Univoltine
Guides
Leptoglossus
leaf-footed bugs
Leptoglossus is a genus of true bugs in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae, tribe Anisoscelini. Species are characterized by leaflike dilations of the hind tibia, a diagnostic trait of the genus. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas, with some introduced populations in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably L. occidentalis, which has become invasive in multiple continents.
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nchanmoss-bugarchaeorrhynchanfulgoromorphancicadomorphanmembracoidtreehopperleafhopperplanthopperpsyllidjumping-plant-lousewhiteflyaleyrodidscale-insectcoccoidmealybugaphidadelgidphylloxeransternorrhynchanthysanopteranthripspsocopteranbarklousebooklousephthirapteranlousesucking-lousechewing-lousemallophagananoplurandermapteranearwigblattodeancockroachtermiteisopteranmantodeanmantidphasmidstick-insectleaf-insectorthopterangrasshopperlocustkatydidcricketmole-cricketpygmy-mole-cricketcamel-cricketcave-cricketwetaensiferancaeliferangryllotalpidmyrmecophilidtettigoniidgryllidacrididpamphagidpneumoridlentulidtristirideumastacidproscopiidtridactylidtetrigidgrouse-locustpygmy-grasshopperplecopteranstoneflyembiopteranwebspinnerzorapteranangel-insectdictyopteranLeptophlebia
Early brown spinner, Sepia dun, Claret dun
Leptophlebia is a genus of mayflies in the family Leptophlebiidae, comprising approximately 11 described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. Nymphs are primarily detritivores that inhabit lentic waters, slow-flowing streams, and floodplain wetlands, with documented movements between river channels and temporary wetland habitats. Several species, including L. vespertina and L. cupida, have been studied as model organisms for understanding life cycle plasticity, acid tolerance, and river-floodplain connectivity in freshwater ecosystems.
Leptophlebia cupida
Early Brown Spinner, Black Quill
Leptophlebia cupida is a pronggilled mayfly species native to North America, commonly known as the early brown spinner or black quill. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with egg diapause during summer months. Nymphs develop through approximately 20-34 instars over 10 months, with emergence occurring from late April to mid-May. Adults are short-lived, non-feeding, and mate in swarms near streams.
Lepyronia
spittlebugs, froghoppers
Lepyronia is a genus of froghoppers (spittlebugs) in the family Aphrophoridae, comprising approximately 17 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Nymphs develop within protective spittle masses on host plant stems, feeding on xylem sap. The genus includes notable agricultural and forest pests, with at least one species confirmed as a vector of phytoplasma plant pathogens. Adults are active in mid-summer and are capable of jumping considerable distances.
Lestes disjunctus
Northern Spreadwing
Lestes disjunctus, commonly known as the Northern Spreadwing, is a damselfly species in the family Lestidae. It is widely distributed across North America and inhabits a variety of freshwater habitats including riverine wetlands, ponds, and marshes. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with egg diapause, requiring overwintering before hatching. Adults emerge in late June through July and remain active until late August. Larvae are predatory, feeding primarily on zooplankton and small aquatic invertebrates. The species holds its wings at approximately 45 degrees to the body when at rest, a characteristic posture of spreadwing damselflies.
Leucanthiza dircella
Leucanthiza dircella is a microlepidopteran species in the family Gracillariidae. It is the sole known leafminer of Dirca palustris (leatherwood), with larvae forming mines in the leaves of this host plant. The species has been documented across northeastern North America and California, with a univoltine life cycle in northern Michigan. Multiple parasitoid wasp species in the families Braconidae and Eulophidae attack this moth.
Leucoma salicis
White Satin Moth, Satin Moth
Leucoma salicis is a medium-sized moth native to the Palearctic, introduced to North America in the 1920s where it became an invasive pest. Adults are distinguished by pure white wings with a silky sheen, held tent-like over the body, contrasting with striking black-and-white banded legs. Larvae feed on Salix and Populus species and can cause severe defoliation damage. The species is univoltine in most of its range, with adults active in June through August.
Leuconycta lepidula
Marbled-green Leuconycta Moth, Marbled-green Jaspidia, Dark Leuconycta
A small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 30 mm. Adults are active from May to August with a single generation per year. The species is widely distributed across North America, from eastern Canada through the eastern and central United States. Larvae feed on dandelions (Taraxacum species).
Leuctra duplicata
Atlantic Needlefly
Leuctra duplicata, known as the Atlantic needlefly, is a rolled-winged stonefly in the family Leuctridae. It is a univoltine species with a life cycle adapted to intermittent streams. Adults emerge in mid-to-late May over a 3-4 week period. The species has been recorded from northeastern North America, with notable rarity in some parts of its range.
Libellula luctuosa
Widow Skimmer
Libellula luctuosa, commonly known as the Widow Skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. Males establish and defend territories at freshwater habitats, engaging in aerial contests with intruding males. The species exhibits a resource-defense polygyny mating system where male reproductive success depends on territory quality. Females visit water primarily to mate and oviposit, typically during midday hours. Larvae are aquatic predators that undergo multiple molts before emerging as winged adults.
Lilioceris
lily leaf beetles, air potato leaf beetles
Lilioceris is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) in the subfamily Criocerinae, first described by Edmund Reitter in 1912. The genus contains over 100 species, with approximately 80 species occurring in Asia. Several species are notable agricultural and horticultural pests, particularly of plants in the lily family (Liliaceae). Lilioceris lilii (lily leaf beetle) is a serious pest of native and cultivated lilies in Europe and North America, while L. cheni has been successfully deployed as a classical biological control agent against the invasive air potato vine (Dioscorea bulbifera) in Florida. Species range from 4–10 mm in length with elongated, narrow bodies and distinct shoulders between the elytra and pronotum.
Limnephilidae
Northern Caddisflies, Northern Caddis Flies
Limnephilidae is a large family of case-constructing caddisflies comprising approximately 100 genera and nearly 900 described species. Adults are typically brown with narrow, often patterned forewings and broader transparent hindwings. Larvae construct portable cases from diverse plant and mineral materials, with case composition varying by habitat temperature and water flow. The family exhibits exceptional ecological diversity, with larvae occupying nearly all freshwater habitats including a remarkable terrestrial genus, Enoicyla, whose larvae live in woodland leaf litter.
Limnia
Limnia is a genus of flies in the family Sciomyzidae (marsh flies or snail-killing flies). Species are malacophagous, with larvae that parasitize or prey upon pulmonate snails. The genus occurs across the West-Palearctic region, with some species extending into Asia. Larvae typically develop through three instars, with early instars acting as parasitoids and later instars becoming predators or scavengers.
Lintneria eremitus
Hermit Sphinx
Lintneria eremitus, commonly known as the hermit sphinx, is a medium-sized hawkmoth native to temperate eastern North America. The species has a single annual generation with adults active from late June through August. It is frequently found in gardens and suburban yards where both nectar sources and larval host plants occur. Adults are crepuscular, flying at dusk and visiting deep-throated flowers. The species is readily attracted to artificial light sources.
Lithophane
shoulder-knot moths
Lithophane is a genus of noctuid moths commonly known as shoulder-knots. Species are characterized by their autumn to winter flight periods and cryptic forewing patterning that provides bark-mimicking camouflage. The genus includes both univoltine species that overwinter as eggs and those with prolonged adult winter diapause. Several species have expanded their ranges in recent decades, facilitated by horticultural planting of introduced conifers.
Lithophane lemmeri
Lemmer's Pinion, Lemmer's noctuid moth
Lithophane lemmeri is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America, first described in 1929. It is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut, reflecting its limited distribution and potential vulnerability. The species is associated with coniferous host plants and has a relatively narrow flight period in early summer.
Lithurgus
Woodborer Bees
Lithurgus is a genus of solitary bees in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as woodborer bees. Species in this genus excavate nesting tunnels in dead wood rather than using pre-existing cavities. They are distributed across the Mediterranean Basin, Eurasia, North Africa, and parts of Asia, with some species showing recent northward range expansion. Several species have been introduced outside their native ranges, including L. chrysurus and L. huberi in the Americas.
Lithurgus chrysurus
Mediterranean wood-boring bee, Golden-tailed Woodborer
Lithurgus chrysurus is a wood-nesting megachilid bee native to the Mediterranean region that has established adventive populations in North America. It is one of the few bees that excavates its own nesting tunnels in wood rather than using pre-existing cavities. The species is univoltine, producing one generation per year, and constructs distinctive silk-lined cocoons for overwintering larvae.
Lixus concavus
rhubarb curculio
Lixus concavus, commonly known as the rhubarb curculio, is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae. Adults are approximately 12 mm long, black with yellowish dusting, and possess a distinctive elongated snout with geniculate antennae. The species is univoltine, with one generation per year. While rhubarb is a common host, eggs laid in rhubarb tissue fail to develop; successful reproduction occurs in curly dock, sunflower, and thistle stalks.
Lophocampa argentata
Silver-spotted Tiger Moth
Lophocampa argentata, the silver-spotted tiger moth, is a univoltine moth species in the family Erebidae, native to western North America. Caterpillars are densely hairy with distinctive black and yellow hair tufts and feed on conifer needles, particularly Douglas-fir. Adults have reddish-brown wings marked with silvery spots. The species has been documented forming larval colonies in forest canopies and can cause noticeable defoliation of host trees.
Lycaena dorcas
dorcas copper, cinquefoil copper
Lycaena dorcas is a small gossamer-winged butterfly native to North America, first described by William Kirby in 1837. It is commonly known as the dorcas copper or cinquefoil copper. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in dorsal coloration and has a single annual flight period between June and September. It inhabits bogs and old overgrown fields across a broad northern range extending from boreal Alaska to the Great Lakes region.
Lycaena gorgon
gorgon copper
Lycaena gorgon, commonly known as the gorgon copper, is a butterfly species in the family Lycaenidae native to western North America. It is distinguished by sexual dimorphism in wing coloration and has a single annual brood. The species is closely associated with its host plant Eriogonum nudum and inhabits foothill environments including chaparral, woodland, and canyon habitats. Its distribution is centered in California with records extending into adjacent regions.
Macaria oweni
Owen's larch looper, Owen's angle moth, Owen's Angle
Macaria oweni is a small geometrid moth native to northern North America. The species is specialized on tamarack (Larix laricina) as a larval host. Adults are active during early summer, with a single annual generation. The moth was first described from specimens collected in New England.
Macaria signaria
dusky peacock, pale-marked angle, spruce-fir looper, Northern Conifer Angles
Macaria signaria is a small geometrid moth with a wingspan of 20–28 mm. Two subspecies are recognized: M. s. signaria across Eurasia and M. s. dispuncta in North America. The species is associated with coniferous forests and has been documented feeding on spruce and larch as larvae.
Macrodiplosis qoruca
Oak Vein Pocket Gall Midge
Macrodiplosis qoruca is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, known for inducing pocket-like galls on oak leaf veins. The species is widely distributed in North America and has been documented through over 1,300 observations. Adults are small, delicate flies typical of the family. The specific epithet 'qoruca' derives from the Cherokee word for oak.
Macropis nuda
Dark-footed Yellow Loosestrife Bee
Macropis nuda is a small, ground-nesting solitary bee in the family Melittidae, native to northern North America. It is a highly specialized oligolectic species that forages exclusively for floral oils and pollen from Lysimachia ciliata (Primulaceae). The bee exhibits unique adaptations for oil collection, including dense white scopae on the posterior tibiae that use capillary action to hold oils. It is univoltine, with offspring hibernating as pupae in cocoons until the following spring.
Maladera formosae
Asiatic garden beetle
Maladera formosae, the Asiatic garden beetle, is an invasive scarab beetle native to East Asia that was introduced to North America in 1921. It has become a significant agricultural pest, particularly in the Great Lakes region where it damages field corn, soybeans, and commercial mint. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with soil-dwelling larvae that feed on plant roots and nocturnal adults that consume foliage and flowers. Both life stages cause economically important damage, with larvae responsible for early-season crop losses and adults defoliating ornamental and crop plants.
Marmara fraxinicola
Marmara fraxinicola is a micro-moth in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Braun in 1922. The species is known from northeastern North America, with records from Québec, Canada, and the U.S. states of Ohio, Vermont, and New York. It has one generation per year and is a specialist stem-miner of ash trees (Fraxinus species).
Mastophora
bolas spiders, American bolas spiders
Mastophora is a genus of orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, commonly known as bolas spiders. These spiders have abandoned the typical orb-web construction of their relatives and instead hunt using a unique method: they produce a single droplet of sticky silk suspended on a thread (the "bolas") and swing it to capture flying prey. Adult females are nocturnal moth specialists that use aggressive chemical mimicry, releasing sex pheromones to attract specific male moth species within range of their bolas. The genus includes 15 species in the United States, with Mastophora cornigera being the only species found in California.
Matsucoccus acalyptus
Pinyon Needle Scale, pinyon pine scale
Matsucoccus acalyptus is a univoltine scale insect specialized on pinyon pine (Pinus edulis). Males are winged and appear in early spring, while females are sessile and legless, remaining under bark scales. The species has a complex life cycle involving seasonal migrations between needles and bark, with heavy infestations capable of weakening host trees and predisposing them to beetle attack.
Mecinus pascuorum
plantain weevil
Mecinus pascuorum is a true weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the plantain weevil. Native to the Palaearctic region, it has been introduced to New Zealand where it has become a regular post-harvest contaminant of kiwifruit. The species is associated with narrow leaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata) as its primary host plant. In New Zealand, it completes one generation per year with a brief immature stage and a long-lived adult stage of approximately 11 months.
Megaxyela
Megaxyela is a genus of primitive sawflies in the family Xyelidae, comprising 13 described extant species. The genus has a disjunct distribution spanning the eastern Nearctic and southeastern East Asia, with fossil species known from Colorado and Shandong, China. Members are external feeders on trees in the walnut family (Juglandaceae).
Melanoplus differentialis
Differential Grasshopper
Melanoplus differentialis is a large, highly mobile grasshopper native to North America that has expanded from wet meadows into agricultural landscapes. It is a severe crop pest, particularly damaging to corn, alfalfa, soybeans, cotton, and small grains, with dense swarms capable of destroying young cornfields in three to four days. The species exhibits phase polymorphism, with crowded individuals developing darker pigmentation and different body proportions compared to isolated individuals. It has one generation annually and is better adapted to warmer climates than related species, with outbreaks concentrated in the central United States between the Rocky Mountains and Mississippi River.
Melanoplus femurrubrum
Red-legged Grasshopper, Garden grasshopper
Melanoplus femurrubrum, the red-legged grasshopper, is a medium-sized, widely distributed grasshopper native to North America. It ranges across most of Canada, the United States, and into central Mexico, making it one of the most common and broadly distributed grasshopper species on the continent. The species exhibits developmental polymorphism, allowing populations to adapt to variable environmental conditions and seasonal timing. It is frequently used as a model organism in scientific research due to its abundance and behavioral sensitivity to climate variation.
Melanoplus rusticus-decoratus species group
The Melanoplus rusticus-decoratus species group is a taxonomic grouping within the genus Melanoplus (spur-throated grasshoppers), a diverse genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae. Species in this group are characterized by specific morphological features, including obovate or distinctive wing shapes. Members such as Melanoplus rusticus (obovate-winged grasshopper) exhibit cryptic coloration adapted to rocky, lichen-covered habitats. The group is part of the larger Melanoplinae subfamily, whose members possess a diagnostic spur between the front legs and a face oriented perpendicular to the body axis. Species in this group are found in western and central North America, often associated with xeric grasslands and rocky outcrops.
Melitara dentata
Blue Cactus Borer, North American Cactus Moth
A pyralid moth native to western North America, ranging from Alberta to southern Arizona and central Texas, with introduced populations in Hawaii. Adults have a wingspan of 32–50 mm. The species has one generation per year and is specialized on Opuntia cacti as larval hosts.
Metarranthis hypochraria
Common Metarranthis Moth
A geometrid moth native to eastern North America. Larvae are stick mimics that feed primarily on Prunus species. Adults are active in spring, with one generation per year.
Metzneria lappella
Burdock Seedhead Moth, Burdock Seed Moth
A small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 13–19 mm, native to the Palaearctic region and introduced to North America. It is univoltine, with adults active in late spring and summer. The species is tightly associated with burdock plants (Arctium), where larvae feed on developing seeds.
Mirinae
plant bugs
Mirinae is a subfamily of plant bugs within the family Miridae, comprising seven recognized tribes: Herdoniini, Hyalopeplini, Mecistoscelini, Mirini, Restheniini, Scutelliferini, and Stenodemini. Members are phytophagous true bugs with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The subfamily includes economically significant species such as the fourlined plant bug (Poecilocapsus lineatus), which causes characteristic necrotic leaf damage on numerous ornamental and agricultural plants. Some species have been introduced to new regions, including New Zealand, where they have established non-native populations.
Mompha sexstrigella
Mompha sexstrigella is a small moth in the family Momphidae with a Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern Eurasia and western North America. The species is univoltine, with adults active from late June to mid-August. Larvae are leaf miners on fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium), feeding from July to August.
Mompha terminella
Enchanter's Cosmet
Mompha terminella is a small microlepidopteran moth in the family Momphidae, commonly known as Enchanter's Cosmet. It has a trans-Palearctic distribution across Europe and is also present in North America. The species is specialized on enchanter's nightshade (Circaea spp.), with larvae mining leaves of their host plants. Adults are rarely encountered in the field, with most records coming from larval leaf mines.
Mormidea lugens
Mormidea lugens is a small stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and eastern North America. In southern Illinois, it exhibits a univoltine life cycle with adults overwintering and emerging in late April, persisting until early November. The species develops on various grasses and sedges, with nymphs feeding on vegetation and adults targeting developing grass seeds. It is considered a potential pest of wheat and other small grains.
Morrisonia mucens
Gray Woodgrain Moth, gray woodgrain
Morrisonia mucens, commonly known as the gray woodgrain moth, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 29 mm. It occurs across the southeastern and eastern United States, from coastal Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Texas. The species has one generation per year.
Nabis roseipennis
sculpted damsel bug, damsel bug
Nabis roseipennis is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae, commonly known as the sculpted damsel bug. It is one of the most abundant damsel bugs in cotton and soybean agroecosystems across the southeastern United States. The species is univoltine, with adults active from mid-July through September, and functions as a generalist predator of various agricultural pests. It has been extensively studied for its role in biological control and its tritrophic interactions with resistant crop plants.
Nematus
Willow Sawflies
Nematus is a genus of sawflies (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) commonly known as willow sawflies. Species within this genus are phytophagous, with larvae feeding on leaves of various host plants including willows, poplars, birches, and rhododendrons. Several species are recognized as significant economic pests of fruit bushes, trees, and ornamental plants. The genus has a wide geographic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, and North America.
Nemophora
fairy longhorn moths
Nemophora is a genus of micro-moths in the family Adelidae, commonly known as fairy longhorn moths. Species are characterized by metallic coloration and exceptionally long antennae, particularly in males. The genus is distributed across Europe, Asia, and other regions, with species occupying diverse habitats including meadows, peat bogs, and gardens. Several species have specialized larval host plant associations and are considered indicators of well-preserved traditional habitats.
Nemotaulius hostilis
Inimical Northern Caddisfly
Nemotaulius hostilis is a northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, found in North America. It inhabits permanent freshwater pools and exhibits a univoltine life cycle with adults emerging in late May. The species is notable for its use of sex pheromones in mate attraction and a distinctive reproductive phenomenon involving egg mass liquefaction. Larvae build cases using plant material and grow at rates comparable to other detritivorous shredders in permanent waters.
Neochirosia nuda
Neochirosia nuda is a species of dung fly in the family Scathophagidae. Unlike most members of its family, it is not associated with dung but instead has been documented as a leaf miner. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle, producing one generation per year. It has been recorded from the northeastern United States.
Neocrania
Neocrania is a genus of small moths in the family Eriocraniidae, established by Davis in 1978. The genus is monotypic, containing only Neocrania bifasciata, a species endemic to the Coast Ranges of southern California. Adults are diurnal and active in early June, with a single generation annually. The larvae are leaf miners on Quercus chrysolepis (canyon live oak).
Neodiprion pratti pratti
Virginia pine sawfly
Neodiprion pratti pratti, the Virginia pine sawfly, is a conifer-feeding sawfly native to eastern North America. It is a univoltine species with larvae that feed gregariously on pine needles, particularly Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) and pitch pine (Pinus rigida). The subspecies exhibits a distinctive winter-active life history in some populations, with adults emerging in late autumn and larvae feeding during the cool season. This phenology allows escape from egg parasitoids but exposes small larvae to periodic mortality from freezing events and ice storms.