Western-north-america
Guides
Dikraneura carneola
A small leafhopper in the subfamily Typhlocybinae, recorded across western North America from Alaska to California. The species was described by Stål in 1858 and is currently treated as accepted in GBIF, though listed as a synonym in Catalogue of Life. As a member of Dikraneurini, it belongs to a group of minute, often pale-colored leafhoppers that feed on plant phloem.
Dikrella californica
Blackberry Leafhopper
Dikrella californica, commonly known as the Blackberry Leafhopper, is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae. The species was described by Lawson in 1930 and is native to western North America. It is associated with blackberry (Rubus spp.) as a host plant, though detailed biological studies remain limited. The species belongs to the subfamily Typhlocybinae, a group of small leafhoppers often referred to as "sharpshooters" or "typhlocybine leafhoppers."
Dinothenarus nigrellus
Dinothenarus nigrellus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is a relatively obscure species with limited published biological information, known primarily from collection records in western North America. The genus Dinothenarus belongs to the tribe Staphylinini, one of the largest and most diverse groups within rove beetles.
Dioryctria auranticella
ponderosa pineconeworm moth
Dioryctria auranticella is a small pyralid moth whose larvae develop inside the cones of ponderosa pine and knobcone pine. Adults are active in mid-summer and are attracted to lights. The species is restricted to western North America, where it functions as a cone pest with potential impact on pine seed production.
Dioryctria cambiicola
Western Pine Moth
Dioryctria cambiicola, commonly known as the western pine moth, is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae. First described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1914, this species is native to western North America. The genus Dioryctria includes coneworm moths whose larvae typically feed within conifer cones, though some species feed in foliage shoots or under bark. Adults are small moths, measuring 10–15 mm in length.
Dioryctria delectella
Dioryctria delectella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described by George Duryea Hulst in 1895. It is currently treated as a synonym of Dioryctria zimmermani. The species is known from western North America, with records from Oregon, Washington, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Like other members of the genus Dioryctria, it is associated with coniferous forests.
Dioryctria okanaganella
Dioryctria okanaganella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described in 1969. It occurs in western North America from southern British Columbia to northern California. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with coniferous forests.
Dioryctria pentictonella
Dioryctria pentictonella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae. It was described in 1969 from specimens collected in western North America. The species is associated with pine trees, with larvae feeding specifically on the buds of Pinus ponderosa and Pinus contorta. Adults are active in spring, with flight records from mid-April to early June.
Dioryctria pseudotsugella
Douglas-fir coneworm moth
A small coneworm moth in the family Pyralidae, described by Eugene G. Munroe in 1959. The species is associated with coniferous forests across western North America, where its larvae develop in the cones and cambium of Douglas-fir and related host trees. The specific epithet references its primary host genus Pseudotsuga.
Dioryctria rossi
Dioryctria rossi is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described by Eugene G. Munroe in 1959. The species was named in honor of Douglas Alexander Ross, a Canadian forest entomologist. It occurs in western North America, where its larvae develop within the cones of pine trees.
Dioryctria westerlandi
Westerland's Coneworm Moth
Dioryctria westerlandi is a small coneworm moth species described in 2002 from California. Adults are pale with strongly contrasting dark transverse bands and reddish patches on the wings. The species is active in late summer and fall, with adults flying from July through October. Larvae are suspected to feed on Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi).
Diphyllostoma nigricolle
A small scarab beetle in the family Diphyllostomatidae, a rare and poorly known group endemic to western North America. The species was described by Fall in 1912 and is distinguished by its dark (black) neck or collar region, as indicated by its specific epithet. Members of this family are among the most enigmatic beetles, with very few specimens collected and limited biological data available.
Diplocheila oregona
Diplocheila oregona is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is found in western North America, ranging from Nevada and Utah northward to British Columbia and Manitoba. As a member of the genus Diplocheila, it belongs to a group of ground beetles adapted to moist riparian and shoreline habitats.
Diplotaxis brevicollis
short-necked scarab
Diplotaxis brevicollis is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species is distributed across western North America from Canada through the Rocky Mountains to Mexico. Adults are known to aggregate on low vegetation, apparently to detect pheromone trails for mate location. The specific epithet 'brevicollis' refers to the short-necked appearance of this beetle.
Diplotaxis haydenii
Diplotaxis haydenii is a small scarab beetle (family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae) in the tribe Diplotaxini. The genus Diplotaxis comprises small chafers, and D. haydenii is one of approximately 200 species in this primarily New World genus. It is known from western North America, with records from the Rocky Mountain region and adjacent areas. Like other Diplotaxis species, adults are attracted to lights at night and have been observed congregating on low vegetation.
Diplotaxis subangulata
Diplotaxis subangulata is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by LeConte in 1856. The genus Diplotaxis comprises small chafers, and this species occurs across western North America from British Columbia to Baja California, with records throughout the southwestern United States. Adults have been observed congregating on low vegetation, apparently to intercept pheromone trails in search of mates. The species is attracted to lights at night.
Diplotaxis tenebrosa
Diplotaxis tenebrosa is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by Henry Clinton Fall in 1909. The species belongs to the tribe Diplotaxini, a group of chafers commonly associated with sandy habitats. The specific epithet 'tenebrosa' (Latin for 'dark' or 'gloomy') likely refers to the species' dark coloration. Records indicate this species occurs in western North America, with specimens documented from multiple states and provinces in the Nearctic region.
Dissosteira pictipennis
California rose-winged grasshopper
Dissosteira pictipennis is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the California rose-winged grasshopper. The species belongs to the genus Dissosteira, characterized by a high median pronotal crest deeply cut by one sulcus and a slender body form. It is found in Central America and North America, with documented presence in California and other western regions. The species is classified within the early hatching group of grasshoppers, with nymphs emerging in mid-spring.
Dissosteira spurcata
spurcate grasshopper, pale-winged grasshopper
Dissosteira spurcata is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the spurcate grasshopper or pale-winged grasshopper. It belongs to a genus characterized by a high median pronotal crest deeply cut by one sulcus, slender body form, and medium to large size. The species is found in western North America, with records from California and probable occurrence in extreme western Wyoming. It is listed among species of the early hatching group, with nymphs emerging in mid-spring.
Doroneuria baumanni
Cascades Stonefly, cascades stone
Doroneuria baumanni, known as the Cascades Stonefly, is a species of common stonefly in the family Perlidae. It was described by Stark & Gaufin in 1974. The species occurs in western North America, with documented records from British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada. Like other Perlidae, it is predatory in its aquatic nymph stage.
Dracotettix
dragon lubbers
Dracotettix is a genus of flightless grasshoppers commonly known as dragon lubbers, placed in the family Romaleidae. The genus contains at least three described species, including the notably large and distinctive Dracotettix monstrosus. These insects are characterized by their robust, heavily built bodies and reduced wings. They are native to western North America, with records from California and northwestern Mexico.
Draeculacephala crassicornis
A leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Van Duzee in 1915. The genus Draeculacephala is characterized by distinctive head morphology, though specific diagnostic features for D. crassicornis remain poorly documented in accessible literature. The species occurs in western North America.
Drasteria divergens
Drasteria divergens is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Behr in 1870. The species has a wingspan of approximately 44 mm. Adults are active from March through August in California, with a broader distribution spanning from California to Colorado and northward to British Columbia. This species belongs to a genus known for underwing moths that typically display cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings used in startle defense.
Drasteria howlandii
Drasteria howlandii is a small owlet moth in the family Erebidae, distributed across western North America from southern Canada to the southwestern United States. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 35 mm and are active from early spring through late summer. The species is associated with Eriogonum host plants, with larvae feeding on these buckwheat species.
Drasteria mirifica
Wonderful Graphic
Drasteria mirifica is a small owlet moth in the family Erebidae, native to western North America. It is known for its distinctive wing pattern and behavior of flashing brightly colored hindwings when disturbed. The species was first described by Henry Edwards in 1878.
Drasteria sabulosa
Drasteria sabulosa is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Edwards in 1881. It is a small to medium-sized moth with a wingspan of 33–37 mm. The species is found in western North America, ranging from British Columbia through the western United States.
Drasteria stretchii
Drasteria stretchii is a moth in the family Erebidae, originally described from western North America by Behr in 1870. The species occurs in dry, rocky canyon habitats at low to middle elevations across the western United States. Like other members of the genus Drasteria, it is an owlet moth (subfamily Erebinae) with cryptic forewings and typically brighter, concealed hindwings used in startle defense.
Drionia nigra
Drionia nigra is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Ball in 1915. It belongs to the tribe Athysanini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. The species has been recorded from California and Oregon in western North America. As with many leafhoppers, detailed biological information remains limited.
Dromaeolus californicus
Dromaeolus californicus is a species of false click beetle in the family Eucnemidae, described by Bonvouloir in 1875. The species is known from western North America, with distribution records from British Columbia, Canada. Like other members of the family Eucnemidae, it belongs to the elateroid beetles and is characterized by the inability to produce the clicking sound typical of true click beetles (Elateridae). The genus Dromaeolus is part of a group of eucnemids often associated with decaying wood and forest habitats.
Drunella coloradensis
Small Western Green Drake
Drunella coloradensis is a species of spiny crawler mayfly in the family Ephemerellidae, commonly known to anglers as the Small Western Green Drake. The species is found in freshwater streams across western North America, with a range extending from Alaska and northern Canada through the western United States to northern Mexico and Central America. Nymphs are known to alter their behavior in response to short-term pH reductions, becoming more active under acidic conditions. The species is of particular importance to fly fishermen, who imitate its various life stages with artificial flies.
Drunella flavilinea
Flav
Drunella flavilinea is a species of spiny crawler mayfly in the family Ephemerellidae. It is native to Central America and North America, with a range spanning southwestern Canada, the western United States, and northern Mexico. The species is known to fly fishermen by the common name "Flav" and is an important component of trout diets in western streams.
Drunella grandis
Western Green Drake, Green Drake, Spinner Green Drake
Drunella grandis is a species of spiny crawler mayfly in the family Ephemerellidae. It is commonly known as the Western Green Drake among fly fishermen, who highly value this species for its importance as a trout food source. The species is native to North America and has been documented with three recognized subspecies. Adults are notable for their large size and greenish coloration, making them a prominent feature of western North American streams.
Drunella spinifera
Western Slate Olive
Drunella spinifera is a species of spiny crawler mayfly in the family Ephemerellidae. It is found in southwestern and northern Canada, the western United States, and Alaska. The common name "Western Slate Olive" reflects its regional distribution and likely coloration. Like other members of the genus Drunella, it belongs to a group of mayflies commonly targeted by fly fishermen, though specific angling references for this species are limited.
Dryadaula visaliella
Dryadaula visaliella is a small moth species in the family Dryadaulidae, originally described from North America in 1873. It belongs to a genus of moths often associated with dead or decaying plant material. The species is part of a small family that was historically grouped with Tineidae but is now recognized as distinct. It is occasionally encountered in citizen science observations, suggesting it is not extremely rare, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Dryudella caerulea
Dryudella caerulea is a solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Astatinae. It is one of approximately ten North American species in the genus Dryudella. Females are fossorial, excavating nest burrows in soil, and provision nests with paralyzed true bugs (Hemiptera) as food for their larvae. The species is found in arid habitats of western North America and Central America. Males possess holoptic eyes that meet at the top of the head and broader hind wings than females, adaptations associated with their rapid, darting flight behavior while perching on vegetation to detect mates and rivals.
Dufourea australis
Southwestern Shortface
Dufourea australis is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, first described by Michener in 1937. The species is commonly known as the Southwestern Shortface. It belongs to the subfamily Rophitinae, a group of bees characterized by their relatively short faces. Based on the specific epithet and common name, this species appears to be associated with southwestern regions of North America, though detailed ecological information remains limited in available sources.
Dyctidea intermedia
Dyctidea intermedia is a planthopper species in the family Tropiduchidae, first described by Uhler in 1889. It belongs to the subfamily Elicinae and tribe Elicini. The species is known from limited records in western North America, specifically California and Baja California. Like other tropiduchid planthoppers, it likely feeds on plant phloem sap using its piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Dyslobus
Dyslobus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils (Curculionidae: Entiminae) in the tribe Byrsopagini, established by LeConte in 1869. Species in this genus are native to western North America, particularly California, and are associated with woody vegetation. The genus is part of the diverse Entiminae subfamily, whose larvae typically develop in soil and feed on roots.
Dyslobus alternatus
Dyslobus alternatus is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, native to western North America. It belongs to the tribe Byrsopagini within the subfamily Entiminae. The species was described by George Henry Horn in 1876.
Dystaxia
Dystaxia is a genus of small beetles in the family Schizopodidae, a family historically associated with Buprestidae (jewel beetles) but now recognized as distinct. The genus was established by LeConte in 1866 and contains at least one described species, D. elegans Fall, 1905, recorded from California. Schizopodidae are small, somewhat flattened beetles with reduced elytra that leave much of the abdomen exposed.
Ebaeina
Ebaeina is a subtribe of soft-bodied plant beetles within the family Melyridae (order Coleoptera). Members of this subtribe are characterized by their soft, flexible elytra and generally small to medium body size. The subtribe is primarily distributed in the Holarctic region, with greatest diversity in western North America. Ebaeina beetles are often found in association with flowers and vegetation where they feed on pollen and small arthropods.
Ecdytolopha occidentana
Ecdytolopha occidentana is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae. Described from western North America in 2001, it belongs to a genus whose larvae are known to develop within plant tissues. The species is documented from a limited number of observations.
Ectypia clio
Clio Tiger Moth, Clio Moth
Ectypia clio is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, described by Packard in 1864. It occurs in lowland areas of the western and southwestern United States, where adults are active from late spring through early August. The species is notable for its larval association with milkweeds (Asclepias). Two subspecies are recognized: E. c. clio and E. c. jessica.
Edrotes arens
A small darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) in the genus Edrotes, described by La Rivers in 1947. The genus is associated with sandy habitats in western North America. One verified observation from Colorado in 2017 represents a notable range extension, as the genus had no previous records in that state. The species name 'arens' suggests a connection to sandy or arid environments (from Latin 'arena', sand).
Edwardsiana commissuralis
Edwardsiana commissuralis is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, first described by Stål in 1858. It belongs to a genus of small, delicate leafhoppers commonly associated with woody plants. Distribution records indicate occurrence in western North America from Alaska southward through British Columbia to California, with additional records from Colorado and Idaho. As a member of Typhlocybinae, it likely feeds on plant phloem, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented.
Efferia duncani
Efferia duncani is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Wilcox in 1966. The genus Efferia comprises large, predatory flies that are morphologically similar to the related genus Triorla. Robber flies in this group are characterized by their robust build, large eyes, and predatory behavior. Specific ecological details for E. duncani remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Egira februalis
mottled oak woodling moth, mottled oak woodling
Egira februalis is a noctuid moth commonly known as the mottled oak woodling. It is a late-winter to early-spring flier found in oak-dominated habitats of western North America. The species exhibits lichen-mimicking coloration and is nocturnal, readily attracted to artificial lights. Its larvae are specialized feeders on oaks (Quercus spp.).
Egira hiemalis
Egira hiemalis is a noctuid moth species native to western North America. Adults are active during winter and early spring, an unusual seasonality for Lepidoptera. The species is notable for its cold-weather activity pattern and association with coniferous and hardwood host plants. It was first described by Grote in 1874 under the basionym Xylomiges hiemalis.
Eidophasia vanella
Eidophasia vanella is a small moth in the family Plutellidae, first described by Walsingham in 1881. It is native to western North America, with a range extending from Alberta south to California. The species has a forewing length of 7.5–8.5 mm. Larvae have been recorded feeding on Vicia gigantea and Osmorhiza species.
Elacatis umbrosus
Elacatis umbrosus is a narrow-waisted bark beetle in the family Salpingidae. It is restricted to western North America where it is associated with dead and dying conifers. The species was originally described as Othnius umbrosus by LeConte in 1861, with Othnius lugubris Horn 1868 later synonymized under it. It is one of seven recognized Nearctic species in the genus Elacatis.