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Anisoptera
Dragonflies
Anisoptera is the suborder of dragonflies, distinguished from damselflies (Zygoptera) by their larger, stouter bodies, eyes that touch or nearly touch at the top of the head, and wings held horizontally away from the body at rest. The name derives from Greek roots meaning 'unequal wings,' referring to the broader hindwings compared to forewings. With over 3,000 described species globally, dragonflies represent one of the most ancient lineages of flying insects, with fossil relatives dating to the Triassic Period 250 million years ago. Adults are aerial predators with exceptional flight capabilities and vision, while larvae are aquatic predators found in diverse freshwater habitats.
Odonata dragonfly aquatic-insect predator bioindicator hemimetabolous visual-predator territorial-behavior migration freshwater-ecology
Anthidium maculosum
Spotted Woolcarder
Anthidium maculosum is a solitary carder bee in the family Megachilidae, notable for its unusual sexual dimorphism where males are significantly larger than females—a reversal of the typical bee pattern. Males establish and defend territories around flowering patches of Monarda mint, while females practice polyandry, mating multiple times to gain access to guarded resources. The species ranges from the Pacific Northwest through Mexico to Honduras.
solitary-bee territorial-behavior sexual-dimorphism resource-defense-polygyny polyandry mint-pollinator native-bee wood-nesting
Anthidium manicatum
European wool carder bee, wool carder bee
Anthidium manicatum, the European wool carder bee, is a solitary, cavity-nesting bee in the family Megachilidae. Females collect plant trichomes (hairs) from leaves such as lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina) to line nest cells, giving the species its common name. Males are highly territorial, defending patches of flowering plants against conspecific males and other pollinators. The species exhibits unusual sexual dimorphism: males are larger than females, contrary to most solitary bees. Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, it has become a widespread invasive species across North America, South America, New Zealand, and the Canary Islands after accidental introduction.
solitary-bee cavity-nester territorial-behavior sexual-dimorphism invasive-species pollinator resource-defense-polygyny plant-trichome-collector
Brentus
Brentus is the type genus of primitive weevils in the family Brentidae and tribe Brentini. Species are distributed in the Americas, with most diversity occurring in tropical regions. The genus exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism in rostrum and mandible morphology, with females possessing elongated, slender rostrums for wood-boring oviposition and males having short, robust mandibles used in territorial combat. These beetles develop as larvae in the wood of living or wounded trees.
wood-boring sexual-dimorphism primitive-weevil timber-pest territorial-behavior
Calopteryx
Jewelwings
Calopteryx is a genus of large damselflies in the family Calopterygidae, commonly known as jewelwings. Males typically display brightly colored wings while females usually have clear wings, though some females develop male-like (androchrome) wing characteristics. The genus lacks a pterostigma, a wing cell found in most other odonates. Species occupy distinct zones within running water systems, with differential thermal adaptations driving habitat segregation.
damselfly Odonata running-water territorial-behavior wing-polymorphism thermal-adaptation aquatic-insect riparian
Calopteryx dimidiata
Sparkling Jewelwing
Calopteryx dimidiata, commonly known as the sparkling jewelwing, is a small damselfly species endemic to the eastern and southeastern United States. It is one of the smallest members of the family Calopterygidae, measuring 37–50 mm in length. The species inhabits sandy forest streams with fast-flowing water, particularly acidic streams with abundant riverside vegetation. Adults are active from spring through autumn depending on latitude, with males defending small territories and engaging in ritualized courtship flights.
damselfly Odonata Calopterygidae eastern-North-America stream-habitat territorial-behavior
Charaxinae
leafwings, leafwing butterflies
Charaxinae is a subfamily of approximately 400 species of nymphalid butterflies commonly known as leafwings. They are primarily tropical in distribution, with some species extending into temperate regions of North America, Europe, China, and southern Australia. Adults are robust, fast-flying butterflies that frequently feed on non-floral liquid sources including carrion, dung, and rotting fruit. The subfamily exhibits substantial morphological diversity across its constituent tribes.
butterfly leafwing tropical cryptic-coloration carrion-feeder territorial-behavior dead-leaf-mimicry
Cordulegaster erronea
tiger spiketail
Cordulegaster erronea, the tiger spiketail, is a large, uncommon dragonfly in the family Cordulegastridae. It is a habitat specialist requiring small, pristine, spring-fed forest streams with muck bottoms and overhanging vegetation. The species has a long larval period estimated at 3-4 years and a brief adult flight period of approximately 2-3 weeks in early summer. Radio-telemetry studies in New Jersey have revealed limited adult movement, with individuals typically remaining within 100-200 meters of natal streams and showing strong site fidelity.
dragonfly spiketail habitat-specialist forest-stream radio-telemetry conservation New-Jersey Cordulegastridae Odonata indicator-species headwater-streams metapopulation territorial-behavior crepuscular-activity long-larval-development site-fidelity mature-forest-dependent spring-fed-streams muck-bottom-streams overhanging-vegetation shaded-streams limited-dispersal fragmented-populations pristine-habitat aquatic-nymph ovipositor early-summer-emergence brief-adult-life canopy-use easily-disturbed human-disturbance-sensitive top-predator stream-ecosystem conservation-concern IUCN-Least-Concern stable-population eastern-North-America patchy-distribution localized-populations territorial-males patrolling-behavior oviposition-in-organic-matter specialized-habitat-requirements forest-protection-needed regulatory-protection-insufficient aquatic-insect odonate Anisoptera Cordulegastroidea Selys-1878 tiger-spiketail uncommon-species rare-encounters field-identification-challenge habitat-degradation-threat forest-fragmentation-impact water-quality-dependent perennial-streams seepage-fed-streams adjacent-forest-use movement-ecology home-range-limited natal-stream-fidelity conservation-recommendations mature-forest-buffer stream-corridor-protection headwater-conservation forest-stream-specialist ecosystem-engineer biodiversity-indicator climate-change-vulnerability habitat-loss-sensitivity development-pressure protected-areas-benefit citizen-science-potential natural-history-knowledge-gap research-priority-species monitoring-target population-stability least-concern-status no-immediate-threat stable-IUCN-assessment North-American-endemic eastern-range New-Jersey-study-site detailed-life-history-known radiotelemetry-pioneer-study first-radio-telemetry-for-species movement-study habitat-use-study home-range-estimation conservation-biology-case-study forest-management-implications buffer-zone-requirements stream-protection-needs beyond-stream-corridor-protection 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Cuterebra austeni
Cuterebra austeni is a species of New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. The adult flies are large, bumble bee-sized insects with distinctive black and white coloration. Like other Cuterebra species, adults lack functional mouthparts and live only briefly, fueled entirely by larval fat reserves. The species has been documented exhibiting hilltopping behavior in Arizona, where males gather at elevated sites to locate females.
hilltopping mimicry parasitoid myiasis Cuterebrinae Oestridae Diptera insect North-America Arizona Sabrosky-1986 bumble-bee-mimic short-lived-adult subdermal-parasite territorial-behavior Sentinel-Peak Tucson
Cuterebra tenebrosa
rodent bot fly, pack rat botfly
Cuterebra tenebrosa, commonly known as the rodent bot fly or pack rat botfly, is a New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. The species is a specialized parasite of bushy-tailed wood rats (Neotoma cinerea). Adult males exhibit distinctive territorial aggregation behavior near host habitats, establishing territories over heat-reflecting surfaces and engaging in aerial defense against intruders. The species demonstrates complex life history traits including temperature-dependent pupal diapause that can extend development up to two years.
bot-fly parasitoid rodent-parasite diapause territorial-behavior Oestridae Cuterebrinae Neotoma-cinerea wood-rat-parasite temperature-dependent-development aggregation-behavior New-World-skin-bot-fly
Erythrodiplax
Dragonlets
Erythrodiplax is a large Neotropical genus of small to medium-sized dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as dragonlets. The genus contains numerous species distributed across the Americas, with some members exhibiting unique ecological adaptations. Erythrodiplax berenice, the Seaside Dragonlet, is the only odonate known to develop in saline water, tolerating salinities up to 48%. Species within this genus display diverse reproductive behaviors, with males exhibiting territorial or satellite strategies and engaging in mate guarding during oviposition.
odonata dragonfly libellulidae neotropical dragonlets saline-tolerance ontogenetic-color-change mate-guarding territorial-behavior
Formica pacifica
Pacific Field Ant
Formica pacifica is a medium-sized ant species native to the Pacific Coast of North America, ranging from British Columbia to the western United States. It belongs to the Formica fusca species group, a diverse assemblage of morphologically similar ants. Colonies can reach several thousand workers and are known for their fast, aggressive worker behavior and territorial conflicts with neighboring colonies. The species thrives in both forested habitats and human-altered environments.
ants Formicidae Formica Pacific-Coast social-insects territorial-behavior urban-wildlife
Hammerschmidtia
Hammerschmidtia is a Holarctic genus of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the tribe Brachyopini. Larvae develop in sap under the bark of freshly fallen trees, particularly decaying aspen (Populus tremula). The genus includes five described species, with H. ferruginea being endangered in parts of its range due to habitat loss.
hoverfly saproxylic aspen dead-wood territorial-behavior Holarctic
Hemipepsis
tarantula hawks, Old and New World Tarantula-hawk Wasps
Hemipepsis is a genus of large spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as tarantula hawks. The genus contains approximately 180 species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with significant diversity in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Hemipepsis wasps are distinguished from the related genus Pepsis by subtle differences in wing venation patterns. In South Africa, Hemipepsis wasps serve as exclusive pollinators for 18 plant species across three families (Apocynaceae, Orchidaceae, and Asparagaceae subfamily Scilloodeae). The genus has been extensively studied for its complex male territorial behavior, particularly in the North American species H. ustulata.
tarantula-hawk spider-wasp parasitoid pollinator territorial-behavior hilltopping aposematic-coloration mimicry-model Pompilidae Pepsinae tropical subtropical South-Africa-pollination Arizona Sonoran-Desert
Hetaerina americana
American rubyspot
A damselfly species in the family Calopterygidae, commonly known as the American rubyspot. Males exhibit a lustrous red head and thorax with a brilliant green abdomen; females have a green abdomen with either green or copper thoracic markings. The species occupies riverine habitats in arid and semi-arid regions and demonstrates strong site fidelity, with adults rarely dispersing more than 100 meters from emergence sites. Research indicates sensitivity to urbanization, with documented declines in abundance, body condition, and reproductive success correlated with reduced riparian vegetation and increased wastewater discharge.
Odonata damselfly rubyspot riverine indicator-species urbanization-sensitivity territorial-behavior limited-dispersal genomic-resource North-America Central-America lotic-habitat riparian-dependent
Heterostylum robustum
bomber fly
Heterostylum robustum is a parasitic bee fly (Diptera: Bombyliidae) commonly known as the bomber fly. It is a significant parasitoid of ground-nesting bees, particularly the alkali bee Nomia melanderi, an important pollinator of alfalfa in western North America. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism and has a complex life cycle involving active larval host-seeking behavior and overwintering underground. Its parasitic strategy involves launching eggs into host nests rather than direct contact with hosts.
parasitoid bee-fly alkali-bee agricultural-pest Nomia-melanderi alfalfa-pollinator sexual-dimorphism planidium territorial-behavior overwintering
Hoplitis anthocopoides
Viper's Bugloss Small-Mason
Hoplitis anthocopoides is a solitary mason bee in the family Megachilidae. It is a specialist pollinator of Echium vulgare (viper's bugloss), using this plant for both pollen/nectar collection and leaf material for nest construction. Females construct nests in pre-existing cavities using cut leaf pieces, creating linear series of 6-10 cells. Males exhibit territorial behavior, defending flower patches to gain access to females. The species has a broad distribution across Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America.
solitary-bee mason-bee specialist-pollinator cavity-nester territorial-behavior leaf-cutter
Hydropsychidae
Net-spinning Caddisflies
Hydropsychidae, commonly known as net-spinning caddisflies, is a family of aquatic insects in the order Trichoptera. Larvae construct silk nets at the openings of their retreats to capture food particles from flowing water. The family is globally distributed in freshwater habitats and serves as important bioindicators of stream health. Larvae exhibit unique behaviors including territorial defense through stridulation and competitive interactions for retreat ownership.
aquatic-insects bioindicators net-spinning-caddisflies stridulation stream-ecology filter-feeders territorial-behavior freshwater-biodiversity
Leptoglossus zonatus
leaf-footed bug
Leptoglossus zonatus is a polyphagous leaf-footed bug native to the Americas, ranging from the southwestern United States through Central America to South America. Adults measure approximately 20 mm in length with gray coloration, a zigzagging whitish band across the dorsum, and two distinctive yellowish spots on the anterior pronotum that serve as the primary identifying characteristic. The species has emerged as a significant agricultural pest, particularly in California almonds and Gulf Coast satsuma mandarins, causing direct feeding damage and transmitting plant pathogens. Two genetically distinct strains occur in the Western Hemisphere, with low overall genetic diversity suggesting potential for further range expansion.
agricultural-pest invasive-potential polyphagous leaf-footed-bug almond-pest citrus-pest pathogen-vector egg-parasitoid-host pheromone-communication territorial-behavior
Leucorrhinia
whitefaces
Leucorrhinia is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as whitefaces due to their distinctive pale frons. The genus name derives from Greek 'leuco' (white) and 'rhinus' (nose). Species within this genus are associated with wetland habitats, particularly acidic bog pools with Sphagnum moss. Several species are of conservation concern due to specialized habitat requirements and vulnerability to habitat degradation.
dragonfly Odonata Libellulidae whitefaces bog-specialist conservation peatland acidic-wetlands Scotland Appalachians translocation territorial-behavior
Libellula quadrimaculata
Four-spotted Skimmer, Four-spotted Chaser
Libellula quadrimaculata, known as the four-spotted skimmer in North America and four-spotted chaser in Europe, is a holarctic dragonfly species found across Europe, Asia, and North America. This species exhibits notable behavioral plasticity in males, who adopt either territorial or satellite mating strategies depending on competitive conditions. It is also recognized for its gregarious migratory behavior, with historical records of immense swarms in Europe and documented migration flights in North America.
dragonfly skimmer chaser migratory territorial-behavior satellite-mating bog-specialist holarctic
Limenitis
admirals
Limenitis is a genus of brush-footed butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, commonly called the admirals. The genus includes well-known North American species such as the viceroy (L. archippus), a Müllerian mimic of the monarch butterfly, and the red-spotted purple (L. arthemis astyanax), a forest-dwelling butterfly. Some authorities include the sister butterflies (Adelpha) and commander butterflies (Moduza) within this genus. The name derives from Neo-Latin meaning 'of harbours,' from Ancient Greek λιμήν (harbour, haven).
brush-footed-butterflies mimicry Nymphalidae territorial-behavior puddling
Limenitis archippus
Viceroy
The Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) is a North American butterfly famous for its striking resemblance to the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), a relationship long interpreted as Batesian mimicry but now considered Müllerian mimicry since both species are distasteful to predators. This medium-sized brushfoot butterfly ranges across most of the contiguous United States, southern Canada, and parts of Mexico. Adults are orange with black veining and white spots, but display significant regional variation in size and coloration—eastern populations are bright orange while western and Florida populations are darker, sometimes mimicking the Queen butterfly (Danaus gilippus) instead. The species is territorial, with males actively patrolling and perching to defend areas.
butterfly mimicry brushfoot North-America Müllerian-mimicry territorial-behavior
Limenitis archippus floridensis
Florida Viceroy
Limenitis archippus floridensis, commonly known as the Florida Viceroy, is a subspecies of the Viceroy butterfly found in the southeastern United States. This butterfly is renowned for its mimicry of the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), though recent research indicates it is also unpalatable to predators, making this Müllerian rather than Batesian mimicry. The Florida subspecies is notably larger and darker than typical Viceroys, adaptations that allow it to mimic the Queen butterfly (Danaus gilippus) which replaces the Monarch as the model species in Florida. Males are highly territorial, patrolling areas and perching frequently—a behavior not observed in Monarchs.
subspecies mimicry Florida Southeastern-United-States Lepidoptera butterfly territorial-behavior Müllerian-mimicry
Limenitis archippus obsoleta
Southwest Viceroy
Limenitis archippus obsoleta, commonly known as the Southwest Viceroy, is a subspecies of viceroy butterfly native to western North America. Unlike the nominate eastern subspecies, this form exhibits darker, more brownish-purple coloration and is thought to mimic the Queen butterfly (Danaus gilippus) rather than the Monarch. The subspecies demonstrates the geographic variation in mimicry systems, where different models drive selection in different regions.
mimicry Müllerian-mimicry territorial-behavior geographic-variation subspecies-differentiation
Limenitis arthemis astyanax
Red-spotted Purple
Limenitis arthemis astyanax, the Red-spotted Purple, is a North American butterfly subspecies belonging to the admiral group. It represents one of the most striking examples of Batesian mimicry among North American butterflies, with wing patterns converging on those of the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor). The subspecies occurs in forested and wooded suburban habitats across eastern North America, where adults are frequently observed perching on the ground or foliage along stream corridors and forest edges.
butterfly mimicry forest riparian Batesian-mimicry territorial-behavior puddling
Lycaena heteronea
blue copper
Lycaena heteronea, the blue copper, is a North American butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. Males display bright sky-blue upper wing surfaces with dark veins, while females are copper-brown with black dots. The species is tightly associated with Eriogonum (buckwheat) host plants and occupies a range of open habitats in western North America from British Columbia to New Mexico. It is single-brooded with flight seasons varying geographically from April through August.
butterfly Lycaenidae North-America Eriogonum-specialist territorial-behavior myrmecophily
Lycaena phlaeas
small copper, American copper, common copper
Lycaena phlaeas is a holarctic butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as the small copper or American copper. It is widespread across Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa. The species is notable for its bright orange forewings with dark borders and black spots. It has been identified as a generalist species that shows resilience to habitat degradation, with populations in Germany demonstrating a positive trend in the Grassland Butterfly Index despite overall declines in grassland butterfly populations.
butterfly copper grassland indicator-species generalist holarctic Lycaenidae pollinator territorial-behavior
Melissodes
long-horned bees
Melissodes is a large genus of long-horned bees in the tribe Eucerini, with approximately 129-140 described species native to the Americas. Males are named for their characteristically long antennae that extend well beyond the head. The genus exhibits diverse pollen specialization strategies, with females ranging from polylectic to oligolectic, particularly on Asteraceae. Species are economically important as crop pollinators, especially for sunflower.
pollinator solitary-bee ground-nesting crop-pollinator sunflower-pollinator male-sleeping-aggregation long-horned-bee native-bee Asteraceae-specialist territorial-behavior
Melissodes agilis
agile long-horned bee, agile longhorn bee
Melissodes agilis is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, characterized by the notably long antennae of males. The species exhibits striking sexual dimorphism in behavior: females are solitary ground-nesters, while males form nightly sleeping aggregations on flowers and vegetation. Males are highly territorial, aggressively defending floral resources from other pollinators including butterflies and bees. The species is native to North and Central America and has been documented in urban pollinator gardens.
native-bee long-horned-bee ground-nesting territorial-behavior sleeping-aggregation pollinator urban-garden sexual-dimorphism
Neacoryphus bicrucis
Whitecrossed seed bug, Ragwort seed bug, White-crossed seed bug
Neacoryphus bicrucis is a seed-feeding true bug (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) commonly known as the whitecrossed seed bug or ragwort seed bug. The species is specialized on Senecio species as host plants, from which it sequesters pyrrolizidine alkaloids that render it distasteful to some predators. It exhibits complex territorial and mating behaviors centered on host plant patches, with males defending high-density areas where females preferentially oviposit. The species shows pronounced sexual dimorphism in flight behavior: females conditionally histolyze flight muscles based on resource availability, while males retain flight capability throughout life. It has a broad distribution across the Americas and has been introduced to Oceania.
seed-bug Lygaeidae territorial-behavior chemical-defense pyrrolizidine-alkaloids host-specialization Senecio sexual-dimorphism flight-polymorphism
Neoneura
Robust Threadtails
Neoneura is a genus of damselflies in the family Protoneuridae, commonly called Robust Threadtails. The genus comprises approximately 30 species distributed throughout the Neotropics from Cuba and Texas to Argentina. Unlike other threadtails, Neoneura species have abdomens no more slender than pond damselflies. Males display bright coloration in red, orange, yellow, and blue, while females are more subdued. The genus exhibits distinctive reproductive behavior including tandem oviposition with post-copulatory guarding.
damselfly Odonata Neotropical threadtail tandem-oviposition sperm-competition territorial-behavior
Nymphalis antiopa
Mourning Cloak, Camberwell Beauty
Nymphalis antiopa is a large, distinctive butterfly native to Eurasia and North America. Adults are among the longest-lived butterflies, with lifespans of 11–12 months. The species is notable for its early spring emergence, often before snow has melted, and for seasonal altitudinal migrations in some regions. Larvae feed gregariously on willows, elms, and other woody plants, while adults primarily consume tree sap, rotting fruit, and aphid honeydew rather than nectar.
hibernating-adult sap-feeder gregarious-larvae territorial-behavior altitudinal-migrant early-spring-flier
Nymphalis l-album
Compton Tortoiseshell, False Comma
The Compton Tortoiseshell is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, closely related to other tortoiseshell butterflies. It shares the characteristic reduced front legs of brushfoot butterflies, with only four functional walking legs. The species exhibits territorial behavior typical of the genus, with males defending perches against rivals.
butterfly brushfoot tortoiseshell territorial-behavior Nymphalidae
Orthemis ferruginea
Roseate Skimmer
A dragonfly in the family Libellulidae native to the Americas, with distribution extending from the United States to Brazil. Mature males are distinctive for their hot pink coloration. The species is common and widespread, and has been introduced to Hawaii. First complete life cycle description for a Mexican odonate documented 17 larval instars.
Odonata Libellulidae dragonfly Americas introduced-species Hawaii territorial-behavior sexual-dimorphism
Pachydiplax
Blue Dasher
Pachydiplax is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, containing at least one widespread North American species, Pachydiplax longipennis (Blue Dasher). These dragonflies are medium-sized skimmers characterized by blue coloration in mature males. The genus is notable for extensive research on territorial behavior, breeding dispersal, and agonistic interactions among males. Members are commonly found at freshwater habitats across their range.
dragonfly skimmer territorial-behavior widespread North-America model-organism
Paltothemis
Rock Skimmers
Paltothemis is a genus of skimmer dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, established by Karsch in 1890. The genus contains at least three described species, commonly known as Rock Skimmers. The best-known species, Paltothemis lineatipes (Red Rock Skimmer), has been studied for its variable mating system, which shifts between territorial defense and alternative strategies depending on male population density. Members of this genus are associated with rocky stream habitats in western North America.
dragonfly skimmer Libellulidae Odonata rocky-streams territorial-behavior western-North-America
Papilio aristodemus
Schaus' swallowtail, island swallowtail
Papilio aristodemus, commonly known as Schaus' swallowtail or island swallowtail, is a butterfly in the family Papilionidae endemic to southern Florida, the West Indies, and the Bahamas. It is one of North America's most endangered butterflies, with the Florida subspecies (P. a. ponceana, now Heraclides ponceana) listed as endangered since 1984. The species produces a single generation annually with adults active primarily in May and June. Habitat loss from urban development, hurricanes, and mosquito control spraying has caused dramatic population declines, including near-extinction from Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
endangered flagship-species tropical-hardwood-hammock single-generation captivity-breeding West-Indies Florida-endemic Rutaceae-specialist territorial-behavior cross-water-dispersal
Papilio polyxenes coloro
Desert Black Swallowtail, Coloro Black Swallowtail
Papilio polyxenes coloro is a subspecies of the black swallowtail butterfly found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is distinguished from the nominate eastern subspecies by paler yellow markings and reduced black banding on the hindwings. Adults exhibit strong territorial hilltopping behavior, with males engaging in aggressive aerial combat at summit perches to intercept females. The subspecies shares the characteristic osmeterium defense with other Papilio larvae, emitting foul-smelling compounds when disturbed.
butterfly swallowtail hilltopping territorial-behavior desert-adapted Apiaceae-feeder osmeterium-defense Papilionidae Lepidoptera southwestern-US-fauna
Paracantha gentilis
Paracantha gentilis is a tephritid fruit fly species described by Hering in 1940 from Wyoming specimens. The species has a complex taxonomic history, with several taxa described by Malloch in 1941 (mimetica, mimetica elongata, mexicana) and Aczél in 1953 (sobrina) later synonymized under P. gentilis when wing pattern variation proved continuous rather than discrete. It is the first Tephritidae species in which the median oral lobe of larvae was described, a character now known to be shared by all non-frugivorous Tephritinae. The species exhibits a bivoltine life cycle with distinct behavioral and morphological adaptations for exploiting Cirsium thistle flowerheads.
Tephritidae fruit-fly Cirsium thistle bivoltine flowerhead-feeder non-gall-forming western-North-America median-oral-lobe territorial-behavior trophallaxis
Pemphigus betae
sugarbeet root aphid, sugar-beet root-louse
Pemphigus betae is a gall-forming aphid with a complex heteroecious life cycle involving host alternation between cottonwood trees (Populus angustifolia, P. balsamifera) and sugar beet roots. Stem mothers emerge in spring to form galls on poplar leaves, producing up to 300 progeny per gall. Winged migrants disperse to Chenopodiaceae roots for summer feeding, causing significant agricultural damage. The species exhibits clonal variation in host-alternation propensity, with some lineages remaining on roots year-round. Molecular studies reveal cryptic sympatric diversity, with morphologically indistinguishable galls formed by P. betae, P. populivenae, and a third undetermined species.
gall-forming-aphid heteroecious agricultural-pest host-alternation Populus sugar-beet cryptic-species territorial-behavior
Perithemis
Amberwings
Perithemis is a genus of small dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as amberwings. Males are distinguished by their amber-colored wings. The genus includes approximately 12 described species distributed in the New World, with notable species including the Eastern Amberwing (P. tenera) and the Mexican Amberwing (P. intensa).
dragonfly amberwing territorial-behavior Libellulidae Odonata New-World freshwater prior-residency dear-enemy-effect
Philanthinae
beewolves, weevil wasps, ant-queen kidnappers
Philanthinae is a large subfamily of solitary predatory wasps within Crabronidae, containing approximately 1100 species across 9 genera, with Cerceris being the most diverse. Members are commonly known as beewolves, weevil wasps, and ant-queen kidnappers, reflecting their specialized prey preferences. Adult females excavate underground burrows for nesting and provision cells with paralyzed prey for their larvae. The subfamily exhibits remarkable behavioral complexity for solitary wasps, including prey embalming, landmark-based navigation, territoriality, and scent-marking. Three tribes are recognized: Philanthini (beewolves), Cercerini (weevil wasps), and Aphilanthopsini (ant-queen kidnappers), each with distinct morphological and ecological specializations.
solitary-wasps predatory-wasps ground-nesting prey-specialization prey-embalming territorial-behavior landmark-navigation antennal-sensilla postpharyngeal-gland
Philanthus
beewolves, bee-hunters, bee-killer wasps
Philanthus is a genus of solitary predatory wasps commonly known as beewolves. Adult females excavate underground burrows in sandy soils and provision them with paralyzed bees as food for their larvae. Males are highly territorial, marking vegetation with pheromones to defend mating territories. The genus contains approximately 136 species worldwide, with about 30 species occurring in North America. These wasps are important pollinators as adults and serve as population regulators of bee communities.
solitary-wasp predator pollinator ground-nesting bee-predator territorial-behavior landmark-navigation Crabronidae Philanthinae North-America Europe Tinbergen-research
Philanthus multimaculatus
beewolf, bee-hunting wasp
Philanthus multimaculatus is a common North American beewolf wasp in the family Crabronidae. Females are solitary nesters that excavate burrows in sandy soil, often in aggregations with conspecifics. They provision nest cells with paralyzed bees, primarily sweat bees (Halictidae), and lay a single egg on each prey item. Males exhibit territorial behavior, perching on grass stems near nesting areas to intercept females and chase rival males. Adults visit flowers for nectar and serve as pollinators while also functioning as predators that regulate bee populations.
Philanthus Crabronidae beewolf solitary-wasp bee-predator territorial-behavior western-North-America sand-nesting pollinator Halictidae-prey
Pinnixa chaetopterana
tube pea crab
Pinnixa chaetopterana is a small, soft-bodied pea crab that lives symbiotically within the tubes of polychaete worms, primarily Chaetopterus variopedatus. It is a facultative commensal, occasionally free-living or associating with alternative hosts such as Amphitrite ornata. The species exhibits strong host fidelity and can distinguish conspecifics from heterospecifics. It ranges from Massachusetts to Uruguay along the western Atlantic, including Brazil and the Gulf of Mexico.
commensal symbiosis polychaete-association pea-crab western-Atlantic facultative-symbiont carcinonemertid-parasite host-fidelity conspecific-recognition zoeal-larvae tube-dwelling marine-invertebrate brachyuran-crab pinnotherid Chaetopterus zooplankton-larva mutual-intolerance polychaete-crab nemertean-parasite synchronous-reproduction-with-parasite caltrop-shaped-carapace branchial-chamber-parasite pleopod-egg-attachment host-tube-modification estuarine coastal-marine depth-to-60m Massachusetts-to-Brazil Gulf-of-Mexico Florida North-Carolina New-Jersey Uruguay Stimpson-1860 Tubicolixa-synonym soft-bodied-crab wider-than-long-carapace five-zoeal-stages dorsal-rostral-lateral-spines abdominal-somite-knobs wing-like-knobs median-notch-telson Amphitrite-ornata-alternative-host posterior-positioning-behavior tube-aperture-biting plankton-feeding predator-refuge Carcinonemertes-pinnotheridophila ribbon-worm-parasite synchronous-egg-development host-parasite-egg-competition branchial-exoskeleton-attachment excurrent-canal-opening female-1-2-nemerteans male-nemerteans-associated medial-sheath-attachment sternum-opening nemertean-egg-sacs crab-egg-hairs facultative-free-living obligate-vs-facultate-commensalism host-specificity symbiont-recognition heterospecific-avoidance limb-tearing-aggression co-occurrence-exclusion morphological-crypsis adult-identification-difficulty larval-dispersal settlement-behavior tube-worm-crab parchment-tube-inhabitant ventilated-tube-dwelling water-pumping-utilization host-turning-response symbiont-positioning entry-exit-hole-creation behavioral-plasticity ecological-flexibility host-range-expansion alternative-host-use geographic-range depth-range Atlantic-coast-distribution western-hemisphere-endemic American-Atlantic-fauna benthic-crustacean infaunal-associate sediment-tube-dweller marine-symbiosis decapod-brachyuran eubrachyuran thoracotreme pinnotheroid pinnixine tubicolixine species-complex-member cryptic-species-candidate morphological-similarity taxonomic-revision-needed type-locality-unknown 1860-description Stimpson's-pea-crab historical-taxonomy modern-synonymy Catalogue-of-Life-synonym GBIF-Tubicolixa-match genus-transfer-candidate subgeneric-classification infraspecific-variation sexual-dimorphism-unknown male-gonopod-diagnostic female-pleopod-brooding ovigerous-female-parasite-load nemertean-prevalence-unknown incidence-data-limited biological-relationship-documentation symbiont-life-history-synchronization reproductive-timing-overlap egg-development-coordination hatching-synchrony larval-release-coordination population-dynamics-unknown demography-unstudied growth-rate-unknown longevity-unknown mortality-factors-unknown predation-pressure predator-avoidance tube-refuge-value structural-habitat-modification engineering-behavior niche-construction host-damage tube-wall-perforation host-fitness-effects-unknown commensalism-cost-benefit mutualism-possibility parasitism-gradient symbiosis-continuum interaction-outcome-variability environmental-context-dependency host-quality-variation host-size-correlation crab-size-host-size-relationship settlement-cue-unknown larval-settlement-behavior metamorphosis-trigger competency-period pre-settlement-swimming post-settlement-adaptation host-recognition-mechanism chemical-cue-use tactile-cue-use host-tube-chemistry-detection conspecific-chemical-detection heterospecific-chemical-detection aggression-trigger territorial-behavior resource-defense host-monopolization pair-formation mating-system-unknown sex-ratio-unknown operational-sex-ratio mate-guarding-unknown sperm-competition-unknown fertilization-mode internal-fertilization egg-brooding-duration embryonic-development-time larval-development-mode planktotrophic-larvae lecithotrophy-unknown zoeal-feeding zoeal-duration megalopa-stage-unknown settlement-competence juvenile-adaptation host-tube-colonization subadult-behavior size-at-maturity-unknown molting-frequency-unknown ecdysis-in-host-tube exuvia-disposal grooming-behavior-unknown feeding-mechanism suspension-feeding filter-feeding plankton-capture host-current-use respiratory-current-exploitation oxygen-availability hypoxia-tolerance salinity-tolerance temperature-range-unknown physiological-ecology-studied oxygen-consumption-unknown metabolic-rate-unknown energetics-unknown growth-efficiency-unknown reproductive-effort-unknown fecundity-unknown egg-size-unknown offspring-size-number-tradeoff parental-investment maternal-care brooding-cost parasite-load-cost nemertean-reproduction-facilitation host-egg-loss parasite-egg-competition hatching-success-reduction fitness-consequence-unknown population-level-impact-unknown community-role-unknown trophic-position-unknown energy-flow-contribution nutrient-cycling-role sediment-interaction bioturbation-unknown ecosystem-engineering-secondary habitat-complexity-contribution biodiversity-association species-interaction-network food-web-position predator-unknown prey-unknown diet-breadth trophic-level omnivory-unknown carnivory-unknown detritivory-unknown suspension-feeding-confirmed host-food-waste-use pseudofeces-consumption-unknown host-mucus-use host-tissue-consumption-unknown parasitism-unknown kleptoparasitism-unknown thievery-unknown aggression-context intraspecific-aggression interspecific-aggression limb-autotomy regeneration-unknown wound-healing stress-response handling-response laboratory-maintenance collection-method preservation-effect museum-specimen-quality type-specimen-location original-description-quality subsequent-redescriptions taxonomic-stability nomenclatural-acts priority-rules homonymy-check synonymy-list-completeness distribution-record-verification occurrence-data-quality range-boundary-uncertainty depth-record-accuracy habitat-description-specificity host-record-verification association-record-quality symbiosis-documentation-standard natural-history-completeness research-priority-areas conservation-status-unknown IUCN-evaluation-needed population-trend-unknown threat-assessment habitat-vulnerability climate-sensitivity range-shift-potential phenology-change host-phenology-dependency phenological-mismatch-risk evolutionary-history-unknown phylogenetic-position sister-species-unknown species-group-membership genetic-differentiation cryptic-diversity-potential barcode-library-coverage genome-resources transcriptome-unknown proteome-unknown metabolome-unknown developmental-genetics-unknown symbiosis-genetics-unknown host-recognition-gene-unknown immune-response-unknown parasite-resistance-unknown coevolution-history phylogeography-unknown population-structure-unknown gene-flow-unknown dispersal-limitation isolation-by-distance local-adaptation-unknown phenotypic-plasticity morphological-variation environmental-gradient-response phenotypic-cline genotype-environment-interaction evolutionary-potential adaptive-capacity resilience-unknown extinction-risk-assessment-needed
Plathemis lydia
Common Whitetail, Long-tailed Skimmer
Plathemis lydia, commonly known as the Common Whitetail or Long-tailed Skimmer, is a widespread dragonfly species across North America. The species exhibits striking sexual dimorphism: males possess a conspicuous white abdomen and brownish-black wing bands, while females have a brown body with different wing spot patterns. Research has documented significant wing morphometric differences between sexes, with males showing adaptations for faster flight and higher acceleration capacity, likely related to territorial behavior and predator evasion. The species inhabits a variety of freshwater habitats and is among the most frequently observed dragonflies in North America with over 110,000 iNaturalist records.
dragonfly skimmer sexual-dimorphism territorial-behavior wing-morphometrics common-species North-America freshwater Odonata Libellulidae
Plathemis subornata
Desert Whitetail
Plathemis subornata, commonly known as the Desert Whitetail, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is native to arid regions of western North America, where it frequents ponds, streams, and other water bodies in desert and semi-desert habitats. The species is often placed in the genus Libellula by some authorities. Adults are active during warmer months and are frequently observed perching on rocks or vegetation near water.
dragonfly Odonata Libellulidae desert aerial-predator western-North-America territorial-behavior aquatic-nymphs riparian indicator-species
Pogonomyrmex badius
Florida Harvester Ant
Pogonomyrmex badius, the Florida harvester ant, is the only Pogonomyrmex species found on the east coast of the United States and the only North American member of the genus known to exhibit worker polymorphism. This species inhabits sandy, well-drained soils in Florida scrub and similar Atlantic coastal plain habitats. Colonies construct deep nests reaching 2.5–3.0 meters, with underground seed granaries and distinctive surface middens of charcoal and detritus. Workers display pronounced size variation (6.35–9.52 mm), with task allocation based on worker size and age-based vertical stratification within the nest. The species is notable for seasonal nest relocation, tool use for liquid food transport, and highly toxic venom delivered through a barbed stinger capable of autotomy.
polymorphic granivore tool-use territorial-behavior keystone-species venomous Florida-endemic nest-relocation charcoal-midden
Prochyliza varipes
waltzing fly
Prochyliza varipes is a species of piophilid fly commonly known as the waltzing fly. Males exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism with elongated, conical heads and long antennae used in territorial combat. The species is associated with carrion, particularly decomposing animal remains. It is most active in early spring, often appearing when melting snow exposes winter-killed animals.
Diptera Piophilidae carrion sexual-dimorphism territorial-behavior decomposer Nearctic spring-emergence