Western-north-america
Guides
Adranes taylori
Taylor's Ant-loving Rove Beetle
Adranes taylori is a species of myrmecophilous rove beetle in the tribe Clavigerini, described by Wickham in 1901. Members of this genus are obligate associates of ants, possessing specialized morphological adaptations for life within ant colonies. The species occurs in western North America from British Columbia to California.
Aedes increpitus
Aedes increpitus is a floodwater mosquito native to western North America, first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1916. It belongs to the subgenus Ochlerotatus within the Aedes genus and is part of a species complex that includes A. clivis and A. washinoi. The species is adapted to temporary aquatic habitats formed by seasonal flooding or snowmelt, with females laying drought-resistant eggs in moist substrates that hatch upon inundation. While females bite humans, the species is not considered a significant disease vector.
Aegialia punctata
Aegialia punctata is a small scarab beetle described by Brown in 1931. It belongs to the subfamily Aegialiinae, a group commonly known as sand scarabs or psammophilic scarabs that are adapted to sandy habitats. The species occurs in western North America, ranging from the Pacific coast to the Intermountain West.
Aegialia spinosa
Aegialia spinosa is a species of aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Gordon and Cartwright in 1988. It is endemic to western North America, with records from California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The species belongs to the tribe Aegialiini, a group of dung beetles often associated with sandy coastal and inland habitats. Limited information is available on its specific biology and ecology.
Aeoloplides
Saltbush Grasshoppers
Aeoloplides is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers comprising approximately nine described species. Members are commonly known as saltbush grasshoppers, reflecting their documented association with saltbush-dominated habitats. The genus belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae within family Acrididae. Species within this genus occur in western North America, with records from Colorado, Wyoming, and surrounding states.
Aeoloplides californicus
California saltbush grasshopper
Aeoloplides californicus is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, native to western North America. The species is associated with saltbush habitats in arid and semi-arid regions. It belongs to a genus specialized for feeding on chenopod plants. Despite its common name, detailed biological studies of this species remain limited.
Aeoloplides chenopodii
Colorado Plateaus Saltbush Grasshopper
Aeoloplides chenopodii is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, known as the Colorado Plateaus Saltbush Grasshopper. The species is native to western North America and is associated with saltbush habitats. It was described by Bruner in 1894 under the basionym Pezotettix chenopodii. The species is considered to be probably present in Wyoming along the lower Green River, though it was not documented in the 1988-2018 Wyoming survey.
Aeoloplides minor
Little Saltbush Grasshopper
Aeoloplides minor, commonly known as the little saltbush grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Colorado and Nevada. The species is a member of the genus Aeoloplides, which includes other saltbush-associated grasshoppers. It is among the less economically significant grasshopper species in western North America.
Aeoloplides tenuipennis
narrow-winged saltbush grasshopper, narrow-winged bush grasshopper
A spur-throated grasshopper specialized on chenopod plants, particularly saltbushes (Atriplex species). It inhabits arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it feeds on plants often considered noxious weeds, including Russian thistle (Salsola tragus). The species is generally regarded as beneficial or innocuous in rangeland settings rather than a crop pest.
Aeolothrips kuwanaii
banded thrips
Aeolothrips kuwanaii is a species of predatory thrips in the family Aeolothripidae, described by Moulton in 1907. It is native to western North America and is characterized by distinctive black-and-white banded wings. As a member of the Aeolothripidae, it is predatory on other small arthropods. The species has been recorded from Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Canada.
Aeshna palmata
Paddle-tailed Darner
Aeshna palmata, commonly known as the Paddle-tailed Darner, is a species of dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It is widely distributed across western Canada and the western United States. The species is named for its distinctive paddle-shaped cerci (appendages at the tip of the abdomen). It inhabits lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams, typically with dense vegetation along the shorelines. The species was first scientifically described by Hermann Hagen in 1856.
Agallia pumila
Agallia pumila is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Oman in 1971. It belongs to the tribe Agalliini within the subfamily Megophthalminae. The species is known from the western United States, with records from California and Oregon. Like other members of the genus Agallia, it is likely associated with vegetation in its habitat, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Agasphaerops nigra
lily weevil
Agasphaerops nigra, commonly known as the lily weevil, is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae. The species was described by Horn in 1876 and is found in western North America, with records from British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. The common name suggests an association with lilies, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Agdistis americana
Sea-heath Plume Moth
Agdistis americana is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, first described by Barnes and Lindsey in 1921. It is known from western North America, particularly California. The species has a wingspan of approximately 24 mm. As a member of the genus Agdistis, it belongs to a group of moths commonly associated with coastal and salt marsh habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Ageniella coronata
Ageniella coronata is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Banks in 1919. Like other members of the genus Ageniella, it is a small parasitoid wasp that hunts spiders to provision nests for its larval offspring. The genus is known for pronounced sexual dimorphism and ant-mimicry in females. Specific biological details for A. coronata remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as A. accepta and A. conflicta.
Agoliinus canadensis
Canadian dung beetle
Agoliinus canadensis is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. It occurs in western North America, with records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, and from the western United States including California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. As a member of the Aphodiinae, it is associated with dung decomposition. The species was described by Garnett in 1920.
Agoliinus congregatus
Agoliinus congregatus is a small scarab beetle in the subfamily Aphodiinae, commonly known as dung beetles. The species is documented from western North America, with records from Alaska through California and eastward to Colorado and Montana, as well as the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. The specific epithet 'congregatus' suggests grouping behavior, though this has not been formally studied. Like other members of Aphodiinae, it is presumed to be associated with dung decomposition, but specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Agoliinus corruptor
Agoliinus corruptor is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Aphodiinae, described by Brown in 1929. It is known from a limited number of observations and collection records across northwestern North America. The species appears to be associated with temperate to boreal regions in western Canada and the northern United States.
Agoliinus incommunis
Agoliinus incommunis is a species of small scarab beetle in the subfamily Aphodiinae, originally described by Fall in 1932. The species is documented from mountainous regions of western North America, with records spanning from British Columbia south to New Mexico. As a member of the Aphodiini tribe, it belongs to a group commonly known as small dung beetles, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species name "incommunis" (Latin for "uncommon" or "not shared") may allude to its rarity or restricted distribution.
Agonopterix sabulella
Agonopterix sabulella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by Walsingham in 1881. It is native to western North America, with records spanning from British Columbia and Alberta south through the western United States to Arizona and California. The species appears to be associated with arid and semi-arid environments, as suggested by its specific epithet (from Latin 'sabulum', meaning sand or gravel). Like other members of Agonopterix, it likely has concealed larval habits, though detailed biology remains poorly documented.
Agonum suturale
sutured harp ground beetle
Agonum suturale is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Platyninae. It is found in the western half of North America, including Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The species exhibits metallic coloration and is of moderate size for the genus. It is known to occur in turfgrass habitats where it functions as a predator.
Agrilus walsinghami
Agrilus walsinghami is a sexually dimorphic jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) found across western North America. It is among the most visually striking species in its genus, with males exhibiting bronzy-brown and brassy coloration while females are uniformly blue to greenish-blue. Adults are active during late summer and early fall, an unusual seasonality for wood-boring beetles in this region. The species is strongly associated with gray rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa), which is presumed to serve as its larval host despite the absence of confirmed rearing records.
Agriotes apicalis
Apical Click Beetle
Agriotes apicalis is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, first described by LeConte in 1884. It occurs in western North America, with documented records from British Columbia, Canada. Like other members of the genus Agriotes, it possesses the characteristic clicking mechanism of the family, used for righting itself when overturned. The specific epithet 'apicalis' likely refers to a distinctive marking or feature at the apex of the elytra or body.
Agriotes ferrugineipennis
Rusty Click Beetle
A click beetle (Elateridae) native to western North America. Adults emerge in spring and are active in grassy agricultural habitats. The species was identified in a 2022 study as having 7-methyloctyl 7-methyloctanoate as its major female-produced sex pheromone, to which males show strong attraction. Larvae are soil-dwelling wireworms with potential agricultural pest status.
Agriotes sparsus
Western Wireworm
Agriotes sparsus is a click beetle in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the Western Wireworm. The species is native to western North America and has been recorded in British Columbia, Canada. Like other members of the genus Agriotes, the larval stage is a wireworm—a soil-dwelling pest that feeds on plant roots and tubers. The species is of agricultural concern due to its potential to damage crops.
Agriphila attenuatus
A grass moth in the family Crambidae, described by Grote in 1880. Found in western North America from coastal California north to British Columbia and Alberta, and east to Wyoming. Associated with grassland habitats. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Agronus carri
Carr's Broad-nosed Weevil
Agronus carri is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Buchanan in 1929. It is known from western North America, with confirmed records from Alberta, British Columbia, and Montana. As a member of the Entiminae subfamily, it possesses the characteristic short, broad rostrum typical of broad-nosed weevils. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature beyond basic taxonomic description and distribution records.
Agrotis orthogonia
Pale Western Cutworm Moth, Pale Western Cutworm
Agrotis orthogonia, the Pale Western Cutworm Moth, is a noctuid moth native to dry regions of western North America. Its larvae are subterranean cutworms that feed on the stems of wheat and other small grains just below the soil surface, causing significant agricultural damage during outbreaks. The species prefers loose, sandy, dry, or dusty soils and is particularly associated with wheat production systems. Adult moths emerge in late summer and fall, with most eggs hatching in late winter or early spring.
Akalyptoischion
Akalyptoischion is a genus of coccinelloid beetles comprising at least 24 described species. It represents the sole genus of the family Akalyptoischiidae, having been reclassified from Latridiidae based on molecular phylogenetic evidence. The genus is restricted to western North America and exhibits specialized ecological associations with oak leaf litter and rodent nests.
Aleodorus intricatus
Intricate Minute Rove Beetle
Aleodorus intricatus is a minute rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae, tribe Falagriini. It measures 3.1–4.1 mm and is uniformly light to dark brownish-testaceous in color. The species is distributed in western North America from the southwestern United States to southern Canada.
Allopoda
Allopoda is a genus of false flower beetles in the family Scraptiidae, established by LeConte in 1866. The genus contains three described species: Allopoda arizonica, Allopoda californica, and Allopoda lutea. These beetles are found in western North America. The genus belongs to the tribe Allopodini, which is named after it.
Altica probata
Altica probata is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Fall in 1910. It is a member of the large and diverse genus Altica, which contains numerous species associated with various host plants. The species is recorded from western North America, including British Columbia in Canada. Like other Altica species, adults are likely small, metallic, and capable of jumping when disturbed.
Ambesa walsinghami
Ambesa walsinghami is a species of snout moth in the genus Ambesa. It was described by Ragonot in 1887. The species is found in western North America and belongs to the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae.
Amblysellus grex
Amblysellus grex is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, originally described as Deltocephalus grex by Oman in 1940. It belongs to the subfamily Deltocephalinae, a large group of leafhoppers known for their association with grasses and herbaceous plants. The species has been recorded across western North America from British Columbia to Arizona.
Ambrysus mormon
creeping water bug
Ambrysus mormon is a species of creeping water bug in the family Naucoridae, first described by Montandon in 1909. Three former subspecies (A. m. heidemanni, A. m. minor, and A. m. mormon) were synonymized by Reynoso-Velasco and Sites. The species is distributed in western North America, with records from the western United States and northwestern Mexico.
Ameletus similior
Ameletus similior is a mayfly species (Ephemeroptera: Ameletidae) described by McDunnough in 1928. It occurs in western North America from southern British Columbia to Alberta, with identification keys also applicable to Saskatchewan, Montana, and northern Idaho and Washington. The species was previously known as A. monta, which has been synonymized with A. similior. Adult males have practically clear hyaline wings and differ from the similar A. alticolus in genitalic characters.
Ameletus validus
combmouthed minnow mayfly
Ameletus validus is a species of mayfly in the family Ameletidae, first described by McDunnough in 1923. It is one of approximately 30 bisexual species recognized in the genus Ameletus across North America. The species occurs in running waters from small headwater streams to large rivers, with documented populations in western North America including Alberta, British Columbia, and the western United States. Taxonomic work has clarified that adult wings are lightly and evenly suffused with brownish-amber, not speckled as previously miskeyed.
Ameletus vernalis
combmouthed minnow mayfly
Ameletus vernalis is a species of combmouthed minnow mayfly in the family Ameletidae. It is found in southwestern Canada and the western United States, particularly in western Alberta where it occurs across diverse watersheds from small headwater streams to large rivers. The species was described by McDunnough in 1924, and its nymphs were associated with adults through field work in southern British Columbia in 1935.
Ametor latus
Ametor latus is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It is native to western North America, with documented occurrences in British Columbia, Canada, and several western U.S. states including California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The species was first described by Horn in 1873 under the basionym Hydrobius latus. As a member of the Hydrophilidae, it belongs to a family of beetles primarily associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats.
Ametropus ammophilus
sand minnow
Ametropus ammophilus is a species of mayfly in the family Ametropodidae, commonly known as the sand minnow. It was described by Allen and Edmunds in 1976. The species is known from a restricted geographic range in western North America.
Ammopelmatus
Jerusalem crickets, potato bugs, North American Jerusalem Crickets
Ammopelmatus is a genus of large, flightless crickets in the family Stenopelmatidae, commonly known as Jerusalem crickets or potato bugs. The genus was erected by Tinkham in 1965 and underwent massive taxonomic revision in 2025, expanding from 12 recognized species to 117 valid species across the western United States and northwestern Mexico. These insects are among the largest in western North America, with some adults exceeding 12 grams. The genus exhibits exceptional species diversity concentrated in Southern and Central California, with most species having limited geographic distributions.
Ampedus cordifer
Valentine Elater
Ampedus cordifer is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, native to western North America. It is commonly known as the Valentine Elater due to the distinctive black heart-shaped patch on its bright orange elytra. Adults are most frequently observed from May through July. The species has been documented in 290 iNaturalist observations.
Amphiagrion abbreviatum
Western Red Damsel
Amphiagrion abbreviatum, the western red damsel, is a narrow-winged damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. It exhibits unusual habitat plasticity, occurring in both lentic and lotic freshwater systems. The species shows distinct perching and roosting behaviors that differ from sympatric congeners. It is widely distributed across western North America with stable populations.
Amphichroum maculatum
Amphichroum maculatum is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Omaliinae. It is a small beetle found in western North America, with records from British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and California, and east to Nevada. The specific epithet "maculatum" (spotted) suggests a patterned appearance, though detailed morphological descriptions are limited in available sources. As a member of the Omaliinae, it likely inhabits moist terrestrial environments where these beetles are commonly encountered.
Amphipoea keiferi
Northwestern Iris Borer Moth
Amphipoea keiferi is a noctuid moth described by Benjamin in 1935. It is known from western North America. The common name suggests larval association with iris plants, though direct documentation is limited. It belongs to a genus whose members often exhibit ear-like forewing patterns and concealed hindwings in repose.
Amphitornus coloradus
striped slant-face grasshopper, striped grasshopper
Amphitornus coloradus is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper distributed across western North American grasslands. It is a significant pest of rangeland, feeding almost exclusively on grasses and sedges. The species is characterized by distinctive chocolate brown stripes running above the compound eyes and onto the pronotum. It is an early-hatching species with strong flight capabilities, though it rarely achieves dominant population status in grasshopper assemblages.
Anabrus cerciata
Big-tooth Anabrus, Big-tooth Mormon cricket
Anabrus cerciata is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, described by Caudell in 1907. It belongs to the genus Anabrus, which also includes the well-known Mormon cricket (Anabrus simplex). The species is found in western North America, with confirmed records from Oregon and Washington. It is less studied than its congener A. simplex, and detailed biological information remains limited.
Anabrus longipes
long-legged anabrus
Anabrus longipes is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, described by Caudell in 1907. It is one of several species in the genus Anabrus, which includes the well-known Mormon cricket (Anabrus simplex). The species is found in western North America, with documented records from British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, and Washington. It is distinguished from congeners by its notably long legs, as reflected in its specific epithet.
Anabrus simplex
Mormon Cricket
Anabrus simplex, commonly known as the Mormon cricket, is a large flightless shieldbacked katydid (family Tettigoniidae, subfamily Decticinae) native to western North America. Despite its common name, it is not a true cricket. The species is notable for its periodic outbreak populations that form large migratory bands, causing significant damage to rangeland forage and cultivated crops. It exhibits a sex-role reversed mating system where males provide nuptial gifts and females compete for mates. The species has been documented from low-elevation sagebrush steppe to alpine tundra above 11,000 feet.
Anambodera
Anambodera is a genus of jewel beetles (Buprestidae) established by Barr in 1974. The genus comprises seven described species distributed in western North America. Unlike the closely related and flower-visiting genus Acmaeodera, Anambodera species exhibit more cryptic habits, often found alighting on rock surfaces or bare soil rather than on flowers. The genus remains incompletely known and is currently undergoing revision.