Territorial
Guides
Agelenopsis aperta
Desert Grass Spider, Funnel-web Spider
Agelenopsis aperta, commonly known as the desert grass spider, is a medium-sized funnel-web weaver native to arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It constructs characteristic non-sticky funnel-shaped webs in crevices and vegetation, where it waits to ambush prey. The species exhibits notable territorial behavior and complex courtship rituals involving abdominal swaying and pheromone release that induces a temporary cataplectic state in females.
Anthidium florentinum
Florentine Woolcarder Bee, European wool carder bee
Anthidium florentinum is a medium to large solitary bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Florentine wool carder bee. Native to the Mediterranean region, it has been introduced to multiple continents including North America, South America, Africa, and Asia. Males are highly territorial and defend floral resources against conspecifics and other bees. Females collect plant trichomes (wool) to line nest cells constructed in pre-existing cavities. The species has been detected in the Canary Islands through citizen science, representing a recent range expansion to oceanic archipelagos.
Calopterygidae
broad-winged damselflies, demoiselles, jewelwings
Calopterygidae is a family of damselflies in the suborder Zygoptera, containing approximately 150 species. Members are relatively large for damselflies, with wingspans of 50–80 mm, and are characterized by broad wings with wide bases, metallic coloration, and a distinctive flight pattern described as jerky and fluttering. The family is distributed across all continents except Antarctica, primarily associated with running water habitats.
Celithemis
pennants, small pennants
Celithemis is a monophyletic genus of eight dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as pennants or small pennants. Species are primarily distributed in eastern North America. Males of multiple species perch conspicuously on vegetation to defend territories and exhibit resource partitioning through differential perch height selection.
Hemipepsis ustulata
Flamed Tarantula-hawk Wasp, tarantula hawk
Hemipepsis ustulata is a large spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as a tarantula hawk. It is native to the Southwestern United States and is among the largest Hymenoptera, reaching up to 5 cm in length. Females hunt tarantulas, paralyzing them with a powerful sting to serve as living food for their larvae. Males exhibit complex lekking territorial behavior, defending prominent perches on hilltops to intercept receptive females. The species has matte black coloration with rust-orange wings, distinguishing it from the iridescent blue-black Pepsis species.
Larinioides sclopetarius
bridge-spider, gray cross spider, grey cross spider, bridge orbweaver
Larinioides sclopetarius is a relatively large orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae with Holarctic distribution. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America and is strongly associated with human-made structures, particularly bridges, where it builds webs near artificial light sources over water. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in body mass and leg proportions, with males maturing faster and earlier than females. It is notable for its high density aggregations in urban environments, where light-attracted insect prey supports populations of up to 100 individuals per square meter in optimal feeding locations.
Leucorrhinia intacta
Dot-tailed Whiteface
Leucorrhinia intacta, commonly known as the dot-tailed whiteface, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is one of the most common and widespread species in the genus Leucorrhinia across North America. Research has documented distinctive reproductive behaviors, including female oviposition site selection favoring shallow water and male territorial defense through site-fixed 'dominion' territories. The species has been studied extensively for its behavioral ecology, particularly regarding spatial predictability of breeding activities and aggressive interactions among males.
Limenitis arthemis arizonensis
Arizona Red-spotted Purple
Limenitis arthemis arizonensis is a subspecies of the red-spotted purple butterfly complex found in western North America. It represents one of several stable hybrid wing patterns within the nominal species L. arthemis, which has been extensively studied for its evolution of mimicry. The subspecies occurs from Arizona to southern California and Mexico, overlapping with the range of the white admiral and red-spotted purple forms. Like other members of the complex, males are known to defend territories along riparian corridors.
Pachydiplax longipennis
Blue Dasher
The Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) is a common and widely distributed dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It is the sole species in its genus. Adults are characterized by a blue pruinose abdomen, particularly in males, and are known as "perchers" that hunt from stationary positions. Males exhibit pronounced territorial behavior at breeding and feeding sites, with social dominance hierarchies influencing dispersal patterns. The species occurs throughout North America and into the Caribbean.
Perithemis tenera
Eastern Amberwing
Perithemis tenera, commonly known as the Eastern Amberwing, is a very small dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae, reaching a maximum length of 25 mm. It is notable for being one of the few dragonflies that actively mimics a wasp, with yellow and brown abdominal stripes that deter predators. The species exhibits territorial behavior, with documented prior residency advantage in territorial disputes. Males have distinctive orange or amber wings, while both sexes display a red pterostigma.
Satyrium calanus
Banded Hairstreak
Satyrium calanus, the banded hairstreak, is a common North American butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains and exhibits territorial behavior. The species has a single annual brood with adults active from early June to late August. Larvae develop on oaks, hickories, and walnuts.
Strymon melinus
Gray Hairstreak
Strymon melinus, the Gray Hairstreak, is a small lycaenid butterfly widespread across North America. Males exhibit density-dependent mating tactics, defending perches on hilltops at low densities and switching to patrolling behavior when intruder numbers increase. The species thrives in weedy, disturbed habitats and urban environments, with a notably long flight season from February to November at low elevations. It is considered stable or increasing in parts of its range, including California's Central Valley.
Vanessa atalanta
Red Admiral, Red Admirable
A medium-sized migratory butterfly with distinctive black wings marked by orange-red bands and white spots. It is among the most widely distributed butterflies globally, found across temperate regions of North America, Europe, Asia, North Africa, and the Caribbean. The species exhibits complex migratory behavior, with populations moving northward in spring and southward in autumn to track seasonal host plant availability. Males are strongly territorial, establishing and defending perching sites in sunny woodland openings to secure mating opportunities.
Volucella
hover-flies, flower flies
Volucella is a genus of large, broad-bodied hoverflies in the family Syrphidae. These flies are notable for their Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera—particularly bumble bees and hornets—which provides protection from predators. Adults are regular flower visitors that feed on nectar, while larvae develop as inquilines in the nests of social bees and wasps, functioning as detritivores and predators of host larvae. The genus exhibits strong migratory behavior and males are often territorial.