to the southwestern and south-central United States, with documented occurrences in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The species was first described by Davis in 1917 and has been observed in arid and semi-arid habitats including sand dunes, juniper woodlands, and desert grasslands. Adults are active during the summer months and are associated with yucca and other desert vegetation.
Lycomorpha grotei
Grote's lycomorpha moth
Lycomorpha grotei is a small moth in the family Erebidae, distributed across western North America from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific coast. Adults are active during summer months with a single annual generation. The species was described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1864.
Martyringa latipennis
Square-spotted Martyringa Moth
Martyringa latipennis is a small moth in the family Lecithoceridae, commonly known as the Square-spotted Martyringa Moth. It is found across the eastern and central United States, with adults active from late spring through mid-summer. The species is recognized by its distinctive wing pattern featuring pale ochreous forewings with brownish-fuscous clouding and a characteristic pale fascia.
Megalocoleus molliculus
A plant bug in the family Miridae that feeds primarily on yarrow and related Asteraceae. Adults are active in mid to late summer. The species has a wide distribution across the Palearctic and has been introduced to North America.
Megarhyssa macrurus
Long-tailed Giant Ichneumonid Wasp, Long-tailed Giant Ichneumon Wasp
Megarhyssa macrurus is a large parasitoid wasp and one of the biggest ichneumonids in North America. Females possess an extraordinarily long ovipositor—often exceeding body length—that allows them to reach wood-boring host larvae deep inside decaying trees. The species is a specialist parasitoid of pigeon horntail (Tremex columba) larvae. It occurs across the eastern United States and southern Canada, where it is most commonly observed in summer.
Megarhyssa nortoni
Norton's giant ichneumonid wasp, western giant ichneumonid wasp
Megarhyssa nortoni is a large ichneumonid wasp native to North America, with two recognized subspecies occupying western and eastern ranges. Females possess an extraordinarily long ovipositor reaching 51–76 mm, used to parasitize horntail wasp larvae deep within wood. Despite their formidable appearance, they are harmless to humans and do not sting. The species has been introduced to several countries as a biological control agent for forest pest horntails.
Neocicada hieroglyphica
Hieroglyphic Cicada
Neocicada hieroglyphica, commonly known as the hieroglyphic cicada, is a medium-sized cicada species in the family Cicadidae. It is found across eastern and central North America, with records from the southeastern United States west to Kansas. The species is named for the distinctive black markings on its head and thorax that resemble hieroglyphic writing. Adults are active during summer and are attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights at night. Two subspecies are recognized: N. h. hieroglyphica and N. h. johannis.
Neoitamus
Bentbristles
Neoitamus is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) comprising at least 60 described species. The genus has a worldwide distribution with notable presence in Europe, Asia, and North America. Species within this genus are predatory insects that hunt other insects. The common awl robberfly, Neoitamus cyanurus, has been subject to genome sequencing, revealing a 365.5 Mb chromosome-level assembly.
Pacarina puella
little mesquite cicada
Pacarina puella, commonly known as the little mesquite cicada, is a small cicada species in the family Cicadidae. It is distributed across parts of North America and Central America, with records from the southwestern United States including Arizona, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, as well as Mexico. The species is associated with mesquite (Prosopis) host plants. Adults are active during summer months and are attracted to ultraviolet light sources.
Photuris hebes
heebie-jeebies, slow-hitch firefly
Photuris hebes is a medium-sized firefly species in the family Lampyridae, native to the eastern United States. Adults measure 10–12 mm and are distinguished by their brown to nearly black elytra with pale margins and variable pronotal coloration. Males signal with quick single flashes repeated approximately every second during summer evenings, with flash rate varying by temperature. The species is one of several in the genus Photuris known for aggressive mimicry of other firefly species.
Pterombrus rufiventris
Pterombrus rufiventris is a parasitoid wasp in the family Thynnidae, native to North America. The species is notable for its specialized life history as a parasite of tiger beetle (Cicindela) larvae. It is considered rare but has been documented across a wide geographic range from southern California to Texas and eastward to Georgia and Virginia. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism typical of thynnid wasps, with wingless females and winged males. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form in the eastern range and P. r. hyalinatus in the western portion of its distribution.
Schinia crenilinea
creniline flower moth
Schinia crenilinea, the creniline flower moth, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 24 mm. The species is restricted to the south-central United States, occurring in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Adults are active during late spring and summer. Like other members of the genus Schinia, it is likely associated with specific host plants for larval development, though detailed life history information remains limited.
Schinia jaguarina
Jaguar Flower Moth
Schinia jaguarina, commonly known as the Jaguar Flower Moth, is a noctuid moth species first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. The species is distributed across the Great Plains and adjacent regions of North America, with records from Canada south through Mexico. Adults are active primarily during summer months and are attracted to light. The larvae are specialized feeders on leguminous plants.
Steiroxys trilineatus
Three-lined Shieldback, Three-lined Camel Cricket
Steiroxys trilineatus is a shieldback katydid native to western North America, recognized by the three pale longitudinal stripes running along its dorsal surface. This flightless, ground-dwelling species inhabits grassland and sagebrush steppe ecosystems, where it occupies a cryptic lifestyle among vegetation and litter. Adults are active during summer months, with males producing songs via tegminal stridulation to attract mates. The species has been documented from the Great Basin through the Rocky Mountain region, with populations adapted to semi-arid conditions.
Stenaspis solitaria
Stenaspis solitaria is a longhorn beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it has been collected from various woody hosts including Acacia species and Baccharis sarothroides. Field observations indicate adults are active during summer months, particularly July and August, and are often found by beating vegetation or sweeping flowering plants.
Tetraopes discoideus
Tetraopes discoideus is a small milkweed longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1847. Adults measure 7–9 mm in length, making this species notably smaller than congeners. The species is associated with milkweed plants (Asclepias spp.) throughout its range in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been observed resting, feeding, and mating on milkweed stems and flowers. Larvae develop by feeding on milkweed roots, either tunneling directly into large taproots or living in surrounding soil when roots are small.
Trichiosoma triangulum
Giant Birch Sawfly
A large sawfly in the family Cimbicidae, found in association with willow and birch habitats. Females deposit eggs into leaves, and the larvae are caterpillar-like herbivores that feed on foliage. Adults are active during summer months and are often observed on vegetation.
Trichiotinus texanus
Texas flower scarab
Trichiotinus texanus, the Texas flower scarab, is a species of flower chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is a regional specialty found primarily in Texas and Oklahoma, where it has been collected on flowers of various native plants including Allium sp., Cirsium undulatum, and Torilis arvensis. The species is part of the genus Trichiotinus, which contains other North American flower scarabs often associated with blooming vegetation.