Western-canada
Guides
Acropimpla alboricta
Acropimpla alboricta is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1870. The species is known from a small number of records in western Canada. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a parasitoid wasp, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Agabus leptapsis
Agabus leptapsis is a predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, first described by LeConte in 1878. Originally described as Gaurodytes leptapsis, it is now placed in the genus Agabus. The species is known from western North America, with confirmed records from Alberta and British Columbia, Canada.
Agabus pisobius
Agabus pisobius is a predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. The species was described by Leech in 1949. It is known from North America, with records from western Canada including Alberta and British Columbia. As a member of the genus Agabus, it is adapted to aquatic environments.
Agriotes opaculus
Opaque Click Beetle
Agriotes opaculus is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, native to western Canada. The species has been documented in Alberta and British Columbia. Larvae of related Agriotes species are known as wireworms and are agricultural pests, though specific pest status for A. opaculus has not been established. The species is distinguished from similar click beetles by its opaque, non-shiny elytra.
Agriotes tardus
Tardy Click Beetle
Agriotes tardus is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, described by W.J. Brown in 1933. It is known from western Canada, with records from Alberta and British Columbia. The species is part of the economically important genus Agriotes, which includes several agricultural pests whose larvae (wireworms) damage crop roots and tubers. However, specific information about the biology and pest status of A. tardus itself remains limited in published literature.
Ampedus varipilis
Castle Click Beetle
A click beetle in the family Elateridae, found in western Canada. The species has been recorded from Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, and Yukon Territory. Commonly known as the Castle Click Beetle, though the origin of this name is not documented in available sources. The specific epithet 'varipilis' likely refers to variable hairiness, a common naming convention in beetle taxonomy.
Anarta mutata
The Mutant
Anarta mutata, commonly known as 'the mutant,' is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. The species was originally described as Mamestra mutata by Dod in 1913. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10224 in North American moth classification systems. The species occurs in western Canada and has been documented through 152 iNaturalist observations.
Anchastus cinereipennis
Ash-winged Click Beetle
A click beetle species in the family Elateridae, known from western Canada. The common name 'Ash-winged Click Beetle' refers to the grayish wing coloration. Like other elaterids, it possesses the characteristic clicking mechanism for righting itself when overturned.
Anoplonyx occidens
Anoplonyx occidens is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. It is known from western Canada, specifically British Columbia. As a member of this genus, it belongs to a group of sawflies whose larvae feed on coniferous trees, though species-level host records for A. occidens remain limited.
Astiphromma splenium
Astiphromma splenium is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by John Curtis in 1833. The genus Astiphromma is small and poorly documented in the literature, with limited biological information available for most species. Records indicate this species occurs in Canada, with observations from Alberta and British Columbia. Like other ichneumonid wasps, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Blapstinus substriatus
Blapstinus substriatus is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Champion in 1885. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles found primarily in North America. The species is documented from western Canada with limited observational records.
Cardiophorus pubescens
Cardiophorus pubescens is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, described by Blanchard in 1889. As a member of the subfamily Cardiophorinae, it possesses the characteristic body plan of click beetles, with the ability to right itself using a prosternal spine that engages with a mesosternal groove. The species is known from western Canada, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits soil and litter environments, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Cephaloon tenuicorne
false longhorn beetle
Cephaloon tenuicorne is a species of false longhorn beetle in the family Stenotrachelidae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1874. The species is known from western Canada and has been documented in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. As a member of the family Stenotrachelidae, it belongs to a small group of beetles commonly referred to as false longhorn beetles due to their superficial resemblance to true longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae).
Ceranemota albertae
Alberta lutestring
Ceranemota albertae is a moth in the family Drepanidae, described by John Frederick Gates Clarke in 1938. It is endemic to western Canada, with a range extending from south-central British Columbia to south-eastern Saskatchewan. Adults are active in late summer, with flight occurring from August to September. The species inhabits dry open woodlands and shrub areas where wild cherry grows.
Chaetocnema irregularis
Chaetocnema irregularis is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America, with documented records from western Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. Like other members of the genus Chaetocnema, it belongs to the subfamily Alticinae and possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles that enable jumping locomotion.
Chrysobothris carinipennis
Keel-winged Jewel Beetle
Chrysobothris carinipennis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by LeConte in 1878. It is found in western North America, with confirmed records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. Like other members of the genus Chrysobothris, it is associated with woody plants, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners.
Chrysolina basilaris
Chrysolina basilaris is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Thomas Say in 1824. The species occurs in North America, with records from western Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, and Yukon Territory. As a member of the genus Chrysolina, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles known for feeding on various plants, though specific details for this species are limited.
Cidaphus occidentalis
Cidaphus occidentalis is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the genus Cidaphus, first described by Cushman in 1924. The type specimen, a female, was collected from Revelstoke, British Columbia. The species belongs to a genus of parasitoid wasps whose biology remains poorly documented. Additional Canadian records include locations in Alberta (Edmonton, Elkwater Provincial Park, Wagner Natural Area) and the Northwest Territories (Franklin).
Collops hirtellus
Hairy Soft-winged Flower Beetle
Collops hirtellus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, first described by LeConte in 1876. It is one of several Collops species recognized as beneficial predators in agricultural systems, particularly in cotton production. The species has been documented in western Canada and is part of a genus known for predatory feeding habits on pest insects.
Dicerca tenebrosa knulli
Dicerca tenebrosa knulli is a subspecies of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) described by Nelson in 1975. As a member of the genus Dicerca, it belongs to a group of metallic wood-boring beetles that develop as larvae in dead or dying wood. The nominate subspecies Dicerca tenebrosa is known to associate with conifers across boreal and mountain regions of western North America. This subspecies is recognized from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada.
Dichelotarsus macer
Dichelotarsus macer is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, described by LeConte in 1861. It is known from western Canada, specifically Alberta and British Columbia. Soldier beetles in this genus are typically found in association with vegetation and are generalist predators or scavengers as adults.
Didion longulum
dusky lady beetle
Didion longulum is a species of lady beetle (Coccinellidae) in the genus Didion, characterized by its dull, non-reflective coloration that distinguishes it from the typically bright, spotted lady beetles. The species is native to North America and has been documented in western Canada including Alberta and British Columbia. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to a group sometimes referred to as "dusky lady beetles" due to their subdued appearance. The genus Didion is relatively small and understudied compared to more familiar lady beetle genera.
Dusona wyomingensis
Dusona wyomingensis is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Viereck in 1906. The genus Dusona comprises parasitoid wasps, with most species targeting Lepidoptera larvae as hosts. This species is known from scattered records in western Canada, including Alberta and Saskatchewan. Published biological information specific to this species is limited.
Eanus albertanus
Eanus albertanus is a species of click beetle (family Elateridae) described by W.J. Brown in 1930. The species is native to western Canada, with confirmed records from Alberta and British Columbia. Like other members of Elateridae, it possesses the characteristic clicking mechanism used to right itself when overturned. Available information on this species is limited, reflecting its restricted geographic range and apparent rarity in collections.
Elatotrypes hoferi
Elatotrypes hoferi is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Fisher in 1919. It belongs to the tribe Callidiini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. The species is known from western Canada, with records from Alberta and British Columbia. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting it is either rare, cryptic, or undercollected.
Eleodes novoverrucula
Eleodes novoverrucula is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Boddy in 1957. The genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles or stink beetles, is characterized by defensive behaviors including the distinctive "head stand" posture when disturbed. This species belongs to a large genus of primarily North American desert and prairie beetles. Specific morphological and behavioral details for E. novoverrucula remain poorly documented in published literature.
Enallagma boreale
Boreal Bluet
Enallagma boreale, commonly known as the boreal bluet, is a damselfly species in the family Coenagrionidae. It is native to North America and has been long-established in western Canada, particularly in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Research has focused on its parasite-host relationships with gregarines and water mites, revealing sex-biased parasitism patterns where males typically show higher parasite prevalence than females. The species co-occurs with the range-expanding Enallagma clausum, and appears to experience ecological release from parasites when the novel host is present.
Enallagma clausum
alkali bluet
Enallagma clausum, the alkali bluet, is a narrow-winged damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. It is native to North America with a documented range expansion westward in western Canada. The species has been studied for parasite-host dynamics involving water mites and gregarines. Its IUCN conservation status is Least Concern with a stable population.
Enoclerus schaefferi
Enoclerus schaefferi is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, described by Barr in 1947. The species is known from western North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. Like other members of the genus Enoclerus, it is likely associated with dead wood habitats where it preys on other insects, though specific details about this species remain poorly documented.
Euxoa idahoensis
Idaho cutworm
Euxoa idahoensis is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1878. It belongs to a genus containing numerous agricultural pest species, though specific information about this particular species remains limited. The species is documented from western Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Like other Euxoa species, it likely overwinters as a larva and has a typical noctuid life cycle with soil-dwelling caterpillars and nocturnal adult moths.
Euxoa macleani
Euxoa macleani is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by McDunnough in 1927. It is a cutworm moth endemic to western Canada. The forewings measure 14–18 mm in length. Like other Euxoa species, the larvae are likely nocturnal feeders that cut plant stems at or near the soil surface, though specific life history details for this species remain poorly documented.
Euxoa maimes
Euxoa maimes is a species of noctuid moth described by Smith in 1903. It belongs to the genus Euxoa, a diverse group of owlet moths commonly known as dart moths or cutworms. The species is documented from prairie regions of western Canada, with records from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Like other Euxoa species, it likely has a life cycle involving overwintering larvae and nocturnal adult activity, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Euxoa oberfoelli
Oberfoell's Dart, Oberfoell's Dart Moth
Euxoa oberfoelli is a species of dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Hardwick in 1973. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are commonly known as cutworms. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal specific ecological or behavioral information available. It is recorded from parts of western Canada.
Euxoa oblongistigma
Euxoa oblongistigma is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1888. It belongs to the large genus Euxoa, which includes numerous cutworm species. The species is documented from western Canada with records from Alberta and Saskatchewan. Like other Euxoa species, it is likely nocturnal as an adult. Specific biological details beyond basic taxonomy and distribution remain poorly documented in published literature.
Euxoa sinelinea
Gray-edged Dart
Euxoa sinelinea is a noctuid moth species described by Hardwick in 1965. As a member of the dart moth genus Euxoa, it shares the general characteristics of this large and diverse group of owlet moths. The species is documented from parts of western Canada, specifically Alberta and Manitoba. Like other Euxoa species, the larvae are likely cutworms—soil-dwelling caterpillars that feed at or below ground level on host plants.
Euxoa spumata
Euxoa spumata is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by McDunnough in 1940. It belongs to a large genus of cutworm moths, many of which are significant agricultural pests. The species is documented from western Canada with confirmed records in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Like other Euxoa species, it likely exhibits the typical noctuid life cycle with nocturnal adult activity and larval stages that may include cutworm behavior, though specific details for this species remain poorly documented.
Haliplus cribrarius
Haliplus cribrarius is a species of crawling water beetle in the family Haliplidae. The species was described by LeConte in 1850 and occurs in North America. Records indicate presence in western Canada including Alberta and British Columbia. Like other haliplids, it is associated with aquatic environments.
Haliplus longulus
crawling water beetle
Haliplus longulus is a species of crawling water beetle in the family Haliplidae. It occurs in North America with confirmed records from western Canada including Alberta and British Columbia. Like other members of Haliplidae, it inhabits aquatic environments. The species was described by LeConte in 1850. Observations remain sparse with only three documented records in iNaturalist.
Hemicrepidius carbonatus
Hemicrepidius carbonatus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1860. The species is documented from the Canadian prairie provinces and British Columbia. As with other members of its genus, it possesses the characteristic elaterid body plan with a prosternal process that enables the 'clicking' escape mechanism. Published records indicate a distribution centered in western and central Canada.
Hemicrepidius simplex
Hemicrepidius simplex is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, first described by LeConte in 1876. The species is known from western Canada, with records from Alberta and British Columbia. As a member of the click beetle family, it possesses the characteristic prosternal process that fits into a mesosternal groove, enabling the jumping mechanism for which the group is named.
Hippuriphila equiseti
Hippuriphila equiseti is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Beller and Hatch in 1932. It belongs to a small genus of specialized beetles associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic host plants. The species is documented from western Canada and is likely associated with horsetail rushes (Equisetum), as suggested by both its specific epithet and the genus name Hippuriphila (meaning 'horse-tail loving').
Hoplocryptus notatus notatus
Hoplocryptus notatus notatus is a subspecies of ichneumonid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. This parasitoid wasp belongs to a genus within one of the largest families of Hymenoptera. The subspecies has been documented in western Canada, with records from Edmonton and Lethbridge. As with many ichneumonid wasps, its biology likely involves parasitism of other insects, though specific host relationships for this subspecies remain poorly documented.
Hydroporus columbianus
Hydroporus columbianus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, first described by Fall in 1923. It belongs to the subfamily Hydroporinae, a diverse group of small to medium-sized diving beetles. The species is known from western North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. Like other members of the genus, it is an aquatic predator.
Hylurgops porosus
Hylurgops porosus is a species of bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, described by Wood & Bright in 1992. It belongs to the genus Hylurgops, a group of weevils associated with coniferous trees. The species is known from western Canada with records in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Very few observations exist in public databases, indicating it is either rare, cryptic, or under-recorded.
Ilybius hypomelas
Ilybius hypomelas is a predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, first described by Mannerheim in 1843. This species is part of a genus of small to medium-sized diving beetles commonly found in freshwater habitats. It is known from North America, with specific records from western Canadian provinces including Alberta and British Columbia. As a member of Dytiscidae, it is adapted for aquatic predation.
Kybos dissimilaris
Kybos dissimilaris is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 1972. It belongs to the subfamily Typhlocybinae, a group of small, delicate leafhoppers often associated with woody plants. The species has been documented in western Canada.
Lasionycta fergusoni
Lasionycta fergusoni is a nocturnal moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Crabo & Lafontaine in 2009. It inhabits subalpine forests across the Pacific Northwest and western Canada, from southern Washington through British Columbia and Alberta to southern Yukon. Adults are active from late June to mid-August. The species is part of a genus revision that described 17 new North American species.
Liotrichus umbripennis
Liotrichus umbripennis is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. It is known from western Canada, with records from Alberta and British Columbia. As a member of Elateridae, it possesses the characteristic clicking mechanism for righting itself when overturned. The species was described by LeConte in 1857.
Lithophane atara
Lithophane atara is a noctuid moth described by Smith in 1909. The species has a forewing length of approximately 18–20 mm. Adults are active in late summer, with flight records from August to September. Larvae are specialized feeders on Pinus species, specifically lodgepole pine and ponderosa pine. The species is restricted to western Canada.
Lygus keltoni
Lygus keltoni is a plant bug species in the family Miridae, recently distinguished from L. shulli. It is a documented pest of canola and alfalfa in western Canada, with laboratory studies confirming its life history parameters. The species occurs across North America from Canada through the western United States to Mexico.