Western-north-america
Guides
Cobalos
Cobalos is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Smith in 1899. The genus contains two described species: Cobalos angelicus and Cobalos franciscanus, both described by Smith in the same year. These moths belong to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest groups of noctuid moths. The genus appears to be restricted to western North America based on the species epithets.
Coccinella alta
High-country Lady Beetle
Coccinella alta is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, first described by W.J. Brown in 1962. It is native to western North America, with confirmed records from Alberta, Utah, Colorado, and California. Adults measure approximately 4.80–5.30 mm in length and display distinctive black and pale coloration patterns on the head, pronotum, and elytra. The species appears to be associated with high-elevation or montane habitats, as suggested by its specific epithet and common name.
Coccinella prolongata
Prolongate Lady Beetle
Coccinella prolongata, the prolongate lady beetle, is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is a small beetle measuring 5.7–7 mm in length, with distinctive black and pale markings on the head, pronotum, and elytra. The species is native to western North America and comprises three recognized subspecies with somewhat different geographic ranges. Like other members of the genus Coccinella, it is presumed to be a predator of soft-bodied insects such as aphids.
Coelocephalapion eriogoni
Coelocephalapion eriogoni is a species of straight-snouted weevil in the family Brentidae, subfamily Apioninae. The genus Coelocephalapion comprises small weevils associated with specific host plants, and this species is known from associations with Eriogonum (wild buckwheat) species. Like other apionine weevils, it likely exhibits a narrow host range tied to its larval development within plant tissues.
Coelocnemis
darkling beetles, broad-necked darkling beetles
Coelocnemis is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, containing approximately seven described species distributed across western North America. These large, flightless beetles are primarily associated with coniferous forest habitats, particularly pine and oak-conifer woodlands, where they are active nocturnally. The genus is distinguished from superficially similar darkling beetles by distinctive morphological features, including parallel lines of yellow pubescence on the inner tibial surfaces.
Coelocnemis punctata
Coelocnemis punctata is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, one of seven species in the genus Coelocnemis found in western North America and adjacent southern Canada. The genus is characterized by distinct parallel lines of yellow pubescence on the inner surface of the tibiae, a feature used to distinguish it from the superficially similar genus Eleodes. Adults are flightless, with fused elytra that reduce water loss, and are typically associated with pine forests and oak-conifer woodlands rather than desert ecosystems.
Coelocnemis rugulosa
Coelocnemis rugulosa is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Doyen in 1973. It belongs to a genus of seven species found in western North America and adjacent southern Canada. Like other Coelocnemis species, it is a flightless, nocturnal beetle adapted to xeric forest habitats. The genus is distinguished from the superficially similar Eleodes by having distinct parallel lines of yellow pubescence on the inner surface of the tibiae.
Coelopoeta
Coelopoeta is a genus of small moths in the superfamily Gelechioidea, native to western North America. The genus has undergone repeated taxonomic revision, having been placed in Elachistidae, Oecophoridae, and currently in the subfamily Coelopoetinae within Pterolonchidae. It contains three described species, two from California and one from the Yukon. The genus was established as monotypic in 1907 and remained so until 1995, when two additional species were described.
Coenonycha lurida
Coenonycha lurida is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Cazier in 1943. It is native to western North America, with records from California (USA) and Baja California (Mexico). The genus Coenonycha belongs to the tribe Dichelonychini within the subfamily Melolonthinae, a group commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Colaspis hesperia
Western Brown Colaspis Leaf Beetle
Colaspis hesperia is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, native to southwestern North America. The specific epithet "hesperia" derives from the Greek word for "western," reflecting its geographic distribution. It is closely related to Colaspis brunnea. The species has been documented in 51 observations on iNaturalist.
Coleocentrus occidentalis occidentalis
Coleocentrus occidentalis occidentalis is a subspecies of ichneumonid wasp in the genus Coleocentrus. Members of this genus are parasitoid wasps, and C. occidentalis as a species has been documented as a parasitoid of wood-boring beetle larvae. The subspecies designation indicates geographic differentiation within the western North American range of the species. Like other ichneumonids, this wasp likely possesses a long ovipositor adapted for reaching hosts concealed in wood.
Coleophora sacramenta
Coleophora sacramenta is a case-bearing moth in the family Coleophoridae, described by Heinrich in 1914. It occurs in the western United States, particularly California. The species is notable for its distinctive pistol-shaped larval case and its association with diverse host plants across multiple genera.
Coleotechnites occidentis
Coleotechnites occidentis is a small gelechiid moth described by Freeman in 1965. The species is known from western North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada. Adults have a wingspan of 9–11 mm. Larvae are leaf and stem miners that feed on Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum).
Colias christina
Christina Sulphur
Colias christina is a Pierid butterfly endemic to western North America, ranging from the Yukon and Northwest Territories south through the Canadian prairie provinces to the northern Rocky Mountain states of the United States. The species was named in 1863 by William Henry Edwards in honor of its first collector, Christina Ross. Adults display sexual dimorphism in wing coloration and are active from May through September.
Colladonus aureolus
Colladonus aureolus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1894. It belongs to the tribe Platymetopiini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. The species has been documented across the Pacific Northwest and California, with observations concentrated in Washington, Oregon, California, and British Columbia. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with woody host plants, though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Colladonus belli
Colladonus belli is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Uhler in 1877. It belongs to the tribe Platymetopiini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. The species has been documented in western North America, with records from Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, Colorado, and Idaho.
Colladonus geminatus
Geminate Leafhopper
Colladonus geminatus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as the Geminate Leafhopper. It is one of several Colladonus species found in North America, including the related Colladonus clitellarius (Saddled Leafhopper). The species has been documented in Oregon and across western North America from Alaska to California. As with other leafhoppers in this genus, it likely feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Colladonus mendicus
Colladonus mendicus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. It has been documented in central California agricultural systems and across western North America. The species is known to be preyed upon by the crabronid wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata.
Colladonus montanus
Mountain Leafhopper
Colladonus montanus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as the Mountain Leafhopper. It is a documented vector of X-disease phytoplasma, capable of transmitting this plant pathogen to experimental hosts including Arabidopsis thaliana. Research has examined its dispersal behavior in agricultural settings, particularly cherry orchards. The species has been studied for its role in phytoplasma disease ecology and the effects of plant defense compounds on its transmission efficiency.
Collops cribrosus
Collops beetle
Collops cribrosus is a soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, first described by LeConte in 1852. The species belongs to the genus Collops, which comprises predatory beetles frequently associated with flowering plants where they hunt small arthropod prey. Like other members of its genus, C. cribrosus is recognized as a beneficial insect in agricultural contexts, serving as a natural enemy of pest insects. The species has been documented in western North America, with confirmed records from British Columbia.
Collops limbellus
collops beetle, soft-winged flower beetle
Collops limbellus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. It belongs to a genus of predatory beetles frequently encountered on flowers, where they feed on smaller arthropods. The species is documented from western North America, with observations spanning arid and semi-arid regions. Like other members of the genus Collops, it likely plays a role as a generalist predator in agricultural and natural systems.
Coloradia pandora
Pandora Pinemoth, Pandora Moth
Coloradia pandora is a large saturniid moth native to western North America. The larvae are specialized feeders on pine foliage, with documented hosts including lodgepole pine, Jeffrey pine, and ponderosa pine. Outbreak populations occasionally cause severe defoliation in coniferous forests of northern Arizona, central Oregon, and southern California. The species has historical significance for indigenous peoples; the Paiute traditionally harvested larvae as a food source. Adults are nocturnal and do not feed.
Coloradia velda
Velda Pine Moth
Coloradia velda is a species of giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae, described by Johnson and Walter in 1981. It belongs to the genus Coloradia, which comprises pine-feeding moths distributed across western North America. The species is known from limited records and appears to be associated with pine forests. Adults are nocturnal and do not feed; larvae feed on pine needles. The sex pheromone has been characterized chemically, with (E4,Z9)-tetradecadienal identified as a key component.
Comantella pacifica
Comantella pacifica is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Curran in 1926. It is one of four recognized species in the genus Comantella, which is characterized by unusual seasonal activity patterns and distinctive morphological features. The species is found in western North America from British Columbia south to Nevada and Utah. Adults are active in early spring and late fall, an unusual pattern among robber flies.
Coniontis
Coniontis is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) in the tribe Coniontini. The genus was established by Eschscholtz in 1829 and contains multiple species distributed primarily in western North America. These beetles are generally associated with arid and semi-arid habitats. The genus is well-represented in entomological collections and citizen science observations.
Coniontis lata
Coniontis lata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. The genus Coniontis comprises elongate, somewhat flattened beetles found in western North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their parallel-sided body form and relatively smooth elytra. Like other tenebrionids, they are primarily nocturnal and associated with arid or semi-arid environments.
Conophorus fallax
Conophorus fallax is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It is distributed across western North America, from the Yukon and Saskatchewan in Canada southward through the United States to New Mexico and California. Like other members of the genus Conophorus, this species likely exhibits the characteristic bee fly morphology with a humpbacked thorax and elongated proboscis.
Conophorus nigripennis
Conophorus nigripennis is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) found in western North America. The species was described by Loew in 1872. It occurs from Arizona northward through the western United States to Washington and British Columbia, Canada.
Conozoa sulcifrons
Groove-headed grasshopper, Wallula grasshopper
Conozoa sulcifrons, commonly known as the groove-headed grasshopper or wallula grasshopper, is a species of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is native to western North America and has been recorded from western Wyoming. The species is part of the Oedipodinae subfamily, characterized by banded wings and ground-dwelling habits typical of band-winged grasshoppers.
Contarinia zauschneriae
California fuchsia gall midge
Contarinia zauschneriae is a gall midge species that induces distinctive roselle-form bud galls on Epilobium canum (California fuchsia), a flowering plant native to western North America. The species was first described by Ephraim Felt in 1912 based on specimens collected in the Puente Hills near Whittier, California. The galls are structurally complex, mimicking rosebuds in both form and coloration.
Copablepharon absidum
Columbia dune moth
Copablepharon absidum is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Columbia dune moth. It is part of the genus Copablepharon, a group associated with sandy habitats. The species has a documented distribution across western North America, from British Columbia southward through the Rocky Mountain region to California. Limited observational records suggest it may be uncommon or locally restricted.
Copestylum haagii
Haag's bromeliad fly
Copestylum haagii, commonly known as Haag's bromeliad fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. It is found in western North America. The species is associated with bromeliad plants, as indicated by its common name. Adults are flower visitors.
Cophura hesperia
Cophura hesperia is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Pritchard in 1935. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group characterized by relatively short antennae and often subdued coloration compared to other asilid subfamilies. The genus Cophura is distributed across western North America, with species typically associated with arid and semi-arid habitats.
Coptodisca arbutiella
madrone shield bearer
Coptodisca arbutiella, commonly known as the madrone shield bearer, is a small moth in the family Heliozelidae. It was first described by August Busck in 1904. The species is restricted to western North America and is tightly associated with Arbutus host plants. Its larvae are leaf miners that produce distinctive blotch-like mines.
Coptodisca cercocarpella
curl-leaf mountain mahogany leafminer
Coptodisca cercocarpella is a small moth in the family Heliozelidae, described by Annette Frances Braun in 1925. It is known as the curl-leaf mountain mahogany leafminer, indicating its association with mountain mahogany plants (Cercocarpus). The species occurs in western North America, with records from Arizona, California, Utah, and Colorado. As a leafminer, its larvae feed within leaf tissue, creating distinctive feeding patterns.
Coptotriche mediostriata
Coptotriche mediostriata is a species of moth in the family Tischeriidae, first described by Braun in 1927. The species is known from a limited number of observations across the western United States. Tischeriidae moths are commonly known as trumpet leaf miner moths, with larvae that create distinctive mines in leaves.
Coquillettia attica
Coquillettia attica is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Bliven in 1962. It belongs to a genus of mirid bugs distributed in western North America. The species has been recorded from multiple states in the western United States.
Coquillettia insignis
Coquillettia insignis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Uhler in 1890. The species is known from western North America, with records from California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and the Dakotas. As a member of the Miridae, it possesses the characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts and hemelytra typical of true bugs.
Coquillettia venusta
Coquillettia venusta is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Wyniger in 2012. It belongs to a genus of mirid bugs distributed in western North America. Like other members of Miridae, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts characteristic of true bugs. The species epithet 'venusta' suggests an attractive or elegant appearance.
Cordulegaster dorsalis
Pacific spiketail
Cordulegaster dorsalis, commonly known as the Pacific spiketail, is a dragonfly species in the family Cordulegastridae. Larvae inhabit intermittent headwater streams and typically require three years to reach maturity, emerging as adults during July and August. The species shows evidence of sediment microhabitat partitioning, with smaller larval instars associated with finer-grained organic sediments.
Coriomeris humilis
leaf-footed bug
Coriomeris humilis is a species of leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae, first described by Uhler in 1872. It belongs to the subfamily Pseudophloeinae and is distributed across western North America, with records from Alaska through western Canada to California and Colorado. The species is one of approximately 24 observations documented on iNaturalist, suggesting it is encountered infrequently or is genuinely uncommon.
Cornifrons actualis
Cornifrons actualis is a small crambid moth described in 1918 from western North America. Adults are active in late winter through spring and again in late summer. The species is restricted to desert habitats across the southwestern United States and adjacent regions.
Corticaria varicolor
Corticaria varicolor is a minute beetle species in the family Latridiidae (plaster beetles), described by Fall in 1899. The species is known from a single observation in British Columbia, Canada, and is characterized by its small size and variable coloration as suggested by its specific epithet. Like other members of the genus, it likely inhabits moist, decaying organic matter. Very little is known about its biology due to its rarity and cryptic habits.
Corydalus texanus
Western Dobsonfly
Corydalus texanus is a large megaloopteran insect commonly known as the Western Dobsonfly. Adults are among the largest winged insects in their range, with males distinguished by elongated sickle-shaped mandibles used in combat with rivals. Females possess shorter but powerful jaws capable of delivering a painful bite. The aquatic larval stage, known as hellgrammites, are predaceous and serve as important indicators of stream health. Adults are attracted to lights and may be observed near water bodies at night.
Corythucha obliqua
Corythucha obliqua is a species of lace bug in the family Tingidae, first described by Osborn and Drake in 1916. It belongs to a genus of small, plant-feeding true bugs characterized by their distinctive reticulated wing covers. The species is native to western North America. Like other lace bugs, it likely feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented.
Cosmopepla uhleri
Uhler's stink bug
Cosmopepla uhleri is a stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, native to western North America. It is distinguished by its black body with a prominent orange transhumeral band bearing black spots. The species has been recorded using Scrophularia californica as a host plant. It belongs to a genus characterized by bold color patterns.
Cradytes serricollis
Cradytes serricollis is a species of soft-bodied plant beetle in the family Melyridae. It belongs to a small genus of beetles distributed in western North America. The species is characterized by its distinctive serrated pronotum, as indicated by its specific epithet. It is rarely encountered, with limited observational records available.
Craspedolepta gutierreziae
Craspedolepta gutierreziae is a species of psyllid (jumping plant louse) in the family Aphalaridae, originally described as Aphalara gutierreziae by Klyver in 1931. The species is associated with Gutierrezia host plants. Records indicate presence in western North America including Alberta, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.
Craspedolepta pulchella
Craspedolepta pulchella is a psyllid species in the family Aphalaridae, first described by Crawford in 1911. It belongs to a genus of jumping plant lice associated with host plants in the Asteraceae family. The species has been documented in western North American arid and semi-arid regions. Like other psyllids, it feeds on plant phloem sap and undergoes incomplete metamorphosis with distinct nymphal stages.
Cratypedes
Pronotal range grasshopper
Cratypedes is a genus of band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Scudder in 1876. The genus contains at least two described species: C. lateritius (Nevada red-winged grasshopper) and C. neglectus (Pronotal range grasshopper). These grasshoppers are associated with rangeland habitats in western North America, particularly in sagebrush ecosystems. Some species appear to have a two-year life cycle.