United-states
Guides
Acanalonia fasciata
Acanalonia fasciata is a small planthopper species in the family Acanaloniidae, measuring 4.2 to 6.2 mm in length. It occurs in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species is frequently mistaken for the closely related Acanalonia bivittata but differs in size, elytral surface texture, and geographic range. Local dryinid wasp species have been reported as possible predators.
Acanalonia parva
Acanalonia parva is a species of planthopper in the family Acanaloniidae, first described by Doering in 1932. It is a relatively small member of the genus Acanalonia, which is characterized by their distinctive flattened, often leaf-like appearance. The species is known from the southwestern United States, with confirmed records from New Mexico and Texas. Like other acanaloniids, it likely feeds on plant sap using its piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Acanalonia similis
Acanalonia similis is a small planthopper species in the family Acanaloniidae, measuring 4.2–4.9 mm in length. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The species is distinguished from its close relative Acanalonia invenusta by more prominent reticulation (network-like sculpturing) across its elytra.
Acinopterus acuminatus
Acinopterus acuminatus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1892. It belongs to the tribe Acinopterini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. The species is recorded from multiple U.S. states including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, and Colorado. As a member of the leafhopper family, it is a small, plant-feeding insect with piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Acrobasis aurorella
Acrobasis aurorella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae. It was described by Charles Russell Ely in 1910. The species is known from the eastern United States. Little detailed information is available about its biology or ecology.
Acrocera subfasciata
Acrocera subfasciata is a species of small-headed fly in the family Acroceridae, first described by Westwood in 1848. The species is currently accepted as valid by GBIF, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym. Like other members of its genus, it is an endoparasitoid of spiders. The species is known from the United States, with limited observational records.
Acupalpus tener
A small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, originally described by LeConte in 1857. Currently treated as a synonym of Anthracus tener. The species is part of the tribe Stenolophini, a group of small carabid beetles commonly found in various terrestrial habitats.
Adoxomyia subulata
Adoxomyia subulata is a soldier fly species in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Loew in 1866. It occurs in the United States. The genus Adoxomyia belongs to the subfamily Clitellariinae, a group known for often metallic coloration and distinctive body forms. Species-level biology of A. subulata remains poorly documented.
Aegialia crescenta
Crescent Dunes scarab beetle
Aegialia crescenta is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Aegialiinae, first described by Gordon and Cartwright in 1977. It is endemic to the United States and appears to have a restricted distribution centered on Nevada. The species belongs to a genus of beetles typically associated with sandy habitats.
Aethes louisiana
Aethes louisiana is a small tortricid moth described from the United States in 1907. The species is distinguished by its light straw-colored forewings with golden yellow overlay and two dark golden brown basal fasciae. It has been recorded from Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, with adults active during late spring. The species name reflects its association with the state of Louisiana, though current records suggest a broader midwestern distribution.
Agelenopsis pennsylvanica
Pennsylvania Grass Spider, Pennsylvania Funnel-web Spider
Agelenopsis pennsylvanica is a funnel-web spider native to the United States, recognized by its characteristic funnel-shaped retreat web. Females are larger than males and exhibit notable sexual cannibalism during mating, a behavior that has been extensively studied in this species. The spider is an ambush predator that relies on vibration detection to capture prey. Its distribution spans at least 21 states, with highest abundance in areas with high humidity and water availability.
Aglossa acallalis
Aglossa acallalis is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae. It was described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1908 based on specimens from the southwestern United States. The species is known from a limited geographic range in southern Arizona and California. It belongs to the genus Aglossa, which includes several species associated with stored products and organic debris.
Agonum placidum
Agonum placidum is a black ground beetle in the Platyninae subfamily. It inhabits woodlands, thickets, and open fields across southern Canada and the northeastern United States. The species has been documented in turfgrass environments where it functions as a generalist predator.
Agra rileyi
Agra rileyi is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Terry Erwin in 2017. It belongs to the large genus Agra, which comprises hundreds of species primarily distributed in the Neotropics. The species epithet honors someone with the surname Riley, though the specific honoree is not documented in available sources. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a predatory beetle inhabiting forested environments.
Agraphini
Agraphini is a small weevil tribe in the subfamily Entiminae, established by Horn in 1876. It contains only two genera—Agraphus and Paragraphus—each represented by a single species. The tribe is endemic to the Atlantic coastal region of the eastern United States.
Alconeura dorsalis
Alconeura dorsalis is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. The species was described by DeLong in 1924 and is currently accepted as valid. It belongs to the tribe Dikraneurini, a group of small leafhoppers often associated with herbaceous vegetation. Distribution records indicate occurrence in the southeastern and southwestern United States.
Alconeura tricolor
Alconeura tricolor is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, tribe Dikraneurini. It was described by Van Duzee in 1914. The species is known from the southwestern United States, with records from California and New Mexico. As a member of the Typhlocybinae, it belongs to a group commonly known as the 'sharpshooters' or 'leafhoppers,' though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Alebra bicincta
Alebra bicincta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1918. It belongs to the subfamily Typhlocybinae, a group of small leafhoppers often associated with woody plants. The specific epithet "bicincta" (meaning "two-banded") likely refers to a color pattern feature, though detailed morphological descriptions remain limited in accessible literature. The species is recorded from several U.S. states but appears to be relatively poorly known compared to other Alebra species.
leafhopperCicadellidaeTyphlocybinaeAlebraHemipteraAuchenorrhynchaUnited-Statesinsectsmallplant-feedingbicinctatwo-bandedDeLong-1918AlabamaIllinoisKansasMississippiNew-Hampshirepoorly-knownunderstudiedwoody-plant-associatedroof-like-wing-posturereduced-wing-venationmale-genitalia-required-for-ID152-iNaturalist-observationsAleochara thoracica
Aleochara thoracica is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, tribe Falagriini. The species was described by Stephens in 1832 and is currently accepted under this name, though it has been classified under the genus Falagrioma in some treatments. It occurs in northeastern North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Alloblackburneus tenuistriatus
Alloblackburneus tenuistriatus is a species of dung beetle in the subfamily Aphodiinae. It occurs in the south-central United States, where it has been recorded from Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The species was described by Horn in 1887 and is currently accepted as valid. As a member of Aphodiinae, it is likely associated with dung decomposition, though specific ecological studies are limited.
Allocapnia rickeri
Midwest Snowfly
Allocapnia rickeri is a small winter stonefly in the family Capniidae, commonly known as the Midwest Snowfly. It is one of numerous small, dark stoneflies in the genus Allocapnia that emerge during cold months when few other insects are active. The species has been documented across the central and eastern United States. Like other capniids, it is associated with clean, cold streams and is an important indicator of water quality.
winter-stoneflybioindicatorcoldwaterPlecopteraCapniidaeAllocapnialoticemergencebrachypteryapterygenitalia-identificationFrison-1942Midwestsoutheastern-USclean-water-indicatorJanuary-Marchsmall-stoneflywingless-femalestream-insectshreddergathererseasonal-resourcewater-qualityaquatic-insectterrestrial-adultshort-lived-adultovipositionsubmerged-eggshigh-dissolved-oxygenlow-temperaturecentral-USeastern-USAlabamaArkansasDelawareGeorgiaIllinoishexapodhemimetabolousEuholognathaNemouroideaArctoperlariaInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeiNaturalistNCBItaxonomyaccepted-species1942FrisonRickerMidwest-Snowflysnowflysmall-dark-stoneflyclean-streamsriverswell-oxygenatedlotic-habitatcold-monthswinter-activitywing-reductionfemale-apterymale-flightepiproctparaproctterminaliataxonomic-revisioncongenersdistribution-recordsobservations9-observationseukaryotemetazoanarthropodinsectstoneflywinter-emergingJanuaryFebruaryMarchcold-weathernear-freezingbelow-freezingwater-surfacesubmerged-substratesallochthonous-organic-materialstream-ecosystemsseasonal-food-resourceinsectivorous-birdspredatorsscarce-preyunpollutedno-economic-importancestream-monitoringwater-quality-indicatorhigh-quality-coldwatermicroscopic-examinationtaxonomic-keysmale-terminaliareliable-separationgenitalic-examinationoverlapping-distributionsimilar-habitatsmall-sizeunder-10-mmbody-lengthreduced-wingsabsent-wingsfully-developed-wingsspecific-identificationpublished-descriptionsillustrationssubsequent-revisionscharacteristicfamily-Capniidaecommon-nameextended-nymphal-periodone-to-two-yearsshort-liveddoes-not-feedaquatic-nymphclean-cold-streamslow-temperaturesyear-roundwinter-monthsJanuary-through-Marchfamilycentered-Midwestextends-southeasternUnited-Statesdocumentedappearsmost-reliablydistinguishedsubtle-differencesterminal-abdominal-structuresshould-be-comparedagainstpublishedsubsequentgenus-levelcharacterizedreducedabsentfemalesfully-developedmalesrequires-examinationmale-genitaliastructureparaproctsreliableseparationoverlapssimilarmanyexternallydefinitivereliesmicroscopicexaminationcomparisonkeysusedbiologicalindicatorprogramspresenceindicatescoldconditionsno-directeconomicimportanceshreddersgatherersprocessingallochthonousorganicmaterialstreamecosystemsseasonalfoodresourceinsectivorousbirdsotherwhenalternativepreyscarceserveshigh-qualityhabitatsdevelopmentaquaticnymphalstagesterrestrialadultstagenymphsdevelopstreamsextendedperiodlikelyonetwoyearsbasedrelatedspeciesadultsdo-notfeedactiveduringweatherairtemperaturesmaynearbelowfreezingwingedcapableflightwinglessshort-wingedremainwatersurfacematingoccurwinterenteringdepositeggssubmergedsubstratessmallcommonlyknownnumerousdarkemergefewinsectscentraleasternassociatedcleanimportantundermmbodylengthmembersgenuswingspossessfullydevelopedspecificidentificationlevelwithinrequiresmalegenitaliaparticularlymostreliablysubtledifferencestheseterminalabdominalstructuresshouldcompareddescriptionstaxonomicrevisionswinter-emergingmaintainlowhighdissolvedoxygenlevelsthroughoutyearUnitedStatesdistributioncenteredextendssoutheasternmonthstypicallythroughthisactivitygivesrisecommonnamedonotprovidesqualitymonitoringnodirecthabitatmorphologysizegenitalicAmaurobius borealis
hacklemesh weaver
Amaurobius borealis is a species of hacklemesh weaver spider in the family Amaurobiidae. It occurs across northern North America, with records from the United States and Canada. The species was described by Emerton in 1909. Like other members of its genus, it constructs tangled, irregular webs.
Amblyomma tuberculatum
gopher tortoise tick
Amblyomma tuberculatum is a hard tick species endemic to the United States, commonly known as the gopher tortoise tick due to its intimate association with the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). Unlike many tick species, its distribution appears more restricted than that of its primary host, with environmental factors such as sand depth and soil composition playing significant roles in habitat suitability. Laboratory studies have documented its complete life cycle, which requires a minimum of 207 days under controlled conditions.
Anageshna primordialis
Yellow-spotted Webworm Moth
Anageshna primordialis, known as the yellow-spotted webworm moth, is a crambid moth species described by Harrison Dyar in 1906. The species is widely distributed across the eastern and central United States, with records spanning from Maine to Florida and westward to Texas and Arizona. It is a moderately well-documented species with nearly 10,000 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is frequently encountered by naturalists.
Anaplectoides pressus
Dappled Dart, dappled dart moth
Anaplectoides pressus, commonly known as the dappled dart moth, is a noctuid moth native to North America. The species was first described by Grote in 1874 under the basionym Eurois pressus. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is recorded in Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, as well as in the United States.
Aneflomorpha aculeata
Aneflomorpha aculeata is a longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1873. It belongs to the tribe Elaphidiini, a diverse group of primarily nocturnal cerambycids. The species is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Limited specific biological information is available, though related species in the genus are associated with dead or dying woody vegetation.
Aneflus obscurus
Aneflus obscurus is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1873. It belongs to the tribe Elaphidiini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. The species is documented from both the United States and Mexico based on occurrence records.
Anelaphus piceus
Anelaphus piceus is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, tribe Elaphidiini. It was described by Chemsak in 1962. The genus Anelaphus, commonly known as twig pruners, includes species whose larvae bore into living branches of deciduous trees and characteristically cut the branch internally before pupation, causing the distal portion to fall to the ground.
Anelaphus submoestus
Anelaphus submoestus is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Linsley in 1942. The genus Anelaphus includes several twig pruner species whose larvae develop in living branches of deciduous trees, particularly oaks. Adults are typically active in spring and early summer. The species is known from North America, including Mexico and the United States.
Anillinus balli
Anillinus balli is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described in 2004 by Sokolov and Carlton. It is one of numerous species in the genus Anillinus, a group of minute carabids characterized by reduced eyes and elongated appendages adapted for subterranean life. The species is found in the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely adapted to mesic forest habitats with deep leaf litter and soil crevices.
Anillinus depressus
Anillinus depressus is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Jeannel in 1963. It belongs to the subtribe Anillina, a group of minute carabids adapted to subterranean or cryptic habitats. The species is recorded from the United States and is part of the North American fauna of anilline beetles.
Anisotoma expolita
Anisotoma expolita is a species of small carrion beetle in the family Leiodidae, described by W. J. Brown in 1937. It belongs to the tribe Anisotomini, a group commonly associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats. The species is recorded from several states in the eastern and central United States.
Anotia uhleri
Anotia uhleri is a species of planthopper in the family Derbidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1889 under the name Amalopota uhleri. It belongs to the tribe Otiocerini within the subfamily Otiocerinae. This species is part of a group of derbid planthoppers that are primarily associated with wooded habitats. The genus Anotia is relatively small and restricted to the Nearctic region.
Antaeotricha humilis
Dotted Anteotricha Moth
Antaeotricha humilis is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, first described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1855. It is widespread across the eastern and central United States, where its larvae feed on oak species by tying leaves together. Adults are characterized by their small size and pale, subtly marked forewings with distinctive brown spotting.
Anthonomus grandis
Cotton Boll Weevil, Boll Weevil
Anthonomus grandis, the cotton boll weevil, is a beetle in the family Curculionidae and a historically destructive pest of cotton (Gossypium spp.). Native to Central America, it spread into the United States in the late 19th century and infested all U.S. cotton-growing regions by the 1920s, causing severe economic damage to the cotton industry. Extensive eradication programs have eliminated populations from most of the United States, though persistent populations remain in extreme South Texas and northern Mexico that threaten reinfestation of adjoining areas. The species also remains a critical pest in South America.
Anthrax larrea
Anthrax larrea is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Marston in 1963. It is recorded from the United States. As a member of the genus Anthrax, it likely shares the general biology of related species, which are parasitoids of various insect larvae, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented.
Apantesis vittata
Banded Tiger Moth
Apantesis vittata, commonly known as the banded tiger moth, is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1787. It occurs in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, with adults active from early spring through autumn. The species has a wingspan of 32–42 mm and larvae feed on various herbaceous plants including dandelions.
Aphelonema simplex
Velvet-striped grasshopper
Aphelonema simplex is a planthopper species in the family Caliscelidae, first described by Uhler in 1876. Despite its common name "Velvet-striped grasshopper," this species is not a true grasshopper (family Acrididae) but belongs to the order Hemiptera. It has been recorded from multiple U.S. states including Colorado, Florida, and Alabama.
Aphonopelma joshua
Aphonopelma joshua is a species of tarantula in the family Theraphosidae, described by Prentice in 1997. It is native to California, United States. Like other members of the genus Aphonopelma, this species is a large-bodied, ground-dwelling spider that constructs burrows. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with a 2016 study reducing the number of recognized U.S. species from 55 to 29 based on integrative morphological, molecular, and ecological data.
Aphonus variolosus
Aphonus variolosus is a small rhinoceros beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae, described by John LeConte in 1847. It belongs to the tribe Pentodontini, a group characterized by reduced or absent horns in both sexes. The species is recorded from the southeastern United States.
Apomastus schlingeri
Apomastus schlingeri is a venomous trapdoor spider species described by Bond & Opell in 2002. It was originally misidentified as Aptostichus schlingeri before taxonomic revision placed it in the genus Apomastus. The species is known for producing a complex of neurotoxic peptides called aptotoxins, which function as voltage-gated sodium channel blockers. It is one of only two known species in the genus Apomastus, both restricted to the United States.
Araneus bivittatus
Araneus bivittatus is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature. The species name 'bivittatus' refers to two stripes or bands, suggesting distinctive abdominal markings.
Araneus calusa
Araneus calusa is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, described by Herbert W. Levi in 1973. The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology, appearance, and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature. As with other members of the genus Araneus, it likely constructs circular orb webs to capture flying insect prey.
Araneus mammatus
Araneus mammatus is a species of orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae, described by Archer in 1951. It is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature. As a member of the large genus Araneus, it constructs spiral wheel-shaped webs typical of the family.
Araneus partitus
Araneus partitus is a species of orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae. It is known to occur in the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented. The species was described by Walckenaer in 1841. Like other members of the genus Araneus, it constructs spiral orb webs for prey capture.
Archips georgiana
Georgia Archips Moth
Archips georgiana is a tortricid moth commonly known as the Georgia Archips Moth. It occurs in the eastern and southeastern United States, with records from New Jersey south to Florida and west to Texas. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are known as leafrollers, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented. It was originally described by Walker in 1863 under the name Retinia georgiana.
Argentostiria
Argentostiria is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, established by Robert W. Poole in 1995. The genus contains a single species, Argentostiria koebelei, described by Riley in 1893. It is endemic to the Mojave Desert of the United States.
Argyrotaenia hodgesi
Hodges' Leafroller Moth
Argyrotaenia hodgesi is a small tortricid moth species described by Heppner in 1989. It occurs in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. The species is named in honor of lepidopterist Ronald B. Hodges. Adults are active in mid-summer, with forewing lengths showing moderate sexual dimorphism.
Argyrotaenia ivana
Ivana leafroller moth
Argyrotaenia ivana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 12–16 mm, found in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. Adults are active nearly year-round, and the larvae feed on a broad range of host plants spanning multiple families, including Amaranthaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Convolvulaceae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Rosaceae.
Arhaphe breviata
Arhaphe breviata is a true bug species in the family Largidae, described by Barber in 1924. It is one of four recognized Arhaphe species occurring in the United States, distinguished from congeners by morphological characteristics detailed in taxonomic keys. The species belongs to the subfamily Larginae and tribe Araphini.