Univoltine
Guides
Bruchus affinis
seed beetle
Bruchus affinis is a univoltine seed beetle native to the western Palaearctic Region, first recorded in North America in Canada (British Columbia, Ontario, Québec) before 2007. It was likely introduced via imported Lathyrus seeds for planting. The species develops inside seeds of Lathyrus species, with adults feeding on pollen and nectar. Development from egg to adult requires approximately 60 days. The parasitoid Dinarmus basalis has been recorded causing about 10% mortality in Canadian populations.
Bruchus brachialis
Vetch Bruchid
Bruchus brachialis, the vetch bruchid, is a univoltine seed beetle specialized on vetch (Vicia spp.). Adults emerge from overwintering sites in spring, feed on vetch flowers and pollen, and oviposit on developing pods. Larvae complete development within seeds, with new adults emerging to briefly feed before entering summer aestivation. The species shows tight phenological synchronization with host plant flowering and seed development. It occurs across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America, and is recognized as an agricultural pest of pulse crops.
Bruchus rufimanus
Broadbean Weevil, Broad Bean Beetle, Broad Bean Seed Beetle
Bruchus rufimanus is a univoltine leaf beetle and major agricultural pest of faba beans (Vicia faba). Adults feed on pollen and nectar, particularly from Fabaceae, while larvae develop inside seeds where they are protected from control measures. The species exhibits precise phenological synchrony with its host plant, with adult colonization timed to crop flowering. Sexual maturation is triggered by photoperiod and pollen consumption, with females becoming reproductive after ingesting faba bean pollen. Overwintering occurs as dormant adults in protected sites or as larvae/pupae within stored seeds.
Cacopsylla
jumping plant lice, pear psyllids
Cacopsylla is a genus of jumping plant lice (family Psyllidae) comprising species that are significant agricultural pests, particularly of fruit trees. The genus includes most psyllids within subfamily Psyllinae that cause economic damage to orchards. Several species act as vectors for phytoplasma-associated diseases including Apple Proliferation, European Stone Fruit Yellows, and Pear Decline. Phylogenetic studies reveal two major clades that diverged in the Miocene, with Clade I predominantly univoltine species that overwinter on conifers. Vector competence has evolved independently rather than through shared ancestry.
Callicerus
Callicerus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) in the tribe Geostibini. The genus contains seven recognized species distributed across the Palaearctic region, particularly Europe. Species are notably rare to extremely rare in collections, with most records limited to scattered localities. Taxonomic revision in 2001 clarified species boundaries and synonymized several previously described taxa.
Calligrapha pnirsa
leaf beetle
Calligrapha pnirsa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, found in North America. It is a univoltine species with adults emerging in spring to feed, mate, and oviposit on host plant foliage. Larvae develop through multiple instars feeding on leaves before dropping to the soil to pupate. New adults emerge in late summer, feed briefly, and overwinter to complete the annual cycle. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it exhibits strong host plant specificity.
Callophrys augustinus
Brown Elfin, Western Elfin (subspecies iroides)
Callophrys augustinus, the brown elfin, is a small lycaenid butterfly with a wingspan of 22–29 mm. Adults are active in a single generation from early May to early June. The species is univoltine with pupal hibernation. Larvae feed on Ericaceae species in eastern North America and a broader range of host plants in western populations.
Callophrys irus
Frosted Elfin
Callophrys irus, the frosted elfin, is a rare Lycaenid butterfly endemic to fire-maintained habitats in eastern North America. Adults are small with brown forewings and frosted gray hindwings with a short tail. The species has declined across much of its range, with many populations now isolated and some presumed extirpated. It is listed as threatened or endangered in multiple eastern U.S. states.
Callophrys johnsoni
Johnson's Hairstreak
Callophrys johnsoni, commonly known as Johnson's Hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It occurs in coniferous forests of western North America from British Columbia to central California. The species has a highly specialized larval diet, feeding exclusively on dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium species). Adults are active in late spring and early summer, with a single generation per year.
Callophrys mossii
Moss's elfin, stonecrop elfin, Schryver's elfin
Callophrys mossii is a small North American butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as Moss's elfin, stonecrop elfin, or Schryver's elfin. It is distributed in isolated populations from British Columbia south to southern California and east to Wyoming and Colorado. The species is univoltine, with adults active from March to June. Larvae are specialized feeders on stonecrop family plants (Crassulaceae), particularly Sedum, Sedella, Dudleya, and Parvisedum species. Multiple subspecies have been described, reflecting geographic isolation across its range.
Callophrys polios
Hoary Elfin
Callophrys polios, the hoary elfin, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae with a wingspan of 22–29 mm. It is a northern specialist species associated primarily with pine-oak barrens and other open habitats. The species has a broad but patchy distribution across North America, from Alaska and Canada south through the Great Lakes, New England, Appalachians, Rocky Mountains, and Pacific Coast to northern California. Adults are active in spring, with a single generation from April to June. The species is listed as a species of special concern and believed extirpated in Connecticut.
Campaea perlata
Pale Beauty, Fringed Looper, Light Emerald
Campaea perlata is a medium-sized geometrid moth found throughout North America, commonly known as the pale beauty. Adults are pale greenish to white with faint continuous lines across both forewings and hindwings, with females notably larger than males. The caterpillar, called the fringed looper, is an inchworm with distinctive fringe-like setae and twig-mimicking camouflage. The species has two annual generations in most of its range, with larvae overwintering on exposed tree trunks and branches.
Catocala abbreviatella
Abbreviated Underwing
Catocala abbreviatella, the Abbreviated Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is a medium-sized underwing moth with a wingspan of 40–50 mm. Adults are active from July to August, with likely one generation per year. The species is distributed across the central United States, from Indiana south and west to Texas and Oklahoma, and north to Nebraska and Wisconsin.
Catocala allusa
Catocala allusa is an underwing moth in the family Erebidae. It occurs in the Pacific Northwest of North America, ranging from British Columbia south through Washington and Oregon to northern California, with possible occurrence in western Nevada. Adults are active from July to August, with likely one generation per year. The species is one of approximately 250 known underwing moths in the genus Catocala, characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings.
Catocala andromedae
Gloomy Underwing, Andromeda Underwing
Catocala andromedae, known as the Gloomy Underwing or Andromeda Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 40–50 mm and are active from May to August, with likely one generation per year. The species is notable for its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings—a defensive trait shared with other underwing moths. Larvae feed on a documented range of woody plants including oaks, hickories, blueberries, and Andromeda.
Catocala antinympha
sweetfern underwing moth, sweetfern underwing
Catocala antinympha, the sweetfern underwing moth, is a North American underwing moth in the family Erebidae. It is distinguished by its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait shared with other members of the genus Catocala. The species has a single generation per year and is closely associated with sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina), its sole known larval host plant. Its range spans northeastern North America from Quebec and Ontario to the mid-Atlantic states.
Catocala benjamini
Benjamin's underwing
Catocala benjamini, or Benjamin's underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Auburn Edmund Brower in 1937. It was formerly considered a subspecies of Catocala andromache but is now recognized as a distinct species. Adults are active in June with likely one generation per year.
Catocala californiensis
California Underwing
Catocala californiensis is an underwing moth in the family Erebidae, endemic to southern California. Adults fly from June to July, with likely one generation per year. The larvae are specialized feeders on Quercus turbinella (scrub oak).
Catocala consors
Consort Underwing
Catocala consors, the consort underwing, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. It is one of approximately 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths due to their brightly colored hindwings concealed beneath cryptic forewings. The species occurs in the eastern and central United States, with adults active in spring and early summer. Larvae feed on specific host plants including Amorpha fructicosa and Carya species.
Catocala gracilis
Graceful Underwing
Catocala gracilis, the Graceful Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 40–45 mm and are active from July to September. The species has one generation per year. Larvae feed on Leucothoe, Vaccinium pallidum, and possibly Quercus.
Catocala grotiana
Grote's Underwing Moth, Grote's Underwing
Catocala grotiana is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by James S. Bailey in 1879. The species is characterized by its cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings, a defensive trait common to the genus Catocala. It occurs in the western United States, with documented records from Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Washington, and areas north and east of California. Adults are active in late summer, with larvae feeding on Populus and Salix species.
Catocala irene
Irene's underwing
Catocala irene, known as Irene's underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae first described by Hans Hermann Behr in 1870. It is found in the western United States, specifically in Utah, California, and Nevada. The species has a wingspan of 65–75 mm and adults are active from July to September, with likely one generation per year. The larvae feed on Populus and Salix species.
Catocala miranda
Miranda underwing
Catocala miranda is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1881. It is commonly known as the Miranda underwing, a name reflecting the genus's characteristic hidden hindwing patterns. The species occurs in the eastern and southeastern United States, with adults active in late spring. The larvae feed on hawthorns (Crataegus).
Catocala sordida
Sordid Underwing
Catocala sordida, the sordid underwing, is a moth species in the family Erebidae described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1877. It is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait shared with other members of the genus Catocala. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, with larvae feeding on hackberry (Celtis) and blueberry (Vaccinium). Adults are active from May through September.
Catocala texanae
Texan Underwing
Catocala texanae, the Texan Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae described by George Hazen French in 1902. It is endemic to Texas, with adults active from May to June. Like other underwing moths, it likely exhibits the characteristic resting posture with cryptic forewings concealing brightly patterned hindwings.
Catocala ulalume
Ulalume Underwing
Catocala ulalume, the Ulalume Underwing, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Herman Strecker in 1878. It is one of approximately 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths for their habit of concealing brightly patterned hindwings beneath cryptic forewings when at rest. The species is distributed across the southeastern and south-central United States, with adults active during summer months and larvae specializing on hickory host plants.
Catocala vidua
widow underwing
Catocala vidua, commonly known as the widow underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797. It is a medium-large underwing moth with a wingspan of 70–80 mm. Adults are active from August to October, with one generation per year. The larvae feed on several tree species including hickories, walnuts, oaks, black locust, and willow.
Catocala violenta
Catocala violenta is a nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae, part of the diverse underwing moth genus Catocala. Adults fly during mid-summer with a single annual generation. The species occupies a restricted geographic range in the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico, where larvae feed specifically on Gambel's oak.
Cauchas
Cauchas is a genus of fairy longhorn moths (Adelidae) in the subfamily Adelinae, established by Zeller in 1839 and elevated to genus status in 1980. It contains approximately 17 described species distributed across Europe and Asia. The genus is characterized by small size, reduced sexual dimorphism in antennae length, and specific host plant associations with Veronica species.
Caurinus
snow scorpionflies
Caurinus is a genus of snow scorpionflies in the family Boreidae, containing two described species: Caurinus dectes from Washington and Oregon, and Caurinus tlagu from Alaska. These tiny, flea-like insects are among the most unusual members of Mecoptera, with a fossil lineage dating back over 145 million years to the Jurassic. They are non-parasitic and feed on leafy liverworts in coastal forest habitats.
Caurinus dectes
snow scorpionfly
Caurinus dectes is a species of snow scorpionfly in the family Boreidae, endemic to western North America. It is one of only two species in the genus Caurinus, distinguished by its extremely small size (approximately 2 mm), reduced wings, and flea-like appearance. The species is univoltine, with a life cycle adapted to cool, moist coastal forest environments where it feeds on leafy liverworts.
Cephidae
Stem Sawflies
Cephidae is a family of stem sawflies in the order Hymenoptera, comprising approximately 27 genera and over 160 described species. Most species occur in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Eurasia. Larvae are endophagous stem borers in various plants, especially grasses and cereal grains, with several species being significant agricultural pests including Cephus cinctus on wheat and Janus rufiventris on corn. Adults are exceptionally slender for symphytans and often resemble other insects.
Ceranemota tearlei
Ceranemota tearlei is a moth in the family Drepanidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1888. It occurs in western North America from British Columbia and Alberta south to California, Utah, and Colorado. Adults are active from late August to October, with one generation per year. The larvae feed on specific woody plants including serviceberry, mountain-ash, and willow species.
Ceratomia sonorensis
Sonoran sphinx
Ceratomia sonorensis, known as the Sonoran sphinx, is a hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. The species inhabits high-elevation Madrean woodland in Sonora, Mexico and southeastern Arizona. Adults are active during summer months, with larvae feeding on Fraxinus (ash) species. The species was described by Ronald Hodges in 1971.
Cercyonis oetus
Small Wood-Nymph, Dark Wood-Nymph
Cercyonis oetus is a brush-footed butterfly of western North America, commonly known as the Small Wood-Nymph or Dark Wood-Nymph. It is a medium-sized satyrine with a wingspan of 32–45 mm. Adults fly in a single generation from June to August. The species has four recognized subspecies distributed across its range.
Ceutorhynchus obstrictus
Cabbage seedpod weevil
Ceutorhynchus obstrictus is a small weevil native to Europe and Asia that has become an invasive agricultural pest in North America. Adults feed on Brassicaceae leaves, while larvae develop inside seed pods and destroy developing seeds. The species causes significant economic damage to canola (Brassica napus) and other crucifer crops, with yield losses estimated at 5–30% in heavily infested fields. It completes one generation per year, with adults overwintering in soil or ground litter.
Chaoborus astictopus
Clear Lake gnat
Chaoborus astictopus is a phantom midge (family Chaoboridae) commonly known as the Clear Lake gnat. The species has a univoltine life cycle with adults emerging in spring. Older larvae exhibit diel vertical migration, occupying deep profundal zones during daylight hours and moving to open waters at night, indicating negative phototaxis. The species has been studied as a target for insecticide control and is known to host microsporidian and fungal pathogens.
Cheumatopsyche
Little Sister Sedges
Cheumatopsyche is a large genus of net-spinning caddisflies comprising at least 240 described species. Larvae construct silk capture nets to filter food from flowing water and are important components of freshwater benthic communities. Species exhibit variable life histories including univoltine and multivoltine cycles, with some populations capable of producing additional generations when thermal conditions permit. The genus is widely distributed across multiple continents and serves as a significant bioindicator for water quality assessment.
Chlosyne palla
Northern Checkerspot
Chlosyne palla, the northern checkerspot, is a North American butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. Adults have a wingspan of 30–48 mm and display a distinctive checkered pattern of dark brown, light orange, and tan on the upperside, with alternating red and yellow cells on the underside. The species has one flight period annually, occurring from April to July depending on elevation and latitude. Caterpillars feed on goldenrod, rabbitbrush, and asters.
Chlosyne whitneyi
rockslide checkerspot, Sierra Nevada checkerspot
Chlosyne whitneyi is a small checkerspot butterfly native to mountainous regions of western North America. Adults are active from July to August in a single annual generation. The species is tightly associated with alpine rockslide and scree slope habitats. Larvae feed on Erigeron and Solidago species in the sunflower family.
Choristoneura fumiferana
eastern spruce budworm, spruce budworm
Choristoneura fumiferana, the eastern spruce budworm, is a tortricid moth native to eastern North America and the most destructive forest insect in the region's spruce-fir forests. The species exhibits dramatic population oscillations with outbreaks occurring approximately every 30–40 years, during which larvae defoliate millions of hectares of host trees. These cycles have been documented since at least the 16th century through tree-ring studies. The species serves as a critical food source for specialized avian predators during outbreak phases and has been the subject of extensive research into population dynamics and forest pest management.
Choristoneura houstonana
Juniper Budworm Moth
Choristoneura houstonana is a tortricid moth commonly known as the Juniper Budworm Moth. It is a specialist pest of Juniperus (juniper) species. The species has a single generation per year, with eggs laid in July and larvae that construct shelters by rolling or webbing juniper leaves together. It is closely related to other Choristoneura species including the spruce budworm, but differs in host specificity and geographic distribution.
Choristoneura lambertiana
sugar pine tortrix, sugar pine tortrix moth
Choristoneura lambertiana, commonly known as the sugar pine tortrix, is a tortricid moth native to western North America. The species exhibits pronounced host-specific variation across its range, with three recognized subspecies each associated with different pine hosts: C. l. lambertiana on sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana), C. l. ponderosana on ponderosa pine (P. ponderosa) and limber pine (P. flexilis), and C. l. subretiniana on lodgepole pine (P. contorta) and Jeffrey pine (P. jeffreyi). Populations have been documented as outbreak defoliators of lodgepole pine in Idaho and Montana during the mid-to-late 1960s.
Chortophaga viridifasciata viridifasciata
Greenstriped Grasshopper, Northern Green-striped Locust
The greenstriped grasshopper is a medium-sized bandwinged species widely distributed across North America, extending into Central America. Northern populations are univoltine, overwintering as late-instar nymphs and maturing in early spring, while southern populations may produce two or more generations annually. Adults exhibit strong sexual dimorphism in coloration: most females are green, most males are brown. The species is a strong flier with long wings extending beyond the abdomen, and males produce crepitation during flight. Though abundant in the eastern United States, populations remain patchy in western regions where the species is restricted to moist microhabitats.
Chrysoclista linneella
Linnaeus's spangle-wing, linden bark borer, cosmet
Chrysoclista linneella is a small moth with a wingspan of 10–13 mm, recognized by its distinctive orange forewings with three silvery spots and blackish-brown margins. The species is closely associated with linden trees (Tilia), where larvae tunnel beneath bark. Adults are active from May to September and are frequently encountered in urban areas with linden avenues, though rarely observed in natural habitats.
Chrysolina fastuosa
Chrysolina fastuosa is a small (5.0–6.0 mm), univoltine leaf beetle native to the Palearctic Region, ranging from eastern Siberia to western Europe. First North American records document established populations in Nova Scotia, Canada and Vermont, USA, separated by over 900 km. The species is distinguished by bright metallic green coloration with blue at the elytral suture and often orange median longitudinal areas on the elytra. It feeds on Lamiaceae, particularly Galeopsis species, and has the potential to spread across the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Chrysolina quadrigemina
greater St. John's wort beetle, St. John's wort beetle
Chrysolina quadrigemina is a leaf beetle introduced to North America as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort). Native to Europe and North Africa, this beetle has established populations across western North America and has been introduced to Australia. Adults and larvae feed exclusively on Hypericum species, with documented spillover onto native congeners such as H. punctatum in the eastern United States. The beetle exhibits a univoltine life cycle with adults active in summer, and shows evidence of post-colonization adaptation to colder climates in northern populations.
Chrysomela crotchi
aspen leaf beetle
Chrysomela crotchi, the aspen leaf beetle, is a univoltine leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae that feeds exclusively on trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides). Adults are notable for their exceptional longevity, capable of overwintering two successive years. The species has been studied extensively in northwestern Ontario and at the Aspen FACE site in northern Wisconsin, where research has examined how host plant genotype and atmospheric conditions affect beetle performance. Populations are subject to regulation primarily through predation on immature stages and overwintering mortality.
Chrysoteuchia topiarius
Topiary Grass-veneer, Subterranean Sod Webworm, Cranberry Girdler
Chrysoteuchia topiarius is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of 17–20 mm, distributed across most of North America. Adults are active from late June to early August in a single annual generation. The species is known by multiple common names reflecting its larval habits: subterranean sod webworm refers to its grass-feeding larvae that live in silk-lined tunnels, while cranberry girdler indicates damage to cranberry plants. The species was first described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1866.
Cimbex
Elm sawflies, Birch sawflies, Almond leaf wasps
Cimbex is a genus of large, robust sawflies in the family Cimbicidae, distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Adults are among the largest sawflies, with body lengths reaching 20-25 mm, and are frequently mistaken for bees or wasps due to their plump appearance and yellow-and-black coloration. The genus includes notable species such as C. americanus (elm sawfly), C. femoratus (birch sawfly), and C. quadrimaculatus (almond leaf wasp), some of which are significant defoliators of trees. Larvae are caterpillar-like, with seven pairs of prolegs distinguishing them from lepidopteran caterpillars, and possess chemical defense glands. The genus has a fossil record extending from the Eocene to the Miocene.