Univoltine
Guides
Globia subflava
Yellow Sedge Borer Moth, Subflava Sedge Borer
Globia subflava is a noctuid moth native to North America, commonly known as the yellow sedge borer or subflava sedge borer. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1882 and is characterized by its stem-boring larval habit in wetland plants. Adults are active in mid-summer with a single annual generation.
Glyptotendipes paripes
Glyptotendipes paripes is a non-biting midge (Chironomidae) with a univoltine life cycle in temperate regions. Larvae are filter-feeders that inhabit lake and pond sediments, consuming planktonic diatoms and sestonic particles. The species is known from both European and North American populations, with well-studied populations in central Florida lakes and prairie ponds. Larval distribution is strongly influenced by sediment organic content and particle size, with highest densities in fine, organic-rich sediments.
Gnathotrichus retusus
western pinewood stainer
Gnathotrichus retusus, commonly known as the western pinewood stainer, is an ambrosia beetle in the family Curculionidae. It is primarily univoltine, with a minimum development time of 40 days from egg to adult in Douglas-fir logs. The species is known to reproduce in both Douglas-fir and western hemlock stumps. Flight activity is strongly crepuscular, with a major peak at dusk and a minor morning peak, regulated primarily by light intensity.
Gnophaela vermiculata
Police Car Moth, Police-Car Moth, Green Lattice
A day-flying moth of western North America, recognized by its striking black-and-white wing pattern with orange accents near the head. The common name 'Police Car Moth' refers to this coloration, which resembles historical police vehicle markings. Adults are active in late summer and visit flowers for nectar. Larvae feed on plants in the borage family, particularly Mertensia, Lithospermum, and Hackelia species.
Gymnocarena diffusa
Sunflower Receptacle Maggot
Gymnocarena diffusa is a tephritid fruit fly that develops exclusively on sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Adults are pale with patterned wings and feed on extrafloral nectaries. Females lay eggs between bract layers on sunflower heads, and larvae bore into the head to feed on developing tissues. The species is known from North Dakota and has been observed in Canada and the United States. It completes one generation per year, with larvae overwintering in soil after exiting the sunflower head.
Habrodais grunus
Golden Hairstreak
The golden hairstreak is a small North American butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is strongly associated with oak habitats and displays unusual crepuscular activity patterns, being most active during dawn and dusk rather than midday. The species has a single annual generation and shows high fidelity to specific oak host plants for larval development.
Hadronema
Hadronema is a genus of orthotyline plant bugs (Miridae) established by Uhler in 1872. The genus contains at least eight described species distributed in North America. Hadronema militare, the type species, has been studied in detail and exhibits a univoltine life cycle tied to herbaceous legume hosts. Most species remain poorly documented beyond original descriptions.
Hadronema militare
Hadronema militare is a univoltine orthotyline plant bug that completes its entire nymphal development, reproduction, and oviposition before mid-summer host senescence. It is specialized on herbaceous legumes in the subfamily Faboideae, particularly lupine (Lupinus) and goldenbanner (Thermopsis). The species overwinters as eggs and has been documented across western North America from low to mid-elevations.
Halysidota tessellaris
Banded Tussock Moth, Pale Tiger Moth, Tessellated Halisidota
A tiger moth species in the family Erebidae, described by James Edward Smith in 1797. Adults acquire defensive alkaloids from host plants. Caterpillars are conspicuous, with distinctive tufted setae and extra-long hair-pencils at both ends. The species is univoltine in northern parts of its range and multivoltine in the south.
Haploa reversa
Reversed Haploa Moth
Haploa reversa is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, described by Stretch in 1885. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 33 mm and fly in June with a single generation per year. The species is known from scattered localities across the central and eastern United States.
Hedya salicella
White-backed Marble
Hedya salicella is a small tortricid moth commonly known as the White-backed Marble. It is a single-brooded species with adults active from June through September. The species is widely distributed across Europe and has been introduced to North America. Its larvae are specialized feeders on willow and poplar species.
Helicopsyche
Speckled Peter, Spiral Caddisflies
Helicopsyche is a genus of caddisflies (Trichoptera: Helicopsychidae) containing more than 230 species with highest diversity in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The genus is represented on all major faunal regions worldwide. Larvae construct distinctive helical, snail-shell-like cases from sand grains and silk. Adults are known to fly fishers as the 'Speckled Peter'. The genus was first described by Siebold in 1856.
Helicopsyche borealis
Spectacled Snail-case Caddisfly
Helicopsyche borealis is a caddisfly species in the family Helicopsychidae, notable as one of only two Helicopsyche species to colonize temperate North America from a predominantly tropical genus. Larvae construct distinctive spiral, snail-like cases from sand grains cemented with silk. The species inhabits running waters across North America and plays a role as a collector-gatherer and scraper in stream ecosystems. Adults emerge in spring, and the life cycle is univoltine with egg diapause through summer.
Heliocheilus lupatus
Spotted Straw Moth, Lupatus Straw Moth, Purple Topper
Heliocheilus lupatus is a small noctuid moth native to the eastern and southeastern United States. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 28 mm. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1875 and was formerly treated as a synonym of Heliocheilus turbata. Larvae are grass-feeders, and adults have one generation per year.
Heliothis borealis
Boreal Gem Moth, Boreal Gem
Heliothis borealis is a small noctuid moth native to northern North America. First described by George Hampson in 1903, it inhabits boreal and montane regions from Quebec to Alberta, with disjunct populations extending southward in the Rocky Mountains to southwestern Montana. Adults fly in late spring and early summer. Larval biology remains poorly documented, with feeding habits inferred from related Heliothis species.
Hemileuca lucina
New England buck moth
Hemileuca lucina, the New England buck moth, is a day-flying saturniid moth endemic to the New England region of the United States. The species is univoltine with adults emerging in September for a flight season lasting approximately two weeks. Larvae possess urticating spines that can cause painful dermatitis and exhibit a developmental shift from gregarious defensive behavior in early instars to solitary escape behavior in late instars. The species was historically confused with its sister species Hemileuca maia until subtle differences in wing translucence and band width were recognized.
Hendecaneura shawiana
Blueberry Tip Borer Moth
Hendecaneura shawiana is a tortricid moth commonly known as the blueberry tip borer. It is a univoltine species with one generation per year. The larvae are specialized feeders that bore into the shoot tips of blueberry plants, causing characteristic dieback damage. It is recognized as a pest of cultivated blueberry in northeastern North America.
Hesperapis oraria
Gulf Coast solitary bee, Gulf Coast evening bee
Hesperapis oraria is a rare, solitary bee endemic to the northern Gulf Coast of the United States. Described in 1997, it is the only known member of the subfamily Dasypodainae in eastern North America. The species is monolectic, relying exclusively on the coastal plain honeycomb head (Balduina angustifolia) for pollen and nectar. It is critically imperiled due to its restricted range and habitat specificity.
Hesperia metea
Cobweb Skipper
Hesperia metea, the cobweb skipper, is a small grassland butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs across much of the eastern and central United States with a scattered, patchy distribution. The species has a single generation per year, with adults active in spring. Larvae feed on native prairie grasses, while adults visit low-growing flowers for nectar.
Hesperia pahaska
Pahaska Skipper
Hesperia pahaska, commonly known as the Pahaska skipper, is a grassland butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is distributed across a narrow longitudinal band in central North America, from Texas northward through the Great Plains to southern Canada. The species is univoltine, with adults active in early summer. Larvae feed on specific native grasses including blue grama and fluff grass.
Hesperophylax
Hesperophylax is a genus of northern caddisflies (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) comprising seven described species distributed across western North America. The genus is characterized by morphological plasticity and broad habitat tolerance compared to other Trichoptera. Larvae construct portable protective cases and exhibit chemically-mediated antipredator behaviors. All species appear to be univoltine with extended adult flight periods.
Hesperophylax designatus
silver-striped sedge, giant golden caddis, silver-striped northern caddisfly
Hesperophylax designatus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, commonly known as the silver-striped sedge or giant golden caddis. It is one of seven recognized species in the Nearctic genus Hesperophylax. The species has been observed in Colorado at bioblitz events and is documented across North America with 133 iNaturalist observations.
Hesperophylax magnus
northern caddisfly
Hesperophylax magnus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Banks in 1918. It is native to North America and is one of seven recognized species in the genus Hesperophylax. Larvae are more predaceous than other Hesperophylax species and exhibit opportunistic omnivory. The species is univoltine with an extended flight period.
Heterotoma planicornis
Common Flathorn Plant Bug
Heterotoma planicornis is a small mirid bug in the family Miridae, recognized by its distinctive flattened second antennal segment. It has a single generation per year with adults active from July to September. The species exhibits omnivorous feeding habits, functioning as both a predator of small arthropods and a consumer of plant materials. It is widespread across much of Europe and has been introduced to the Nearctic realm.
Hyaliodes vitripennis
Hyaliodes vitripennis is a predatory mirid plant bug native to North America. In Quebec apple orchards, it serves as one of the most important biological control agents of spider mites and aphids when integrated pest management practices are employed. The species is univoltine, with adults appearing in late July to early August and populations peaking shortly thereafter. Adults spend nearly all their time on the undersides of leaves.
Hyalophora
Giant Silk Moths, Silkmoths
Hyalophora is a genus of giant silk moths in the family Saturniidae, containing some of the largest and most visually striking moths in North America. The genus includes the cecropia moth (H. cecropia), North America's largest native moth, along with several other notable species such as the Columbia silkmoth and Glover's silkmoth. Adults are characterized by their large size, broad wings with distinctive eyespot patterns, and reduced mouthparts—they do not feed. Larvae are equally impressive, with bright coloration and prominent tubercles or spines. The genus was established by James Duncan and John O. Westwood in 1841.
Hyalophora cecropia
Cecropia moth, Cecropia silkmoth, Robin moth
Hyalophora cecropia, the cecropia moth, is North America's largest native moth, with females documented at wingspans of 130-180 mm (5-7 inches). A member of the Saturniidae family (giant silk moths), this univoltine species produces one generation per year. Adults lack functional mouthparts and survive approximately two weeks solely on stored fat reserves. The species has declined in parts of New England due to parasitism by the introduced tachinid fly Compsilura concinnata, which was originally brought to North America for gypsy moth control.
Hyalophora euryalus
Ceanothus silkmoth, Ceanothus silk moth
Hyalophora euryalus, the ceanothus silkmoth, is a large saturniid moth native to western North America. Adults lack functional mouthparts and do not feed, living solely to reproduce. The species is notable for its broad host plant range spanning multiple plant families. Larvae possess urticating hairs and scoli that can cause skin irritation. The moth has a single generation per year, with adults active from January through July depending on latitude and elevation.
Hydatophylax
northern caddisfly
Hydatophylax is a genus of northern caddisflies (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) comprising approximately 14 described species. Members are found in cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Scandinavia, Japan, and North America. The genus exhibits univoltine life cycles with larval development in freshwater streams.
Hydraecia micacea
Rosy Rustic, Potato Stem Borer
Hydraecia micacea, known as the rosy rustic or potato stem borer, is a noctuid moth native to the Palearctic realm and introduced to eastern North America. The species exhibits significant agricultural pest status, particularly affecting hop cultivation and potato crops through subterranean larval feeding on roots and crowns. Adults are active from July to November in temperate regions. The species is univoltine with a single generation per year.
Hydropsyche slossonae
Hydropsyche slossonae is a caddisfly species in the family Hydropsychidae, known from freshwater lotic habitats in eastern and midwestern North America. The species is univoltine, with adults emerging synchronously from late May through early July. Larvae construct silk capture nets to filter suspended organic matter from flowing water and overwinter as fifth-instar larvae.
Hypaurotis crysalus
Colorado Hairstreak
Hypaurotis crysalus, the Colorado Hairstreak, is a montane butterfly and the sole member of its genus. It was designated Colorado's state insect in 1996 following advocacy by a fourth-grade class in Aurora, Colorado. The species is univoltine, with adults peaking in July and August. It exhibits distinctive purple upper wing surfaces and cryptic gray undersides, and has specialized feeding habits that rarely include flower nectar.
Hypocoena basistriga
White-veined Sedge Moth
Hypocoena basistriga is a small noctuid moth with a distinctive pattern of white-veined forewings against a dark brown background. It inhabits mesic environments across western North America, from Alaska to the western Great Lakes region. The species has a single annual generation with adults active in late summer and early fall. Larval biology remains undocumented, though related species are stem borers in monocots.
Hypocoena inquinata
Tufted Sedge Moth, Sordid Wainscot
Hypocoena inquinata, commonly known as the Tufted Sedge Moth or Sordid Wainscot, is a small noctuid moth native to North America. The species has a transcontinental distribution across Canada with southern extensions into the United States. Adults are active during mid-summer, and the larvae are specialized feeders on sedges.
Idaea dimidiata
Single-dotted Wave
Idaea dimidiata is a small Geometrid moth with a Holarctic distribution. Adults are active from June to August and are attracted to light. The species has shown significant phenological shifts in response to climate change over recent decades.
Idia laurentii
Laurentine Idia, Appalachian Idia
Idia laurentii is a litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by J. B. Smith in 1893. It is endemic to the Appalachian region of the eastern United States, ranging from central New York south to the mountains of North Carolina. The species has a univoltine life cycle with one generation per year. Larvae have been documented feeding on dead cherry leaves.
Idia scobialis
Smoky Idia Moth, smoky idia
Idia scobialis is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Grote in 1880. It occurs across eastern North America from southern Canada to the southeastern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 20 mm and completes one generation per year. Larvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves and other organic debris.
Ilyobates bennetti
Ilyobates bennetti is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae, described by Donisthorpe in 1914. It was previously known as Ilyobates subopacus Palm, 1935, which has been synonymized following revision of type material. The species belongs to a genus of six valid species distributed across the Pontomediterranean region. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits considerable intraspecific morphological variation and has a univoltine life cycle with reproduction occurring in spring and summer.
Ips perturbatus
Northern Spruce Engraver
Ips perturbatus, the northern spruce engraver, is a bark beetle in the family Curculionidae (subfamily Scolytinae) that colonizes spruce trees (Picea spp.) across northern North America. It is primarily associated with white spruce (Picea glauca) and typically breeds on trees already killed or weakened by other agents, though it can attack stressed living trees. The species has one generation per year in most of its range, with adults overwintering in the ground. Males initiate galleries and attract 1–4 females to form harems; females construct egg tunnels averaging 10 cm in length and lay approximately 49 eggs each. The species is notable for its associations with ophiostomatoid fungi, particularly Leptographium fruticetum, which may play a role in its ecology.
Iridopsis clivinaria
mountain mahogany looper moth
Iridopsis clivinaria is a geometrid moth commonly known as the mountain mahogany looper moth. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 22–25 mm. The species has a single annual generation and is active from spring through early summer. Larvae are specialized feeders on woody shrubs in western North America.
Ischnura verticalis
Eastern Forktail
Ischnura verticalis, the Eastern Forktail, is a small damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. Larvae exhibit behavioral thermoregulation through depth selection in water columns, moving deeper at higher temperatures and shallower when cooler. Development is temperature- and prey-dependent, with faster development at higher temperatures and food availability. Males typically develop faster than females, with sexual differences in larval behavior and instar progression. Adults emerge over extended periods, with univoltine life cycles in temperate populations.
Ischnus inquisitorius
Ischnus inquisitorius is a small ichneumonid wasp of the subfamily Cryptinae, approximately 7 mm in length, with distinctive sexually dimorphic coloration. The species was formerly known as I. migrator due to a misidentification of Fabricius's types, but the valid name was re-established by Horstmann in 2001. It is a widespread parasitoid of tortricid moth pupae across the Holarctic region.
Isoperla lata
Dark Stripetail
Isoperla lata, commonly known as the dark stripetail, is a green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It is native to North America with documented populations in Labrador, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Minnesota. The species inhabits cold-water trout streams where it functions as a predator on other aquatic insects. Research from Wisconsin indicates a slow univoltine life cycle with synchronous spring emergence and temperature-dependent egg development.
Issus coleoptratus
Issus coleoptratus is a flightless planthopper in the family Issidae, notable as the first species in which the function of gear-like structures on nymph hind legs was described. These intermeshing gears synchronize leg movement during jumping. Adults measure 5.5–7.0 mm and vary from light brown to nearly black. The species has one generation per year and feeds on phloem of various deciduous trees.
Lambdina
Lambdina is a genus of geometrid moths comprising approximately ten described species distributed in North America. Several species are significant forest defoliators, particularly the hemlock looper (L. fiscellaria) and its subspecies, which cause economically damaging outbreaks in coniferous forests. The genus exhibits typical geometrid morphology with larvae commonly referred to as loopers due to their characteristic looping gait. Species within Lambdina can be distinguished by host associations, flight periods, and overwintering stages.
Lambdina fiscellaria
Hemlock Looper Moth, Mournful Thorn
Lambdina fiscellaria is a North American geometrid moth known as the hemlock looper or mournful thorn. It is a significant forest pest, particularly of coniferous trees, capable of causing complete defoliation and tree mortality during outbreaks. The species comprises three recognized subspecies with distinct geographic ranges and host preferences: the eastern hemlock looper (L. f. fiscellaria), western hemlock looper (L. f. lugubrosa), and western oak looper (L. f. somniaria). Adults are active from August to October with a wingspan of approximately 35 mm.
Laricobius nigrinus
hemlock woolly adelgid predator beetle
Laricobius nigrinus is a small predatory beetle in the family Derodontidae, native to western North America. First described by Kenneth Fender in 1945 from Oregon specimens, it is specialized to feed on adelgids, particularly the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). Since 2003, it has been released as a biological control agent in the eastern United States to combat invasive adelgid populations threatening eastern and Carolina hemlock trees. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with aestival diapause and has established populations across multiple eastern states.
Larinus
Larinus is a genus of true weevils (family Curculionidae) comprising approximately 180 species, with the highest diversity in the Palaearctic region, particularly Turkey where over 50 species occur. These beetles are characterized by stocky, rounded bodies and are primarily associated with plants in the family Asteraceae. Several species have been introduced to North America as biological control agents against invasive thistles, though some have demonstrated non-target effects on native thistle species.
Lasioglossum leucozonium
White-banded Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum leucozonium is a solitary, ground-nesting sweat bee in the family Halictidae. Native to the Palearctic, it has been introduced to North America where genetic evidence indicates establishment from a single founder female. The species is now widespread across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America. It produces one generation per year and is a generalist pollinator frequently associated with yellow-flowered Asteraceae.
Leiodes
round fungus beetles
Leiodes is a genus of small, rounded beetles in the family Leiodidae, comprising at least 110 described species with a primarily Holarctic distribution. Most species are subterranean mycophages, with several species acting as economically significant pests of truffle orchards. The genus exhibits specialized morphological and behavioral adaptations for life in ephemeral and solid fungi, including unique larval structures such as pseudomycangia.