Univoltine
Guides
Neofidia lurida
grape rootworm
Neofidia lurida, commonly known as the grape rootworm, is a leaf beetle in family Chrysomelidae. It is distributed across eastern North America, extending south to Mexico and north to Quebec. The species is recognized as an economic pest of grape cultivation due to larval feeding damage on roots. Adults are small, hairy beetles active in late spring and early summer.
Neophasia menapia
pine white
Neophasia menapia, commonly known as the pine white, is a butterfly species in the family Pieridae found in western North America. The species is characterized by white wings with black venation and wing bars, superficially resembling the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). Research indicates N. menapia is palatable to avian predators, supporting its classification as a likely Batesian mimic rather than a Müllerian co-mimic. The species is univoltine, with one summer brood, and is associated with coniferous forest habitats.
Neophylax
autumn mottled sedges
Neophylax is a genus of caddisflies commonly known as autumn mottled sedges, containing more than 30 described species. Larvae are aquatic case-builders that construct protective cases using silk and materials gathered from streambeds, including sand, stones, shells, and plant material. The genus exhibits notable life history diversity, with species showing temporal and spatial segregation in stream systems. Adults typically emerge in autumn, giving rise to the common name.
Neophylax aniqua
Neophylax aniqua is a species of caddisfly (order Trichoptera) first described by Ross in 1947. The species occurs in North America, with documented populations in southern Ontario and Vermont. Larvae inhabit cool headwater sections of streams and construct protective cases using silk and gathered materials. Adults emerge in September and October following a summer prepupal diapause.
Neoplea striola
pygmy backswimmer
Neoplea striola is a minute predaceous true bug in the family Pleidae, commonly known as the pygmy backswimmers. Adults measure approximately 1.5 mm in length. The species inhabits lentic freshwater habitats across Central and North America, including small fishless ponds and temporary water bodies, and has been observed to tolerate low oxygen conditions. It is an active visual predator that hunts zooplankton and small aquatic invertebrates using sight, vibrations, and possibly chemical cues. Research suggests it is univoltine, overwintering as adults with activity from March through November in temperate regions.
Neotephritis finalis
Sunflower Seed Maggot
Neotephritis finalis, commonly known as the sunflower seed maggot, is a univoltine tephritid fly that is a significant pest of cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in North America. Adults emerge in late June to early July, mate on sunflower heads, and females oviposit into developing heads during the R3-R4 growth stages. Larvae feed gregariously on developing seeds from July through August, causing direct damage that reduces seed quality and yield. The species completes one generation per year, with third instar larvae exiting heads to pupate in soil and overwinter as pupae.
Nepytia
false hemlock loopers, false pine loopers
Nepytia is a genus of geometrid moths (loopers) in the family Geometridae, established by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. The genus includes at least 13 described species distributed in North America. Several species, notably N. janetae and N. freemani, have been documented as forest defoliators capable of outbreak population dynamics that cause significant damage to coniferous trees. The genus exhibits considerable variation in life history traits, with some species being summer feeders and others, uniquely among studied Nepytia, feeding during autumn and winter at high elevations.
Nepytia canosaria
False Hemlock Looper Moth, false hemlock looper
Nepytia canosaria is a North American geometrid moth commonly known as the false hemlock looper. The species occurs across a broad transcontinental range from northeastern Alberta to the Atlantic provinces, extending south through New England. Adults are active in late summer, with flight records from August through September. The larval stage feeds primarily on conifers including balsam fir, eastern hemlock, and various spruce species.
Nepytia janetae
Nepytia janetae is a geometrid moth species that has transitioned from an innocuous, poorly studied insect to a significant forest pest in the southwestern United States. Since 1996, four major outbreaks have caused extensive defoliation and mortality of conifer trees across tens of thousands of acres in Arizona and New Mexico mountain ranges. The species exhibits an unusual life history as a univoltine, autumn- and winter-feeding looper at high elevations where temperatures regularly approach or fall below 0°F. Outbreaks appear associated with reduced snowpack, though the precise climatic mechanisms remain unclear.
Oarisma
skipperling
Oarisma is a genus of grass skippers (family Hesperiidae) comprising approximately 14 described species distributed throughout the Americas. Species range from the United States through Central America and the Caribbean to South America. The genus includes the federally endangered Poweshiek skipperling (O. poweshiek), which has undergone dramatic population declines and is now restricted to six extant sites in the upper Midwest United States and Manitoba, Canada. In 2019, species formerly placed in the genus Copaeodes were transferred to Oarisma based on taxonomic revision.
Oarisma poweshiek
Poweshiek Skipperling
The Poweshiek skipperling is a small, critically endangered North American grass skipper butterfly. Historically common across tallgrass prairie systems of the upper Midwest United States and southern Manitoba, Canada, it has experienced catastrophic population declines since 2005. The species now persists at only six verified extant sites: four prairie fens in Michigan, one mesic prairie in Wisconsin, and one tallgrass prairie in Manitoba. Intensive conservation efforts include captive breeding programs at the Minnesota Zoo and Assiniboine Park Conservancy, federal endangered species protection in both countries, and habitat restoration initiatives.
Oberea erythrocephala
Leafy Spurge Stem Boring Beetle, Red-headed Leafy Spurge Stem Borer
Oberea erythrocephala is a slender, elongate longhorn beetle introduced to North America as a biological control agent for leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). Adults have distinctive red heads, black eyes, and grayish-black hind wings. The species is univoltine and oligophagous, feeding and developing only on certain Euphorbia species in the subgenus Esula. It was approved for release in the United States in 1980 and has since established populations across at least fifteen states and several Canadian provinces. The beetle is considered secondary to Aphthona flea beetles in leafy spurge management due to its narrower host range.
Oberea tripunctata
dogwood twig borer
Oberea tripunctata, commonly known as the dogwood twig borer, is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. Adults emerge in early June and feed on dogwood twigs, causing girdling damage. Females lay eggs singly on healthy twigs; larvae bore into twigs and overwinter in stems, with some individuals taking up to two years to complete development. The species is considered a minor pest of flowering dogwood and has been recorded from additional hosts including elm, azalea, viburnum, and various fruit trees.
Ocnerostoma piniariella
White Pine Ermel
A small European moth in the family Yponomeutidae, characterized by its narrow, light grey forewings and grey hindwings. Adults fly in a single generation during summer months. The species is closely similar to Ocnerostoma friesei and requires careful examination for identification.
Oecanthus laricis
Tamarack Tree Cricket, Laricis Tree Cricket
A small tree cricket endemic to the Great Lakes region of North America. Adults measure 13–15 mm with green forewings. The species produces one generation annually and is closely associated with tamarack (Larix laricina) and other coniferous trees.
Oedoparena
Oedoparena is a small genus of flies in the family Dryomyzidae, comprising three known species. It is the only known dipteran genus whose larvae prey on marine barnacles. These flies function as intertidal mesopredators with documented ecological impacts on high intertidal community structure.
Oeneis alberta
Alberta Arctic
Oeneis alberta is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as the Alberta Arctic. It inhabits prairie and montane grassland habitats across the Canadian prairie provinces and isolated Rocky Mountain populations in the southwestern United States. The species exhibits a single annual generation with adults active in late spring. Larvae feed on bunch grasses and overwinter in the larval stage.
Oeneis alpina
sentinel Arctic, Eskimo Arctic
Oeneis alpina is a butterfly in the subfamily Satyrinae, commonly known as the sentinel Arctic or Eskimo Arctic. The species has a wingspan of approximately 40 mm and exhibits sexual dimorphism in size and coloration. It occurs in a single annual generation during June and July, with males congregating on hilltops and rocky tundra features while females oviposit in wet boggy areas. The species is distinguished from its congener Oeneis chryxus by the number of hindwing eyespots.
Oeneis bore
white-veined Arctic, Arctic grayling
Oeneis bore is a circumpolar butterfly in the subfamily Satyrinae, occurring across Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. It inhabits cold, open environments including tundra, taiga, and alpine slopes. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing coloration and is univoltine with a two-year life cycle in many populations. Larvae feed on sedges and grasses, while adults nectar on available flowers.
Oeneis uhleri
Uhler's Arctic
Oeneis uhleri, commonly known as Uhler's Arctic, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It is a member of the 'Arctic' group of butterflies, named for their association with high-elevation and northern habitats. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with fourth-instar larvae overwintering. Larvae feed on specific grass genera including Festuca, Koeleria, and Poa. The species is distributed across western North America from Alaska to northern New Mexico, with multiple recognized subspecies occupying distinct geographic ranges.
Oiceoptoma noveboracense
Margined Carrion Beetle
A medium-sized carrion beetle in the family Silphidae, distinguished by orange-red margins on the pronotum. Adults are diurnal and active primarily from spring through fall in deciduous forest habitats. The species produces one generation per year, with larvae and adults feeding on carrion and preying on fly larvae. It has forensic importance for estimating postmortem intervals based on succession patterns.
Oligotrophus
Oligotrophus is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae: Diptera) established by Latreille in 1804. Species are gall-forming insects that induce abnormal plant growths on various host plants, with documented associations to birch (Betulaceae) and juniper (Cupressaceae). The genus contains univoltine species with specialized life cycles tied to host phenology. Several species have been studied for their economic impact on ornamental and forest trees.
Oncideres rhodosticta
Mesquite Girdler
Oncideres rhodosticta is a twig-girdling longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults emerge in late summer (August–September) and feed on mesquite foliage. Females engage in distinctive girdling behavior, chewing complete rings through the bark and cambium of living mesquite twigs to create oviposition sites in the dying distal portions. Larvae develop within the dead twigs, completing a one-year life cycle. The species is economically significant as a pest of mesquite in rangeland and agricultural settings.
Ophraella notulata
Marsh Elder Leaf Beetle
Ophraella notulata is a Nearctic skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, found in Gulf Coast states of the United States and Mexico. It was previously described as O. integra (LeConte), now synonymized with O. notulata (Fabricius). The species is specialized on host plants in the Asteraceae family, primarily Iva frutescens (marsh elder), with documented ability to utilize Ambrosia artemisiifolia (ragweed) as an alternative host. Research has demonstrated complex transgenerational effects of host plant on offspring fitness and behavior.
Opomyza germinationis
Opomyza germinationis is a univoltine fly species in the family Opomyzidae. The larva is a stem-boring pest of cereals and grasses, feeding on the central shoot and causing 'dead-heart' symptoms in young plants. Adults emerge in mid-summer and persist until early autumn, with oviposition occurring in September-November. The species has been documented as an agricultural pest in Britain and is present in Scandinavia.
Orchestes steppensis
European Elm Flea Weevil, Elm Flea Weevil
Orchestes steppensis is a small flea-weevil (2.6–3.2 mm) native to the Eastern Palaearctic Steppe region and now invasive in North America. It is a serious pest of elm trees (Ulmus spp.), with adults feeding on leaves and larvae mining leaf tissue. The species was previously misidentified as O. alni or O. mutabilis in China. It completes one generation per year in Xinjiang, China, with overwintering adults emerging in late March to early April. The species exhibits strong olfactory-mediated host location, with documented preferences for specific plant volatiles.
Oreoneta
A genus of dwarf spiders (family Linyphiidae) established in 1894, comprising approximately 30 species distributed across cold-temperate and Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Most species inhabit high-latitude or high-altitude environments. The genus was revised extensively by Saaristo & Marusik in 2004, resulting in numerous new species descriptions.
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ishidae
Japanese leafhopper, Mosaic leafhopper
Orientus ishidae is a leafhopper native to East Asia that has established populations across Europe and North America. Adults measure 4.5–6.5 mm and display a distinctive mosaic pattern on the forewings with an orange band between the eyes. The species is recognized as an alternative vector of phytoplasma diseases affecting grapevines, including Flavescence dorée, and has demonstrated capacity to acquire pathogens associated with Apple Proliferation and Elm Yellows. Its introduction to European agricultural landscapes has raised concerns due to its broad host plant range and potential to bridge wild and cultivated pathosystems.
Ormenoides venusta
Ormenoides venusta is a flatid planthopper native to North America. This species is univoltine, with first instar nymphs emerging in May. It has been documented feeding on paw paw (Asimina triloba) leaves. Nymphs produce conspicuous white waxy secretions that cover their bodies, while adults develop a powdery wax coating in shades of grey, green, or blue.
Orthosia
early spring millers
Orthosia is a genus of owlet moths (Noctuidae) established by Ferdinand Ochsenheimer in 1816. Adults are active during winter and early spring, earning the group the common name "early spring millers." The genus includes notable species such as the Hebrew character (O. gothica), the common Quaker (O. cerasi), and the speckled green fruitworm moth (O. hibisci). Species in this genus typically have a single generation per year, with adults emerging from overwintering pupae.
Orthosia hibisci
Speckled Green Fruitworm Moth
Orthosia hibisci, commonly known as the speckled green fruitworm moth, is a Noctuidae moth species found across most of North America outside desert regions. Adults are active in early spring, with a single generation per year from late March through April. The species exhibits highly variable forewing coloration and pattern, ranging from pale buff-grey to dark red-brown. Larvae are generalist feeders on hardwood trees and shrubs.
Orthosia praeses
Orthosia praeses is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1879. It belongs to the spring-flying Orthosia genus, a group of early-emerging cutworm moths in North America. The species is documented in entomological records with a MONA/Hodges number of 10480. Like congeners, it likely exhibits univoltine flight activity concentrated in early spring.
Pachypsylla celtidisgemma
Hackberry Gemma Psyllid
Pachypsylla celtidisgemma is a hackberry psyllid species that induces distinct galls on hackberry trees (Celtis spp.). Adults are small, cicada-like insects measuring 3.5–4.5 mm, with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species produces "gemma galls"—irregular, wart-like growths on hackberry leaves that house developing nymphs. Like other hackberry psyllids, it has a single generation per year and overwinters as adults in concealed locations.
Pamphilius ochreipes
Viburnum Web-spinning Sawfly
Pamphilius ochreipes is a web-spinning sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae. Larvae feed within leaf rolls on cultivated Viburnum opulus, constructing silk webbing for protection. The species has a univoltine life cycle, overwintering as larvae in soil and emerging as adults in late spring. Adults have been collected across North America, though detailed biological studies are limited to southern Ontario populations.
Pandemis lamprosana
Woodgrain Leafroller Moth
Pandemis lamprosana, known as the woodgrain leafroller moth, is a tortricid moth native to northeastern North America. Adults are active in late summer with a single annual generation. The species is recognized by its forewing pattern and moderate size. Larvae are polyphagous leaf feeders on numerous deciduous tree species.
Papaipema
Papaipema is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, erected by John B. Smith in 1899. The genus comprises approximately 50 described species, most of which are commonly known as "borers" due to their larval feeding habits. Species are distributed primarily across North America, with many exhibiting highly specialized host plant associations. Larvae tunnel into stems, roots, or rhizomes of specific native plants, making many species of conservation concern due to habitat loss and host plant rarity.
Papaipema beeriana
Blazing Star Borer Moth, Blazing Star Stem Borer, Liatris Borer Moth, Oriental Sea-kale
Papaipema beeriana is a noctuid moth whose larvae are specialist borers in the stems of blazing star (Liatris species). The species is endemic to North America and is of conservation concern due to its dependence on native prairie habitats and specific host plants. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The common name 'blazing star borer moth' directly references its obligate relationship with Liatris host plants.
Papaipema sulphurata
Water-willow Stem Borer, Decodon Stem Borer, Swamp Loosestrife Borer Moth
Papaipema sulphurata is a noctuid moth endemic to southeastern Massachusetts, including Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. The species is an obligate specialist on Decodon verticillatus (water-willow or swamp loosestrife), with larvae that tunnel into stems and feed on vascular tissue. Adults fly in autumn, with a wingspan of 32–38 mm. The species is considered rare due to its restricted range and specific host plant requirements.
Papestra biren
Glaucous Shears, Glaucous Shears Moth
Papestra biren, commonly known as the glaucous shears, is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of 30–38 mm. The species was first described by Goeze in 1781 and exhibits notable color variation across its range, including purplish-grey, ashy-grey, and dark ruddy-grey forms. Adults are active from May to July in a single annual generation. The species has a broad Palearctic distribution and was introduced to North America in 1935, where it has since expanded southward from Newfoundland.
Papilio appalachiensis
Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio appalachiensis is a swallowtail butterfly endemic to the Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America. It originated through hybrid speciation between Papilio canadensis and Papilio glaucus, and is now recognized as a distinct species with stable populations at higher elevations. Adults are notably larger than both parental species, with wingspans of 86–115 mm. The species is univoltine, with adults emerging in May and females ovipositing during a brief spring flight period.
Papilio canadensis
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
A medium-sized swallowtail butterfly with yellow and black striped wings, found across northern North America. Adults fly during spring and summer with a single annual brood. The species was formerly considered a subspecies of Papilio glaucus but is now recognized as distinct based on morphological and genetic differences. It exhibits regional adaptation to climate, with northern populations showing faster development rates in cooler temperatures.
Papilio indra
Indra Swallowtail, Short-tailed Black Swallowtail, Cliff Swallowtail
Papilio indra is a western North American swallowtail butterfly distinguished by its predominantly black coloration with minimal blue and whitish markings. The species exhibits a notably short tail and dark blue crescents on the topside of the hindwing. It occupies diverse elevations from sea level to montane habitats and has been documented in ecosystems ranging from urban areas to remote high deserts and pristine forests. The Indra swallowtail completes one brood annually, with flight timing varying by latitude and elevation.
Parnassius
Apollos, snow Apollos
Parnassius is a genus of cold-adapted butterflies found in northern circumpolar regions and high-elevation montane habitats including the Alps and Himalayas. These butterflies exhibit altitudinal melanism—dark bodies and darkened wing bases that facilitate rapid solar warming in cold environments. Despite belonging to the swallowtail family Papilionidae, they lack the characteristic tail extensions. The genus comprises 38–47 disputed species and serves as an important model system for studying metapopulation dynamics, population genetics, and thermal ecology in the context of climate change.
Parnassius smintheus
Rocky Mountain parnassian, Rocky Mountain apollo
Parnassius smintheus is a high-altitude butterfly endemic to the Rocky Mountains of North America. It inhabits alpine and subalpine meadows where it depends on Sedum lanceolatum as its primary larval host plant. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in behavior: males are highly mobile and patrol meadows for females, while females are relatively sedentary and search for oviposition sites primarily by crawling. Population dynamics are strongly influenced by early-winter weather conditions, particularly November temperature extremes and snowfall, which affect overwintering egg survival. Climate change poses significant threats through rising treeline and altered snowpack patterns.
Paromius
dirt-colored seed bugs
Paromius is a genus of seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae containing approximately 15 described species. Members are elongate, parallel-sided bugs with glabrous integument and distinctive pronotal structure. The genus has broad geographic distribution spanning the Afrotropical region and subtropical Eurasia, with at least one species extending into temperate Europe. Some species are associated with grasses (Poaceae) and can be agricultural pests, while others occupy dry, xerothermic habitats.
Parydra
Parydra is a genus of shore flies (Diptera: Ephydridae) comprising at least 70 described species. Species in this genus are associated with wet, muddy habitats, particularly the vegetated margins of ponds, marshes, and slow-moving water bodies. Larval development occurs in saturated substrates where larvae feed on algae and decaying organic matter. Adults are typically found near larval habitats and are most active during warmer months.
Phanocelia
Phanocelia is a genus of northern caddisflies in the family Limnephilidae. The genus contains one described species, Phanocelia canadensis. Larvae of this species inhabit acidic bog ponds, specifically within floating Sphagnum moss at the water margin. The life cycle is univoltine with autumnal adult emergence.
Phigalia titea
Half-wing Moth, Spiny Looper
Phigalia titea, commonly known as the Half-wing Moth or Spiny Looper, is a geometrid moth native to eastern North America. Adult males have fully developed wings with an average wingspan of approximately 34 mm, while females are wingless (apterous). The species is notable for its exceptionally early adult activity period in late winter and early spring, making it one of the first moths to appear each year. Larvae are polyphagous loopers (inchworms) that feed on a wide variety of deciduous hardwood trees and can cause significant defoliation during outbreak years.
Phoberia atomaris
Common Oak Moth
Phoberia atomaris, known as the Common Oak Moth, is a medium-sized moth in the family Erebidae. It is distributed across eastern and central North America, from Canada to the southern United States. The species is univoltine, with adults active in spring and early summer. Larvae are specialized feeders on oak species.
Phragmatobia fuliginosa
Ruby Tiger, Ruby Tiger Moth
Phragmatobia fuliginosa, the Ruby Tiger, is a moth in the subfamily Arctiinae of family Erebidae. It has a wingspan of 35–45 mm and is distinguished by dark reddish-brown forewings with a blackish comma-shaped spot and bright carmine to rose-red hindwings. The species is widely distributed across the Palearctic and into northern North America, with multiple recognized subspecies including the North American P. f. rubricosa. It exhibits geographic variation in generation time: univoltine in northern regions with adults flying in June, and bivoltine in southern Britain with adults appearing April–June and again August–September.